Mike T (Thompson) lets me know what time it is....

You may not know the name of the man behind the "bionic crayons" but you definitely know his work. This visual assassins work stems from the infamous Ecko ad campains to the Coca-cola commercial that he did. Mike has also recently wrapped up an Infiniti car commercial and continues to do countless projects ranging form video game covers to magazine illustrations. Welcome to the inner workings of Mike Thompson.

What did u want to be as a kid?

A Superhero. When I found out that could never be, I decided to become the best Astronaut Cowboy I could.

Did your parents instrumental in you honing your talents as a child? If so how?

Yes, they were very supportive. My parents encouraged me to take art classes when I was young and kept the
starving artist comments to a minimum.

As a child were you formally trained in fine art?

I took some oil painting classes. I also drew the "Can you Draw Me?" Pirate on the back of my comic books.
That and a Grand got me into the Art Institute home classes.

When and where did you engage in your training?

For the three weeks that I was interested in the AI course, in my room. Big thanks to my dad for not killing me
for only finishing 25% of the paid classes.

What artist(s) do you think has (have) influenced your style?

Alex Ross and Norman Rockwell, not necessarily in that order.

What non-artist has influenced your style?

George Lucas.

Did you ever go through the "starving artist" syndrome?

Of course. I have a thousand and one ways to prepare tuna.

When did you realize that you would be able to make a living off of your artwork?

Probably, when I noticed that the companies that I worked for were getting rich off my work.

Who are some of your clients that the people may not be aware of?

I just picked up an Artist Rep in the UK that handles Europe for me, so cats over there.

Do you do any personal pieces for yourself, or just sit and sketch sometimes? If so what was the last thing that you did?

I am always painting for work, so I don't get too much time to do my own stuff. Plus, it's probably like being a porn star... in their free time
they probably just want to read a book. I did just finish a Public Enemy painting for myself.

What are the ups and downs of the business of being an illustrator?

Biggest up is working in my pajamas. Biggest down is waiting to get paid.

I know that you are a big family man,... actually a "Super Dad". How important is family and a good support system with what your doing?

It's the best. My wife took a couple of years off work to stay home with the kids, so at any given moment they will pop into my studio to show
me something fantastic.

What is next for Mike T?

I just finished a video game cover for 2K Sports which shipped this week. The next project I have coming up is a Slam 5 page spread for their Kicks issue.
It's a big one, so I am enjoying a short break right now.

Everyone know you for your incredible artistic prowess, but what are some of your other talents?

I sculpt too. Oh, and I'm pretty awesome at Guitar Hero 2.

What is a jewel that you could drop for all of the freelance illustrators that are in the struggle trying to make it incorporate America? (what do you wish someone would of told you)?

Find a style that is unique and comfortable for you. Also, Time is Money, charge for it.






tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!

Chilling with Rhandy from IN4MATION

I sat and had a quick chat with my homie Rhandy trying to get some IN4MATION on growing up in Hawaii and the beauty of BBQing

What are some of the differences of living in NY versus Hawaii
changed your perspective on design?
You breath more creativity and exposed to more senses out here in NY. Just
theres inspiration everywhere from the cracks in the side walk to people
always in your face. Been living in New York for 3 years now and it opened
alot more doors creativity and as a "Commerical Artist".

As far for design its all based on medium and principals. Your audience,
message and trying to create something while thinking outside the box.
Line, Shape, color, form, texture, value and space...What I usually have
always been following whenever I try and design stuff but gotta say living
in NY just helps pushes everything else in between mentally.


What are some of the benefits that you feel from growing outside of NY
and/or LA?
The benefits of growing up in Hawaii is "Living in Hawaii", we're
definately not exposed as much as people that grew up in LA or NYC. So it
also has it's disadvantages growing up as a youth without internet relying
on TV, magazines and word of mouth of what was going on in the outside
world.
Since there's things called the internet these days people are more
intuned of whats really going on and it's easier to keep up with current
events and trends.

