Remembering our roots…
Back in 1978, labels were produced by setting strips of type on a photo-typesetter. The “galleys” were then waxed and pasted up on art boards. Black and white logos and other images were added. The completed art was photographed or “statted” to make films which were used to make plates.
Eggs cost 48 cents a dozen and Jimmy Carter was President.
An intrepid former egg distributor named Nick Calvetti was ready to make a decision that would lead to a $14 million business—45 years and two+ generations later. His bold step was supported by his wife and his son, also named Nick Calvetti.
Graphics circa 1978
Our throwback logo (left) would have been created in 1978 by first drawing the shapes in pencil then tracing them with a rapidograph ink pen. The circles would require using templates to guide the pen; a straightedge or ruler would help with the straight lines. The artist would work at 300% scale because photostatic cameras could reduce to 33% well. Flaws would then be less visible but the goal would be to keep trying until a perfect drawing was executed.
We will be sharing more about Amherst Label’s story and the customers, employees and suppliers who made everything possible.
Anniversary Celebration. We have a celebration of sorts planned for this year—an exhibit of customer art in the gallery we unveiled for our 40th anniversary.
For this anniversary exhibit, we will be celebrating the art of the can, the beautiful customer artwork used on our craft beer customers’ products. We will be collecting our favorite images—and inviting customers to submit theirs—and displaying the art and the cans in the spring with an opening reception and tours. More about the exhibit we’re calling CANVAS, CLICK.
