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Draplin Design Co., North America
Aaron James Draplin, A History
aaron_and_dad_history.jpg Father and Son, Fall, 2004.

Bred from the loins of the proud Midwest, this little fucker was squeezed out in Detroit, in the year 1973 to the proud parents of Jim and Lauren Draplin. Growing up on a steady stream of Legos, Star Wars, family trips, little sisters, summer beach fun, stitches, fall foliage, drawing, skateboarding and snowboarding, at 19 he moved west to Bend, Oregon to hit jumps “Out West.” His career started with a snowboard graphic for Solid snowboards and took off like wildfire soon after. Everything from a lettering cafe signs to logos to advertising campaigns were manhandled under the ruse of the newly formed-and gigantically reckless-Draplindustries Design Co.

After five winters out west, the kid sobered up and headed back to Minneapolis to finish up a high-falutin’ design degree at the prestigious and painfully expensive Minneapolis College of Art and Design. During this time he polished up his design skills, learned how to weld and how to develop a photo in nasty chemicals. These were the salad says. He fell back in love with a strong Midwest that he once tried so hard to leave.

In April 2000, much to the chagrin of his proud “Midwestern Roots,” he accepted the ill-fated art director position with SNOWBOARDER magazine. He moved it all down to Shithole, Southern California-alongside some hot, caustic beach-and wrangled some 23 issues of the mag. He won “Art Director of the Year” for Primedia 2000, beating out such titles as Gun Dog, Cat Fancy and Teen. No other awards were bestowed in this period, and like he gives a rat’s ass.

Thankfully, in April 2002, the Cinco Design Office of Portland, Oregon called up and offered a Senior Designer gig which he instantly accepted. He moved it all North to the land of rain and gloom and rolled up the sleeves to work on the Gravis, Helly Hansen and Nixon accounts.

The Draplin Design Co. finally stepped out on its own four hairy feet in the fall of 2004.

He owes it all to his parents, seriously.

There Are 32 Comments

Where does this go?

Posted by: Mike on 01/27/06 at 1:51 PM

draplin, thanks for the hat man! keep on truckin.

Posted by: jeff wastell on 10/12/06 at 2:28 PM

Thanks so much for the link man. I have a ton of stuff on flickr too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawn_brackbill/

Posted by: shawn brackbill on 02/22/07 at 7:39 PM

got something for gary. drop me an email man.

Posted by: Morse on 05/15/07 at 6:54 PM

love your work and commentary

Posted by: mark on 07/03/07 at 10:27 AM

I met you today while you were spending $400 on a stencil machine at an antique store! Anyone who loves type that much is ok in my book! I dig your work very much. Let’s work together on something.

Posted by: Patrick Craig on 07/08/07 at 5:54 PM

I met you today while you were spending $400 on a stencil machine at an antique store! Anyone who loves type that much is ok in my book! I dig your work very much. Let’s work together on something.

Posted by: Patrick Craig on 07/08/07 at 5:55 PM
Big Dam Gone in Your Neck of the Woods

Hey Drap, I heard they blew a dam out of the Sandy River, did you get to see that shit? Hopefully it will improve your fishin.

Posted by: CJ Girard on 07/25/07 at 11:50 AM

Big Dam Gone in your Neck of the Woods

Hey Drap, I read they blew up a big dam in your neck of the woods today. Imagine that, maybe you west coasters may just start yet another cool tradition. I hope the fishin improves for you. Later, CJHey Drap, I read they blew up a big dam in your neck of the woods today. Imagine that, maybe you west coasters may just start yet another cool tradition. I hope the fishin improves for you. Later, CJ

Posted by: CJ Girard on 07/25/07 at 11:54 AM

Big Dam Gone in your Neck of the Woods

Hey Drap, I read they blew up a big dam in your neck of the woods today. Imagine that, maybe you west coasters may just start yet another cool tradition. I hope the fishin improves for you. Later, CJ

Posted by: CJ Girard on 07/25/07 at 11:55 AM

Hmmmm…I don’t know who the hell you are, but I like you. I like you AND your bluntness. -I was doing a search trying to find some sort of weekend job, and “Carnies” crossed my mind. Ended up reading your story, and you frikkin ROCK:) -Thanks for changing my mind on that pal:)

Posted by: Sam/Samantha on 08/10/07 at 12:10 PM

Hey there! SuperWoof to Gary! He’s quite the handsome chap, and I can just tell from the site and the look on his face in the picture, that Gary ‘the Barker’ is a mischievous zany little hound dog. And I would know, being one myself! Let me introduce myself. I’m a two year old standard smooth black and tan dachshund living in London, England. And by all means, come have a sniff around my dog blog (www.philosophising.com). As your two-legged is a designer by profession, comments would be welcome.

