Crews: Friends & Family ft. Mister Cartoon

A crew is only as good as the sum of its parts. Through diversity and a combination of skill sets we pursue a creative and unified vision. And in time, that unique bond between a crew, based around the sharing of ideas and interests, can become as tight knit as Friends and Family.

As part of our philosophical evaluation on the importance of a crew, we’ve explored the idea of a crew as something to aspire to, and as a viable way to create and co-exist. But stay with it long enough and that crew can catapult someone to the realms of a legend. As a perfect example, we turn to renowned LA tattoo, graffiti and airbrush artist, Mister Cartoon.

Making a name for himself airbrushing cars, painting walls and inking skin, Mister Cartoon has, in time, become one of the most respected artists in the world. By utilizing the fringe styles he grew up with, Mister Cartoon was able to take the “fineline” inking designs traditionally associated with street and prison life, and make them appeal to a wider audience, thereby changing the stigma associated with his chosen artistic style. And only a true legend can accomplish something like that.

A crew is only as good as the sum of its parts. Through diversity and a combination of skill sets we pursue a creative and unified vision. And in time, that unique bond between a crew, based around the sharing of ideas and interests, can become as tight knit as Friends and Family.

As part of our philosophical evaluation on the importance of a crew, we’ve explored the idea of a crew as something to aspire to, and as a viable way to create and co-exist. But stay with it long enough and that crew can catapult someone to the realms of a legend. As a perfect example, we turn to renowned LA tattoo, graffiti and airbrush artist, Mister Tattoo.

Making a name for himself airbrushing cars, painting walls and inking skin, Mister Cartoon has, in time, become one of the most respected artists in the world. By utilizing the fringe styles he grew up with, Mister Cartoon was able to take the “fineline” inking designs traditionally associated with street and prison life, and make them appeal to a wider audience, thereby changing the stigma associated with his chosen artistic style. And only a true legend can accomplish something like that.

Also using old cars as his literal and figurative “vehicle” for creativity and inspiration, the once out-of-reach models of his youth, owned by his heroes, are now part of his everyday life as a pinstriper and custom painter. A prime example of how an unwavering vision can bring about respect and success, Mister Cartoon credits his membership in the Soul Assassins, AWR and West Coast Artist crews with his rise as an artist and his general appreciation of community.

“We form in crews,” says Mister Cartoon. “This is a way to surround yourself by like minded knuckleheads that obsess on shit, that understand your pain. It’s in my mind’s system to be in a crew, to be part of a community, to have different characters that do different things, that in a way form like Voltron and have these different styles. It’s important, man. If you’re not in a crew, you should get on one.”

This strive for excellence and respect is something all crews inherently share. It’s a relationship in which the collective speaks louder than the individual, all the while letting the individual’s unique voice become an integral part of the whole.

Bodega has always been about community. And with acclaimed artists like Mister Cartoon as part of our extended family, Bodega has maintained a worldwide presence and universal voice that is made up of a diverse group of outlaws, outliers and fringe artists.

We at Bodega have never used the words “friends” or “family” lightly, and it is our true belief that our customers are the most important part of it all. Without you, our voice would have no volume, and our vision, no focus. Because you all truly believe in the Bodega brand, we are giving each person who purchased the Dunk “Legend” the chance to win its ultra-exclusive counterpart, the proverbial “White Whale” of a colorway… the “Friends and Family” edition. With a legacy built around the spirit of discovery, we continue walk the fine line between inclusive and exclusive, this time by randomly inserting a special pack of sportscards in one out of every 20 pairs with instructions to the winners on how to claim your free pair of the Bodega x Nike Dunk High “Legend” (F&F) colorway. These shoes are not for sale, and until now have only been presented to our core group of family, friends and allies.

We wish you luck, and even if you don’t win, if you made it this far, please know, we still consider you Friends & Family of Bodega.