There are ideas that change the way man people think, spend, and live. Some people ride these waves of ideas and are carried forward, while others tread water and let the waves pass through them. A few harness these waves and channel them in new and more powerful directions that impact everyone. Each of these powerful waves is an IMPRINT. The 2007 Imprint conference takes a deeper dive into urban and Asian popular culture: the Streetwear imprint dictating what the largest brands do for their next season, the imprint of bloggers who can bring multi-billion dollar companies to their knees, the biggest on-deman entertainment imprint that's leveling the playing field for Asians.
2008 speakers
Mark Arcenal
Founder/CD Fatlace. Member of the Nike Global Digital Design Group
Sean Baptiste
Manager, Community Development, Harmonix
Jill Bliss
Crafty Entrepreneur, blissen.com
Jamie Chan
Founder, Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco
Hiroshi Fujiwara
Founder of Fragment Design
Kenya Hara
Artistic Director, MUJI
Julia Huang
CEO of interTrend Communications, Inc.
jeffstaple
Founder/Designer, Staple Design
John Jay
Creative Director and Exec. Partner, Wieden + Kennedy
Shinya Kimura
Founder, Chabott Engineering
Michael Kuhle
Product Development Director, Lomo
Wan Lee
Ruckus Rider Extraordinaire
Eric Nakamura
Publisher and Editor, Giant Robot
Evan Shamoon
giantmecha.com
Matt Stinchcomb
Marketing Director, Etsy
David Wilson
Creative Director, Kangol Headwear
Ken Gushi
Drift Driver Team Scion RS*R
Jerry Tsai
Pacific Rim Motorsport Fashion
Jenova Chen
Creative Director & Co-Founder, thatgamecompany
Randy Smith
Electronic Arts
Anne Ishii
mprint Senior Culture Analyst
2008 videos
The Cult of Transportation
Hiroshi Fujiwara x jeffstaple
Imprint 2008 Opening Animation
2008 News Coverage
Angry Asian Man
Oct. 12, 2008
Chinese Daily News
Oct. 2, 2008
Examiner.com
Oct. 6, 2008
Label Networks 1
Oct. 2, 2008
Label Networks 2
Oct. 2, 2008
Sing Tao Daily
Sept. 27, 2008
Taiwan Daily
Oct. 2, 2008
Yahoo! Finance
Oct. 6, 2008
Zhong Guo News
Oct. 2, 2008
2008 Schedule
8:30AM – 9:00AM
Registration and Breakfast at The Lab
Start of conference @ Democracy Forum
9:00AM – 9:10AM
Welcome Address
Julia Huang, CEO, interTrend Communications
9:10AM – 10:00AM
Keynote Address
Kenya Hara, Art Director/Board Member of MUJI
10:00AM – 11:15AM
Panel #1: The Cult of Gaming
Once just a multi-billion dollar industry, gaming is making the leap to the next level by asserting itself as relevant art form and alternative life space. Learn how games have created virtual communities around the world and see where the category may be headed.
Panelist: Sean Baptiste, Jenova Chen, Randy Smith
Moderator: Evan Shamoon
11:20AM – 12:35PM
Panel #2: The Cult of Transportation
The process of getting from point A to B spans many passion points, categories and cultures. We’ll investigate some of the most intriguing with our panelists.
Panelist: Mark Arcenal, Shinya Kimura, Wan Lee, Ken Gushi, Jerry Tsai
Moderator: Fred Chang
2:00PM – 3:15PM
Panel #3: The Cult of Collaboration
The symbol of “X” has come to define an entire industry of collaboration. Collaborations between mega brands with street-level designers, cross category partners and artists have become a mainstay in consumer culture. Our panelists will discuss the origin, results and potential future of this cult of collaboration.
Panel: Hiroshi Fujiwara x David Wilson, jeffstaple x Michael Kuhle
Moderator: John C Jay
3:45PM – 5:00PM
Panel #4: The Cult of Crafts
Our panel of the DIY/Crafts community leaders will be discussing their own work as it has garnered cult-status, and how that affects the larger world of curious creators working in tactile media.
