Hydro74 - Piety within Progression

MISHIMOTO vs. HYDRO74
Press Release

This past SEMA I had, which at the time seemed like a amazing opportunity to work for Mishimoto to do a full drawing on two sides of a car as well as a hood in a 4 day span. I was extremely excited for the opportunity to see how I could accomplish this as well as this was something different than my usual fair of digital mouse clicking. SEMA is a famed trade show in the automotive industry with different companies pushing new ideas to those that are true automotive enthusiasts.

Month before the event and working with a marketing company everything was in order to be at one of the biggest booths with plenty of space as well as plenty of support to take on this endeavor that needed to be done within 4 days. Obviously this was no small task and any and all support would of been needed as well as being involved with one of the largest vendors at SEMA with amazing foot traffic.

A week before the event in a frenzy, everything that was planned was destroyed by the owner of Mishimoto since at the last moment they decided to get a booth dedicated to their brand, and the drawing, meaning it would just be me and my team working along with Mishimoto branding. Totally understandable, but since this changed the dynamic and trust, Mishimoto would now have to fund my efforts directly and everything just seemed sketchy days before the event. They could not afford my core price of $5000 and with only week before the actual event they offered $1000 + expenses (taxis, food costs, etc) which we agreed upon since I was looking forward more to the opportunity to work on this project more so than actual costs. In the end, I just wanted my basics covered and to have funds to pay Zombie Yeti for his time to assist me on this endeavor.

Sadly, the 4 days working with Mishimoto was hell.
From the first moment we started to the last moment when we finished up we had no respect given and any verbal agreement to assist in our efforts were ignored. Even the simple fact of asking for a small chair to sit and work on lower details was ignored. When both Zombie Yeti & I approached this, we set day specific goals on what we wanted to accomplish which on each day we met those goals and called it day. During our drawing, we would have Mishimoto employees open doors on us while we drawing it on, shake the car pretty hard to take off the hood so some SEMA celeb could sign it. Everything became awkward quite fast and our frustrations working with them grew and grew as time progressed. Simple things of being bossed around or being told ‘how’ to do things made it mind numbing to say the least. However Zombie Yeti and I held our heads up high and did our best with what we were working with.

With 2 days left, the right side of the car needed to be done, but there was no space. I asked the owner of Mishimoto if they were planning on flipping the car as discussed when we first stenciled it prior the opening of SEMA. Our only other option was to spend the next two days fine tuning the left side and hood and do a vinyl wrap in the end, or flipping the car so we can work and wouldn’t be hidden between booths. Really the core reason why we were there was to let passer goers of SEMA see us draw thus getting them to talk with Mishimoto and about their products. The car was not flipped and they still expected us to finish that side. Both Zombie Yeti & I decided that we wanted to finish the car proper and started. Imagine trying to draw in 3foot of space for two days. Quite the task, but we couldn’t stand back and proof our work. After the event, I Invoiced Mishimoto and shortly got a message back that he was instructed by the owner to not to pay me. The first reasons were rhetoric and subjective immaturity thus promoting the annoyance that is Mishimoto:

• "1-2 hours late every day"
• "you didn't even have the common courtesy to say goodbye "
• "I had to pay another artist to finish the design and then erase all of original marks left from your carbon stencil"

This was absurd reasons. 1. The ‘late’ aspect was because Zombie Yeti & I would have a meeting at the hotel about how to figure out solutions and set the daily goals. 2. Saying goodbye? Really? 3. Paying another artist? Why? We (Zombie yeti & I) agreed that the carbon details (pencil lines) defined the piece and added authenticity as well as if we tried to erase them them cleanly, the Krink markers would smear. That was our decision as artist and the given timeframe was the best choice.

So in the end. This is my story of the events. Mishimoto already threaten to sue me if I release my accounts of SEMA, but I say FUCK EM. When you refuse to pay me for my time and try to hush me be threatening me that you’ll sue, I say bring it. I am tired of companies taking advantage of designers and illustrators because they have money to sue you, but don’t have the money to pay you as the owner of Mishimoto stated in our emails: “'skimpy expenses' you feel you are owed” At the end, it’s just $1250. That is it. Quite sad isn’t it.

HYDRO74 COBRA TIME-LAPSE
Pen & Ink

Happy New Year. I figured I would start the New Year off with a challenge by doing a 24 inch x 36 inch drawing. This is actually a test run since in a few days I'll be attending and live drawing at Agenda at the Lira Apparel Booth. Just wanted to calculate time, materials and how they react to one another.

This piece is 2 ft x 3 ft, on a 1/4 inch compressed board using Krinks, Microns and a few Sharpie Poster Paint markers for touch ups. I'm happy with the results. Check out the time-lapse and see it in it's full glory.

