UPDATED! Miami stop of the Johnny Cupcakes Suitcase Tour

Now this makes sense. When a big time killer brand like Johnny Cupcakes collaborates with cute design sensation Friends With You, you know it’s going to be special. What’s even better is this is a super limited edition run of 50 tees! Each numbered on the actual tee itself. It’s ONLY available on the Miami stop of the Johnny Cupcakes Suitcase Tour, which is reminiscent of Johnny’s old hardcore band days when he was selling tees out of his suitcases as he travelled from venue to venue…

Here’s Johnny explaining it all himself…

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Now this is something I have a lot of time for, hardworking people, giving up their time and energy to pay homage to good work. DIY mentality and a total grassroots approach.

It’s not too late to enter still, although the deadline is TODAY! So get entering your best work from last year. It’s quick and easy to to submit your work. ENTER HERE

A bit about the WCA awards

The Working Class Awards are the combined brainchild of @Monsieurcabinet and @Tigzy, who decided to put their Twitter ranting to good use and launch their own awards scheme within the creative industry to promote free entry to competitions within the design industry.

The Working Class Awards is a self-acclaimed NAFF-TA for the art industry, with the aim of giving creatives a chance to get themselves seen in the industry without having to pay the ridiculous fees associated to get there. Being young creatives ourselves, we can’t give you an internship or another fancy prize, but there will be a coveted trophy and of course the chance to get your work seen by some of the most well-respected creatives in the industry, which is of course what the awards are all about. The awards are about bringing creativity back to the masses, with no limitations on previous financial success to hold back entries and so we can once again focus on the underdogs of creativity rather than corporate image.

Check out the diverse WCA judging panel:

Warren Trezevant
Animator & Creative Lead at Pixar

Tom Gauld
Illustrator, Cabanon Press

Simone Lia
Illustrator, Cabanon Press

Ian Moss
Graphic Design, Pixelfinity

Jake Abrams
Principal Lecturer, Kingston University

Chris Kasch
Illustrator

Katy Cowan
Owner of Boomerang PR & Editor of Creative Boom

Matthew the Horse
Illustrator

Julian James
Editor, New Sugar Magazine

Lee Crampton
Web Design, Creative Director at Group Solutions

Hannah Barton
Artist

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Woah! Any Forty are just getting better and better! After we interviewed Alan Wardle last week about his future plans for the super street brand, he springs up with his new master Spring /Summer collection with designs from Mega Munden, Hydro 74, Mr Bowlegs, Steven Bonner, >Rich T and 45 RPM.

I have to say the artwork is brighter, bolder and more diverse than ever before – really pushing the brand. It’s just daaaang nice.

For more badass glossy images and hype take a peak at the official Any Forty Spring / Summer lookbook

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Unless you’ve been living on planet zogg for the last 12 months, you’ll know that Jay Louis is the baddest 20yr old around! With his sweet street style on “What Up Gangstars” he’s put the G in gangstar blogging, bringing you the coolest happenings known to mankind. Jay tells it like it is about graphic design, freestyle battling, toy design, street wear, graffiti, skate and of course, girls.

And of course he’s a kind kind fellow too! So Jay and Always Thinkin’ have teamed up to present you an ultra badass, blogging mashup giveaway.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

Jay’s donated 2 tees and a sticker set, to one lucky person and we’ve matched him with one of our mega rare Always Thinkin’ tees and some badges!

So you’re thinking, what do I need to do? In the “comments” section below or on www.what-up-gangstars.com, complete the following sentence:
“What Up Gangstars and Always Thinkin’ combine together to create…”

Always Thinkin’ and Jay Louis will select the most original answers on each of our blogs to decide who to give the prizes to! The contest will end on Tuesday April 6th. Winners will be unveiled the next day.

Good luck and get creative!

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It’s very rare that you hear great punk/hardcore bands captured well in a live environment. It’s such a difficult thing to co-ordinate, the technical intricacies of the the guitar work and double bass drum fills, alongside the twiddling bass. Not to mention the anthemic vocals and the general passion filled atmosphere. And thats just the sound. The boys at New Speak Productions have mastered that audio black magic, and mixed it will some pretty impressive video footage to create a winning concoction.

