Mascot Series - Self

The Mascot Series goes deeper than just the surface level. Some people would have assumed that this Mascot Series would be all goofy, cartoon-like characters. "Mascot" is defined as any person, animal, or object used to represent a group with a common identity. Break that down and you quickly come to realize that "WE ARE ALL MASCOTS." Myself included. Which is why this self-portrait is so important. It forced me to take a serious look at myself to analyze what and who am I, as a mascot, representing? Is it something negative, degrading, or self-serving? Heck no. Is it something up-lifting, encouraging, and beneficial to others? I certainly hope so. That's what I want this to be - all of it. From the shoes, clothing, art, and beyond -- it's about making a difference and touching others. That's my goal. That's my mission. Let's do this. #DreamImpossible

[More images after the jump, including step-by-step pictures]

WHY or WHY NOT?

I had a 12x12inch gallery wrapped canvas laying around and had a spark to do something with it. Many times, the most powerful and challenging word you could ever say to someone is, "WHY?" Even when I think things through in my head, I often am forced to ask, "WHY?" Why this, or why that? Why would that work, or why would people care? Little would you think that one word can have such power and controversy within it. I'm positive this single word has changed lives, companies, and possibly even nations. But...WHY?

Then a couple of days went by and the piece was sitting in my office/studio. Randomly, I looked at it and asked myself, "Well, if "WHY", then why not "WHY NOT?" And boom. Asking the powerful question "WHY?" quickly became an equally powerful follow-up question, "WHY NOT?"
I'm not sure if I plan to sell this piece or not simply because it's so cool I would like to keep it in my office. However, everything has a price, so if you feel so inclined to have it for yourself, simply contact me.

Eye Writer

This is incredible. Watch for yourself. I immediately thought of Corporal Josh Hoffman and the [Fashion Has Heart] project that I recently was able to be a part of when I first saw and heard about this technology. This device and program can change so many lives that may have been emotionally and/or mentally lost.

There is a documentary soon to be released about the LA graffiti artist that was the inspiration for the creators of this eye-writing device, check out the trailer:

"After being diagnosed with ALS and rendered almost completely paralyzed, legendary L.A. graffiti artist Tony "Tempt" Quan gets his voice back through technology that reads the movement of his eyes and enables him to create art and write once again." -CaskeyEbeling

The nonprofit behind the device is the Not Impossible Foundation. Support this cause any way you feel fit to contribute. Big or small, your help can make a difference.

Why I Hate Religion

I watched this video this past weekend -- it had 14 million views. Today, it has nearly 17 million. POWERFUL. Religion kills. Love wins. Jesus wins.

New "Mascot Series" Site Launched

With the continuous additions to the "We Are All Mascots" art series, people have voiced their desire for a way to view the collection all in one place. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to announce the launch of the website: www.WeAreAllMascots.com.
In what ways could I improve the site? Please leave a comment with your feedback. Gracias.

Welcome to Detroit, Prince!

The family legacy lives on in Detroit. Hopefully, this Fielder will bring a World Series title. With this team, anything short of would almost be a disappointment. Is it summer time yet?

Revive x Dr. Romanelli Short Film, Part 1

The Revive boutique in Birmingham, Michigan, teamed up once again with Dr. Romanelli for a series of custom jackets. This time, they created a short story film to highlight the pieces in narration form. This video marks the first within a series of them yet to come.

The videography was done by The Work and features shots down Woodward Ave, Belle Isle, and else where around Detroit. This by far has to be the most elaborate "viral" branding campaign to promote a few jackets that aren't even available to purchase off the rack. Expect much more to come.

Joe Buys Show in LA

If you told me a few years ago that Joe would be performing in Hollywood at the Key Club on Sunset Boulevard, I would have believed you, but at the same time, I would have been like, "Whoa, what??"

Often times we want our dreams to come true, but find them hard to believe that they actually will. Myself included, we assume that our dreams are just too impossible to come true -- almost like we don't want to get our hopes up in fear of failing.

Well, Joe Buys had a show last night in Hollywood at the Key Club on Sunset Boulevard. Dreams do come true. And the dream isn't the final destination like we would assume it would be, the true "dream" is the  JOURNEY. Enjoy every minute of it and don't stop.

#DreamImpossible

2012 Super Bowl Teaser Commercial

Volkswagen just released a teaser for their Super Bowl ad campaign coming up rapidly, on February 5th. It takes a few seconds to catch on to what they're "barking," but once you realize it, you'll understand its purpose. Amazing how Super Bowl ads are now being utilized weeks before the actual game.

Another interesting thing to note that the VW 2012 commercial actually coincides with last year's campaign (see below).