Hydro74 Cobra Time-Lapse from Joshua Smith on Vimeo.

OWL TIME-LAPSE
Pen & Ink

For Christmas I got the new Go Pro Naked and decided to test it out with a timelase of a Owl drawing. This piece is 18 inches x 24 incehs using Krinks & Microns on Bristol Paper. This was a fun personal project after Christmas and think it took me roughly 5 hours. Check out the Time-Lapse. Keep in mind I'm pretty raw at AE so it isn't the greatest creation.

Hydro74 Owl from Joshua Smith on Vimeo.

WOLF TIME-LAPSE
Vector

Revolt Marketing requested a piece for one of their clients so I figured this would be a great piece to do a digital time-lapse. This piece was done in Adobe Illustrator using only the Pen Tool and my mouse. Pretty much what I do best. Check it out:

Hydro74 Wolf Time-Lapse from Joshua Smith on Vimeo.

PLAYSTATION VS HYDRO74
Studio Output Artist Series

Earlier this year I was contacted by Studio Output over in the UK to be involved in their Artist Series they were putting together for Playstation and the Playstation Network. I offered up different illustrations as Playstation Wallpaper themes. Pretty excited about being able to be involved with The Studio and Playstation.

Next time you are playing, score a Hydro74 Wallpaper! Check the video here: Studio Output

BURLESQUE OF NORTH AMERICA VS HYDRO74
Exclusive

Introducing The Awakening of Aegolius (Bird of Prey). I'm and very proud and excited to be part of the Burlesque of North America Roster and to be able to work with them. This is my first installment of exclusive prints sold by Burleque featuring one of my favorite mediums to illustrate. Each print is printed with Silver & Gold inks and on the best paper stock around (French Paper). This run is limited to 100 prints and close to sold out.

Burlesque is a amazing printer that works with Aaron Horkey, Arcade Fire, David Choe and many others. It's a absolute honor to be part of their family and be involved with one of the best silk screen printers out there.

Head over to Burleque and grab one before they are gone!

PRIMUS GIG POSTER
At the Fillmore

Recently Zoltron hit me up to see if wanted to be part of the artist collection doing up prints for Primus for each new show in their upcoming tour. I believe the answer was a quick, hell yes!. With no clue on what direction to take, I decided to do my own version of a high society chimp and give it hints of Turn of the Century vibe. This print was printed by the glorious Burlesque of North America and features 4 lovely colors on French Paper Speckletone Oatmeal. Love the way it turned out and love how the paper and the inks work nicely together.

So you are asking yourself, how do i get one of these prints? Well I have 25 Artist Signed and Numbered prints available. Go check out my SECRET SHIT and see if there are any left!

HYDRO74 PILLOWS
Click for Art vs Hydro74

Want a Hydro74 Pillow? I recently joined forces with Click for Art over the UK to offer up some exciting new product. Stay tuned, might have a chair in the works!

Go Check Out the Pillows!

HYDRO74 VS ZAZZLE
Iphone, Ipod & Ipad Speck cases

After a few months of convincing by the Zazzle team I decided to throw up some art for Iphone (3 &4), Ipad & Ipod touch cases. After getting a sample, I feel in love with mine. I've been rocking that Tiger for a few weeks now. Overall I'm impressed with the cases, and I'll admit, I hate iphone cases. But these are actually pretty damn nice. But then again, I'm bias since my lovely crayon drawings are on the back :)

So if your phone needs be Be'Hydro'dazzled, go buy a case or two. I think you'll see why I decided to get these going with Zazzle and start a great partnership.

HYDRO74 CASES.

ART OF FLIGHT
Event Poster

This past month I got a phone call from Travis Rice inquiring about a poster for the Art Of Flight movie they are getting ready to release. I actually caught the trailer a month before hand while working with EA Sports on a project so of course, I was excited. Not only for the full circle aspect but to be involved. This movie is FUCKING epic. Everything done in this movie embraces the beauty of snowboarding. So yes, or more of a Hell Yes!!. I had a package sent out to Travis with some recent prints and shortly after we started talking about how and what to create for this silk screen print.

After a few rounds for working with Travis & Mikey, things were coming together, but I still needed a little help so I recruited Zombie Yeti to assist on sketches and elements that I could vector up and add my touch to so I can construct a poster that embraces the ideology of the film. Over all it came out stunning and If you can find one, get it. Heard they went quick at the Premier.

Check out the ART OF FLIGHT TRAILER and then go buy it on the Apple Store.