How much of your native Hawaiian culture fuels your design aesthetic?
It really doesnt fuel my design aesthetic but always love to do something
that relates to Hawaii in a way. Because without culture their is no
humble beginings and substance of who you are and where you're from. It's
important to keep culture awareness so it's past on to generations to
generations. That's what culture is all about.


How was it growing up in Hawaii (good and bad influences)?
Growing up in Hawaii is pretty damn awsome with good and bad influences
like anywhere else. I grew up pretty much skating and surfing. That's all
i cared about and what my brothers and closest friends did. Living in such
a tight enviroment, Ohana (family) values is the root everything you do
and who you are. We all get into trouble but I used that as a platform to
avoid alot of negitive shit going on. People get "Island Fever" where they
loose their balance and get involved with drugs and what not. So having
tight relationships with my family, friends, the ocean and skateboarding
helped me ground myself being exposed to alot of close friends getting
heavy into drugs because they were bored.


Who were some of your local heros that you looked up to outside of
design and why?
My Mom and Dad, for always working hard and loving support. My Brothers
for guidance and always had my back. My true friends and family for always
being there.

What are some of your hobbies?
Surfing, Skateboarding, Reading and hanging out at the beach! Being a
complete goofball.


BBQing 101, what are some of your signature items that are instant crowd
pleasers?
Kalbi (Korean Short Ribs), Shoyu Chicken, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Steaks,
Variety of fish (Caught not bought), and SPAM! I love to cook and eat!

What is your favorite BBQ sauces to add some zest to your patrons
palette?
Shoyu garlic scallions brown sugar and pepsi, or Toms (Friends dads
Southern BBQ sauce)


If you weren't a designer,... what would Rhandy probably be doing right
now for employment?
Prolly back in Hawaii working in Advertising or Parking cars and surfing
my brains out!

In your own words who is Rhandy from IN4MATION five years from now?
Hopefully to be Travelling, Surfing more with a rad wife and kids. Owning
a ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii or a House on the beach in Kailua,
Oahu.

Where and when did you come up with the patented Kelling It (foot
shuffle) dance?
It's actually one of my best friends out here in NY dance so I can't claim
to fame it. His last name is Kellings and does that dance whenever hes
happy.

The EST according to Rich of All the Right

I sat down with Rich of All the Right to ask him what was his coolEST.....?

1) streetwear brand?
Alife Forever..


2) contemporary brand?
Kris Van Assche


3) sunnies on your dresser?
YSL

4) kicks in your closet?
Teal Nike Sb Classics


5) pair of jeans?
A.P.C.


6) accessory?
Holster...


7) event that you've been to?
UCLA Reggae Fest


8) collab for a brand that you've seen?
Levi's X Alife ..


9) slept on brand?
Goldspun

10) trade show for streetwear?

Showcase At Magic



Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!

Omar (of Commonweath) breaks down the "Greater Good"

We recently got up with Omar of Commonwealth (and R&D) about the making of the "Greater Good"....



Which city in Va were you raised in?
Born in P-Town, raised in Windsor Woods, Va Beach

How important was the beach community in VA, (tourism, sun, beach, surf, skate, biking) back then?
Growing up it was big, being the largest strip of public beach on the east coast it was a huge attraction for tourists. It also helped to the surf and skate scenes to flourish. I think it helps to compliment the laid back lifestyles of the south as well.

How has the beach changed from when you were a child to now?
I moved away in '91, but when I'm visiting, I've noticed it become heavily policed and more culturally diverse.

What are some of the most memorable times being a teen in VA?
Man, theres alot, but I really remember skating and always being into art the most. Going on skate trips and trying to explore every neighborhood just trying to find something to skate; even if it was just a new curb that was in a diff neighborhood.

Who was Omar back then?
As a kid I think I got into just a little more mischievous activity than normal, but I just never got caught. Alot of people mistook me for being shy, when I was actually just observant. I was always okay hanging with a group of others or being by myself.

