Too Far Gone

Belle & Wissell partnered with photographer Todd Blubaugh in the design and execution of his photographic memoir, Too Far Gone.

Blubaugh originally planned a cross-country motorcycle trip to escape from the status-quo, allowing him to explore his interests in writing and travel photography. But with the sudden passing of his parents only days before his departure, the tone of Blubaugh’s trip dramatically shifted. His photos and written reflections imply a far deeper contemplation of his surroundings, relationships, and sense of purpose.

Accompanied by various riding partners, he stopped over in locations both new and familiar, including his Kansas hometown. He documented the individuals and communities he happened across—specifically, a spirited, contemporary motorcycle culture. The images speak to a long history of tinkerers and wanderers, most synonymous with the custom chopper scene of the 1960s and ’70s.

Readers from all walks of life are invited to take part in the journey, through voyeuristic imagery and concise, contemplative vignettes. Too Far Gone embodies art, storytelling, and travel genres, offering a universally compelling, escapist adventure to its audience.

Belle & Wissell took a unique approach to the book’s design, integrating a variety of entry points including inserted, handwritten letters and personal artifacts. The result is a transportive reading experience. The studio team also helped define a narrative structure for the written passages, evolving and editing the drafts written during Blubaugh’s travels. Too Far Gone is published by Gingko Press, and is now available for sale at the link below.