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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