What would you say to him right now?
Save money and buy apple, yahoo and google stock. I'ld also tell myself "girls like it when you pay attention to them!"

what were some of your early childhood experiences that you feel are relevant to your current aesthetic?
Basically the foundation of who I am today. Started skating since '84, got into breakdancing in '85, been in art classes since I was 6. Those are my basic roots. I think the way it is relevant to my current aesthetics is that the skating and hip hop subcultures at that time had a rebellious nature and always forced you to look at things from a different perspective, to envision how you could redefine meaning or the function of something that already exists.

what influence has your father had on your personal style? (when i saw your pops at one of your instores he was very impressionable and seemed to definitely had his own swagger)
Its pretty obvious Im my Father's son. But Im unsure how much of his style has influenced me by nature or nurture. I never consciously duplicated my Father's style, but I've noticed as I grew up I've had a similar strut and that we share the same fondness for certain types sunglasses and accessories.

what about VA is your anchor?
My family. Nothing else.

If in anyway have you out grown VA and how?
I felt I had outgrown that place by the time I was 14. But I believe most people are nomadic by nature. Even If I grew up in NY, Id end up feeling like I had to move. To understand where youre at you have to be able to compare it to another.

What is one of VA's most slept on hidden jewels?
The talent it breeds.

I PITY THE FOOL X CABBAGE PATCH X MISHKA

SIMPLE QUESTION,... DO YOU LIKE MR.T?

Of course you do,... no one has a band thing to say about Mr.T. Greg from Mishka has an extra appreciation for B.A. Baracus. Greg has been collecting these action figures (Mr.T could never be a doll) for some time now. So check out the (partial) collection that he put up at the UNITED tradeshow.





The Mr.T X Cabbage Patch collab was done by mothers through out America. In 1984, "Miss Martha Originals, through a license with Big T Enterprises, (Mr. T’s licensing company) created a pattern book, complete with full glossy color pictures, to create your own 'soft sculpture' Mr.T doll in the style of Cabbage Patch Kids."

UNITED we stand....

SOME QUICK PICKS OF INSIDE AGENDA TRADESHOW.






THEY HAD A GRAFF EXHIBITION INSIDE BELOW ARE SOME PICS.













THE SHOW WAS COOL AND HAD SOME GREAT ENERGY...

TELL A FRIEND 2 TELL A FRIND SO WE CAN BUILD

THE WALLS BELONG TO US!!!!!

Come one come all to this event to be Wednesday August 1st.... This for for Alan Ket super graffitti aficionado. Please check the site to support KET ( http://www.supportket.org/)



Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!

NORFOLK VA tour

Last weekend I took some time away from the city and went down to south and took my VA tour. It was great to get up with friends and family and take in some good ole southern hospitality. Eventhough I was lounging around internet free I made sure that I visited a couple of noteworth boutiques. On my travels I hit up Commonwealth, Solebrother's, Cream and Frivolous Goods. All in all I must say that VA is putting it on the map for more then just a mecca for musical talent and tabacco. The kids down ther are proving that their syle and purchasing power extends past Anywhere,USA.

First stop was Commonwealth, happened to catch them during their sale. They have just recently relocated a couple of stores down form the old location (bigger and better). For those that don't know and have been here yet just go look for the purple sign that they prop up outside during normal business hours. They are located at 717 w. 31Street.



Purple sign lets you know that the register is ready to ring you up!







The sale was on and popping!!!!

We then wne to the opposite side of the block from Commonwealth and went to Sole Brothers located at 772 West 20th Street, Norfolk. This place is the epitome of a coolskate shop with a true streetwear edge.



Shots from inside the shop.... good2go!






If you are tring to find Cream you better know the address because this spot is very low key, so you better know the address (here ya' go,.... 801 Boush St. Norfolk). It is very much worth visiting it.



I pulled up to the Cream's parking lot and pulled up to a personalized parking spot.



Inside of cream,....




Out the door.... of to the next spot!!!



I followed Joe of Cream to his latest venture,... Frivolous Goods located at 507 Botetourt Street, Norfolk. This spot is a soon to be diamond in the rough. The direction is different from your average streetwear stores by branding themselves with there own luggage, wallets, watches and outerwear.






My trip down 2 VA was well worth it. More to come....

Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!

