Exploring Sticker Art: 5 Campaigns That Stick
Written by Lulu Montemayor ● Published on December 13, 2023Explore the charm of stickers featuring the work of renowned artists – it's like carrying mini art pieces wherever you go. Artists have cleverly adapted their work to these adhesive canvases, creating a unique way to share their art with the world. Join us on a peel-and-reveal journey through sticker campaigns and the brilliant artists behind them. Get ready for an artsy escapade!
1. Shepard Fairey’s Andre the Giant/Obey Giant
Who could have predicted that a newspaper ad with Andre the Giant’s image would evolve into the now ubiquitous OBEY sticker, recognized worldwide across generations?
The creative genius behind these artworks certainly didn’t. Shepard Fairey is an American graphic artist whose iconic works are described as revolutionary (and controversial) in both contemporary and street art, guerilla marketing, and American political history. On the story behind the Obey Giant sticker, Fairey has been quoted describing it as a happy accident, a mere stencil that would evolve into a sticker “that has no meaning but exists only to cause people to react, to contemplate and search for meaning in the sticker.”
The Obey Giant sticker's inception goes back to 1989 while Fairey was a student at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Fairey’s friend had asked him how to make stencils, and they stumbled upon a newspaper ad of the famous wrestler André the Giant. The result? Some stencil magic:
The stencil became a hit, leading to the widespread distribution of the "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign by the skateboarding and graffiti communities in the 1990s. Later, Fairey would create a simpler version featuring the word “OBEY” in bold, birthing the iconic sticker still known and replicated today, thirty years later.
2. Shepard Fairey’s Barack Obama “Hope” Poster
Who would forget the vibrant blue and red poster with “Hope” and Barack Obama’s face? This also happens to be Shepard Fairey’s masterpiece, which features his signature high-contrast stencil technique.
Originally circulated as a street poster, the official artwork of Obama’s presidential campaign did not stop there. It was also made into stickers and shirts, spreading hope like confetti. Its impact was so influential that it earned the cover of Time’s 2008 Person of the Year issue. The Obama artwork demonstrated that art can be a catalyst for change while also making a bold statement.
3. Matthew Hoffman’s You Are Beautiful
Three words, endless good vibes! This sticker art by creative wizard Matthew Hoffman is a daily dose of kindness, reminding you to be your fabulous self. Launched in 2002 as a passion project, the sticker’s messaging has always been about spreading positivity.
Hoffman hails from Chicago. His work includes large-scale and interactive sculptures, and these awesome stickers. What's his jam, you ask? Promoting self-love and encouraging us all to be each other's biggest cheerleaders. Now that's some serious art with heart.
4. UrbanMedium’s Chetrooper
Imagine if Che Guevarra and a Stormtrooper had a baby — say hello to the Chetrooper! This funky sticker design is the brainchild of Derek Fridman, aka UrbanMedium — a contemporary artist, illustrator, and designer extraordinaire.
UrbanMedium's signature "culture jamming" style is a wild mix of hip-hop, graffiti, politics, and pop culture – all blended in the Chetrooper sticker. Picture a quirky meet-up of rebels and space troopers, immortalized in sticker form.
5. KAWS’s Companion
If Mickey Mouse had a twin, it would be Companion, the creation of KAWS. Also known as Brian Donnelly, KAWS is a graffiti artist and designer known for his playful toys, vibrant paintings, and eye-catching prints.
We bet you’ve spotted it: the cool character rocking a skull and cross-bone noggin and those X-eyes, giving a nod to our childhood mouse pal.
But hold on, Companion is more than just a quirky character. It's also a vibrant series of prints capturing the magic of KAWS's signature X-eyed charm. It's like he took street art by storm and turned it into a global sensation.
And there you have it, our wrap-up of sticker campaigns showcasing the work of talented artists. Whether you're a seasoned sticker art buff or just dipping your toes into the sticker art scene, take a moment to appreciate the mightiness packed into these sticky little wonders. It's like a mini art revolution stuck to every surface!
48HourPrint.com: Your Sticker Printing Sidekick
Now, it’s time for you to bring your own sticker ideas to life. No need to be the next Picasso — creating awesome stickers is for everyone. And if you're looking for a trusty sticker printing sidekick, 48HourPrint.com has your back. We've got the magic touch for various kinds of stickers, from labels to vinyl stickers. Ready to kick off your sticker adventure? Jump in with 48HourPrint.com and let the sticker magic begin.
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