Awoof to Gary and Aaron and all others at Draplin Design Co. (I saw your ‘A very long breed wood cut out and was impressed).

Awoof! Archie

Posted by: archibald esquire on 09/04/07 at 4:02 AM

Hey there! SuperWoof to Gary! He’s quite the handsome chap, and I can just tell from the site and the look on his face in the picture, that Gary ‘the Barker’ is a mischievous zany little hound dog. And I would know, being one myself! Let me introduce myself. I’m a two year old standard smooth black and tan dachshund living in London, England. And by all means, come have a sniff around my dog blog (www.philosophising.com). As your two-legged is a designer by profession, comments would be welcome.

Awoof to Gary and Aaron and all others at Draplin Design Co. (I saw your ‘A very long breed wood cut out and was impressed).

Awoof! Archie

Posted by: archibald esquire on 09/04/07 at 4:02 AM

Just found your link in the back of this month’s Snowboard mag. I lived in boulder the past 6 years but recently moved back to maine for a while and took a job with a small advertsing and design company. I met Basher and Lucky last year during an event that Satellite and Snowboard hosted. They told me your shit was tight, but I had no idea you also worked on Coal, Union and Grenade. As a fellow Snowboarder and Art Director, I think your work is inspiring and it kicks ass. You guys are taking that magazine in the right direction and its rereshing to see a different take on snowboarding. I used to get the mag at the shop, but after I moved I bought a 2 year subscription. Best 8 bucks I’ve ever spent. Keep up the good shit!


-Chris

Posted by: avantagg on 09/22/07 at 4:42 PM

I have gotten nicer! It is true.

Anyway, trying to email you but i’ll post it here so you can get it. Maybe this is something that would interest you.
And, thanks for the kind words. If ever in LA, stop by Wed. for my type class that I am team teaching with two fellow students!


A personal heads up!
Otis will be launching an MFA in Graphic Design.
The duration of the program is three consecutive on-campus sessions in the summer plus two off-campus mentor-based session.
Three tracks of study to include:
*Social Responsibility of the Designer in Society
*Advancing the Profession through Theory and Innovation
*Typography and Type Design

Open House, late November 2007: introduction to program, meet faculty, tour facilities.
Applications Due: February 2008
Program begins: June 2008
10 appicants will be accepted each summer.

Please contact Jessica Hayes at jhayes@otis.edu if you are interested in learning more or would like to reserve a seat for the Open House.

Best,
Kali Nikitas
Director, MFA Graphic Design
Chair, Communication Arts

Posted by: kali nikitas on 09/29/07 at 12:21 PM

forgot something.
you were a great student. could not possibly forget you.
i am proud to see how well you are doing. and really pleased that your energy has not subsided one bit.
you are an exceptionally, generous and special person Aaron!

wishing you all the best!
kali

Posted by: kali nikitas on 09/29/07 at 12:24 PM

Hey Aaron,
Can you give me a call?
310 665 6841 Thanks!!!!!!
Kali

Posted by: kali nikitas on 10/01/07 at 4:53 PM

whats up shirts look good glade you are not printing at diesel they are cock suckers use stickerguy.com in reno lm is going to the bend film this week and she sowed me this i dont know how to add it so go to wienertakesall.com it a cool looking move should be at the portland film later portland rain cores check out colins sandwichshop its the guy you met at seiones hes a friend from back home its at belmont & 61st later

Posted by: fink the man on 10/11/07 at 10:48 AM

your a man of epic Porportion. Marry My Sister haha

Posted by: Mitchell McKolay on 10/15/07 at 9:04 AM

Hey Aaron great meeting you over the weekend. Hope to stay in touch. I love you stuff.

