Steamroller Smackdown Posters (2011-2019)

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The Seattle School of Visual Concept's annual Steamroller Smackdown was no ordinary design event. It challenged local design and printing studios to create a custom linoleum cut, inspired by the event's theme, and then ink and print it using an asphalt steamroller instead of a traditional press.

As the art director and designer of our team, we aimed to establish a cohesive look and feel that incorporated elements from multiple participating designers, while also developing a hero design direction. Each of our designs had a unique meaning and story inspired by the theme of the year.

Our team eagerly participated in the Steamroller Smackdown for several years, consistently rising to the challenge with thoughtful and impactful designs. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for us to flex our creative muscles and build camaraderie within our design community.

We pushed our boundaries and produced truly unique work, all inspired by our shared passion for design. While we enjoyed the friendly competition and the chance to showcase our skills, it was the sense of community and collaboration that made the Steamroller Smackdown such a memorable experience for us.

2011 Theme: Our first poster and introduction to the other studios. MESS WITH THE BEST, DIE LIKE THE REST ;-)

2012 Theme: Ten Gun Design partnered with Turnstyle to create a connecting theme between our two studios, TnT, Dynomite!

2013 Theme: Other local museums, the keepers of our cultural heritage. Participating partner was MOHAI, Museum of History and Industry.

2014 Theme: The organizers of the South Lake Union Block Party are hoping we could do something South Lake Union related, inspired by the culture, vibe, and landmarks of that area. Our response, SLU, Seattle Loves Unicorns!

2015 Theme: Man Vs. Machine. It’s puts into view the dichotomy between technology and the handmade.

Approach: Old School Rules is the statement we make when we announce our appreciation and love for all things that we hold dear to us. These things are not dead they are more precious. Old School Rules.

2016 Theme: Northwest Stories. The Pacific Northwest is not only home to stellar contemporary authors, but it is also rich in literary tradition, local legend and folklore.

Approach: A playful redefinition of the word STORY, Seattle Thrives On Reading You.

2017 Theme: Where the Music Matters (KEXP). The goal of this year’s poster theme is to celebrate local music and its importance in our lives.

Approach: Like the mystical energy depicted in chakra charts, experiencing music charges our bodies, minds and souls with life-giving current. Northwest music powers our ‘core’, invoking potent emotions that transcend physicality to produce a melodic state of bliss; a “Sweet Euphoria” like the Chris Cornell song in which the tangibility of the human body is elevated through dream-like metaphysics. Music is meaningful to us because it’s integral to the artistic health of our community but even more so because it nourishes and enlightens our whole beings.

2018 Theme: Linking Seattle’s History, tell stories of what Washington was, is, and what it might become.

Approach: Our submission this year was inspired by Ross Frederick George (1889-1959) who founded the company System Sign and Art Service in Seattle, Washington and invented an improved ink pen – the "Speedball." Made in SEA WA.

2019 Theme: Bridges. Bridges can frustrate us. Bridges can bring us together. And bridges are a mighty metaphor for mending the non-geographical divides in our city and world today.

Approach: Inspired by the bridging of cultures, NO TOLL highlights the need to eliminate arbitrary barriers, believing that diversity can make us stronger. As we exercise empathy, we’ll heal our societal schism, connect with each other’s struggles and let people in. Kindness is the true currency. It costs nothing to be human.