Paddy Whacked
Designer: Richard Ljoenes

This book is, of course, about Irish American Gangs. I asked Richard how he achieved this nice textural look throughout the cover and he said he took the time to print it out and mess with it before scanning it back in (he used tape, paint, and an exacto). It is so obvious when someone takes the time to actually create a texture, rather than to just past one onto the design, just see how integrated the texture is with the type. I'm drooling all over my keyboard just viewing this thing!

Below are some comments from Richard about this project.
—Jason Gabbert

The typography was designed to be somewhat reminiscent of an Irish Whiskey label. The image is dark and sinister, but something about the way he's lying there spread out, with the hat and all, strikes me as slightly tragicomic. Combined with the whimsical clovers, this keeps it from becoming too gruesome overall.

The process involved a lot of handiwork such as painting and scratching on top of the design and then scanning it in again.

Being able to use a nice uncoated stock completed the package nicely. The stock is a subtle cream which gives everything a slight warmth. The case underneath is an Irish green with a big fat clover debossed onto the front.

A nice fact about this one was that there was almost no publicity whatsoever, but it hit the New York Times extended bestseller list quickly. I like to think that the design can take some credit for that.

The author was terrific to work with. Being able to work with a Weegee photo was also an honor.

10.3.08 // Arthur said:

The first time I saw this on the shelf I thought to my self, "kinda looks like a label or something from an Irish pub." I guess this old style of design interests me but I never really thought much more about it. Now that I know the designer had a whiskey label in mind it makes it even more beautiful.

I really like the handmade texture too. I didn't realize it at first but now I want to see it again in person.

I do find it odd or maybe just interesting that Richard worked with the author. As a designer I have never worked with an author and if I did I think I would hate it. Usually its the publishers that make it hard enough.

Great job!