August 25, 2010 Arts+Movies » Fall Arts Preview

Park Circle Power Couple
by Erica Jackson

Allison and Daniel Nadeau are one of those couples you can’t help but be a little jealous of. They both ooze intelligence and creativity, and when they collaborate, you get a double-shot of talent. Daniel is a freelance interaction designer, while Allison is the crafty one — she co-hosted the Charleston Craft Bee back in June. Together, they’re in the process of launching their own letterpress company, Ink Meets Paper Press.

The pair met in high school in Nashville and married soon after graduation. A few months later, they moved to Savannah for Daniel to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design. There he discovered the field of interaction design, which fuses artistic and technical knowledge to create a dialogue between a person and a product, service, or system.

“I’ve always had an arts background, but something that’s been very strong for me is technology,” he says. “When I got to SCAD, it was the first time I had heard about this field of design. It seems like such a beautiful marriage of the technological need with the very grounded understanding of traditional arts and layout techniques, how people visualize the world and see it.”

After working a corporate job for a few years, Daniel started his own company, Modus.

“A lot of what I try to do is educate my clients on design methodology and how design can help them solve complex problems,” he says.

While he was honing his skills at SCAD, Allison, then a high school English teacher, was by his side soaking it all in.

“I always tell people Allison went to SCAD with me,” he laughs. “She’s always had this interest in type, and that was really brought forth when I was taking classes at SCAD and she was looking at that.”

Allison’s fascination with typography encouraged them to start looking for a letterpress to buy, which turned out to be more difficult than they expected. Letterpresses are considered outdated by many modern companies — some are even throwing them away. They eventually found a 1920s Chandler & Price press in Jacksonville, Fla., and taught themselves how to use it. When they moved to Charleston in 2007, the press was housed in a neighbor’s garage for a while until the Nadeaus built an addition onto their home for it. Allison took classes at Redux to further her knowledge. Now they’re working on launching Ink Meets Paper Press together, though they have a few things left to figure out.

“We’re still wrestling with these ideas of where we want to go,” Daniel says. “Some artists get a computer, and they’re really excited about it, the potential that it gives them. We have this press, and it’s very inspirational to us. Allison has really gotten a fantastic understanding of printing with it.”

At this point, they mainly design stationery, invitations for friends, and the occasional art print. They both have contemporary design aesthetics — Allison describes hers as eclectic, while Daniel is more mid-century and timeless modern.

Allison works full-time as an editor at Force Protection, and she loves how the letterpress combines her love of typography and art.

“Growing up, I would make everything. I would have scotch tape all over these craft projects and whatnot, but I loved to read,” she says. “It always seemed like letterpress and stationery has been such a nice blend of a love of words and typography and also the handmade.”

In addition to the letterpress, Allison still loves making crafts. At the inaugural Charleston Craft Bee, she taught attendees to make stencils, an origami mobile, and felt koozies from repurposed sweaters.

“I read a lot of blogs,” she says of finding inspiration. “It’s inspiring to see when other people are so creative and you can see such passion in them. Also I’ve just tried to slow down and take a look at the small things … So often I feel like all I seem to do is stare at a piece of paper to edit or stare at a computer screen, and there’s so much going on around us.”

The Nadeaus are members of the newly formed North Charleston Arts Guild and a great example of the artistic community in Park Circle.

“We’re really passionate about the Park Circle neighborhood and have found a really amazing burgeoning art community here,” Daniel says. “We’re really excited about the possibilities that are happening here in North Charleston.”

Selling Antique Hydrangeas for $5 at the Park Circle Farmer’s Market! Every Thursday 1-7pm in the center of Park Circle. See you there!

“We love living in a community of progressive people, where we can bike to visit neighbors and the Riverfront Park, we would definitely recommend Park Circle, and we look forward to Mixon taking off because we would love a new grocery store”
Chuck and Emily moved to Park Circle in March of 2006.
Emily is a graphic designer and creative director of “Charleston’s Most Unique” Magazine, and has a new blog MillyHart.com
See examples of her design work Here
Chuck has his own company, Heilig Multimedia Design, he has captured local events like Kulture klash and the Metamorphosis Art Walk! See examples of Chucks work at HeiligMultiMedia.com

Parker Meyer is a Garden Designer who has recently returned to the area and has opened a studio on Chateau Avenue. Check out her work at ParkerMeyer.com . Her family has been in the Charleston area since 1799! She is currently working on a garden design for her Grandmother (92) who still lives in Park Circle. Parker is most excited about the developing artist community and checking out the North Charleston Arts Festival May 3-10th, 2008. Hopes for the neighborhood? “Park Circle NEEDS a Farmers Market!”

“Sushi at The Chart on Thursday Nights, friendly neighbors & the free recreational facilities like the Disc Golf Course!” are just a few of Bethany & Simon’s favorite features here in Park Circle. This charming couple have lived in the neighborhood since September of 2007. Bethany works for the The Sustainability Institute , while Simon works for Environmental Resource Management. Both are committed to protecting the environment and look forward to the 2nd Annual Green Village Tour set for May 3rd, 2008. When asked what Park Circle needs to continue to be “The Neatest Neighborhood in North Charleston” both replied – more bike able roads!

When asked about their favorite things to do in Park Circle, Helen replied, “Running around the circle and watching the kids play in the park” while Josh chimed in with “the 7th hole of the frisbee golf course!”.
Josh & Helen have lived in the neighborhood since February of 2006. They enjoy their time here for work and play! Of the upcoming events in the area, these two are most excited about Kulture Klash 2, set for April 19th, 2008. Their Creative Studio is based out of 10 Storehouse Row. Check them out at Fuzzco.com

“I feel like I don’t have to go far from home to have all my needs met!” this ‘Ecstatic Living Activist’ gushes about Park Circle.
Ken has lived in the neighborhood since October of 2006, recently becoming a homeowner in November of 2007! When asked about the new developments in the area, Ken is most excited about The Noisette Project and the potential for a Healthy Supermarket joining the already growing commercial community. Ken is a fantastic neighbor, Holistic Chef, Yoga Instructor and runs his own business Om Cooking. Check out his menu and order your gRAWnola today!

Ambergre Sloan & Emily Lawrence of Charleston’s Most Unique Magazine rockin out to the Reggae sound of Mystic Vibrations at our annual Block Party!
Check out cmumag.com

With great composition, lens effects and an eye for the unexpected, this team can really wow you. What was once rigid, traditional portrait has become an expansive world of capture on the greatest day of a couple’s lives.

What’s the secret? I ask unabashedly, as I am quite comfortable with Nick & Rachel upon our first meeting.
They explain that getting to know the couple outside of the wedding whirlwind and really seeing them as a couple makes it possible to capture pure moments of joy, excitement, love and any emotion that can, and will bubble up at a wedding!

Their background consists of Design Degrees, their own Panama City Beach Wedding, extending their honeymoon in Hawaii to a year, underwater photography and now Blue Nalu (Hawaiian for wave)!

Nick & Rachel are a great addition to our neighborhood, community and young business professionals. Stop by 10 Storehouse or check them out on the web right here!

*My personal favorites: “Trash the Dress” sessions, gator watching at the Noisette Creek and the personal Doggie Portrait at the Park Circle Fire House!