Mascot Series - Florida State Seminoles

The 5th piece in the "We Are All Mascots" art series is Florida State University's mascot, Chief Osceola. Through my research before starting this piece, I discovered that FSU has a close relationship with the Seminole Tribe. Florida State makes legitimate efforts to historically and respectfully portray the famous Seminole chief with great pride and honor. With the major controversy surrounding team mascots being racial stereotypes of Native American tribes just a few years ago, I wanted this painting to enable the viewer to decide for him/herself on the issue.

[View the step-by-step images of the making of this painting after the jump] 

Guerilla Marketing

This was brilliant. A perfect example of guerilla marketing from Nike. Simple, effective, and requires a double-look to process it -- therefore, that means it's being seen and not ignored like the countless other advertisements being blasted in the city. Plus, it attracts attention from gawkers and excites people enough to have them pull out their camera phones and snap pictures to send to friends or share on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or blog (like I'm currently doing).

 

 

Today We Honor

Today, we formally honor a man and a movement that forever changed our world. Today, we honor a man who was not a perfect man, but he was a man who spoke whole-heartedly for what was right. Today, we honor a man who was jailed 29 times for unwaveringly standing up for what he believed. Today, we believe that his dream has and will continue to come true - TODAY and forever more.

There still are a few "HERO" series posters available for purchase of MLK, the first in what will be a number of significant figures in our history that deserve to be recognized for their contributions to the world we inhabit. Buy yours HERE.

"This...honors the courage of a man who endured harassment, threats and beatings, and even bombings. We commemorate the man who went to jail 29 times to achieve freedom for others, and who knew he would pay the ultimate price for his leadership, but kept on marching and protesting and organizing anyway."

-Coretta Scott King, wife

Nike Sportswear Moscow Store Art

Came across this on Hypebeast and thought it was cool enough to earn itself a post. Nike Sportswear recently launched a new store in Moscow and worked with Moscow-based graphic designer Aske, AKA Sicksystems, to create this Nike duck boot turned wolf face. They took the graphic and brought it to reality using plywood - see for yourself:

The Next Mascot Is...

Take a guess at who the next mascot featured in the "We Are All Mascots" art series will be based on the colors wiped on the paint rag.

[Leave a comment with your best guess after the jump] 

Look What the Mailman Brought Me

The Musicskin that I ordered not too long ago just came in. I love getting things in the mail, it's like Christmas all over again. As you know, this vinyl skin represents more than just its design. This was the first stage of the [Fashion Has Heart] Corporal Hoffman Series, an on-going project that works with injured veterans through art, design, and fashion. The first hero [FHH] worked with was Marine Josh Hoffman, a 29-year old that I have complete respect for after spending time with him and getting to see how he attacks life on a daily basis.

I highly suggest you get caught up on the series from my previous posts. First, start with the project intro: http://bit.ly/crprlhoffmanseries, then move onto the launch event: http://bit.ly/crprlhoff-event, and end up at learning the meaning behind the designs: http://bit.ly/crprlhoffman-designs.

Order your own [FHH] Corporal Hoffman Series x Musicskin for any of your electronic devices. They make for a great gift, as well. Here, take a peak at the one I ordered for my iPhone. They're extremely easy to take on and off, plus, the proceeds benefit an honorable cause.

Before: My blank iPhone that looks like everyone else's...

Before: The Corporal Hoffman Series, "Total Sacrifice" vinyl Musicskin with the easiest "instructions" ever

After: My iPhone with meaning behind it that makes me appreciate what I have every time it gets used

Visit the Corporal Hoffman Series micro site on Musicskins.com NOW!

Mascot Series - Louie the Laker

The fourth installment of the "We Are All Mascots." series of paintings in none other than "Louie the Laker," from my alma mater, Grand Valley State University. Louie was given a grayscale color palette to give an added boost of attitude. It would be awesome to see a real-life monochromatic mascot -- it'd make you feel as if you're in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy goes from black-and-white into a land of color. Imagine that!

P.S. Go Lakers!

[View step-by-step images of this painting from blank canvas to final artwork after the jump]

[Video] The Legend of MIGHTY

After months of finding his tiny "results" scattered throughout the office, "The Legend of MIGHTY" is finally revealed. This short story video explains it all as it was unfolding. Fear, wonder, love, loss, and family within a 24-hour time period. Wild things can happen when you're working late...

Rose Bowl: Flashy versus Classy

The 2012 Rose Bowl featured the Oregon Ducks versus the Wisconsin Badgers, with Oregon ultimately quacking to 45-38 win. However, with the premier of two limited-edition Rose Bowl uniforms on each team, it seemed more like a match-up of:

West Coast vs. Midwest,

Nike vs. Adidas,

sexy vs. safe,

flashy vs. classy

futuristic vs. past time

modern vs. traditional,

fashion-forward vs. retro-original,

badass vs. Mommy's boy, 

and so on.

[View more pictures after the jump] 

Duke Mascot Painting Mystery - Hint #2

In case the first clue didn't give it away, this second one might tip the scales.

Want to see what's inside this oversized present, click to view the Duke mascot painting.