You may know Susan Kare as the artist behind some of Appleโs most iconic digital images, but now sheโs bringing her signature style into the real world. Kare has released a new collection of 32 retro-inspired icons, which arenโt just for your screen. Instead, the โEsc Keysโ collection, created in collaboration with Asprey Studio, features mechanical keyboard keycaps and wearable pendants, each adorned with an 8-bit pixel art illustration.
The collection showcases a variety of designs, including a dog, a plant, an envelope, and a coffee cup. Though these icons are brand new, their style will be instantly familiar to those who have followed Kareโs work. As the designer responsible for much of the original Macintosh operating systemโs iconography, she created the famous โHappy Macโ startup icon and the floppy disk file save symbol that became a staple of early computing.
More than just decorative pieces
Kare and Asprey Studio founder Alastair Walker shared with Fast Company that โthereโs hidden meaningโ behind each new design. The icons represent activities people can enjoy while stepping away from their keyboards. Whether grabbing a coffee, walking with a dog, or sending a handwritten letter, the collection reminds people of the world beyond their screens.
Each piece in the Esc Keys collection is made from silver or gold-coated silver and is available as a limited edition. Depending on the icon, only 30 to 120 pieces will be produced. As expected, these unique designs come with a premium price tag. The silver keyboard keycaps start at US$650, while the gold vermeil pendantsโcrafted from solid silver coated in a layer of goldโcan cost as much as US$2,064. For those looking for an even more exclusive option, solid gold versions are available upon request. Each purchase also includes a blockchain-inscribed digital artwork to verify ownership and provenance.
Honouring Appleโs design legacy
This isnโt the first time Kare has paid tribute to her computing roots. Prints of her original Macintosh designs are available on her website, offering fans a way to own a piece of tech history. In 2014, she also sold hand-painted Jolly Roger pirate flagsโan homage to the one she originally painted for Appleโs office in 1983โfetching up to US$2,500 each.
With the release of the Esc Keys collection, Kare continues bridging the gap between digital art and physical design. Whether youโre a longtime Apple enthusiast or just love pixel art, these pieces are a stylish reminder of the early days of personal computing.
