Our Illustrations
We hear it all the time. Why illustrations instead of photos? When we first got started, it was because illustrations were easier on the budget. But as we’ve gained ground, it’s a tradition we chose to keep. We admire good craftsmanship, whether it’s an illustration or a dove-tailed corner. Illustrations just seem to capture the essence and heroic quality of our products better. And, they’re just damn fun. Where do our cover ideas come from? Everyone. Customers. Coworkers. Overly helpful family members. Our original Duluth artist, Rick. There are no rules. In fact, we’ve broken a few and taken some heat. The only requirement: convey something unique about Duluth Trading or our products in a quirky, fun and intelligent (when possible) manner. ![]() OUR FIRST CATALOG "Job Tough, Job Smart" was our first catalog theme, offering 8 pages and 9 products for tool storage, organization and transport. The cover was an illustration of our first headquarters - a refurbished barge in the shipping district on Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. |
![]() Meet the artist From the beginning, our catalogs have been illustrated by one man. One outspoken, funny and talented man – who claims his work isn’t really art. Today, Rick Kollath guides a whole team of artists, but he’s still our main man for illustrations and catalog expertise of every kind. Read all about our outrageous yet humble, one-of-a-kind illustrator here. |
Click on an image for details:
![]() SPRING 2001 |
![]() SEPTEMBER 2002 |
![]() APRIL 2005 |
![]() SUMMER 2007 |
![]() FEBRUARY 2011 |
![]() MARCH 2004 |
![]() OCTOBER 2010 |
![]() FEBRUARY 2009 |






















