'Thee Almighty & Insane' is a Collection of Gang Business Cards
Joey Haar — June 22, 2017 — Pop Culture
References: theealmightyandinsane & fubiz.net
In recent years, Chicago has had a high profile due to staggeringly high levels of gang violence in the Midwestern metropolis, but 'Thee Almighty & Insane' shows that the deadly crime groups are hardly a new phenomenon in the city. The book, researched and written by Brandon Johnson, is a collection of business cards from gangs that roamed Chicago in the 1970s and 1980s.
Business cards might not seem like the sharpest idea for crime syndicates, but the "compliment cards," as they were known, were designed to be personal markers of affiliation and recruitment more than advertisements. In either case, the bizarre cards showcase the creative flair that these dangerous gangs employed.
The cards printed in The Almighty & Insane stick to specific stylistic gestures. The title of the book is itself a common phrase used on many of the cards, as well as the insidiously congenial "Compliments of..." The cards also tend toward ornate cursive fonts and key members' aliases printed in small type.
Business cards might not seem like the sharpest idea for crime syndicates, but the "compliment cards," as they were known, were designed to be personal markers of affiliation and recruitment more than advertisements. In either case, the bizarre cards showcase the creative flair that these dangerous gangs employed.
The cards printed in The Almighty & Insane stick to specific stylistic gestures. The title of the book is itself a common phrase used on many of the cards, as well as the insidiously congenial "Compliments of..." The cards also tend toward ornate cursive fonts and key members' aliases printed in small type.
Trend Themes
1. Personal Branding - The use of business cards by gangs highlights the importance of personal branding in illicit organizations.
2. Creative Marketing - The unconventional and creative designs of gang business cards showcase innovative marketing tactics that can be adapted by industries.
3. Historical Inspiration - The collection of gang business cards from the past can inspire businesses and industries to draw on historical elements for unique marketing strategies.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing - The unique designs of gang business cards can provide inspiration for marketing professionals to create memorable and attention-grabbing materials.
2. Design - The ornate cursive fonts and creative layouts of gang business cards can inspire designers to push creative boundaries and experiment with unconventional styles.
3. Fashion - The personal branding aspect of gang business cards can inspire fashion brands to focus on creating a strong and unique brand identity.
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