If you haven't heard of Ian Ziobrowski, you're going to want to learn who he is NOW. NY native, FIT grad and one of the most talented artists I have ever know. Since we were in college together (and probably since he was in diapers) he has been developing a style that is uniquely his and will blow your mind.
In college, I was the girl who had to get everything done on time, follow all the rules and be liked by the teachers, Ian was the opposite and it used to give me anxiety regularly. I always knew Ian wouldn't work for the man, and I am glad I was right (even if he caused me sleepless nights and caused me to get a few gray hairs). His work is not for everyone, but his attention to detail, ability to create characters you couldn't image in your wildest dreams, and dedication to his life & style is what it means to me to be an artist.
A phenomenal painter, yes, but so much more. Ian experimented in vinyl, making pieces here and there, but it wasn't until 2009 that he found his true calling. Toy Design.
From there, in April of 2009, NUGGS was born.
“...inspired to create a character that portrayed self made prosperity and the ability to live the ‘American Dream’ without following society’s standards of the path to getting there”
NUGGS was Ians first character, but his crew has grown. Crook ED, THUGZ, Smokey, DEA , and most recently, Rusty the Clown now join NUGGS, and it doesn't stop there.
Ian builds environments not just the character. From grow stations...
... to a candy shop, boundaries just don't exist in the world is NUGGS (or Ian).
Although much of his work is custom (including the above bad-ass "Jerry Garcia"), he just launched an online store and can be found at art shows on a national and international level including Art Basel, Comic Con, and Designer Con and in stores and galleries including Kidrobot, 1AM Gallery, 1xRun, and Toyqube.
Like I said, this is a guy you want to know. Keep one eye on him at all times, who the hell knows what he is going to come up with next.