Panel: Jill Bliss, Matt Stinchcomb, Jamie Chan
Moderator: Eric Nakamura
3:45PM – 4:30PM Private Workshop with Collaboration Panel:
5:00PM – 5:45PM
One-on-One Discussion: Hiroshi Fujiwara x jeffstaple
5:00PM – 5:45PM Private Workshop with Crafting Panel:
5:50PM – 6:00PM
Closing Remarks
Panelist: Ryan Ku, Director of Imprint
7:00PM – 9:00PM
RECEPTION AT THE HIRASAKI GARDEN, JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
2008 Sponsors
Mark Arcenal
Born and Raised in San Francisco just around the corner from the Haight in 1972. I love great design in cars, architecture, and graphics. I love my serato only because I don't like carrying my records anymore. I am the founder and creative director for Fatlace and a member of the Nike Global Digital Design Group.
Sean Baptiste
Sean Baptiste is Manager of Community Development for Harmonix Music Systems, makers of Rock Band, in Cambridge, MA. He oversees the daily interaction with fans who cover the spread from casual to hardcore enthusiasts and the unique issues that arise when you mix ardent music fans and ardent gaming fans. He also maintains the community section of Rockband.com.
Jill Bliss
Jill bliss uses everyday items such as ball-point pens, fabric scraps, paper cuttings, and basic thread to make objects that are unique - stationery, household items, office supplies, and artwork. Her deceptively simple, nature-inspired style stems from her growing up in a do-it-yourself household surrounded by nature in northern California, and then going to art school. Since 2001 jill has been selling her work directly to fans online or via indie boutiques around the world, along the way becoming an indie-business icon.
"Transcending studio art, graphic design or craft culture, her name has become a lo-fi lifestyle brand - a grass-roots counterpart to Martha Stewart or Ralph Lauren."
-Martin Wong, Giant Robot magazine
Jamie Chan
Jamie Marie Chan is the founder of the indie craft show Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco and co-organizer of Bazaar Bizarre Maker Faire (San Mateo & Austin). She is an college educator and fiber artist, native the San Francisco Bay Area. Her penchant for everything handmade stems from being raised by her mom, an award winning textile artist and her dad, who was her childhood "DIY hero". Jamie produces her own line of fiber art and craft kits, teaches crafting through her local community centers, is the current editor of Indie Craft Gossip Blog and was a founding member of the San Francisco Craft Mafia . You can see the fruits of her craftiness at her web shop--Mary Jane's Attic --where she offers handmade yarn, fiber art supplies and art instruction. Her first retail store and public creative space; Urban Fauna Studio is opening in August 2008.
Hiroshi Fujiwara
Known as the godfather of Harajuku fashion, Hiroshi Fujiwara holds a powerfully influential yet enigmatic position in the global creative community. As the leader of Fragment Design and Headporter, Hiroshi has advised and collaborated with some of the world’s biggest fashion brands including Nike, Levi’s and Burton.
Hiroshi’s career has taken a non-linear and unexpected path. Starting as a DJ in Tokyo his path has evolved into that designer, advisor, tastemaker and musician. Currently Hiroshi is involved in multiple projects in various endeavors including music production, apparel design and brand consulting.
Kenya Hara
Born in 1958. Graphic designer; Professor at the Musashino Art university. Art director of MUJI since 2002. Kenya Hara is interested in designing “circumstances” or “conditions” rather than “things.”
He traveled the world widely in an attempt to investigate the meaning of “design.” These efforts were crystallized in the international touring exhibits, “RE-DESIGN,” “HAPTIC,” and “SENSEWARE”; each title representing a keyword that embraces the ever-changing value of existence. He incorporated traditional Japanese cultural features in designing the opening and closing ceremonies of the Nagano Winter Olympics, as well as in the promotion of the Aichi EXPO. He has designed commercial products for many companies including AGF, JT, KENZO, was involved in the renewal project of the Ginza branch of Matsuya department store, and worked on the sign design for Mori building VI and Umeda Hospital.
Julia Huang
Julia Huang is the CEO of interTrend, one of the most innovative and fastest-growing advertising and marketing agencies focusing on the diverse and expanding Asian communities in the USA. The firm, established in 1991, is a pioneer in educating and guiding Fortune 500 companies in the intricacies and sensitivities of marketing products and services to the Asian American market. Among interTrend's clients are Toyota Motors, Northwest Airlines, JC Penney, Verizon, Western Union, Sempra Energy, The Gas Company, San Diego Gas and Electric, State Farm Insurance and Pala Casino Group.
jeffstaple
With his hands in just about everything, 32 year old, Jeff Ng aka jeffstaple has masterfully created an entire world of communicating through design. Not known solely for his massive sneaker collection, the founder/owner of Staple Design, Staple Clothing, and the Reed Space is a graphic, web, and clothing designer, artist, DJ, writer, entrepreneur, and is responsible for the design work for companies such as Nike, Burton, Gianni Versace, Royal Elastics, Triple Five Soul, The Fader Magazine, The Gap, Sony Playstation, and Apple Computers.
John Jay
John C Jay is a Partner of Wieden + Kennedy in Portland Oregon and the Executive Creative Director with founder Dan Wieden, overseeing the agency's global creative work. Jay opened the W+K Tokyo and Shanghai offices with Beijing and India opening this Fall.
He lived in Japan for 6 years as Co-Creative Director of the Tokyo office and continues as that role for the W+K Tokyo Lab, the independent DVD music label. The Lab's 9th release is its first live album with label's beat-making duo, Hifana. Jay continues to work a few days each month in each of the W+K Asia offices.
Shinya Kimura
Shinya Kimura did not only established Zero Engineering 14 years ago in Okazaki, Japan, he also started one of the world’s most distinct custom motorcycle shops ever. Kimura and Zero Engineering built over 300 custom motorcycles and played a leading role in the custom motorcycle scene in Japan these 14 years. In order to pursue his goal of raising the existing status of the custom motorcycles, and building artistic motorcycles meant to invade art territory as art not just as movable beauties, he gracefully left Zero Engineering behind in Japan and launched his own shop in Azusa, CA called Chabott.
Michael Kuhle
Michael Kuhle is one of the Lomography's key Product Managers, and has been with them since 2001. He is responsible for copywriting, marketing, and positioning for much of Lomography's International website, publications, cameras, photographic accessories, and fashion items. Together with Jeff Staple, he coordinated the "Colorsplash Chakra" custom camera & hardcover book collaboration between Lomography and Staple Design. In his spare time, he is a freelance photographer who has shot for several major publications and music labels.
Wan Lee
Kyung Wan Lee (aka DrinkBeer) embarked on a cross-country journey. Alone with just his 49cc Honda Ruckus scooter and camping gear, Wan has been making his way across the U.S. Along the way he has encountered numerous Ruckus fans, strangers and adventures, becoming a online folk hero in the process. Wan’s journey has been chronicled in words and pictures at www.totalruckus.com. Wan will be joining Imprint to discuss his journey and the passion of Ruckus fans around the world.
Eric Nakamura
Eric Nakamura and Martin Wong launched Giant Robot magazine in 1994 with no budget, no bureaucratic meetings, and no excuses to anyone. Applying knowhow and attitude from the co-editors' punk rock zine background, the first GR was a stapled-and-folded photocopied digest with an edition of 240. Over time, Giant Robot has grown over 100 times larger, and has gained accolades as the best zines according to the L.A. Weekly, L.A. New Times, Wired, and Zine Guide. Giant Robot is now tackling magazine racks around the world.
Evan Shamoon
Having recently graduated from the School of Gentle Taps, Evan's work can be seen in various publications including The Fader, Wired, EGM, and XLR8R magazines. He currently lives in Los Angeles, where he is vigilant about not leaving his house, for fear of traffic and sunlight. He spends his days penning articles about videogames, music, and technology in nothing but his boxer briefs and a hair net. The rest of his time is spent making music on his computer and combing the Internet for absurdity, the results of which he posts on his website, giantmecha.com.
Matthew Stinchcomb
Matthew Stinchcomb is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Etsy. In this role he handles the company's marketing strategy, community building, and strategic partnerships. He has worked in new media since 1997. Stinchcomb is also an avid musician and co-founder of the Rock 'n' Roll group, French Kicks, with whom he performed for seven years. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Benedikta.
