Two Designers Walk Into a Bar

When we say "TV network," what do you think of? When we say "TV network brand," what pops into your head? Is it a logo or a sound? Is it an animation or an app? Is it a signature show? Today we’re going to be talking about a couple of identities made for NBC and Netflix. We discuss the origin stories for both their visuals and their sounds. So add us to your queue. We're gonna be sipping on a couple of Cobra Strikes as we get this show underway back here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-115-network-branding - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: NBC Chimes Netflix Tudum - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been exploring the Polynesian Pop trend that swept suburbia. From the 1930s to the ‘70s, tiki culture was everywhere. And then, like the tide going out, it was gone. Today we talk about the factors that brought it back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s (hint: swing, thrifting and SpongeBob) and how tiki is influencing artists today. Grab a Bahama Mama and join our conga line as we swing, sway and sashay back into the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-114-tiki-culture-part-3 - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Tiki Culture SpongeBob Squarepants The Lowbrow Movement - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're continuing our series on tiki culture as we look at how professional designers embraced and evolved the island aesthetic. Was it low brow? High brow? A symbol of exotic adventure? A goofy gimmick? Regardless, the movement left a deep imprint on graphic, interior, fashion, product, and architectural design, in applications ranging from kitsch to high-concept. We'll gonna figure out the price of some amazing tiki drinks, get some quarters sticky with pineapple juice and throw some exotica on the jukebox. Join us as we sway our hips and hula back into the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-113-tiki-culture-part-2 - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Tiki Culture House Industries Palm Springs - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re dressing up the bar with coconut mugs, gardenia flowers, surf boards and pu-pu platters because we’re diving into the first of a three episode series on Tiki culture. We’ll talk about the origins and influences — it’s not as simple as you think — and learn why this very Americanized look took off throughout the country and set sail across the globe. Grab your tiki mugs, some fresh-cut pineapple and a chilled pitcher of Classic Mai Tais. We’re spinning some good ol’ exotic sailor yarns back here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-112-tiki-culture-part-1 - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Tiki Culture Don the Beachcomber Trader Vic's - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re returning to the bar with Matt Stevens, a designer and illustrator who has been successful working with clients ranging from a tequila brand to clients like Apple TV+ and Netflix. But what we have in common is not only a love for design, but also pop culture. So we’re talking with him about a personal project that grew into an actual project, his new book Good Movies as Old Books. We dig into subjects as varied as a scorpion penis, The Karate Kid, living and working in North Carolina, The Thirsty Beaver and a character named Flapjack. It’s time to grab a box of candy and take your bathroom break. We’re welcoming Matt Stevens – our drinking buddy – back to the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-111-movies-books-and-matt-stevens - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Matt Stevens Good Movies as Old Books - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re sitting down with a new friend, a designer and illustrator who has been successful working with clients ranging from a local hot dog shop to clients like Airbnb and Facebook. But what we have in common with Matt Stevens is not only a love for design, but also pop culture. So we’re talking with him about a personal project that grew into an actual project, his new book Good Movies as Old Books. It’s time to grab a bag of popcorn and add some rum to your overpriced Coke. We’re welcoming Matt Stevens – our first time drinking buddy – to the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-110-movies-books-and-matt-stevens - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: The Design Office of Matt Stevens Good Movies as Old Books - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever caught a late-night flick full of high-speed chases, stylish wardrobes, and unforgettable soundtracks, you might’ve stumbled into the bold, brash world of blaxploitation. This genre wasn’t just about action—it brought civil rights, empowerment, and attitude to the screen, with a mix of crime, martial arts, westerns, horror, comedy, prison breaks, and even musicals. Today, we’re diving into two of the era’s most iconic films: Foxy Brown and Super Fly. We’re also shining a light on the artists who brought these stories to life outside the theater with posters as explosive and eye-catching as the movies themselves. So grab a couple of high-octane shots and get ready—this episode is about to be a funky, action-packed ride, right here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-109-blaxploitation-film-posters - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Foxy Brown Super Fly - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you wander into any school, bar or thrift store, you're bound to see a collection of trophies. Have you ever wondered why they often look like cups, plates and other objects you wouldn't think about grabbing after a robust game of tennis or an intense hockey match? We did, and we’ve got a couple of amazing examples we’re talking about today: Wimbledon's Venus Rosewater Dish for women's tennis and The Stanley Cup for men's hockey. We’re digging into the curious history of why some of the biggest wins come with even stranger hardware. It’s time to grab a couple flutes of champagne to help us toast our latest episode, right here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-108-trophy-design - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Wimbledon's Venus Rosewater Dish The Stanley Cup - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We want you! If you’re looking for something to volunteer for, if you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself...Something that will make you see the world in a new way and make new friends...While spending some time together in the trenches or back home supporting the effort, then listen to our wartime propaganda episode! Today we’re discussing the histories of two of the most iconic posters (and characters) in the world: Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam. It’s time to salute the bartender while asking for a couple of Red White and Blue Shooters. We’re falling in line and supporting the effort today in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-107-us-wartime-posters - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Rosie the Riveter Uncle Sam - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re talking about a couple of state flag designs. And just like everyone here in the bar, they have unique appearances and colorful histories. In one corner we have the funky flag from Ohio, and in the other we have the boldly graphic flag of Maryland. It’s time to order a couple of Aviation cocktails. We’re gonna be getting into some different states of mind today in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-106-state-flags-ohio-maryland - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Ohio State Flag Maryland State Flag - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going all literary, getting in touch with our bookish sides. We’re not being antisocial, but we’ve brought a couple of books to the bar. And in spite of that phrase we all hear so often, we're gonna judge two books, Jurassic Park and The Great Gatsby, by their covers. So order up a couple of Tequila Mockingbirds. We’ve brought our library cards (and Todd’s credit card) with us to the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-105-iconic-book-covers - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Jurassic Park The Great Gatsby - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going aaaalllll Hollywood. We're talking about movie studio logos, quite possibly the oldest examples of liquid branding, with one logo that's been relatively unchanged over close to 100 years and another that has gone through a bit of an identity crisis only to return to a familiar form: 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers. So have your people call our people, because we’re having a three martini lunch and making some amazing deals here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-104-movie-studio-logos - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: 20th Century Fox Warner Brothers - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going to be talking about game show logos – the good, the bad and the ugly — and how sometimes all of those qualities could be found in a single piece of artwork. We’re zeroing in on a couple that are loud, busy and colorful, just like the era they were created in and the sets they were created for: The Gong Show and Match Game. So grab the remote, ask the bartender for a couple of Slot Machine cocktails and join us once again as we spin the wheel and roll the dice right here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-103-game-show-logos - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: The Gong Show Chuck Barris Match Game Gene Rayburn - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going to be talking some more about postage stamps. The way they reflect pop culture and how they are an art form that celebrates other art forms. We’ve got some stamps with fluid line work and a whole lotta shakin’ going on… Al Hirschfeld and Elvis have entered the building. Mix-up a couple of 2-Cent Stamp cocktails and join us once again as we send you a couple more stories from right here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-102-postage-stamps-part-2 - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Mark Stutzman John Berkey Al Hirschfeld Comedians Stamp Series - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going to be talking about postage stamps: the history and origin of them, who uses them and whether or not they’re still relevant in our age of email and mail order deliveries. And, of course, the art of it all and why stamps still matter today. We touch on the controversy of who invented the stamp, the fraud associated with early mail and how the U.S. Postal Service misprinted a commemorative stamp for Swede Dag Hammarskjöld on purpose. Ask the bartender for a couple of Air Mail cocktails and join us as we deliver the goods right here in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Sir Rowland Hill The Penny Black The Inverted Jenny J. Edward Day Dag Hammarskjöld The Dag Hammarskjöld Invert - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our Merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Betty Crocker, Charlie Tuna, Tony the Tiger and the oddball characters from Off Limits Cereal have in common? Along with fellow creatives Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts of the “Kirk and Kurtts” design podcast, they were all our drinking buddies one evening! We chewed the fat with Kirk and Andy about some classic characters and their impact on pop culture (and snacking), and why these same techniques invented decades ago still work today. Order a Bedrock Fizz for yourself (and maybe a few for all of us). It’s time to join four designers back in the bar. - - - - - Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel and visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Betty Crocker Charlie the Tuna Tony the Tiger Off Limits Cereal Aura Bora Water - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cats. You may love 'em, hate 'em or feel indifferent, but there's no escaping their power, especially if you spend any time online. Cats have a long history in the world of advertising. In our latest episode, we invite friend and poster expert Paul Hennessey back into the bar to discuss the appeal of cat posters aesthetically and financially, discuss a few of our favorites and decode why their traits and quirks make them perfect for so many different types of products. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! - - - - - Mentioned in this episode: Paul Hennessey's website and blog Ravi Zupa posters The Cat Cabinet art museum in Amsterdam "A Tale of Two Colin" (Print Magazine article by Steven Heller) - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send us an email and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit our merch page to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Goodyear Blimp is turning 100 years old, so we’re revisiting one of our classic episodes. Ever wonder why a tire company is most known for a blimp? Or why an animation studio has a desk lamp as its trademark? We did. Turns out Goodyear and Pixar didn’t invent either of these things. Learn the origin stories of Goodyear’s blimps, Pixar’s loveable Luxo lamp, and how these adopted objects transcended their initial utility to become known around the world. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-98-adopted-icons-classic - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/merch to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re revisiting one of our classic episodes. Video may have killed the radio star, but it poured gasoline on the spark of New Wave. As MTV exploded, youth culture moved to center stage and companies making wearables were more than happy to cater to changing tastes. In this episode we focus on Vans and Swatch, a couple of iconic fashion accessories found on the wrists and feet of Gen X. As we wrap-up our season on New Wave, let us know if you feel there's something we missed. We just might circle back down the road. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-97-new-wave-gets-fashionable-classic - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/merch to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re bringing you an example of the bonus content you can find on our Patreon page. In the summer of 1994, the television show The Real World was filming in San Francisco. That same summer Elliot ended up in SF for an internship. One day those two worlds collided in a true Gen X moment. So sit back with a plate full of wings and one of your favorite beers from college. It's time to join us back in the bar. - - - - - Visit our full episode page for show notes, the visual examples we discuss, additional links and more! https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/episodes/episode-96-the-real-world - - - - - Have a question or idea for Todd and Elliot? Send a note to hello@twodesignerswalkintoabar.com and we promise to read it. After that it’s anyone’s guess. - - - - - Visit https://www.twodesignerswalkintoabar.com/merch to have a look at stuff we’ve made for listeners just like you and remember to support us on Patreon for subscriber-only extras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices