I run a micro Risograph print studio, printing posters, flyers, and other odds-and-ends for local makers. I also experiment with this process by making my own work. Below is a set of prints I’ve made ranging from 1- to 3-color prints.

These prints are available for purchase at Odd Ones Press.

The Spectre Tarot deck is a mystic tool with 78 custom illustrated cards. The tuck box, as well as front and back of each card, is heat-stamped with holographic foil on uncoated black paper—giving it a cosmic, hand-made feel. The major arcana illustrations are gender non-confirming femmes, in a medieval glam style.︎

A special thank you to everyone who sent messages expressing interest in this deck. Photography and staging by yours truly.︎

Available Here

︎︎︎ Major Arcana

︎︎︎ Minor Arcana

UMS invited us back to design and Riso-print the 2023 limited edition posters for Underground Music Showcase. An annual three-day music festival in Denver, Colorado. In the midde of the summer heat, UMS throws a huge party to celebrate local music. To capture that energy, I created a melting disco ball ice cream cone (double scoop), surrounded by flames and distorted type.

Thank you to Two Parts and Youth on Record for partnering with me on this project. Printed by Odd Ones Press.

Crossover is a collaborative, virtual art and music performance organization between sister cities, Atlanta and Denver. I created a bold brand system with a primary palette. Every virtual event between Denver and Atlanta is distinct, so I added a flexible secondary palette that morphs to match the tone of each unique transmission.

Big thank you to the Denver Theatre District for partnering with me on this special project.

Michelle Merlin, Brand System, Short-form copywriting, Merch Design

Double Dealer is a subterranean cocktail bar, hidden beneath New Orleans’ historic Orpheum Theater. The interiors are filled with theatrical misdirection and cinematic delights that unfold as guests move throughout the space. Being one of of the rare underground establishments in New Orleans, we created a visual identity that plays heavily in themes of mythology, mystery, and surprise.

For this project, I created the custom Art Nouveau-inspired lettering for the logotype, built out the brand system, illustrated the mysterious two-headed figures that appear throughout the night, designed the magazine-style menus, animated coasters, and cryptic copy-writing. As a big ol’ nerd of symbolism and storytelling, this remains my favorite identity project to-date. Designed at The Made Shop.

This project won the Visual Identity Award at the 2021 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards

Michelle Merlin, Design, Illustration, Lettering, Print Design, Interior Touchpoints, Copywriting, Mythology Weaving
Kyle Hunninghake, Print Design
Adam Blake, Creative Direction, Illustration
Marke Johnson, Creative Direction, Signage
Kim Johnson, Production Management
Farouki Farouki, Interior Design