Shepard Fairey

Frank Shepard Fairey, born February 15, 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina, is a contemporary artist, graphic designer and illustrator who emerged from the skateboarding scene and became known initially for his "André the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign. His work, specifically his Barack Obama "HOPE" poster, came to mainstream national attention during the 2008 United States Presidential election. At age 14 Shephard became obsessed with art, placing his drawings on skateboards and T-shirts. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in illustration. In addition to his successful graphic design career he also DJ's at many clubs under the names DJ Diabetic and Emcee Insulin, as he has diabetes. His first art museum exhibition, aptly named Supply & Demand, opened in Boston at the Institute of Contemporary Art in February, 2009. He sits on the advisory board of Reaching to Embrace the Arts, a not-for-profit organization that provides art supplies to disadvantaged schools and students. Shepard currently resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife Amanda and daughters Vivienne and Madeline. Check out the “Obey Giant” website for more designs.