Period images make great business cards, bank cards, bumper stickers &c.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Greetings,

I thought that my dorkyness might amuse some people regarding some recent dealings I had with modern printing services. That being said, I am in no way trying to be a company spokesman; I just wanted to inform people of the wonderful opportunities being offered.

1. Bank cards - As my bank card expired a couple of months ago, I instantly took advantage of designing a new one. By using the online Design Studio Service (https://www.wellsfargo.com/credit_cards/design), Wells Fargo permits their account holders to custom design their bank cards. I went to the old Library of Congress and chose the photograph, "Petersburg, Virginia. Company D," and after some adjusting and pending approval I received a brand-spanking new credit card to CHARGE my transactions with. It's really nice to call-on the 149th Pennsylvania at times. And no, you can't use my card to make a purchase at your favorite approved vendor. :tounge_sm

2. Business cards - For those who have a Flickr.com account and as many saved period images as I do, you can link up your images with Moo, Inc. and have cool business cards printed for you. I was really impressed with the quality of the printing and the strong 100% recycled paper. I also enjoyed the concept of showing off some rather forgotten daguerreotypes and others seemed to agree, as the few I left at the local coffee shop were snatched up! (P.S. If anyone is looking for a now out-of-college, lowly historian I am available!)

3. Bumper Stickers - Okay, I said I wasn't going to be a spokesman.. but I love Zazzle.com. And I should be their spokesman. This company will print you ANYTHING (i.e. shirts, bags, mugs, cards, bumper stickers, even iPod cases, stereo speakers, and SKATEBOARDS). For some reason, one of my peeves are political bumper stickers that people leave on their vehicles years after an election. So, my 1860 campaign sticker shows them! I uploaded the portrait of Breck from an original campaign flag and used Wickersty's Printer's Type Case to get the Ariel & Vredenburgh fonts.

Anyways, I hope this gets other people being creative.

[F. J.]

Looks Good!

Mr. Spellman,

That is an excellent image for a Bank Card; a good conversation piece for the check-out line. The business card is interesting, as well. I like your idea of letting people see more of the forgotten images from the time period. A lot can be learned from them: "a picture's worth a thousand words".

As for the campaign sticker, Well Done! It captures the look of period campaign materials. What really does it is the image of Candidate Breckenridge and Mr. Wickersty's Vredenburgh Font. I myself have his Printer's Type Case, and use it quite often. The difference between his fonts and the original typefaces is almost none. You have done well to choose his fonts. I am not affiliated with Mr. Wickersty in any way, but his Type Case is top-notch.

I share your peeve regarding outdated campaign stickers, but I can raise nary a complaint about your's! I think you have won the prize for "Most Out-dated Campaign Sticker", and yet it looks " 'purty' good".

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Period images make great business cards, bank cards, bumper stickers &c.

Thanks! I just can't wait until my Lincoln board is ready... Hurrah for Nineteenth century cartoons!

[fatocat]

Re: Period images make great business cards, bank cards, bumper stickers &c.

That's pretty cool. I like it. Thanks for sharing.

[Pvt. Shattuck]

Re: Period images make great business cards, bank cards, bumper stickers &c.

This is a great idea. I'm going to use it for the business cards I use for recruiting.

[tenfed1861]

Re: Period images make great business cards, bank cards, bumper stickers &c.

Spellman,where did you go to make that bumper sticker up?I have a friend who would love it.