POPUP PRINTS
Hydro in the UK

Recently started working with a good friend over in the UK with some exclusive Hydro74 Prints. Popup has selected a great roster and print on some of the finest quality materials to produce beautiful pieces. There is a little something for everyone as well as a visually stunning site.

Go check out POP UP Projects

INTERVIEWS
Some Q&A's

As of recently I have had several interview requests from a few different art blogs and wanted to share them just in case you missed them. I'm always dropping things like this on twitter.

Abduzeedo Interview
Technique & how I became a freelancer.

TheeBlog
Never wanted to be a designer and how I got into design.

Neon Forest Gallery
A little insight in my early porn mag selling career in 3rd grade

HER MAJESTY
New Hydro74 Font

This typeface has been a work in progress for quite some time. Started the basic letters and it was only recently I was able to spend some quality time and finalize it. As of late, I've been obsessed with scripophily and the art of various bonds and money. This font was developed with that passion in mind since I know I could use it on a regular basis.

This typeface is currently available over at Hype for Type and won't be on my store for some time because I want to assist and promote one of my favorite foundries.

Go check out the typeface as well as everything else Hype For Type has to offer: HYPE FOR TYPE / HER MAJESTY
TIGER, HELLCAT & EAGLE..
Three New Prints

Love the smell of fresh silk screen prints! In typical Hydro74 fashion, I produce and introduce 3 more Animals series prints for my collection. These prints are a mixture of lush and exploritory ideas that I've been playing with over the last few months. Each print is printed on French Paper and is limited to only 100 prints.

You might want to get these quick because my last few series have sold out or have a couple prints available. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with these prints.

Check it out: Hydro74 Store
NEW HYDRO74 MIXTAPE
Electro
Take On Me by Hydro74

Here you go. This is a new little mix I put together featuring some great electro and a few 80's throw backs. I really love putting together mixes and seeing how good or bad they become towards the end. So if you are into this type of things, give it a listen.

A couple previous mixtapes you can download:
Knocking Boots: Electro
DrumBassTime: - Drum & Base / Dub

All of my mixes can be found here
BE STREET MAGAZINE
Interview

Recently had the opportunity and privledge to be interviewed with Be Street Magazine out of France. It's a quality magazine as well as a giant in the streetwear industry to knowing what is what. If you haven't already checked out this magazine, you should. It is probably one of the best ones out there with amazing content.

Check it out: Be-Street Magazine

NEW FONTS & SOME FREE ONES!
Legacy of Defeat

I love my typography! I recently finished up 5 new fonts and two free ones. Each font is a custom display typefaces reflecting what I'm into as far as structure and themes. These fonts are meant for you to go in and abuse the hell out of them and money up your designs.

Go Buy them at my HYDRO74 STORE
as far as the FREE ones. Check out LEGACY OF DEFEAT.

TREK vs. HYDRO74
Stickers on a bike.

Just got word that the Trek x Hydro74 for Fabian Cancellara Madone 6.9 SSL is out. I recently assisted Patrick Hotlen on developing a Spartin based structure. Patrick killed it and made the complete bike look sexy. Here is the write up from the Trek PR:

'Trek has been an active proponent in pushing art through cycling. With a well-known relationship involving the likes of Shepard Fairey and Lance Armstrong, their newest artist-designed bike is the Fabian Cancellara Madone 6.9 SSL created by artist Hydro74. The bike, which will enjoy its debut during the 2011 Tour de France, embodies a theme inspired by Spartacus and the gladiators. A stunning visual creation referencing the ancient times of Greek warriors makes for a visual identity that falls in-line with Cancellara’s personality as a rider and physique. The bike will be available for custom order as of Friday, July 1 as part of Trek’s Project One custom bike program.'

NEW FONT
Black Label Whiskey

For those that know me, know that my first passion in making and exploring typography. With that said, here is the lasted edition I've added to my font roster. Black Label Whiskey is a mixture of Tattoo & Turn of the century letterforms to create a unique typeface with some sexy diversity.

Check it out over at Legacy of Defeat and grab some free fonts while there::: Legacy of Defeat
Go purchase the font directly at my store for only $15 bucks! ::: Hydro74 Store

HYDRO74 NEW BUSINESS CARD
New Gold Standard

I always get really bored with the standard business card. To me it is one of those things that get lost in the shuffle and from various events, they are either in a large box or scattered all over my desk. This time, I want to do something different and something that will make a good impact to the client. I don't want my card to get shuffled to t he bottom of the pile, but to stay firm on their desk as a reminder that maybe, just maybe, the next project could be mine. Joking of course, but still, just wanted something to stand myself apart from everyone lese doing what I'm doing.

so this is my new business card. I'm planning on running different designs for each season and making it where it's something that friends and clients get excited about. Hope you dig it!

