The Decoder Ring Design Concern

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“Brochure for Freightwise, a company providing online matches for freight loads and transport carriers.” Derrit DeRouen, designer; Mike Coffin, creative director; David Petr, writer; Bruce Peterson, photographer; Freightwise, client

“A concert poster project for the literary-rock band The Decemberists took the form of a custom-designed book cover for 500 salvaged Reader’s Digest compendiums placed around Austin.” Christian Helms, designer; Decemberists/PMC Presents, client

“A lighthearted play on the band’s name for this concert poster.” Christian Helms, designer/ illustrator; Built to Spill, CSE, client

“Primary artwork for the 2007 South By Southwest Conferences.” Christian Helms, designer/illustrator; South by Southwest Conferences, client

“Self-initiated activism project. Christian spent four days living with and documenting the Ku Klux Klan and Imperial Wizard Virgil Griffin in Western North Carolina, resulting in a book and educational poster campaign.” Christian Helms, designer/illustrator

“Identity system for a Hollywood production company. One side is a promo-poster, the other features perforated business cards, one sheet, DVD sleeve, postcards and humorous items like air fresheners and coasters.” Christian Helms, designer/illustrator; The Outfit Media Group, client

“Promotional poster for literary-rock band The Decemberists.” Christian Helms, designer; Decemberists/PMC Presents, clients

“Promotional and commemorative poster for Willie Nelson at Stubb’s sixth anniversary. Made of distressed sheet metal and aged by Roadhouse Relics.” Geoff Peveto, designer; Stubb’s, Austin, Texas, client

12.01.06

Design firm

www.thedecoderring.com

Duration: Established 2004.
Staff: (from left) Geoff Peveto, Christian Helms, Derrit DeRouen, Paul Fucik. In addition, we partner with a host of creatives depending on the nature of the project.
Education: Oklahoma University, University of North Carolina, Portfolio Center and Texas Tech.
Cultural Influences: We come from very different backgrounds, and that’s reflected in our individual interests and viewpoints. The diverse range of influences within the group elevates the work beyond what any of us could do individually. Some of our influences include: Outsider art, hand-rendered type, old signage, an invaluable network of collaborators and mentors, junk store finds, music (from old Stax Records to Tom Waits to The Hold Steady), bacon, Lincoln, German trademarks, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Bob Gill, “rugged” individualists throughout history, monkeys and vintage books.
Environment: Top floor of the first telephone/telegraph building in Austin: Sculpted tin ceilings, old wooden floors, music playing loudly, a whole lot of ideas and the occasional Miller High Life flying around. Something between a well-oiled machine and a bag of kittens on fire.
Philosophy: Be honest, direct and smart in your communication. Put your heart into your work. Have a point of view. Tell a story. Involve the viewer. If you’re on a path that’s been beaten, then it’s not your path.

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