FatCaps are back - Series 2

FatCaps are back with 17 new rattling personalities plus two uber-rare chases.

Masterminded by Bubble Fetishist, Tilt, Argentine art troop DOMA, graffiti writer Sket One, and a team of other graf stars, these 3-inchers guard their work with dangerous accessories including machine guns, bull whips and batons.

Mike Slobot x Mini Munny

DIY is becoming infectious, a pandemic of creativity. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then here's a look at one designer's world of custom fever:

These are Mike Heisler's (a.k.a. Mike "Slobot") custom toys, appropriately named "slobots". The SlomunnyV3 (above) is the third generation of Slomunny series he has created with articulating arms, a custom glass eye, acrylic arms & legs, and a winning personality. SlomunnyV3 was created for Giant Skills Mini Munny show at PinkGhost, but unfortunately has been sold online already...crap.

If you're feeling inspired, we still have plenty of KidRobot's Mini Munnys at the store. Also, keep on the lookout for information regarding our own custom show set for Fall of this year. Hint: It's gonna be big...

Check out Mike Slobot's site ::here:: for more ass-kicking robots

The Ampersand

Yup, a blog entirely dedicated to the Ampersand. This under appreciated, sweet dude is finally getting the attention he so deserves.

The Ampersand is one of my favs!!!

Check the blog out here
While you are at it check out this flickr group dedicated to our curvy friend.

New Graphic Design in China

Just came across this feature in PingMag about new graphic design coming out of China.
Really fantastic work...Now if only they put more resources into encouraging this talent, rather than backwards oppression. Here is one of my faves:

Hero to represent at NXNE 2008

We're headed to the land of prosperity, and sub-par universal health-care. That's right...Canada, America's Hat, and we're takin' some posters with us:

Hero has been asked to take part in Toronto's 14th annual North by Northeast Music / Film Festival & Conference (sister festival to Austin's South by Southwest). The festival will be highlighting new independent music, music related film-doc screenings, and of course music industry stuff (which includes our posters).

If you've always wanted to go to a SXSW type festival, and your shoes are worn from you kicking yourself for not, then come to this one. It may even be closer for some of you. I know we're close...we'll proabably walk there. Anyway, the dates are June 12th-15th. Hero will be hanging out all day Thursday the 12th. Pretty sure we'll be at Conference Headquarters @ the Holiday Inn, 370 King St. W. If you can't find our booth just look for the billowing mushroom cloud of awesomeness. More info on the festival after the jump. Hope to see you there!

NXNE

Hallwalls Artists and Models 2008 Poster Design by Hero

Have you seen this year's poster for Hallwalls Artist and Models event? Hero was commissioned to create the poster for 2008's "Unhinged", which is the must attend art party of the year in Buffalo, held at the Buffalo Central Terminal on May 31. Check it out and be sure to check out this year's poster and better yet, do it with 3D glasses on. For more info on Hallwalls and the event click here

Triple Dunny Drop this Thursday at Hero

From three world-famous UK artists - ilovedust, Jon Burgerman, and TADO come three new Dunnys, guaranteed to be not too hot, not too cold, but jusst right.

Each figure in this three-toy series comes in a bold black and blue color and includes accessories like Zulu Mong's Dunny-headed mallet, Tea Bear's bone-dry teacup, and Uncle Bucky's fishing rod. Individually packaged and sold, these 8-inch vinyls will be sold in a collaboratively designed box by the artists. Hurry because these are very limited and will go VERY quickly. Available at Hero tomorrow Thursday May 22 at 12pm.

(there are no holds on these so come in and yours before they are gone.)

Thomas Han's Monster Pushers

The Monster Pusher is the third in series of four mystical influencers: Spirit, Pirate, Monster, and Animal. The Monster has a unique mask and "face" with candy-colored pin-striping over a gradient black pearlescent base, reminiscent of Thomas's unique colors and fine line work. 6 inches tall. Only 500 Black Monster exist.

BambooZoo at Hero!!

