MORI CHACK ARTIST PROFILE

Japanese graphic designer Mori Chack is perhaps best known for Gloomy Bear, a giant, pink, violent bear that attacks humans and exemplifies Chack's belief that humans and animals are incompatible since animals are wild by nature. Beginning his career as a street artist, Chack sold original character postcards and stickers on the streets of his hometown of Osaka. His other creations include Podolly, the infamous sheep in a wolf's clothing, and Kumakikai, a robotic Gloomy Bear with rockets for feet. Chack's trademark deceptively cute characters serve to express his personal brand of satirical humor and commentary on the world's contradictions and social issues. He currently lives in Tokyo.

SHAWNIMALS ARTIST PROFILE

Watching cartoons, drawing pictures, and playing video games as a kid, Shawn Smith began developing Shawnimals before he realized what he was creating. Fast forward to a job at EGM magazine as a video game reviewer, Shawn decided to leave work and focus on his passion: Art. While Back to School like Rodney Dangerfield, he wondered what to do with the countless sketchbooks on his shelf, filled with hundreds of unused characters. Shawnimals were born shortly thereafter, utilizing Shawn's pop culturally-inspired aesthetic: simple and compelling character designs, strong narratives, and a healthy dose of humor. With partner Jen Brody and their staff, Chicago-based Shawnimals has grown quickly from its humble beginnings. The growing brand now includes a Nintendo DS game based on its Ninjatown line, a number of plush and vinyl toys, and much more!