Artist and writer Leora Lutz launched Product Projects in 2012 as a commentary on capitalism and the handmade, investigating what “things” mean to us. Although intended as a conceptual “shop” statement, these projects are real, and have real art and products for you to buy and love.

Chromatext is a visual language that replaces the English alphabet with color. Each pattern spells a word. Since its conception in 2011, Chromatext has been transliterated into murals, avant-garde window treatments, sculpture, calligraphic works on paper, embroidery and digital art prints.

Glossary Syndicate is a creative reuse and eco-mindful design practice, blending analog + digital and handmade + machine made. Featuring notebooks, writing tool pouches and room décor soft goods, each item is intended to encourage creativity and wellbeing at home/offices/work spaces.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Materials & Ingredients
Chromatext is a very versatile concept and materials vary depending on the idea of the project. From strictly online, to murals in acrylic house paint, to made-to-order digital printing, to cotton embroidery floss on recycled denim and linen . . . the project has evolved over time.

Glossary Syndicate designs are predominantly created using handmade analog paper collage from recycled vintage or outdated art magazines mounted on old office supplies or premium post-consumer waste rag watercolor paper. The collages are then photographed and digitally processed for printing on book covers or soft goods.

Packaging & Delivery
The companies that make our products source their raw materials from the US. Items are developed on gang runs to use the most material for several orders at a time. Shipments come to the customer in minimal non-toxic packaging that can be reused for other things or recycled.

Quality & Value
Product Projects things are intended as relics and tools for a meaningful life. Everything is designed by Leora Lutz, or in collaboration with other local artists. Each item is sturdy and utilitarian, designed to withstand being carried around, written in or sat upon, used and enjoyed.

Waste reduction
Product Projects products are fabricated through US based family-owned order-on-demand companies. These companies employ people who make the things for our customers and ship directly to them. This offers us no/low-inventory, and a semi-low carbon footprint, keeps our staffing to a minimum (1) and allows us to focus on design and promotion.

Resourcefulness
We don’t like planned obsolescence or excess. We have worked from our Oakland apartment for the last 7 years, utilizing a 12’ x 15’ space with a humble 1930’s desk Lutz inherited from her mother, and assorted folding tables that come and go as needed. Everything we do for our business is achieved on an ancient desktop (10 years old), a gifted iPad and a 9 year old cell phone. Having no commute is a luxury but also saves energy, space, time and money.

Goals & Aspirations
Glossary Syndicate would love to start doing more participatory or mental wellbeing projects, including workshops or products that inspire others to DIY their creativity through reading, writing or doodling. We have had the honor and fun to do large Chromatext installations, and are open to commissions.

ADDITIONAL READING & VIDEO

Leora Lutz, A Polite Conversation (in Chromatext)