Because he manages to keep a low profile in the Indy cycling scene, you might not recognize Eric Nolan if you see him out riding his lugged, steel framed Rivendell Appaloosa bicycle, but you certainly recognize his branding work for his local clients such as Amelias, Milktooth, Love Handle, Golden Hour Books, Provider, and so many more. As New York Times has previously put it: “When the New York Times spends 36 Hours in Indianapolis, Flatland’s clients -- Milktooth, Bluebeard, Zodiac Vintage, Love Handle -- make up half of their stops.” The more familiar you become with the stylings of Flatland Kitchen, the more you’ll see their touch on your Indy favorites. For example, during the week of preparing for this episode, I discovered Flatland Kitchen’s work on my favorite local ice cream spot’s (LICK) branding and merch that I had never had much time to stop and appreciate. (I want their yellow mug for Christmas).
Flatland Kitchen has a long history of doing the branding and creative work for many of Indy’s most forward-facing brands. Their work is immediately recognizable to me in its still-life quality and earthy colored tones they often utilize.
It was an honor to sit down with Eric, who is someone I’ve known in the bike scene for over a decade and has been doing interesting work in helping define our greatest local brands, our city’s proudest outputs.
I remember back in the early BikeParty days Eric helped provide Amelias bread for a potluck during a winter ride at an abandoned gymnasium where Sweet Poison Victim was playing in the center of the gym with the bikes circling all around them. He has always been supportive of the scene.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Eric, where we get into his biking history, his work co-owning Flatland Kitchen, his favorite biscuits and gravy, riding long-distances with kids, his thoughts on bikepaths & e-bikes, and we talk about his Rivendell build. Have a look at Flatland’s work on their website here:
https://flatlandkitchen.com/work
I’ll leave you with some pics I took on a lil’ Tour De Nolan on an overcast afternoon:
Eric hunkered down with the logs for a winter, routing them with local neighborhoods
The flagship Amelia’s location where Flatland Kitchen helped early on.
Love Handle Merch
A Nolan original found at Love Handle
More Flatland Kitchen at the Handy, waste disposal edition plus background bonus pork butts
Flatland Kitchen spotted at Lick Bottleworks. Great looking stuff. Yellow mug, please.
Nolan hooked up the Amelia’s bread for the greatest BikeParty of all time in arctic temps.
His Rivendell Appaloosa
Flatland Kitchen’s Provider Sun logo and painted sign.
Lastly, Nolan’s childhood trophies on display at Love Handle.
See ya’ll next time.
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