Big Daddies

We don't usually post the happenings that are outside of the Movement, but it was very hard not to post something as selfless as feeding and clothing the community. Please give a helping hand to this and any other charitable event to help your community.



This is what it is all about...

Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can build!!!!!

practice

the EST according to DENNIS from NATURAL SELECTION

the bEST

1) history book that you've read?
A People’s History of US by Howard Zinn

2) dish that your mom makes?
Fried scallops

3) vacation spot visited?
Kauai

4) item in the market right now?
Tees

5) denim brand in the market?
Edwin, G-Star

6) cd cozy up to the ladies with?
Sade, Sade, Sade

7) opening line sales pitch?
Is no sales pitch

8) opening price point tee shirt brand?
Uniqlo

9) comedy you''ve seen?
Dave Chapelle

10) trade show to get a taste of what is next?
None

MISSING IN ACTION

HEY PEOPLE,

I KNOW THAT THE MOVEMENT SLOWED DOWN, BUT I HAD A BACK INJURY THAT PUT ME DOWN... DON'T WORRY THOUGH WE ARE BACK WITH SOME NEW THINGS IN THE WORK. CHECK IT OUT.

TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND SO WE CAN BUILD...

East to West with Rich from All The Right...

I had a chance to chat with my home town homie Rich from "All The Right" in Corona Queens. They are on the Left coast right now gearing up to make ATR bi-coastal,... peep the science:



When did you start at All The Right (ATR)?
I've been a sales rep in the urban sector of the fashion game since 2002. I was brought into this world by Ruben Campos, owner and founder of Azzure Denim. Originally I was with Indigo Red and eventually developed an interest in the retail aspect. Retail allows you freedoms that wholesale does not. All The Right has been my local shopping destination since its creation in 1998. As I grew into my own business wise, George from All The Right and Moonshine took an interest in what I had to offer and in October of 2005 we officially began our partnership soon setting out to build our Los Angeles store which will be opening soon under the name Private Stock, a high end mens and womens shoppe.

How long have you known Moonshine (creative director)?
Moonshine and I are actually high school friends. While he was on tour with the Beatnuts, I was sharpening pencils and studying quadratic equations. Now we're both at this point in our lives...I think I got a raw deal...

What do you do for the store?
I am 1 half of the buying and creative control and also serve as the business machine behind this thing of ours...

What prompted you to go work there?
Freedom, 'nough said...


What are some of the perks of working there?
Local crackhead deals: Getting $2000 cameras and laptops for $300. Groupie love....



What are the benefits of being bicoastal?
1. knowing the difference between son and dude
2. the direct benefits of telling ny girls that you live in l.a. and telling l.a. chicks you're from ny
3. knowing how to roll swishers and phillies
4. understanding that l.a. is like heaven but that n.y. is like sex..(need a check for that one)
5. knowing the different kinds of mexicans


How is Cali vs Queens? Pros and Cons?
Cali is slow...everyone is relaxed...no one works...weed seems to be legal..weather is always great...it also makes u feel like you're always on set, like you can kick down building walls and be on the set of The Wizard Of Oz..Strong Pro: Asian women

New York is noisy, dirty, overpopulated, chaotic and beautiful in all its glory...nothing quite like it...f*ck what ya heard, act like you know..Strong Pro: Its New York.


Since you see so much product from so many different lines, what are some of the biggest influences that you see in the market? What are some of the common properties in many lines?
The 80s have pretty much shaped the entire mood of the game as we know it today. The all over prints, snap back caps, varsity and m65 jackets, the fascination with skinny jeans, rugbys..all of these come from mid to late 80s urban culture. The color craze is common theme in most collections. Somewhere down the line, someone decided that matching wasnt relevant or socially acceptable and that looking like a transformer was to become the status quo. No offense kids..




What do you think is missing from the market?
I think originality is what is lacking. Too many designers are forced into thinking that there is a formula. Themes are over played and carried on way too far. As a designer, your loyalty should be to innovation, not to market trends, forecasters, or even to money. Design is expression. So I ask myself what a lot of these guys are trying say.. Andy Warhol would puke at the state of the game today. Its kind of like, "Hey!!!, Anyone want to choose popular hip hop quotes, add movie visual and make t shirts???? Streetwears hiring!"