They have filmed bands such as Propaghandi, Strike Anywhere and A Wilhelm Scream, Bouncing Souls, who we all know are as energetic and passionate in their delivery as in the musical content. Fix your beady eyes on some of their videos below.

Propagandhi perfrom ‘Supporting Caste’ live in Leeds, UK.

A Wilhelm Scream perform ‘Less Bright Eyes, More Decide’ live in Manchester, UK.

Strike Anywhere perform ‘Amplify/Blaze’ live in Leeds, UK.

The Bouncing Souls play ‘True Believers’ at the Liverpool 02 Academy.

You can get in touch with the boys on New Speak Productions Site

Or fan it up on theNew Speak Productions Facebook page

Or you can also get bloggy with them on the New Speak Productions Blog

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Peskimo are a multi-talented duo who always seem to get it ‘just right’ whatever they throw their hand at. Their subtle humour is always evident amongst the vivid colours and strong artwork often, which just shows that the two artists are really enjoying themselves and having a whole lot of fun! We caught up with the peskimoids themselves to chat about their current exhibition Tease Made with Chris Dickason, and their plans for 2010.

You have so many strings to your bow, with all the different projects you work on, whats new for this year?

We are really excited to try new things, and we started the year with a short screen printing course. As a result, we’ve set up a make shift screen print studio in our back room. The first fruits from this will be on show at our new exhibition and we hope to release more and more exclusive screen prints through our website throughout this year!

Your work is unique in its style. Who and what inspires you?

Everyday oddities and slips of the tongue inspire the content of our artwork. We always jot down funny sayings or overheard conversations that conjure up pictures, characters and scenarios in our heads, that’s how our Croc Monsieur picture came about. Visually, we are inspired by mid-century design and illustration, especially packaging design and characters from that era.

Peskimo - Croc Monsieur

Is there any piece of artwork you have looked at and wished it had been yours?

ooh, so many! Jeff Koons giant balloon dog, Takashi Murakami’s giant statues, all the Ghibli films!

What inspired you to team up with Chris Dickason for the Tease Made show?

We are good friends with Chris and have known him since our university days, it was over Christmas (possibly over drinks and a pizza) that we decided to do a joint show and the pieces have fallen into place a lot sooner than we thought.

Peskimo Tease Made Print

Who do you rate illustration wise. Anyone in particular you think us guys should be keeping an eye out for this year?

There are so many great artists popping up all the time! We like to support creativity in Bristol so we’re keeping an eye on what’s going on at the Here Gallery in Stokes Croft and tend to pop in there as often as we can to find out what’s going on!

Any new toy projects planned at present?

The news was just released in the past few days that we are going to be a part of the new designer series of Qee. Qee was one of the early platform figures that really brought vinyl toys to the masses. They used to release artist series every year, but this series is the first they have released for 4 years, so it is a joy to be included! We are also developing some more designs and ideas based on our Monster Burp figure from Crazy Label

Monster Burp - Glow in the Dark edition

Who have you most enjoyed collaborating with?

Because we collaborate as a pair on all our work, adding another person into the mix can sometimes be very confusing! We have collaborated with Chris Dickason on a new piece for the show which enabled us to work separately on the individual parts of the piece. We then brought it together and the result was better than any of us could have imagined! It’s nice to be a part of a piece of work that you want to study and keep reviewing because you notice new things every time!

You can follow Peskimo on Twitter

Buy lots of great things on the Peskimo Shop

Or hit them up on the Peskimo Site

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I saw this video, whilst flicking through some satellite channels the other night. Brilliantly executed. Fine Tune. And has that Beastie Boy’s fight “For your right…” 80′s thing going on.

