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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 lettering cafe signs to drawing up logos to thinking up local 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 an 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. Some four year later, he’s proud to report that he’s managed to “keep everything out of the red.” He rolls up his sleeves for Coal Headwear, the Union Binding Company, Snowboard Magazine, Field Notes memo books, Ride Snowboards, Forum Snowboards, Grenade Gloves, Chunklet Magazine, Cobra Dogs, Absinthe Films, NemoDesign, Gnu Snowboards, RVL7 Apparel, Burton Snowboards, K2 Snowboards, Bonfire Snowboarding Apparel, South American Snow Sessions, as well as all sorts of one-off logos, t-shirt graphics and what not.

He owes it all to his parents, seriously.

There Are 68 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

Hey Aaron - watched you talk about your tragic experience at the Sunset Motel.

http://www.vimeo.com/1465284

All I can say to the grievance you’re filing is: “Exactly.” I’m a happy family-man-working-stiff so I’m not on the road much, but when I can I am doing my best to preserve photographic evidence of a time when Americans gave two shits about the way their environment looked. I can’t create my way out of a paper bag, but I know ethical design when I see it. I hope you don’t mind if I share the collection with you in the hope it’ll provide more encouragement and motivation. Knowing designers like you are out there dropping F-Bombs on contemporary sign makers makes me feel a little better. Keep it up, man.

-dank

http://www.flickr.com/photos/society_in_decline/sets/72157594323475636/

Posted by: Dank on 08/19/08 at 8:47 PM

I just saw that video short on “the sign”—fucking genius, can’t wait to see this documentary. Nice work.

Posted by: alanvalek.com on 08/29/08 at 7:54 PM

dude,
you totally rule with your passionate video teaser i found on gold digger blog. i am from petoskey mi, and i have a little red mini just like gary. omg
i live is sf now with my man and our son.
i would have cried for that woman who got raped by those mfing design jackoffs too.
just sayin.
props to you. you are rad and i am anxious for the doco.
i will attempt to request for friendship via facebook in a few days, so you will know who the f i am.
your design is so great. kepp up the great work.
a+ brother.
ariana beels

Posted by: ariana beels on 09/02/08 at 4:20 PM

Hey, I saw your video “America Is F*cked……. Graphically at least)” and I fell in love with it (no homo). Just wish that there’s more people like you around. Is it possible that I can embed your video or something, just a thought. Is there any ending to that story?

Chris, Singapore

(A fan of yours after watching that video)

Posted by: Chris Kalis on 09/04/08 at 12:56 AM

Aaron,

I really love the video. I have done the exact same thing and now I own many old metal signs from the 50’s & 60’s that have been replaced by shit. I think you may like the stuff I sell / restore. I am in the business of restoring and selling vintage advertising art, vintage posters. I love knowing that I am preserving this amazing for of art that most people don’t notice or take for granted.

I really like the Obama poster you designed. I would love to buy a few from you to put in the window of one of my galleries in Marfa TX. Marfa is a big Obama town and they also “get it” .

Lee
www.samuelowengallery.com

Posted by: Lee Milazzo on 09/16/08 at 7:24 AM

Aaron -
I want to send you a role of stickers from an old government agency that you’d really dig.
address?
cannot find it on your blog.

Justin

Posted by: Justin Sirois on 09/26/08 at 7:08 AM

I thought this would be appreciated here, especially after seeing the video “America Is F*cked……. Graphically at least)†.

-mark

Posted by: marknyc on 10/23/08 at 7:10 PM

Hey Aaron. I graduated from MCAD as of recently and I am now in the full blown corperate bullshit field - as well as the personal freelance on the side . Life, is alright and my bills are paid. Anyways, I was wondering, how you got your start in the industry. If you just created a brand and went from there - did freelance until the cows came home…or if you interned at snowboard mag and went from there….anyways, a friend of mine that worked for you named Isaac B. says hello.

thanks,
Josh VP

Posted by: Joshua W. Van Patter on 10/29/08 at 11:00 AM

Please call or email me.

Posted by: Dunnett on 11/01/08 at 5:33 PM

Can you say slogan stealer??? Bachmann’s, Central Lake, MI…

Posted by: Susie on 11/08/08 at 6:44 PM

Just got the DDC socks and gotta say theyre amazing. Also, thanks for the extra field notes. I got a few way back when and now Im set for the foreseeable future(-e +a?)

also, the “Missouri Wind” in the address part was great - its one of the things that makes DDC amazing. Gary did a top notch job packaging them. maybe he was a sandwich packer in a past life?

Posted by: Rich on 12/04/08 at 9:06 PM

good to run into you the other day at thee taco shop. just skimmed your site, pretty cool. did you really work as a carny?..liked the cheeta fight pics. gives me a few ideas, . i still have some stickers you gave me adorning my mountain bike from way back in 96?

Posted by: dulce on 12/18/08 at 12:39 PM

Too damn funny. Found the little shit that used to drive that white piece-of-crap minivan blowing blue smoke. Looks like you’ve come a long way, good for you, hard work does pay off. You always had the talent. Eating those damn Super Burritos. I like the ‘Nickle-Gate’ comment. Good to see your in P-town. Ever make it back over to Mt. B?
Anyway, this is Shaun, the tall bastard that you always were giving lip to…
Take it easy.

