You may know Susan Kare as the artist behind some of Apple’s most iconic digital images, but now she’s bringing her signature style into the real world. Kare has released a new collection of 32 retro-inspired icons, which aren’t just for your screen. Instead, the “Esc Keys” 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 Kare’s work. As the designer responsible for much of the original Macintosh operating system’s iconography, she created the famous “Happy Mac” 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 “there’s hidden meaning” 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 pendants—crafted from solid silver coated in a layer of gold—can 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 Apple’s design legacy
This isn’t 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 flags—an homage to the one she originally painted for Apple’s office in 1983—fetching 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 you’re a longtime Apple enthusiast or just love pixel art, these pieces are a stylish reminder of the early days of personal computing.
