House Industries

… Hits Subliminal Projects

Delaware-based design shop opens exhibit at Shepard Fairey’s L.A. gallery.

Since 1993, House Industries has made art out of the letters we see everyday. Often using cultural references to create lettering and type that not only communicate a message, but create a distinct mood and feel.

But while we’re used to seeing everyone from H&M to Lucky Charms to NYC’s beloved Shake Shack use their fonts, this Saturday the Wilmington, Delaware-based design wizards take their artful approach to communication and hang it on the gallery wall. Letters and Ligatures opens at Shepard Fairey’s Subliminal Projects gallery and promises to feature a new collection of prints, sculpture and installations that reflect the shop’s unique design sensibility.

We spoke with designers and shop co-founders Rich Roat and Andy Cruz about the exhibit, their approach to type and more.

How did this show come about?
Andy Cruz: Shepard asked us about two years ago if we’d be into doing a show and since we like to procrastinate, I think we delayed and just asked him to put us on this year’s schedule. And then about two months ago we started putting it together.

Rich Roat: It’s a great audience for us out there. We just came up with a concept and started working.

How did you decide what to exhibit?
RR: Originally we thought we might be able to get away with just hanging up a bunch of pictures of our work but then that seemed really boring. Because what we do day to day can be pretty technical and boring. Of course there is an artistic element to it, but you’re still making sure this letter works with that letter, to put it simply. More