What are some of the differences from being a salesmen for a brand and being a buyer for a retailer? How are both sides of the fence?
First let me state, both are fun and fulfilling. Being a sales rep teaches you to understand marketing, design, and the importance of distribution. Being a buyer teaches you to understand your market, helps you to structure your business to cater to that market and also forces you to understand margins. Being a salesrep is definitely more difficult. Chasing down retailers, keeping up with accounts, building an account base, making your brand relevant, and keeping your name in good standing with all of your retailers is tedious work. Buying is much easier but can be much more short lived if your eye is not turning in results. In other words, if you're under 7 on the cool meter, look at other alternatives within the business.

Do you think that any of the streetwear brands will be able to be rock solid like POLO?
Any streetwear brand that reaches the acclaim of a POLO will no longer be considered a streetwear brand. Look at LRG, they were skate to begin with, but a few dollars get made and you're no longer "cool". Cool wont pay the bills though. Scott at LRG sure can tho. Ha ha ha...


What item do you think will be an instant streetwear classic that you will be able to pull out 10yrs from now and still be fresh?
The handkerchief .. what a prank.



What brand do you think will be the next big thing?
Collection from Los Angeles called The Magnificent Few, certified excellence. Still under the radar...

What do you think in your crystal ball will be the hottest trend for the summer coast to coast?
Look out for half man Gumby hair do's, fish net tank tops and ninja turtle watches.. shout out to Mayor Quimby and Ghostfaces rhyme book

What is a jewel that you would like to share about the business for any and all that are thinking about starting their own brand?
The right salesman could make you...



Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!

Dennis of Natural Selection

I got a chance to hook up with my good friend Dennis Yu of Natural Selection (sales agency) to kick it real quick. Check it out as he explains some of the important issues of owning a sales agency with west coast flare.

What brands are you currently repping?
Edwin Jeans, FUCT, 1882, Shmack, Hellz Bellz, and Godwin

What prompted you to start your sales agency on the west coast?
I’m originally from Los Angeles so after a few years in the east coast working for
another apparel company, it’s natural for the home coming.

What were some of the benefits of starting your agency in LA?
As an owner of an agency it’s essentially the same as running a company in any business. There is more flexibility on decision making, strategy planning, and time scheduling. On the financial side, we profit 100% from what we put in and on the reverse we also take 100% losses from our mistakes.

What territories do you cover?
We cover the US plus Asia with FUCT and 1882. The rest of the brands we service west coast (all states west of Mississippi.).

What were some of the unexpected bumps and bruises that you ran into along the way?
Being in the apparel industry, there is never a dull day. From encountering production delay to shipping error to retail credit problem to returned goods to industry politics…etc. it’s a never ending process of bumps and bruises. But as long as we take something from those times and minimize the mistakes, they are necessary challenges.

How is the climate of business do the emerging streetwear market?
Streetwear has gone through a whirlwind change in the past year sales/design wise. That has to do with changes from street consumer lifestyle within the age range of 16-32 such as the merge of skate/street/urban which also derives from the mesh of diverse cultures and music. Limited edition sneakers became not only a collectors hobby but a legitimate multi million dollar business. It creates a big demand for streetwear product and so the supply of retailers hurried to meet the need. At this point, there are too many brands with no substance/no history and we can see the starting point of some drop offs from certain lines. This is also a true testing time for brands that have no business infrastructure because they will not be able to compete against companies that have sufficient resources.

What role does a sales rep play in developing the brands that he/ she is repping?
A sales rep these days plays more of an important role to build a brand than ever. A sales rep not only would have to know how to sell and present a product but needs to understand the essence of the lifestyle and how to creatively communicate that message to the buyer and in turn to end consumers. That means ensuring the right brand presentation in the stores, efficient inventory control, and partnership on brand promotion with retail. On the other hand, since sales are the forefront of consumer reaction, we need to give vendors relevant feedback on design and market direction which include information on competing brands, seasonal merchandising…etc.


