52.5 Records hosts The Cricket Press' new screenprints

Brian and Sarah Turner have been designing posters for nearly a decade. Shortly after they bought their own printing equipment and created their studio, the married duo created The Cricket Press. Since 2003, Brian and Sarah have designed posters for hundreds of bands across the U.S. Finding inspiration in just about everything, the Turners, uniquely produce designs and illustrations that catch the eye. Brian and Sarah will be showing off their work in Charleston, where the Penny Gallery will be hosting an exhibition of The Cricket Press' screenprints inside 52.5 Records, 561 King St. Brian Turner had the time to talk with Charleston Scene about The Cricket Press and where he finds inspiration.

Q: The Cricket Press has come a long way--tell us about the beginning.

A: "We didn't really set out to become poster writers. We were primarily interested in screen printing. But there was a good friend of ours playing in band and he asked us to try and print out some posters. We did it and we really enjoyed it. People started seeing them and that's sort of how it sort of started."

Q: How do you continue to create unique pieces for different bands, all with different types of music and interests?

A: "It terms of dealing with the clients, we talk directly with the people we are making the posters for. There is a pretty intimate relationship. Very informally we try to get their idea correct. We just try to capture their ideas and create the piece they want. We sort of try to intentionally keep a low profile. We like working with the smaller lesser-known bands. There are more interactions with the people and it's nice to have that personal relationship with the client.

Q: How do you continue to create unique ideas?

A: "We're inspired by a lot of stuff around us. Stuff that we see, everything from the music, movies, TV shows and even graffiti. Really just about anything. It's kind of a funny, the things that I get inspired by, sometimes. Our friends constantly inspire us. The poster-making community is so tight that someone will inspire another and will set the bar kinda high and then inspire other people.

Q: The Cricket Press brand is becoming pretty well known. What do you think about that?

A: "There are so many other poster artist that are a lot higher up. Doing this for us is not just a passing hobby and I hope to be doing it for an even longer time to come. But we are pretty humble. I don't know that we are that well known. It's not like were hiding a rock, but there are definitely poster artists who have achieved recognition. It's not something that we are working towards. We just try to keep up with the work that we do."