BARNEY X - Oakland Edition

Frank Kozik was born in Madrid, Spain in 1962 . At the age of 14 he moved to the United States and settled in Austin, Texas. Credited with single handedly reviving the “lost” art of the concert poster, his creative career rose largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin’s growing underground punk rock scene in the mid-eighties. Starting with black and white flyers for friends’ bands posted on telephone poles, his reputation grew as an artist whose work was graphically compelling as well as culturally gripping. Kozik is based in San Francisco, California, where he produces artwork, toys and graphic design. He formerly managed his own record label, Man’s Ruin Records (1995-2001). Under which, he released over 220 singles and full length albums including the first Queens of the Stone Age single. He has produced artwork for a diverse range of musicians such as Pearl Jam, the Butthole Surfers, Green Day, Neil Young, Sonic Youth, the Melvins and many more. In 1996, he directed Soundgarden’s “Pretty Noose” music video. In 2001 Kozik left the music business and devoted himself full time to fine art and the newly emerging Vinyl Art Toy movement. Since 2001 he has designed over 300 separate toys and art Bigshot Toyworks is a creative studio specializing in the design and production of unique collectables, toys and art objects. With roots deep in industrial design, toy design, digital sculpting and very close project management the team at Bigshot has a unique ability to create incredibly vivid and detailed works of art that closely represent the heart, soul and vision of their creative partners. Unique understanding and endless drive to pull off the impossible and surprise fans and collectors is the driving force behind the studio. Designer Con is an annual art and design convention that smashes together collectible toys and designer apparel with urban, underground and pop art!