AWESOME RADICAL - Artist Kickoff
Oh, hey!
Johnny here from Gnarly. I'll keep this brief since I know you're busy making cool stuff.
First off, thanks for expressing interest in being part of Gnarly Magazine's AWESOME RADICAL Kustom Art Invasion Tour 2027.
I've invited a group of incredibly talented artists — yourself included — to be part of this traveling kustom art exhibit, and I'm genuinely excited about the lineup coming together. We've got some serious talent involved.
So far, I've been focused on putting together the right mix of artists, hiring an illustrator to create the official tour graphics, and locking in show locations.
At the moment, I have commitments from Glory Daze in Pittsburgh, Motoblot in Chicago, and a setup at a Harley-Davidson dealership right in the middle of Daytona Bike Week along side the Flying Piston Benefit ART ON DECK charity/auction at Teddy Morris Harley Davidson. (For Daytona, I'll only be there for a day or two, not the entire week, just as an FYI.) Once the tour graphics are finalized and the website is live, I'll be adding more stops to the schedule.
What I need from you:
- A quick confirmation that you'd still like to participate.
- Let me know whether you'll be submitting a skateboard, motorcycle tank, helmet, or multiple pieces.
- Confirm that you'll be able to have your artwork completed and shipped to me by (or before) early November. If, along the way, you feel you need more time, please email me at: GnarlyMagOnline@gmail.com or simply DM me on Instagram. Some of you artists are in southeastern, PA, so I can go to your shop and pick up your art submissions to save a little bit on the shipping part. Just let me know.
NOTE: Once your art piece is complete, I'll need the sale value of the artwork.
The goal is to offer the artwork for sale at the conclusion of the 2027 tour.
Artists receive the sale price minus a 25% exhibition commission, which helps offset travel expenses, booth fees, and presentation materials throughout the year-long tour. Please keep that in mind when pricing your piece.
If you'd prefer that your artwork not be sold, just let me know ahead of time and I'll return it to you at the conclusion of the tour in December 2027 at Gnarly Magazine's expense.
If your piece doesn't sell, you'll have the option of having it returned to you at Gnarly Magazine's expense or allowing it to remain part of the exhibit for the following year's tour.
I'll be handling licensing and insurance for the exhibit. Since this is a traveling show where the artwork will be displayed in public settings, some minor wear and tear is always a possibility. That said, I'll do everything I can to keep your work protected and looking its best throughout the tour.
Art Direction
You were invited because of your style, your creativity, and what you bring to the table as an artist.
There is no theme.
Do your thing.
The only request I have is that you try to work in some neon or fluorescent colors where it makes sense so the piece fits the overall 1980s AWESOME RADICAL vibe of the tour.
Promotion
As you work on your piece, feel free to share progress shots, videos, and final images on social media. The more attention your piece gets throughout the year, the better it is for everyone involved — especially when it comes time to sell the work.
The only favor I ask is that you use Instagram's collaboration feature to tag Gnarly Magazine on your posts whenever possible.
Suggested hashtags:
#gnarlymagazine
#awesomeradicaltour
Artists
Once the official tour artwork is completed, I'll begin spotlighting all of the participating artists across Gnarly Magazine's platforms.
The amount of talent involved in this project is pretty wild, and I'm excited for everyone to see what this group creates.
Publication
Professional photos will be taken of your artwork for publication in an upcoming issue of Gnarly Magazine.
Your work will also appear in a printed tour program featuring information about you as an artist, your piece, and your social media and contact information.
If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out.
I can't wait to see what you come up with.
I appreciate you being part of this thing!
— Johnny