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Marshall & Chester

Portland, OR

Marshall loves spending time with his wife and three year old daughter, writing rock ballads, and playing with lasers. He is bald. Chester is currently building a 100% electric Mini Cooper and studying engineering so he can take over the world. He also enjoys road racing motorcycles and going off sweet jumps.

  1. on May 4
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #17

    Rewards and how to use them!!

    Howdy!

    Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you!

    We hope you all like the new Etchpop website!

    As of 1:30pm (PST) on May 4 we have sent out redemption codes via email to all backers that have responded to the 'backer survey'. If you have filled out the backer survey before 1:30 (PST) and not received an email please first check your spam filter. If its not there, shoot us an email (etchpop[at]gmail.com) and we'll get you your redemption code ASAP!

    If you have responded after that, we'll send it out later tonight or tomorrow!

    The email will have instructions on how to use the code on the site.

    ***Note: When using your redemption code, only order the block that is your Kickstarter reward. We welcome you to order more blocks later, but your order will not go through if you try to order blocks other than your reward with these redemption codes.***

    Now for a friendly reminder on how to prepare a design for an Etchpop Woodblock:

    Your image will need to be Black and White with no grayscale or color . Only two colors, Black, and White. Think pandas, penguins, piano keys, and zebras!

    Here is an example:

    If you need help making your design Etchpop ready, ask your favorite neighborhood graphic designer, your local digital artist, that cute computer guy/gal in your class or shoot us an email and we'll do our best to help.

    Have a happy Friday and a good weekend!

    -Marshall and Chester

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  2. on May 1
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #16

    Etchpop is live! It's ALIVE!!!

    Backer_white For backers only
    Backer-only-post
    Backer-only-post-text If you’re a backer of this project, please log in to read this post.
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  3. on April 15
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #15

    Call To Artists

    Have you been pining for a chance to design blocks for Etchpop?  

    Well, this is the sound of opportunity a-blockin!  After weeks of preparation and perspiration, Etchpop.com will be going live by the end of this month.  We will be launching with a limited number of what we are calling 'designer blocks'.  Designer blocks are blocks that have been designed by artists which a customer can order. Our goal is to continually expand our selection of designer blocks by constantly bringing new artists on board.  For each 'designer' block sold, we'll happily extend an artist's commission to its creator.  While we are primarily seeking designs of the greeting-card variety, we are open to anything!  Feel free to wow us with unprecedented awesomeness.

    For more info or to submit your design please email us at etchpop@gmail.com

    Thanks!

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  4. on March 30
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    Marshall & Chester
    commented on a project

    Bill, Thanks for contacting us. It is not unrealistic to get your 11"x17" (not 11"x14".. :) by the middle of May. We have been telling folks that they will be able to redeem their woodblock rewards after the site is live in April, but if you already have a design ready we can do it sooner. We could also make you a second block before then. The thickness of the blocks are 3/8". Will you be using it in a letterpress? Images should be at least 300dpi or larger. The golden rule of laser engraving is: quality in = quality out. A higher quality image makes a higher quality woodblock. Your design needs to be purely black and white with no grayscales! A PDF or a PNG would work best for us. We will have all kinds of image and file tips and requirements once the site is live. Please contact us at: etchpop(at)gmail.com and we can continue the discussion of your blocks over email. Thanks again Bill! -Chester
  5. on March 22
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #14

    Backer survey...

    Sorry for the confusion on the previous update...

    We have only sent out backer survey's to the '$2 Thank You Card' backers.

    We will be sending backer survey's to all other pledge levels as we get closer to going live with the website. So if you ordered a block or a starter kit, hold tight, as we're almost there! :)

    More good Etchpop info coming VERY soon!

    Thanks!

    -Marshall & Chester

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        Catmili on March 22

        Keep the communications going. It helps visualize the end results. Good luck with the setting up.


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  6. on March 22
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    Marshall & Chester
    commented on a project

    Jessica, The backer survey's have only been sent out to the $2 Thank you card backers. We'll be sending out backer survey's to other pledging levels soon! :) -Chester
  7. on March 22
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    Marshall & Chester
    commented on a project update

    We sent the backer survey through Kickstarter. I'm not sure how it gets sent to the backers... maybe check your kickstarter's message inbox? The survey in question was only sent out to the $2 Thank You Card backers. Regardless, feel free to send us a direct email (etchpop(at)gmail.com) and we'll send the survey over to you! -Chester
  8. on March 22
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #13

    'Thank You Cards' are in the mail!

    ‘Thank You Card’ backer rewards have been fulfilled!

    We have officially printed and mailed the rewards to all the ‘Thank You Card’ backers! (well…except for the 6 people who haven’t responded to the '$2 Thank You Card' backer survey…) We sent them out last week, so we’re guessing you have already received them or you'll be getting them shortly. We have no idea when the several international cards will arrive but keep on the lookout if you're in South Africa, Peru, UK, Australia, or Canada.