We’rewolf (Unedited Version)

EVERY TIME I DIE |

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David Stowe is a man on a mission. With Vannen Art Watches he wants to take over the world with his awesome limited edition collections. Not only does he live for the brand he created, but he’s also 100% passionate about the artists he works with, making sure they get the recognition they deserve. Inspiring, yet understated and humble, ladies and gentlemen I present the man himself…

Hello! How’s it hanging?

Doing great. Thanks.

For those who need a little education, tell us briefly about the amazing Vannen Art Watches.

Vannen makes stylish, affordable, reliable, limited-edition wristwatches designed by some of today’s most intriguing artists from all over the world. Our watches feature designs ranging from fine art to street art and everything in between. Simply put, we make unique timepieces that are – in essence – functional collectibles that make an artistic statement without breaking the bank.

Let’s go back in time a bit… Why did you start Vannen?

It was a combination of a few things. The first reason being I hated my day job. It was that nightmare job you hear every designer talk about. It got to a point where I would say things to my boss like, “Hey do you want me to bounce this off the cleaning lady for approval? I think she might have some good notes on this layout.” And then there would be times where I would just yell out loud, “I hate everyone here!” I felt a piece of my soul dying every day. I was working with a bunch of idiots with no vision. When it got to point that I had to answer to three incompetent bosses in a row, I realized that I needed to get out and invest my time into my future and not someone else’s.

One day after work while sitting in traffic, I started to I think about my idea for artist watches. And as I sat there thinking through the logistics involved in starting a watch company it hit me. I could totally do it myself. And at that moment, right there on the 101 Freeway in North Hollywood, Vannen Art Watches was born.

As soon as I got home I told my girlfriend I was going to start Vannen and that in a year tops I’d be out of my day job. That night I stayed up for 24 hours straight fleshing out everything that would become the Vannen you know today and the Vannen you will know in the future. 

That day in traffic when it all came to fruition, I had a feeling that a new art watch company could be successful if it provided people with a real limited edition product that was affordable and quality driven. I also knew that if I put actual heart and soul into the brand – and made it accessible from a place of sincerity – that we’d have lots of support from everyone involved.

Another reason Vannen became a reality was because of an inner yearning I had to create a new a product that could cross barriers… gender, race, nationality, niche and market barriers of course.  I wanted Vannen to be a fun product that didn’t alienate anyone or itself.

And I think it’s working. It’s really exciting to see our collectors feel a part of something fresh and exciting again. And that’s what I set out to do from day one – to get people excited.

Give us some insight into a typical day for you.

The average day consists of waking up early, going for a walk, hitting the shower, making breakfast, heading in to the office, and receiving and responding to e-mail and phone calls. Then hopefully I have time for some lunch. After that, I work on projects until around 8 p.m. And depending on the evening, I’ll either go to an art show or just stay in and relax.

The artists you’ve commissioned so far such as Buff Monster, Brian Morris, Chris Ryniak, Damon Soule and Dirty Donny are all fantastic, but so different in style. What are your guidelines and considerations for choosing artists for each series?

There’s really no exact science to it except an attraction to the artists work. Every artist we approach has a style that we feel will translate into a great wristwatch. If there is any guideline it’s to select artists whose art speaks to all sorts of people from different walks of life.  Each of our artists has their own fan base who I hope will embrace a wristwatch, but I really aim to get the artwork out there to a whole new batch of people.

Last year you released a top notch seasonal package for Halloween and Christmas, and it seemed to be well received. Is that something you hope to do more often?

I love doing the packaging and coming up with fun stuff like we did on those two releases. This year we plan on doing some obscure, funny holiday watches along with some super limited edition watches for boutiques and brands we’re friends with. And rest assured all of those will have great packaging too.

What’s been the best moment of the Vannen Watches story so far?

Making Vannen a reality was the best moment by far. When starting a business you run into a lot obstacles and something like 95 percent of people who try fail. I have to say I’ve been really blessed to have so many incredibly nurturing people in my life who support the project.

The artists, the stores, the sites, the blogs, family, friends, etc. Everyone has been really amazing. The other special moments are when I get e-mails from random people telling me how much they love our watches. That always makes me feel really good.

