Red Ghost Music Label Designs

Red Ghost Music has hired Get a Clue Design to help with their identity and some merch, namely, a t-shirt. Red Ghost describes themselves this way: "Red Ghost Music is a boutique-style, full-service music company. We are extremely selective and, consequently, intensely loyal to the artists we work with. " Sounds good to us...

Samples below:

Parting shots

Well, it's late Monday night and we are packing for our early flight Tuesday a.m. Looking forward to seeing everybody and getting home safely. Not really looking forward to 15 + hours of flying, airports, etc. Messes with the noodle that we will leave Japan on Tuesday morning and arrive in the states late Tuesday afternoon...can you say JET LAG? Oof.

Met some really sweet friends at the Kingdom Hall on Sunday (shots below), fun sisters Rie & Reiko with Nana. It was the English speaking congregation in Okinawa, the ONLY one on the island, so they have their hands full with territory, etc. The hall was painted light yellow last visit, now it's light purple, a very island feel to it!



















We have had an amazing time, it was really great to see the comments shared. Here's some parting shots of beautiful Okinawa...we hope to make it back again one day...Sayonara for now.

-Matt & Nana

Ichiban (best) beer

For all our beer enthusiasts (you know who you are), here's a heads up:
Okinawa's original beer Orion (pronounced O-lee-on), is by far one of the best crisp, clear, mild tasting beers ever. Their simple slogan is: "For Your Happy Time."
The good news is, you can get it in Hickory, North Carolina!
So, when we return we hope to have a "Japan Experience" with many friends, including beer and other local faves like awamori, Okinawa's version of moonshine.

Here's what Orion got to do on vacation:



This was a nice restaurant Miya took us to where you actually cook your own food in the grill smack dab in the middle of your own table. "Yakiniku" style cooking. Orion on draft.













Orion flying on the way to Tokyo.


This was a beer vending machine...on the boat we took to Kume.
Let me repeat: THIS WAS A BEER VENDING MACHINE...ON A BOAT. How can you not love Japan?



Orion got some sun, then went for a refreshing swim.

That's all the fun for now, it's off to enjoy our last day in Japan...and some Orion.

Drawing time

Well, we only have two days left here in Japan...we will go to the English speaking congregation's meeting that Lykins attend today, then just sight see and relax after visiting one more of Nana's uncle's here on Okinawa. It feels like we've been gone a month, but we look forward to seeing everybody soon.

My goal on this trip was to draw a lot more than life had allowed here lately. I was giving myself the goal of a drawing per day, which in hindsight was pretty ambitious. That goal was tougher than imagined, but I still enjoyed the challenge. It was still nice to just sit and draw, away from the computer and technology for a change, just paper and pencil and imagination. Here's some drawings that made the cut, hope you enjoy.

Tokyo Photo Essay

Well guys, we are back "home" in Okinawa. As awesome as Tokyo is, it sure is nice to get back to the relaxed pace of the island. Tokyo will get you in shape, we walked a TON. You see many, many vespa's and people of all ages using bicycles to get around. Thought it would be cool to post a wide variety of shots taken while in Tokyo. Hope you all enjoy em...

Tsukiji Fish Market Insanity

So, we actually got up at 5 A.M. today to go experience the Tsukiji Fish Market in all its insanity...it did not disappoint. It is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind.
Here's a better description found online than I could ever come up with:

"Tsukiji Central Wholesale Market is a large market for fish, fruit and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, fruit, vegetables, meat and flowers for metropolitan Tokyo.

Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish, shellfish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market one of Tokyo's major tourist attractions."

As you might imagine, the pace of the place is NUTS. So with that, away we go...

This guy cutting the massive tuna was using a sword-like knife that would make a Shogun warrior jealous.

The endless colors and variety of seafood was just incredible. You definitely feel like a tourist sticking out like a sore thumb, but for the most part, all the folks working there are pretty cool about you taking pictures, and in general getting in their way!

"Forklift! Turret truck! Watch out! KLANG! That's gonna leave a mark."

We got to meet Satchmo's Japanese brother at the market. This was one cool dog, all the crazy activity around him didn't phase him at ALL. He was content chillin' on his tatami mat.

Mighty Mt. Fuji

We did the bus tour to Mt. Fuji today, started out rainy in Tokyo, but once we got to Mt. Fuji (2 hr drive), the sun came out and gave us some amazing photos of the nearly 12,390 feet tall mammoth. Mt Fuji is by far the highest mountain and volcano in Japan, and lives up to its reputation with breathtaking vistas. I sound like I work for the Japan tourism board.
Anyway, hope you guys enjoy the photos...










We also got to see the Shiraito Falls along the way, really beautiful area.
The falls actually go the distance of the camera pan, lots of smaller ones with one large at the left side of the rock.


Tomorrow we get up REAL early and head to the Tsukiji Fish Market, then get some rest before headin' back to Okinawa.
Talk soon!

The Printing Museum (aka, every design/print nerd's dream)

We visited The Printing Museum in Tokyo today and were blown away by the exhibit and the hands-on printing workshop on the ground floor. Just a beautiful place that inspired us to no end!

Here's some photos of the "Graphic Trial 2008" gallery space and the exhibit for "Japan Design 1950". A side note: Japan graphic design in the 50's was incredible...still is pretty unique today.

The collection of lead type alone had Matt dizzy. The kanji (the Japanese alphabet) lead and wood type blocks were just amazing, especially the 3.5 point size! As you might imagine, VERY delicate stuff to handle. We got to make some sample cards in an old letterpress style set up as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any fans of graphic design and print work.