    Here are a few action shots for your enjoyment:

    Blue Cards:

    Red Cards:

    Our interpretations of people’s ‘spirit animals’ that we asked for in the backer survey:

    Special surprise gifts! Diamond (shaped) rings:

    Chester standing awkwardly in front of our laser before the trip to the post office:

    ***To all our other backers, we’ll have more info about ordering your blocks soon!***

    Lots going on in the Etchpop labs! More updates ASAP!!

    Thanks again to all the ‘Thank You Card’ backers!!

    -Marshall & Chester

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        alexandra keller on March 22

        Survey? Gosh, I honestly don't recall if I responded or not ....
        How did you send it?

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        Canvas on March 22

        I think I'm also one of those 6. I don't recall seeing a survey. Want me to send you an email?

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        Marshall & Chester on March 22

        We sent the backer survey through Kickstarter. I'm not sure how it gets sent to the backers... maybe check your kickstarter's message inbox? The survey in question was only sent out to the $2 Thank You Card backers.

        Regardless, feel free to send us a direct email (etchpop(at)gmail.com) and we'll send the survey over to you!

        -Chester


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  9. on March 14
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #12

    Introducing Subtext!

    Introducing Subtext! 

    This introduction has been overdue, but without further delay we would like you all to meet Subtext!

      

    Subtext is the fabulous creative group that is building Etchpop.com as we speak (er...as I type and you read this).  Subtext came highly regarded from a few of our graphic designer friends and we quickly found out why. In addition to being experts in javascript, Flash, PHP, CSS and HTML5 and a bunch of other programs that we only pretend to know about or understand, they bring to the table years of web development and online marketing experience. Their client list includes Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear, Coffee Bean International, SMART (Start Making A Reader Today), Boreas. and now Etchpop!

    ----> Subtext

    They've been hard at work on Etchpop.com for a while now and the first few design reviews have been nothing short of amazing!  It's been exciting to see our new logo, the stylish new homepage (viewed both on a computer and a mobile device!), and the beginnings to the the smooth, simple ordering process.While we may be a little behind schedule (we were hoping to go live in March...), things are shaping up nicely and it looks like we will be good to go live in April!!

    Things are exciting at the Etchpop labs! We've got the laser all dialed in. We have the amazing Shina wood to engrave, and last but not least we have all you fine supporters! Soon the final link, the website, will be in place and we can all come together like a big, happy print making family.

    More soon!

    Love,

    Marshall & Chester

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        Dorothy Smith on March 14

        I'm excited! can't wait to get my custom woodblock.

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        Todd Quackenbush on March 14

        So happy to see your project being handled by Subtext. Great great great!


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  10. on February 28
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    Marshall & Chester
    Posted project update #11

    Etchpop has wood!

    Etchpop has wood!

    How much wood could an Etchpop pop, if an Etchpop could pop wood?

    It's a difficult question, but we think we have found the answer!

    Behold, SHINA plywood! The answer to all of Etchpop's wood questions, wonders and worries!

    We were first introduced to Shina plywood through Erin Nolan, artist, experienced printmaker and friend of Etchpop.  After many tests in the Etchpop Labs, and at our kickoff printing party, we are extremely happy with the results of this incredible and rather rare plywood.

    Here are just a few reasons we have chosen Shina plywood to be the first material Etchpop will use to make all of your wonderful woodblocks:

    • Friendly to people and the planet. 

    • Provides a perfect surface for even printing.

    • Maintains sharp edges and details after multiple printings.

    • Resistant to swelling and warping.  

    • Looks, smells, and feels like a summer's dream.

    Here are more fun facts about Shina Plywood straight from our source:

    Shina Plywood
    Tilia japonica, a member of the Linden family

    This fine-grained plywood from Hokkaido, the northern-most island of Japan, is made specifically for block-printing and is a favorite among Japanese printmakers. Shina is harvested selectively and sustainably. The plywood is very high quality, free of voids, knots or blemishes. It is sanded smooth and ready for immediate printing.

    Basswood and Shina are both members of the Linden family. However, unlike basswood, Shina is dense enough to hold sharp edges and details through multiple printings.

    The glue holding the plies together is so thin that it is barely perceptible.  Japan has very strict environmental laws about the amount of formaldehyde added to the glue used to make plywood.  Most plywood made in the U.S. contains 5mg of formaldehyde per liter of glue, while in Japan the amount of formaldehyde averages only 0.3mg/liter, with 0.4mg/liter the maximum amount allowed.  So Shina plywood is much safer for you and for the environment!

    There is significantly less swelling, shrinking or warping with this plywood compared to solid planks and will keep its shape after multiple printings and cleanings. 

    Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of our website and an update introducing you to the wonderful crew that is building it for us.

    Thanks for everyone's continued support while we're building Etchpop!

    -Marshall & Chester

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        Zach Agnew on February 28

        Glad to hear an update, very exciting, can not wait to order a block!


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