Author Archives: Eric Junker

About Eric Junker

Monkeypete is Eric Junker: communications consultant, designer, writer, and marketing strategist

5 Things I Learned From My 4 Year Old Son After I Came to My Senses, Turned Off My iPhone and Paid Attention to Real Life for One Weekend

Last Friday I came briefly to my senses. I turned off my computer and powered off my iPhone. I went home, and loaded camping gear, wife and son into our car for a spontaneous trip to the desert. Four hours … Continue reading

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Posters by Eric Junker

Digital communication is swell, but I think posters are the purest and most exciting expression of graphic design. From the poster for the multi-gazillion dollar Disney Air Bud franchise to posters for my friend’s bands, this is the one design … Continue reading

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Desert Hot Springs Typography

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Why old signs?

I like old hand-made signs because they are a peculiarly ego-free art form. While a good sign attracts attention, its purpose is not to call attention to ITSELF, but to direct the viewer to a place of commerce, a service, … Continue reading

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About Monkey Pete

Monkeypete is Eric Junker: veteran communications consultant, designer, writer, marketing strategist, and founding partner of the Wagner Junker Agency. As a private consultant and as Wagner/Junker’s CCO, he has provided creative leadership that has launched scores of businesses and made … Continue reading

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More Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles

Here are 2 shots of the same wall taken ten years apart to the day. This entire blog could be about Beverly Boulevard between Western and Vermont in Los Angeles. These few urban blocks are incredibly rich with murals and signs. … Continue reading

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Callahan Ranch Hotel: Callahan, California 2007

It’s an incredible, thrilling, twisty lonely 250 mile motorcycle ride on old Highway 3 from Ferndale on the Humbolt Coast to Yreka in Siskiyou County. Halfway between Weaverville and Yreka is the dying lumber, mining and ranching town of Callahan. Don’t … Continue reading

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Sunset and Vine, Hollywood 2006

This was all torn down to build the W Hotel…

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Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles 2001

Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles between Western Ave and 1rst has always been a quirky living outdoor gallery of odd hand-painted signs. This stretch of Beverly was a center of Los Angeles nightlife during the thirties (so an old guy … Continue reading

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Tony Nik’s, San Francisco: Update

I received this comment on last year’s post on the Tony Nik’s sign in San Francisco I have the answers to all your questions (at least the ones posed above). Tony Nik was actually Antonio Nicco, my grandfather. When prohibition … Continue reading

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