A Letter from the 9 Fountains CEO

To Our Fantastic 9 Fountains Community,

Some of our more active members have noticed that we have been relatively quiet over the last month or so. Some have even asked, “Is everything ok?” We have indeed been quiet, as we have been in the midst of radical change. And as of today, I have some very exciting news to share with you.

9 Fountains has been acquired! We are extremely happy to announce our new joint venture with the fashion conglomerate Lift 12 as it will give us the resources and expertise to take 9 Fountains to the next level. While we are extremely excited about this new venture, I do want to tell you all about a big change to the site and offer an explanation to the ones who will be most directly affected by this change: our designers and artists.

Many of you who frequent 9 Fountains may have already noticed that there is no longer a “Vote” or “Submit Design” section of the site. “Why?” you may ask. Well this was a very difficult decision for us, but we have decided to shift away from crowdsourcing the designs from the community to gain a little bit more control over the design process and give our frequent and talented designers a better shot at earning some real money.  From this moment forward, we will be reaching out to designers on an individual basis to invite them to join our “9 Fountains Collective” of artists who we will partner with in the creation of all future designs. We will be offering these designers a much larger commission on each sale and, ultimately, more compensation for their hard work.

Over the next week, we will be reaching out to designers who have been shortlisted with the details of this new partnership in the hopes that they will join the new 9 Fountains Collective. While sales on 9fountains.com have been slower than we would have hoped, sales through other channels (retail, and other partnerships) have been increasing exponentially. The new artist agreements are designed to allow our artists to be compensated from sales through these more lucrative channels. In addition to increased compensation, we will also feature the bios and design process of our artists much more prominently. And finally, our Collective of artists will also gain access to other freelance design/illustration projects and collaborations. Ultimately, we believe this new arrangement will go a long way in furthering the careers of our artists and will also benefit fans of our tees who will have a chance to purchase designs from a talented and diverse group of designers whose stories they can follow.

So what about the unannounced winners of the previous contests? While we will not be selling the designs from these contests, we will be compensating those of you who would have been awarded. We understand how much work went into your submissions and can’t tell you how much we appreciate it.

We ask that you be patient with us over the next few weeks as we make the transition to this new partnership with Lift 12 and work out all the kinks that go along with it. But in the mean time, please feel free to email me directly with any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

 

 

Andrew Wolf

9 Fountains, CEO

awolf@9fountains.com

Artist Inspiration – Henry Hargreaves

Henry Hargreaves is a New York based artist originally from New Zealand. This artist is known for his fun, creative, provocative and memorable images. From frying up an iPhone to taking fashion images with a scanner, the only thing we wonder is… Where does the thought process begin?!

Check out some of his awesome works below!

Henry shares with us his formula for success as an artist:

“I believe success in photography is a combination of talent, motivation and being someone people like to be around. You need to have a good amount of each and not be someone who hates on other people’s work or just talks about themselves. For me I think blogs are the best barometer of what is happening, so I pay more attention to these than any magazine or contest. People profile what’s happening while not trying to pamper to advertisers and for me to be given attention by blogs I respect is the ultimate affirmation of becoming successful.”

Photos from http://henryhargreaves.com/

Artist of the Week – Robson Borges aka robsonborges

With his vibrant and vivid pieces that are just absolutely breathtaking, it was easy for the 9 Fountains team to choose Robson Borges’ submission “Intuitive” to the January 2012 contest as a the 2nd Runner-Up. This artist artfully mixes textured backgrounds with detailed and colourful sketches. We caught up with him for a chat:

9F: First of all, please tell us how you feel about being an Editor’s Choice for this contest?

RB: I’m always happy to have selected designs in competitions. This is food for my creativity and gives me motivation to keep trying.

9F: Please tell us a little bit more about yourself. (i.e What is your real name? Where are you from? How old are you? etc.)

RB: My name is Robson Borges, a freelance illustrator from Sao Paulo Brazil. I´m 32 years old and love nature, rock and roll, street art and my family.

9F: Please tell us about your design background. (i.e Where did you study? What did you study? Where are you working now? etc.)

RB: Drawing has always been my greatest passion, but I do not have diplomas. I worked as a motion designer in large advertising agencies, did some important work for clients such as Nokia, Toyota, Natura, etc.. Lately I’m dedicating only illustration.

9F: Tell us a bit more about your creation. Who or what inspired you to create this winning design?

RB: This project was intuitive, hence the title. There was nothing planned, just started some traits in photoshop and the art flowed alone. I love abstract things.

9F: What techniques/media did you use to create this artwork?

RB: Just Photoshop. 🙂

9F: What is your design philosophy?