LASER ENGRAVED PIECES
Agaist The Grain Art

On May 6th 1AM Gallery held the event Against The Grain that I put together with 123Klan, Munk One, Julie West & Myself. The show was a great success and got to meet some great people. The goal of the show was to make it easy for the artist involved and create some laser engraved pieces to showcase there talents as well as show off any new artwork. If you are interested in getting any of the pieces, 1AM has them up on their site currently. Believe there are a few left from the show. Check it out.

Here is a sample of the pieces Karvt did up for me. You can get better views and see a few others on my Flickr

SCOTT DIXON HELMET
Hydro74 vs Scott Dixon Indy 500 Helmet

Recently Rik Tommasone hit me up from Royalty Design to produce a piece for Scott Dixon. Obviously this was a no brainer since he's a amazing Indycar driver and represents the talented Target Team. The goal of the project was to create a New Zealand inspired piece that would fit on his helmet for the upcoming Indy 500 race. After a couple rough concepts, both Rik and I fell in love with the piece and hit up Scott for his approval. Once I get the final images in of the helmet, I'll share them.

Root for Scott Dixon this month as he preps for the 500.

AGAIST THE GRAIN
Hydro74 + Friends Gallery Show in San Fran.

I will be in San Francisco May 6th for a gallery show at 1am Gallery with 123Klan, Julie West & Munk One. This show will be pretty much amazing, mostly because I'm excited about hanging with Julie and Munk, but also because I am working with Karvt to produce laser etched skateboards and pieces for each of the artist to show off. If you are in the San Fran area, make it out and play wizard sticks with me. I'll explain when you get there.

FRIDAY MAY 6TH
1AM GALLERY
1000 HOWARD STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CALLY

21+ 6PM TO 9:30PM (OR MAYBE LATER DEPENDING ON THINGS)

HYDRO74 HARDBACK
New Hydro74 Book

My first hardback. This book is a total DIY effort to showcase 55+ Illustrations in a 60 page book. There is a limited quantity of them available and if you are a fan of the Vector artform, you'll love this book.

Order it at my online shop: Hydro74 Store

KOBE VI
Nice Font!

Nike always produces amazing shoes and the new Kobe VI's are pretty damn amazing. But what makes this even more amazing (from my perspective) is the fact that right in the front there, a Hydro74 font is being used. Nice to see Burial Black get some props. Iknew a while back that Nike started to use Burial Black, but never would of guessed it would make it on a iconic shoe for one of the best players in the league. Very humbled and excited at the same time.

Check out the Kobe VI's.

HYDRO74 IS A PUNKASS
A new mixtape

One of the thing I like to do on the side is put together mixes with tracks I currently enjoy. It's mostly for my own listening pleasure, but also enjoy sharing them, even if they are pretty horrid. Here is the latest Mixtape : Hydro74 is a Punkass which features some nice hard electro, booty house, 80's flashback and just some rawness.

Download: Hydro74 is a Punkass

here are several other Mixes i've done up as well. Check them out!

THE SALVATION ARMY
Japan Aid Relief Shirt

Japanese media reported at least 1,000 people are presumed dead from Friday's massive 8.9 earthquake, most drowned by the wall of water that swept across the northeast coast of the island nation. The Salvation Army in Japan is responding to the earthquake and tsunami that brought devastation to the north of the country. Joshua Smith from ( Hydro74 ) has designed a shirt to help raise funding and awareness for those affected by the disaster. The Japanese Kanji on the shirt translates to "Save World Army"

100% of the proceeds of the sales of this shirt will go toward The Salvation Army's relief efforts in Japan

Go PRE-ORDER. Consider it a gift for doing a good thing

COUPLE NEW FONTS
Snake Oil & Pistola

Due to popular belief, I am probably one of the nicest guys out there. For example, I really enjoy making fonts and like this, I am giving them away for free. Granted, they are not the best of the best and are limited, but it is still free and perfect for your design font roster. If you like these fonts, check out my semi'premium fonts at my STORE

To score these free fonts (as well as quite a few others I've offered up free) go over to LEGACY OF DEFEAT and check them out!

ANIMAL SERIES VOL. 1
Lush Silk Screen Print Series

Just added new prints to the Online Store. This set is titled Animal Series which features The Cunning (deer), The Courage (wolf), The Monarch (lion) & The Wisdom (owl). This set is a lush 2 color print featuring Silver & Gold inks. Each print is limited to only 100 pieces and will be gone soon due to pre demand. Yeah, I'm speculating, but damn, these turned out sexy.