Posted by: Shaun Little on 01/24/09 at 1:34 PM

Aaron, its your nephew Tyler, i need to speak to you about some snowboarding design opportunities, could you please email me as soon as possible.

Posted by: Tyler Lukasiak on 02/14/09 at 4:21 PM

Congrats on being able to serve our country with that logo. What an honor it must have been for you.

piece.
soli

Posted by: soli on 03/05/09 at 9:41 PM

Hey Aaron, I was doing some research and came across this…

http://www.pinballpublishing.com/printing/scout-book

someone’s biting your style…locally.

Hope you are well!
Shanta M.

Posted by: Shanta M.W. Prescott on 03/10/09 at 8:29 AM

um, i’m like in luv with your website. enjoying your streams of consciousness immensely— giving mondo inspiration to my free time. it’s easy to see why you get paid. you make it look easy and fun. total web-crush.

Posted by: molly on 03/11/09 at 1:01 PM

hey aaron,
thanks for the inspiration. i have been doing this along time and continue to be amazed and inspired. we have been down south junkin’ a long time. i love to see the shit you guys find. thanks
g

Posted by: gil shuler on 03/17/09 at 1:43 PM

Nice work Aaron, if we can ever join forces (video or film project), please drop me a line. I’m gonna blog about your excellent design. Cheers, Ted http://www.2headedhorse.blogspot.com

Posted by: Ted Newsome on 04/06/09 at 1:06 PM

Aaron,
I’m looking to do an article on DDC for Examiner.com. I recently published one on Wire & Twine and did an interview with Chris Glass. Perhaps I could interview you, too?
Lemme know.
Thanks,
Fish

Posted by: Fish on 05/06/09 at 11:15 AM

Hey Aaron, I just finished up some custom packaging and design for a twitter mix cd. I wanted to share the logo I came up with, with you. I am always inspired by coming here and seeing the nostalgic simplicity of icons and logos you guys post up. I think that bled in to my subconscious and was regurgitated in to this. Take it easy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kylesteeddesign/3521179876/

Posted by: kyle steed on 05/11/09 at 12:56 PM

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Jacy

Posted by: Jacy on 05/12/09 at 5:05 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY

Love your work! How do I get a poster from the show?

-Matt

Posted by: Matt Ciaglia on 05/27/09 at 10:44 AM

Hey, you might like some of the designs shown in the gallery, here…

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,631992,00.html

Posted by: martin on 06/23/09 at 8:16 AM

Saw this quote and thought of you and Field Notes:

I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on.
- Beryl Pfizer

Beryl Pfizer - a man in need of Field Notes.

Posted by: Todd Piper-Hauswirth on 07/30/09 at 6:59 AM

sorry we missed you when we were doing interviews in portland for the david carson documentary. maybe we can do something remotely.

Posted by: charlie trefry on 08/01/09 at 3:15 AM

Aaron, go to this site immediately. It’s hilarious.
http://twitter.com/shitmydadsays

Posted by: Liz Sukola on 08/26/09 at 7:47 AM

We need more photos of Gary (ASAP).

Posted by: Liz Sukola on 10/07/09 at 1:27 PM

FWIW…in about an hour, around 11am, KCRW (kcrw.org) will be streaming a live set from your friends, The Flaming Lips.

Posted by: rich on 10/16/09 at 9:56 AM

big city dongstick… i like that; perhaps trumps my “cockstain”!

Posted by: eric j. on 10/29/09 at 10:46 AM

Hi Aaron.

I spoke with you at Design Camp regarding the possibility of your doing a residency/workshop at Minnesota State University, Mankato sometime next academic year.

Please be in touch so that we may start the discussion and I can make a proposal to the Enrichment Committee.

Hope all is well. Harlan Bloomer

Posted by: Harlan Bloomer on 11/04/09 at 8:49 AM

I had a great time at your keynote for the Savannah Geekend tonight. Probably the best presentation I’ve seen at any of these conferences in a long time. Thanks again for a great chat.

Posted by: Lisa on 11/06/09 at 8:59 PM

I met you at Geekend - thanks for the inspiring talk, poster, and handshake. I wish my husband was there to see you … to see that it is cool to save old design like I do. My treasure is his junk.

Posted by: Steph on 11/08/09 at 11:04 AM

Greetings Aaron - just got my package of DDC stuff in the mail - thanks for the extra goodies. Much appreciated. And thanks for inspiring design realism.

Posted by: Ron K. White on 11/21/09 at 1:17 PM

Any chance of are reissue of the Anvil Strength Torso Cover? Sold out right now, I want one.

Posted by: Also Aaron on 12/29/09 at 12:17 PM

Aaron as I live and breathe, just ran into Jon Dayton downtown TC and he gave me your web address.

Looks like things are great for you. I bump into your old man from time to time and he keeps me up on your progress.

It’s good to see another form our college class doing what we set out to do!

Congrats!

Dean

Posted by: Dean Rose on 01/06/10 at 5:33 PM
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