RB: Create art for yourself and be free.

9F: Who is your favourite artist, and why?

RB: Some artists kill me with envy because they found a unique, universal and innovative style. Salvador Dalí with his surreal concepts, “The Twins” with its colors and unique characters, and I love the work of many illustrators, but I’d rather not mention. There are many!

9F: Sum up your personal design style in 3 words.

RB: Simple organic mine

You can check out more of Robson’s work at the following links:

www.robsonborges.com / www.flickr.com/robsonborges

Tee of the Week – Intuitive by robsonborges

This design titled “intuitive” is self explanatory. The artist just let his creative juices flow and we have to say it looks pretty darn good! This is our tee of the week and is going for only $30.00 (Usual $49.00).

Artist Inspiration – theyhatemydesign

This week we feature indonesian graphics designer theyhatemydesign. Check out some of his amazing works!

theyhatemydesign offers words of advice for upcoming artists.

Every colour has a meaning, it may represent sadness, happiness, etc. Just like my designs. or in contrary, i can say that my life influenced my work. Creativity comes from the trust. Trust your instincts and never hope more than you work.

Images courtesy of http://www.behance.net/theyhatemydesign

You may visit his portfolio to see more of his work.

Artist of the Week – Leong Jium Seong aka Jun087

Cool, dynamic and unique are the words that Leong Jiun Seong use to describe his design aesthetic. His unique design “Record Breaker” caught the eyes of our judges and won him the Editor’s Choice award for our January 2012 contest. We had a little chat with the happy winner:

9F: First of all, please tell us how you feel about being an Editor’s Choice for this contest?

JS: Firstly, I would like to thank 9 Fountains and I’m really happy that my design was recognized and chosen by one of the best online T-shirt store.

9F: Please tell us a little bit more about yourself. (i.e What is your real name? Where are you from? How old are you? etc.)

JS: My real name is Leong Jiun Seong. I’m from the ” City of mountains”, Ipoh, Malaysia. I’m a family man and  I live with my lovely wife and 2 children. I’m 37 now, I think I’m one of the oldest artists in the community.

9F: Please tell us about your design background. (i.e Where did you study? What did you study? Where are you working now? etc.)

JS: I graduated from Malaysian Institute of Art and I study graphic design. I just get my own business started last year as a media owner (billboards) , and I’m also work as a part time graphic designer in an offset printing company and a silkscreen printing company as well.

9F: Tell us a bit more about your creation. Who or what inspired you to create this winning design?

JS: Actually it was my continuous creation after my design “moonomore” ( can be found on my album: http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc417/jun087/)

The artists who always uses the moon as one of their design element were inspired me. The idea suddenly appear in my mind while I’m still working on that design. I really like the “breaking effects”, the shreds, the dynamic feel and the texture of the design which will looks great even in a single color print.

9F: What techniques/media did you use to create this artwork?

JS: My brain, Adobe illustrator, Photoshop, and some photoshop brushes.

9F: What is your design philosophy?

JS: I think no. I just wanted to create something unique and sounds “wow” when you look at it.

9F: Who is your favourite artist, and why?

JS: My favourite artist is Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat from Thailand. His works was really impressed me. The lines, the curves and the textures in his painting is really amazing !

9F: Sum up your personal design style in 3 words.

JS: Dynamic, Cool and Unique.

 You may see more of Leong’s work by visiting his portfolio here.

Tee of the Week – Record Breaker by jun087

This modern take on a traditional asian tradition caught the eye of our judges and won the Editor’s Choice award in our January 2012 contest. This design is our tee of the week and is going for only $30.00 (Usual $49.00).

Artist Inspiration – Hina Aoyama

This week we feature Japanese paper-cutting artist Hina Aoyama. She brings the term ‘attention to detail’ to a whole new level with her intricate pieces of art. Check them out!

Below is a short clip of Hina at work:

Images courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/37051688@N00

You may visit Hina’s online portfolio at http://www.hinaaoyama.com

Artist of the Week – Aina Kathrina Olvidado aka aina_o

Dreamy yet detailed, each of Aina’s artworks have a story to tell.  This Filipino artist puts together elements of pencil sketches and digital rendering to create visually stunning pieces. Her submission for the January 2012 contest caught the eyes of our judges and was named the Editor’s Choice. We caught up with her for a chat:

9F: First of all, please tell us how you feel about being an Editor’s Choice for this contest?

AO: It was pretty amazing to win being the Editor’s Choice, to be chosen is a great deal for me as an artist to get recognized your artwork and be featured.

9F: Please tell us a little bit more about yourself. (i.e What is your real name? Where are you from? How old are you? etc.)

