Who or what is Don Ed Hardy?

Lots of people have heard of Ed Hardy these days - you know, the cool artistic
colorful clothing worn by celebrities all over the place.  Well, after doing a some
research, I have written this little guide to give you some background on the person
behind the label.  Yes, Don Ed Hardy is a real live person.  Here is his picture:


Don Ed Hardy

Donald Edward Hardy is a California native born in 1945.  His childhood dream was
 to be a tattoo artist.  He followed this dream to San Francisco undergoing a tattoo
apprenticeship and at the same time earning an B.F.A. degree in printmaking at the
San Francisco Art Institute.  Ed Hardy's mentor was a man considered the "Father"
of tattooing, Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins (1911 - 1973) of Honolulu, Hawaii.


Norman Sailor Jerry Collins

Sailor Jerry introduced Ed Hardy to a master Japanese tattooist and Ed Hardy
moved to Japan in 1973.  He was always fascinated by Japanese art and culture
and continued to study there through the 1980's. 

In 2004 French designer Christian Audigier licensed Ed Hardy's tattoo design to
use on clothing.  Audigier's clothing has become a huge sensation with Ed Hardy
Stores located in chic locations through out the world.

Don Ed Hardy is quite an artist.  Besides tattoo and printmaking, Ed Hardy's other
art techniques include painting, drawing, porcelain, and writing.  Along with his wife
Francesca Passalacqua, Ed Hardy formed Hardy Marks Publications and they have
produced over twenty-five books on alternative art.

Today Ed Hardy has retired from performing actual tattoo art although he still mentors
 artists at Tattoo City, his San Francisco tattoo studio.  Ed Hardy's creative pursuits
 today are in traditional art mediums.  Below are some examples:


Japanese Porcelain


Book on Tattoo Art


Lithograph

I hope you have enjoyed this guide I wrote about Ed Hardy.  He is really a fascinating
guy and I think a very unique and innovative artist.  Please feel free to email if you
 have any questions and watch out for the fake Ed Hardy clothing being shipped
direct from China.  (***Just because it is made in China does not mean it is fake
though.  See my other guide for more information). 

Oh, and one more thing, if you click "Yes" below, thank you!!!  :)