David Wilson
David is currently the Global Creative Director for Kangol Headwear. He has created Kangol projects in collaboration with Fragment Design, Comme des Garcons, ALIFE, SSUR, Evil Monito, Married to the MOB, Stereo Sound Agency, WeSC, Pure Evil, Apishangel, and D*Face. Raised in Grafton, Vermont, David attended a small elementary school in a class of 11 students. An interest in art was a product of a liberal education. The school did not have a gymnasium, so outdoors activities were important. David spent several years managing a snowboard and skateboard shop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire while earning his B.F.A. at the university. Moving to Brooklyn, NY in 1997, David attended Brooklyn College, CUNY to continue his study of painting and drawing. He received his M.F.A. in 1999. Over the past decade, David has worked with brands such as Ecko Unltd., Perry Ellis, and Kangol.
Fred Chang
Owner and one of the creators of the premiere Japanese aftermarket automotive website, JTuned.com, has set the standard for automotive e-zines with cutting edge photography, in-depth stories and interviews, and has become one of the ultimate resources for information for your Japanese vehicle. With a slew of industry leading legends behind it, it was a no brainer that JTuned.com has become one of the most infamous tuner websites to date.
Ken Gushi
Ken Gushi aka “The Future” was born on September 19, 1986 and is one of the nation's top competitors in the sport of drifting. Born in Okinawa, Japan, but raised in Los Angeles, he was taught by his father Tsukasa Gushi at the age of 13 with a Toyota AE86. Ken has become the youngest competitor in both the D1 Grand Prix of Japan and the Formula Drift Championships of the U.S. despite not passing his driving test at the time. Finishing the 2004 Formula Drift season with his Nissan 240sx, Ken jumped into the Ford Racing backed Mustang GT in the 2005 series, finishing off the year in 3rd place overall, and winning the third round of the season in Houston, Texas to become Formula D's first Japanese-born event winner.
Jerry Tsai
An avid racing fan from the age of 9, Jerry Tsai began his business of creating and selling motorsport inspired apparel under the brand name of Pacific Rim Motorsport Fashion at the age of 19. At age 20, Jerry created iloveracing.com, an eCommerce site whose focus is to merchandise and sell import motorsport inspired products to enthusiasts worldwide. He continues to run both businesses today.
Jenova Chen
AKA (Xinghan Chen). One of the first-generation video game design graduates from USC School of Cinematic Arts, creator behind the multi award-winning student game Cloud and flOw, co-founder of thatgamecompany, Jenova Chen is dedicated to expanding the emotional spectrum of video games and making them available for a much wider audience. Born and raised in Shanghai China, Jenova ventured to the US in 2003. One of his greatest dreams is to bring the best messages to the video game world. Like what Hayao Miyazaki did to anime, Jenova wants to be one of the heroes who can turn video games into a form of art and play that can be appreciated and enjoyed by every human being.
Randy Smith
Randy Smith is a Creative Director at EA's LA studio and a columnist for Edge magazine. His current project is a collaboration with Steven Spielberg. Prior to that he was the Project Director of Thief: Deadly Shadows and a Designer on Thief and Thief 2. He has also consulted with studios such as Ubisoft Montreal and Arkane. Randy considers working in video games to be a rare opportunity to craft a new medium into something that will one day bring even more value to people's lives than it already does.
Ryan Ku
As Imprint Director, Ryan is responsible for the continuing evolution of the Imprint Culture Lab. Ryan brings a wealth of diverse brand development and marketing experience to Imprint, having worked at TBWA|Chiat/Day, Team One, davidandgoliath and RPA. He has worked in both Strategic Planning and Account Management roles, helping to build brands such as Nissan, Dish Network, Mattel, Bacardi, Kia and others. Ryan believes that brands that possess a genuine curiosity about the world around them and a dedication to authenticity, stand to take the lead in the new marketplace. This philosophy will continue to guide the Imprint Culture Lab as it evolves in the future.
Anne Ishii
Anne Ishii's currency is publishing. She is a New York analyst for Imprint Culture Lab, blogger for Giant Robot, critic for Publisher Weekly, all around Japanist and editor-in-chief of Museyon Guides (in development).