AO: My Name is Aina Kathrina Olvidado, Im from Manila Philippines. 28 years old, and drawing is my passion.

9F: Please tell us about your design background. (i.e Where did you study? What did you study? Where are you working now? etc.)

AO: I graduated at University of Santo Tomas in Bachelor of Fine Arts and Design, major in Advertising. I am working at Brady Philippines as a Catalogue Designer. And when Im free I do T shirt design.

9F: Tell us a bit more about your creation. Who or what inspired you to create this winning design?

AO: Tree of life is about a lifeless skeleton becomes alive because of the tree planted inside it. Somehow life is lifeless but when we find our inner strength, believe in one self, we can conquer everything that comes our way.

9F: What techniques/media did you use to create this artwork?

AO: First is sketch, then I use pen tab to give more life in photoshop.

9F: What is your design philosophy?

AO: Draw your dreams and make it colorful.

9F: Who is your favourite artist, and why?

AO: Nicebleed, i like his style very realist with a twist.

Alice Zhang, I like her style how  she render, creating an illustration like a painting.

Dzeri, I like his style in creating an artwork, very realist.

9F:Sum up your personal design style in 3 words.

Realist, Dreamy, True

You may see more of Aina’s work here.

Tee of the Week – Tree of Life by aina_o

Aina’s inspiring design about inner strength titled “Tree of Life” is our Tee of the Week, and is going for $30.00 (Usual $49.00). Visit www.9fountains.com today to get yours.

Artist Inspiration – Mike Harrison

Today we feature the works of English artist, Mike Harrison. Check out his awesome works!

Mike’s advice for those who are starting out their career as an artist…

“I always say to those starting out to practice, practice, and practice. Experiment with styles and techniques, use trial and error and just have fun. Sooner or later you are going to find out what you are good at or what you enjoy the most. Stick with it, don’t give up and you’ll soon start getting recognition for what you’re doing. You will no doubt meet other like- minded people along the way who you can collaborate with and receive critique from. Passion, dedication and hard work are 3 key factors on becoming successful!”

You may visit Mike’s portfolio at http://www.destill.net/

Images courtesy of http://www.destill.net/

Artist of the Week – Anthony Aves aka angry_monk

Walking away with the cash prize and bragging rights at the end of the December 2011 contest was Anthony Aves (Cebu, Philipines), creator of the winning design titled “Soundzone.” We recently caught up with Anthony for a chat:

9F: How does it feel to be the Grand Prize winner for our Dec 2011 contest?

AA: I am very happy at the same time very excited for my first print. I am honored that you guys have chosen my work as your Grand Prize winner.  This is just my second submission here and certainly won’t be the last.

 9F: Tell us more about yourself. What is your real name, where are you from?

AA: I am Anthony Aves, from Cebu, Philippines.

9F: Please tell us about your design background. (Where did you study? What did you study? Where are you working now? etc.)

AA: I studied Fine Arts majoring in Advertising Arts at the University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines.

9F: Tell us a bit more about your creation, Who or what inspired you to create this winning design?

AA: There’s a lot of awesome works that i have seen everyday, I think this piece was inspired by those.

9F: What techniques/media did you use to create your work?

AA: The techniques basically is a combination of both Illustrator vector illustration and Photoshop effects.

9F: What is your design philosophy?

AA:  Design is where science and art break even.

– Robin Mathew

9F: Who is your favorite artist, and why?

AA:  There’s a lot of good artists out there, to name a few as my favorite would be Dan Mumford, David Lanham and Anton Semenov.  These artists have unique and dark styles which I prefer most.

9F: Sum up your personal design style in 3 words.

AA: Dark yet inspiring.

You may see more of Anthony’s work at http://angrymonk.tumblr.com/

Tee of the Week – Soundzone by angry_monk

Anthony’s design “Soundzone” is our Tee of the Week. You can get yours for only $30.00 (Usual $49.00) at 9fountains.com.

Tee of the Week – Stargazing by tentimeskarma

Inspired by his favourite poet Oscar Wilde, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Antonio created this t-shirt titled “Stargazing“, where he found the perfect opportunity to incorporate poetry and constellations into his design using mixed digital media. This design is our tee of the week and will go at $30.00 (Usual $49.00) from 15th May, 6pm (Singapore time).

In the meantime, grab the final opportunities to purchase your favourite tees at the 9 Fountains Summer Stock-up Sale, happening now till 15th May, 6pm (Singapore time). All garments are going at 60% off and free shipping is included for all orders to Asia, and free to the rest of the world with orders of 3 or more Tees!

Head on down to www.9Fountains.com now!