Check out the Animal Series in my Online Store

ALSO! Vahalla Studios recently released a short film on the process as they prepped The Monarch. Check it out!

Hydro74 vs. Vahalla Studios from LemonLime Photography on Vimeo.

BLACK MAMBA vs HYDRO74
Kobe Shirts up at Nike

Just caught word that the new 24 Black Mamba snake I did up for Kobe is up at the Nike Store. Over the past few years I've worked with Wil on various LeBron and Kobe assets and these were ones that I really enjoyed doing up. Wil is good people!

Go over to the Nike store and score a Black Mamba shirt. Believe the yellow one is on sale!

Kobe "Haters Motivate" Shirt
Kobe 24 Mamba Shirt

DESIGN CHAT
A whole lot of 'umms'

Design Chat just dropped with my interview. Watch me do a horrible job answering question.

Check it out and the other interviews

ADIDAS VS HYDRO74
Shoe Design

I recieved a email from a friend over at Adidas telling me that these shoes were out. Guess they have been out for a minute now, but wasn't in the know. Last year I had the opportunity to work with Adidas Originals on some custom pieces. I've always been a fan of Adidas due my first pair of Sambas that I had in High School, so this was a no brainer when they asked if i wanted to work up some art.

Go Buy some Adidas vs Hydro Kicks

NEW FONTS
From Hydro74 & Legacy of Defeat

Just recently wrapped up 3 new fonts and 1 new free font for Legacy of Defeat. I'm always designing fonts because it's a passion to discover new techniques for typefaces. I believe over the past years I've developed over 80 fonts... weird. Anyway, go check them out at Legacy of Defeat.

Legacy of Defeat - Home of the Hydro74 Fonts

THE POSTER CAUSE
Hydro74 Poster for a good cause

I was asked by Andrew over at The Poster Cause Project to offer up a print where proceeds goes towards a legit charity. Of course I was down. The biggest aspect to me being a designer is being able to offer up something to the good of humanity. Not that a poster can fix anything, but it will help and assist raise funds for a charity that does good for the people they take care of.

This poster is limited to only 50 prints. I would suggest grabbing one while you can before they are out of stock. While you are over there, check out the other prints provided by the other artist on their roster!

Hydro74 vs The Poster Cause Project

HYDRO74 SOUNDCLOUD MIXES
Sexy Slab Deco.

Middle Fingers Up - Mixtape by Hydro74

Every so often I post a new mix up. It's one of those things that I like to do so I can have a small collection of tracks to work to while I do my thing. If you are into dirty wobble hard electro crap, check them out.

Hydro74 on Soundcloud

NIKE KENTUCKY HYPER DUNK vs. HYDRO74
Artist Series

Every once in a while I find myself checking out the Nike Basketball blog or googling to see if any of the recent projects are out so I can share them. In my standard 'Sunday Night, I'm bored' internet search, I discovered the Kentucky Hyper Dunks. Generally with their Hyper Dunks they color it up, add the schools logo and call it day, but this pair was nice since my work was printed on it. When I worked on the Hyper Elite series earlier, I didn't expect much of it to be used, but I was mistaken. Check this Shirt out

Super stoked on this! Thanks to Michael Spoljaric for backing me on the project and being a amazing guy to work with over at Nike! Big ups Spo.

Check out the Kentucky Hyper Dunk

HYDRO74 vs. HYPERLITE
Artist Series

With Surf Expo looming around the corner this next week, I just discovered a reason to be even more excited to head over there besides hanging with the Anarchy Crew (Scott & Robo). This past year I had the honor of working with Blaze over at Hyperlite on their Tribute board. Since I've never worked on a wake board before, I was super excited to see what I could put together. Few comps later, this is the one that stuck.

Check out the Tribute in all it's glory over at Hyperlite

HYDRO74 vs. BPONG
Artist Series

This past year Hydro74 had the opportunity to work with BPong on a new custom table. The goal was to create something that in traditional Hydro fashion but add a mixture of aggressive complexity and make sure it's culturally relevant to the people who partake in this game. Over all this table turned out bad ass with massive hits of Metallic gold and silver. Yeah, I just made Beer Pong Sexy!

HYDRO74 PLAYING CARDS
Limited Edition Portfolio Deck

With the start of 2011, the name of the game is coming up with new and innovative ideas that fit within budgets. My goal is to create a custome playing card portfolio deck that includes 5 custom made poker chips. These will not be your average playing cards, but rather a selection of 54 illustrations highlighting the work of Hydro74. These will be limited edition since mainly they are for clients and future clients (a bribe if you will), but will have some sets left over to offer to core fans of Hydro74

View & check out the Playing Cards