What else is in the pipeline for Vannen? Where do you hope to take the brand?

Oh, we have some exciting stuff coming up. We’ve got a great watch coming out on March 27th with Alex Pardee that you can only get at the ZeroFriends boutique in NYC, and if it doesn’t sell-out that weekend, you can find it online that following Monday at ZeroFriends.com.

Zerofriends Watch (EXCLUSIVE sneak peak!)

Alex’s watch is super limited to only 40 pieces worldwide and each box is signed, numbered and customized by Alex. No two pieces of packaging are the same. You’ll find out what we mean when you see it next week. It also comes with a limited edition print that you can only get by purchasing the watch.

We’ve also got a watch coming out in the first week of April with Atticus Clothing and 1Louder. That watch is designed by Brian Ewing and will only be available through vannenwatches.com and 1louder.com.

Brian Ewing

The cool thing about that watch is that Atticus has their version and Vannen has a version. Each version is limited to only 50 pieces and the packaging is signed and numbered by Brian as well. Series 2 will be out at the end of April or early May and that features Bigfoot, Blaine Fontana, Thomas Han and Travis Lampe.

Bigfoot and Thomas Han

Blaine Fontana

Travis Lampe

And then after that we’ve got oversized / larger watches and smaller watches coming out around June. We’ll probably have some of the oversized watches out in time for San Diego Comic Con and then maybe a few surprise SDCC exclusives too. 

With such a time consuming company, you’re obviously a busy man. What do you do to take time out and get away from it all? Or don’t you?

I go for walks up Runyon Canyon with my girlfriend or with Buff Monster. That’s pretty much the only real time that I can pull my head out of Vannen and breathe. But the other 99 percent of the time I don’t get away from it at all. I eat, sleep and breathe Vannen Art Watches. Aside from the daily walk in the hills I might go out for an art show, rock show, movie, or whatever social event that happens to pop up. Everything else time-wise is dedicated to making Vannen grow. I love Vannen, so it’s totally worth every second of my time.

MUSIC

What music are you blasting out of Vannen HQ at the moment?

Lately I’ve been listening to Against Me!, Mariachi el Bronx, Dead to Me, None More Black, Baroness, Priestess, Off with Their Heads and a wide variety of other stuff both old and new.

Which artists / bands would you love to see sporting your watches?

Honestly I’m excited when I see anyone wearing them.  But if I had to pick any artist or band, I’d be stoked to see Robert Smith, Morrissey or David Bowie wearing a Vannen watch. I’d be stoked to see Tim Burton wearing one too.  I’d flip out for sure if I saw any of any of them wearing one.

DEBATE

What’s biting your brain and making you frustrated at the moment?

I’ve been a really upset at how big companies that put out artist-related products like designer vinyl and apparel are not paying their artists a proper royalty. It’s pretty ridiculous and insulting that these big companies take an artist – who is essentially a brand in their own right – and put out products designed by these artists and then in turn only pay that artist only a tiny fraction of a huge chunk of money that’s coming in. I’ve heard horror stories about it, but recently just saw it happen to an artist I know and it blew my mind.

So for anyone reading this please buy direct from artist-owned companies like ZeroFriends, Circus Posterus, Metroplastique, Rebel 8, Grass Hut and the rest of those artist-owned and operated business where your cash goes directly to the artist…

or buy products from reputable companies like us who pay their artists one of the highest royalty rates in the business. And it goes without saying that you should support independent retailers, galleries and websites who truly support the scene too.

Just make sure your money goes to the artist and the people who really support the community. Collectors should also commission their favorite artist for original art and custom pieces as well. In short just do your research and become a more informed collector. Make sure your cash really goes to the artist.

On a general note, what are you really stoked about?

I’m really excited about our upcoming line of oversized watches. I didn’t think I would be this stoked on them because I prefer the more minimal, standard size watches, but these big ones are really going to turn out great. I’m also looking forward to putting out more crossovers and exclusives. Those are always a blast and fun to work on.

If there was one thing in the world that you could change, what would it be?

More time in the day to get things done. That’s all I want… just more time.
Thanks for the interview David. Here is a gift for doing the interview!

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Who or what is Anyforty? How many are there working at the label?

AnyForty is a UK streetwear brand specialising in limited run artist collaboration tee’s. Financially AnyForty is me, myself and I but it’s way bigger than that, we’re a family and at the moment we run about 30 deep, it’s a solid group of talented mates ranging from photographers, designers, musicians, illustrators, skaters &mountain bikers from all over the UK, all repping the brand day in, day out! Couldn’t of done any of this without them all.

Where did the name come from?

The name comes from the area of Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne I grew up in, spent 22 years in the NE40 postcode and the north has a massive place of pride in my heart,made me the man i am today. When i moved to the South West i knew i wanted to start a brand up and wanted to come up with a original name that would pop up on google searches. Was playing with the NE40 thing and decided to switch it into word form, blam, job done, everyone loved it!!

How long has the brand been around?

The brand has just turned 2 this march. 2 Years Strong!

Who will you be collaborating with for your Spring/Summer ranges?

Unlike last years tee’s which saw AnyForty work with a lot of international artists our first drop of the year see’s us collaborate with a predominantly UK based range of artists, RichT, 45RPM, MegaMunden, Mr Bowlegs and Stephen Bonner all rep for the UK with some stunning designs, and our one international hook up is with good friend of ours and absolute illustrative beast Hydro 74.

What were your inspirations for S/S 10?

Sounds cheesy but i try not to follow trends or inspirations for these designs, just cook up stuff i know me and the family would love to wear. You can see from the varied illustrative styles we use we don’t follow any trends, just use people we like, fuck following trends, i want to set them!!

Favourite colourway of all time?

I think my personal favourite tee so far has been AnyForty X Waste, that was absolutely next level bat shit of a tee design, walk in any store in the world and you’ll not see stuff like Norm of Waste cooks up on tee’s, proper mental!

Any Forty 2009 Collection - Artist Series

Who inspires you?

I’m massively inspired by a few artists who’ve set there own one man brands up and have had great success with them, so cats like Benny Gold, Johnny Cupcakes, 123 Klan and of course Shepard Fairey with his Obey label.

Where are you stocked?

AnyForty is only 2 years old and it’s still a bit of a struggle getting stores to pick a relatively new brand up, but at the moment we’re stocked in the king of streetwear stores online Urban Industry and Focus Skateboard Store in Edinburgh & Glasgow, and we’re in talks with getting us in Fifty Fifty in Bristol and the dope Electrik Sheep in our home town Newcastle. Hoping to get more stores on board over the next year or so but i’m not in any rush, more than happy to sell direct from the AnyForty online store, even though the multiple post office visits a week get right on my nerves!!

What are the big trends gonna be street wear/skate wear wise this year?

Really don’t know and truthfully not bothered in the slightest, like i said we’re not following anyone with this brand, just trying to make our own path for others to come through and follow!

What are your plans for world domination this year?

AnyForty’s just gonna keep dropping unique tee’s from talented artists and see where this road takes us, if it’s to world domination, happy days, if not we’ve certainly given it our best shot and we’ll settle for dominating the South West and the North
East!

Any Forty Tees by Fresh to Death and McFaul

Who would you most like to see in an Anyforty t shirt?

This is a funny question, a year ago i’d of killed to see someone famous repping AnyForty, I sent many a free tee out to people in the music industry, DJ’s & MC’s I respected then never heard a peep back once they’d been posted. Think i’d rather 100 people bought and loved a AnyForty tee than 10,000 people who bought one because Dizzee Rascal or Kanye West wore one. 2 Years Strong now and ain’t no one getting shit for free again!

Alan Wardle is Head crayon & chief coin counter of AnyForty – The brand that’s hitting the streetwear
scene with a tin of Dulux to the dome!

You can follow AnyForty on Twitter

Visit the AnyForty online store

Or hit up their blog

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