I have a few pics of you up. still working on getting the rest up. And
http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee308/LongNguyenpics/

Posted by: Long Nguyen on 10/16/07 at 10:26 PM

Hey Aaron,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and it’s great. Just ordered some Field Notes as well and they’re awesome. Have you ever thought of letterpressing the cover? If you’re interested, let me know as I’ve added an old C&P to my studio. Come check it out next time your in Minneapolis and I’ll buy you the best bowl of Pho this side of Saigon.
Todd

Posted by: The Angel Bomb on 12/20/07 at 8:06 AM

aaron - i’m a friend of lee’s here in t.c. i’m opening a cool little boutique in building 50 and i’d love to carry your field notes and i don’t think the place will be successful unless i can get some of those 6” rulers to be displayed proudly at their side. what do you think? let me know how i can order them. i open in march and would love to get them before the 15th opening. thanks so much
i have to say i’ve had a great 45 minutes meandering through your site. hope to talk with you soon. dawn

Posted by: dawn campbell on 01/06/08 at 11:03 AM

so Aaron i was wondering if you might be able to hook me up with one of those tees….anyone will do Gary, Name tag, or the Orig! you let me know keep the faith. keep it strong and keep it tight.

Posted by: Mitchell McKolay on 01/14/08 at 5:46 PM

so what’s the difference between pink and purple? ha ha hey man. I just wanted to again thank you for taking the time to come all the way to fremont to share your thoughts on design. That was a lot of fun tonight and I would love to talk some more if youa re up to it. I am graduating this quarter with my BFA in graphic design and I have worked my entire life to make sure that one day I could work in the industry. I would love to hear your thoughts on how I can continue to make that happen. Thanks again man and I must say your a freakin comical guy and I love it….

peace and respect

Tyler

Posted by: Tyler Mallory on 01/17/08 at 9:48 PM

Hello sir,
Just wanted to say thank you for coming up to our city and imbuing your design insights and experiences its rare to have a room with you guys in it and the time to talk. as well I had a question for you if you can’t answer I completely understand, you mentioned that you print your catalogs in Taiwan, we have been printing in Canada but it’s expensive and the page count is limited, if it’s possible would you be willing to share your source for printing? Well see you soon in Vegas, come by our booth and say hello..

Posted by: stefan hofmann on 01/18/08 at 11:43 AM

DUDE…. I got involved in a hit and run today… the idiot seriously got out of his truck yelled at me a little and then drove off, but because I had my field notes trusty 48 page memo book with graph paper / Durable Material…. I got the guys license plate number, I love these things It will actually save me some money….

thanks

Posted by: Tyler Mallory on 02/04/08 at 11:29 PM

Hey! My name is Dayne Pillow and I am a Graphic Design student at the Metropolitan State College of Denver. I’m doing research for a magazine project and noticed that you’re the Graphic Designer for Snowboard Magazine. I was wondering if you could help me answer a couple questions about featuring products in a publication.

Are there restrictions for mentioning product names/companies in articles?

Can I get in legal trouble if I criticize a company for having a sub-par product?

If I have a photograph with a logo in it, like on a tent in the background, do I need permission from the company to publish the image?

What are the legalities of having a gear/equipment section? Do you have to pay a company to feature their equipment?

I think these questions cover my big concerns. I thank you for your time and effort in looking at my email. I know you’re busy and have a hectic schedule.

Dayne Pillow

ps_ The Flaming Lips kick ass!

Posted by: Dayne Pillow on 02/19/08 at 1:44 PM

hey draplin!
i admire your work and all but hey, when are you going to post the most recent “coal” catalogs? just wondering….

Posted by: orville esoy on 06/11/08 at 8:54 AM

Hey Aaron,

Please email me with your private address; i have some requests for Onboard Magazine in Europe! Like to feature something on Draplin / Field notes etc

Dig your stuff man - real nice!

Cheers,
Justin Day

Art Director
ONBOARD MAGAZINE
(London)

Posted by: Justin Day on 07/25/08 at 4:34 AM

yeah stuff is great
love it !
i’m a git me one of your hats !
might pick me up a notebook now that its for sale in Toronto
keep it up

Posted by: fatrobot on 07/31/08 at 12:48 PM

http://www.shorpy.com/node/4039

I thought of some of your images when I saw this. The lamp is a spent shell from a very large gun. Keep up the great work.

Posted by: Frank The Tank on 08/04/08 at 8:19 PM
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