The Phrantone
The Phrantone is a real-mail newsletter for fans of Frankie's arty creations. Featuring handwritten updates, stickers, games, inventions, and the like, the Phrantone was launched in June of 2022. Each copy is hand made and assembled by Frankie.
The Phrantone is now closed for new subscriptions. The final issue will ship in Summer 2024. Some back issues are available in the shop.
Cost: US$60/yr. Issues so far: 14. Subscribership: 159.
Phrantone 01-2022
The very first issue! This one included:
An introductory letter with the official release announcement for the softcover "Standard" edition of Frankie's art book.
An excerpt from the book, entitled "F & Ph."
An exclusive one-of-ten sticker. Various stickers were sent as the Phran Klub subscribership quickly grew beyond 10. Most were variations on the slogan, "Thank goodness for neurodiversity."
Phrantone 03-2022
Issue #3 included:
A letter about math beauty.
A gamma copy of "Do I Even Know You?!," the game Frankie's been working on since January with his friends Alan and Marc.
A hidden homage to Marcel Duchamp.
Phrantone 05-2022
Issue #5 included:
A letter about microadjustments.
Frankie's signature (perhaps only?) personal recipe, which relies on the "Frankie Method" and features an official accompanying playlist.
A packet of Roasted Phegetable Seasoning.
Phrantone 08-2023
Issue #8 included:
A letter about Abralind Art Week
An explanation of the "Jigfeel" concept
One second-generation prototype of a blind-accessible jigsaw puzzle, complete with an uncut copy to serve as a reference and a piece of thick blue padding to preserve its crispness in the mail.
Phrantone 02-2022
Phrantone 02-2022 included:
A letter about words.
A beta copy of Frankie's brand new, yet-unpublished game, "This Is Not Precious: the Game."
A 1/1 redacted-response page torn from a vintage copy of The Pickwick Papers, by Charles Dickens.
Phrantone 04-2022
Inside issue #4:
A letter about the three elements of Frankie's creative practice: Consume, Process, and Generate.
Six movies Frankie wholeheartedly recommends.
A special treat to be opened after you watch Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Phrantone 06-2022
Issue #6 included:
A letter about Rothko.
Instructions for re-upping your subscription and a special shop discount for O.G. (original gangsta) subscribers.
A commemorative Kool-Aid packet with a secret link to a sneak peek at Frankie's brand new TEDx talk about his artwork.
Phrantone 09-2023
Issue #9 included:
A letter about a dress I'm making
My "Failure Résumé"
A friendly nudge