Stuart SandlerAuthor
Stuart Sandler launched the Font Diner font foundry in 1996. Inspired by American popular culture of the 1930s–1960s, he has created more than 500 original typefaces for the graphic design industry, and solidly established a reputation as the premier retro display typeface designer. In addition to creating new, historical inspired typefaces, Sandler is also focused on the preservation and revival of photolettered cold type with his acquisition of the Filmotype and Lettering, Inc. typeface libraries.
In 2004, Sandler launched Mister Retro, offering retro graphic design software products to complement his original typefaces. Mister Retro features a wildly popular suite of Photoshop plug-ins, Snappy Hour vector artwork, and original serigraphs from the world-renowned lowbrow artist Derek Yaniger. When he’s not in his studio, Sandler enjoys life in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with his family, and indulging in world-class supper club dining – hunkered over a fancy pickle, radish, and black olive relish tray and sipping on a Shirley Temple.
Derek YanigerIllustrator
What’s buzzin’ cousin? Lemme clue ya’ to what Derek’s been up to these most recent dims n’brights. He’s makin’ art like... no-tomorrow-style. This cat’s got a way long history of scratchin’ out art for lots of king-sized bigwigs, like Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network. But nowadays he strictly digs the gigs that let him beat his own bongos.
He gets a large charge creatin’ art for a whole heap of way-out events, such as the Tiki Oasis, Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, Tales of the Cocktail, and even Spain’s Wild Weekend! Derek’s had his paint splatters hung in galleries all over the world: MondoPop in Italy, Outré in Australia, Vertigo in Mexico, and Castor + Pollux in the UK, to namedrop just a fewsville.
Korero Books released a collection of Derek’s retro art entitled Wildsville, The Art of Derek Yaniger, and shortly after, Tiki Mugs, which features a heapin’ helpin’ of Derek’s mid-century tiki art, as well as several tiki mugs he’s designed for Tiki Farm and Munktiki. Check out more of Derek’s art online at www.derekart.com and get your own at www.misterretro.com!
Charles PhoenixForward Author
Charles Phoenix is a performer, humorist, chef and author. In his live shows, videos, media appearances and books, the self-proclaimed “retro daddy” explores America’s classic and kitschy pop cultural past and present, and predicts retro-inspired future trends. Fans enjoy his unique spin and genuine reverence for all things Americana, and trust his guide to attractions from coast to coast. Charles has shared his vintage images and culinary creations on TV with Conan and Martha Stewart and is often heard on National Public Radio. Los Angeles Times says, “Call him the King of Retro,” and LA WEEKLY anointed him the “Kodachrome King”.