They are the quintessential generic commercial artforms. “Cuts,” “cliches,” “spots,” “bugs”—made from wood and metal, whatever you call them, they were big business for applied art studios, type foundries and printers. Here is a small sampling from the Kaeser & Blair Cut Service of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, packed with what advertisers and advertising agencies could not do without …
















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About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →