ABOUT
Studio Zahn is the endeavor of Oregon-based designer and illustrator Ted Zahn.
My art documents my ongoing fascination with the American Main Street. Mom ’n pop storefronts, neighborhood bars, indie theaters, old-school eateries, vintage neon signs ... for the past 2 decades I've captured thousands of these traveling across the country with my camera, and have drawn nearly 400 (and counting).
I see a stoic beauty in these places. We’re living in an age where big box chains have made our streets are more homogeneous than ever, while many downtowns—once hubs for commerce and entertainment—wither away from neglect. These buildings and businesses give our cities character, and keep us connected to generations past. I believe they’re worth preserving and celebrating … that’s what inspires me to create this work. I see each of these pieces as a small act of preservation. I think that same sentiment resonates with those of you who’ve been kind enough to be a patron of my work. Thank you 🙏
After years of working as a creative director in the advertising and design industry, it's been a serendipitous turn to run my own art business full time. I’m currently working out of my home studio ... drawing daily, but also printing, packaging, shipping, marketing, ecommerce, finances, and babysitting 2 dog assistants. I could not be more grateful.
Along the way, I've donated a portion of the profits of this work to various historic preservation and small business relief funds, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Independent Venue Association, and the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation. I hope this art can continue to raise the awareness and appreciation of these places—and rekindle the memories you've made at them. Long live Main Street!
I see a stoic beauty in these places. We’re living in an age where big box chains have made our streets are more homogeneous than ever, while many downtowns—once hubs for commerce and entertainment—wither away from neglect. These buildings and businesses give our cities character, and keep us connected to generations past. I believe they’re worth preserving and celebrating … that’s what inspires me to create this work. I see each of these pieces as a small act of preservation. I think that same sentiment resonates with those of you who’ve been kind enough to be a patron of my work. Thank you 🙏
After years of working as a creative director in the advertising and design industry, it's been a serendipitous turn to run my own art business full time. I’m currently working out of my home studio ... drawing daily, but also printing, packaging, shipping, marketing, ecommerce, finances, and babysitting 2 dog assistants. I could not be more grateful.
Along the way, I've donated a portion of the profits of this work to various historic preservation and small business relief funds, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Independent Venue Association, and the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation. I hope this art can continue to raise the awareness and appreciation of these places—and rekindle the memories you've made at them. Long live Main Street!