What trade show do you think are becoming if not already major players in this market.
I think the major ones are still MAGIC and Project with Agenda being a good boutique show.

What role do you think stores that have there own brands will play in the development of this market?
I think it’s good for the market where it’s going to challenge brands to improve on their design and quality as well as business operation. With the increase of retail brands, it only means there’s less shelves space to waste for the lines that don’t make profit or little margins.

What are some of the main ingredients in most West coast brands?
West Coast has always embodied a diverse lifestyle from skate to surf to street to urban to lowrider to premium contemporary (largely influence from Hollywood).

What are some brands streetwear and/or contemporary that are under the radar?
Edwin (for general US consumer)
Shadow Conspiracy
Uppercut
1882
Uniqlo…oh this is only the beginning..

Drop a jewel on the person that is reading this that wishes to start there own agency?
I know it sounds like a cliché but persistence does go a long way in this industry.

HOLLYWOOD TRANSFORMATIONS

YEAH,.... LIKE MANY AMERICANS AND LOVERS OF EIGHTIES PROGRAMMING

Yeah,... like many lovers of eighties television programming I went to see TRANSFORMERS. It is a cool flick and definitely entertaining, but in my opinion the robots sremind me of Schwarzenegger with out his skin (Terminator). The plot deviates from the original plot that I grew up on (but that is Hollywood for you) yet the special effects stay true to fashion. It is definitely worth seeing in my opinion and will be followed by a sequel. All I need now is a live action G.I.Joe flick to hit the local cinema.




What ever happened to the idea of making them look like these dudes:



Autobots transform and......Roll out!!!!!

Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!!

Happy Force,... I mean Forth of July...

This is the time of BBQs, fireworks, and drunk uncles that you love to death but sometimes wish would fall of the family tree.

Enjoy people.

Tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!

the EST according to Tbone (from NAME RIBBON)

Sat down with the infamous Tbone of NAME RIBBON and asked for the EST. Check below for Tbone assessment of the coolEST:

1) documentary that you watched?
- Zoo (sorta docu)
2) low budget summer vacation spot?
- Tbone's place in Brooklyn (can't
plug in the AC at the same time as the light)
3) club to party at in HK?
- ugggh! They change every time I go and
nobody puts me on the newsletter.
4) era for cool hair styles?
- the 80s, obviously
5) gift friend has given you?
- a watch that speaks the time out loud
(in Japanese)
6) mp3 player?
- i-duh
7) coffee shop chill in?
- Verb (cuz their horrible music selection
makes u want to get your work done fast and leave)
8) peice of furniture u bought?
- I guess the DIY closet organizer I
bought for my office. Before that there were samples EVERYWHERE!
9) belt u own?
- the punishment belt
10) pair of sunglasses?
- My Bernard Wilhelm white glasses with
attached matching visor, but this pair of black & red ones from a
street vendor in Soho come in a close 2nd place. (see photos attached)

HEAT=SOUND OF ART X NOSTYLGIA X TREAD + UPTOWN

Yeah I actually made the trek UPTOWN to Washington Heights to go to HEAT presented by the SOUND OF ART. All in all the event was dope! Very refreshing to see an event like this being done. If you all (which I doubt) are not up on SOUND OF ART let me break it down for you. SOUND OF ART puts on art show that is coupled with dope sounds (DJ's, spoken word, and live acts of various sorts). Now if that isn't cool enough that they are prompting exhibitions of some of the areas most talented lot of developing artist, they also put on events in hip venues. This spot of choice this round was TREAD bike shop (if you haven't been here then you haven't been to a real NY bike shop) and NOSTYLGIA (hip uptown street wear spot that has a build out that is very street relavent).
HEAT was peppered enthusiast of from the tri-state area just looking to partake in some wholesome sights and sounds. Ohhhh did I forget to state that it was a free BBQ as well yeah. With free cup cakes and homestyle mint icecream catered by PARAISO DE DULZURA . Below are some pics of the events.









Wow what more can I say people!!! Let's do it again and set a trend...

tell a friend to tell a friend so we can build....