These guys are so cute its TERRIFYING!!! They release tomorrow, Thursday May 8!!! Seriously you will fall in love as soon as you see them!!!

Take Action: Orphan Rights Act

Hey everyone, Not sure if you are familiar with the piece of possible legislation, but it could be disastrous to our industry.

Please take a moment & drop you congressperson a note today!



The Orphan Works Bill goes to the house for a vote tomorrow!! There is no time left to make your voice heard. IT'S SO EASY to make sure your senators and representatives hear you and how important it is for them to vote NO to this bill. My letter is below but an easy to use form is at this link, it's a no brainer. You can customize or do nothing, just fill in your info and it will be emailed to the senators and representatives in your state based on your zipcode.

Legislative Action Center

Please take 2 tiny minutes to fill this in NOW before it's too late, it's so very important to all visual artists. Please forward to all those you'd like to protect and the loved ones that care about us all.

Additional info:
Brad Holland and the Illustrators Partnership need your help opposing legislation that will put the livelihood of every illustrator and photographer at risk, and if passed, would pretty much mean an end to any right you have to your own creations.

Despite its seemingly laudable ends, S. 2913 and HR. 5889 - the “Orphan Works Bill” needs to be opposed and defeated. And we need to do this immediately! Here's why:

1. It changes the 1976 U.S. Copyright Act (enacted in 1978), and
makes it virtually impossible for artists to protect their work. It
basically allows anyone to use a design without the copyright
holder's permission.

2. It requires artists to attempt to protect their work by
registering it with a digital data base system (presumably for a fee,
in addition to the copyright filing fee)-when no such system exists!

3. It eliminates statutory damages wherever an infringer can
successfully claim an orphan works defense, thus eliminating the only tool the law provides to prevent deliberate infringement.

4. It allows for an infringer to create-and copyright-a derivative
work from the original design.


"If we do not stop BOTH Orphan Works Bills NOW-
It does not matter that you created it.
It does not matter that you have a copyright mark on it.
It does not matter that it is registered in the Library of Congress.
It does not matter that you signed it.
It does not matter that you put a big fat watermark across it.
It does not matter that you put digital signatures on it.
It does not matter if you get a lawyer- you will get a pittance
determined by the offending company and no reimbursement for legal fees.
It does not matter even if you do as they demand and pay to register it in the new registries that they will form - there is no real punishment for using your work for profit.
It does not matter that you do not want your image used on a product or to promote an agenda.
They can even sell your prints and make money!"


For more info on this matter go to:
http://www.illustratorspartnership..org

A webcast interview with Brad Holland about the Orphan Works act bill can be heard at:
Orphan Works information

The Orphan Works Act of 2008 is hugely critical to the possible
future careers of artists everywhere and it must be opposed.

Time is of the essence. This legislation appears to be scheduled for
fast-tracking. Please act today!

I encourage you to take a minute to sign your name to the
Petition by linking to the website below.

Deviants against the "Orpaned Works" Bill - Signatures

You can also go to: Graphic Artists Guild: Elected Officials to get the contact info for your state's officials.

Please forward this message to anyone who can help us on this matter or might be effected by it. And thank you for helping protect artists rights.


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FROM THE ILLUSTRATORS' PARTNERSHIP

Take Action: Don't Let Congress Orphan Our Work
We’ve set up an online site for visual artists to e-mail their Senators and Representatives with one click.
This site is open to professional artists, photographers and any member of the image-making public.

We’ve provided sample letters from individuals representing different sectors of the visual arts.
If you’re opposed to the Orphan Works act, this site is yours to use.


For international artists and our colleagues overseas, we’ve provided a special link, with a sample letter and instructions as to whom to write.


2 minutes is all it takes to write Congress and protect your copyright:
Legislative Action Center

Back in stock now!!!

Cactus Friends Carina and Bruttino by Tokidoki are back in stock at Hero!! Only $11.99 each and they go fast so hurry in to get yours.

Vintage logos

A goldmine of Vintage Logos collaborated by Eric Carl from a mid-70’s edition of the now out of print book ‘World of Logotypes’.