Mr Hardy tattooed me 6 times when I was in the navy. I believe the shop was on 2nd street in San Diego. I am almost 70years old now, still remember him very well. Great guy. I wonder if the young folks know about agitate stencils.
Such a shame there weren't earlier docs about him This guy is known by my generation as the "Dbag shirts guy" Why didnt anyone talk about him... even early Tattoo shows never talked about him. Glad i got to see this and have been informed.
You must be kidding right? This is the stupidest art form ever It psychologically changes people I’ve seen normal people get a tattoo on their calf muscle and now they only wear shorts even in the winter just so everyone can see their tattoo I see that with people who have shoulder tattoos for some reason now they only wear tank tops or T-shirts with the sleeves cut off just show off their tattoos I saw one lady tuck in her shirt and then untuck and roll up part of it just to show off her tattoo on the side of her lower back as if her shirt just accidentally slipped up Tattoos are addictive because you start to think you look like a loser if you only have one or two so people feel the need to cover themselves with ink to try to fit in and be “cooler” Every time I see someone with tattoos I just laugh inside and know what a Insecure loser they are
I can't believe his parents and friend's parents let him do fake tattoos on them when they were kids and that they actually took pictures of it. What supportive parents for back then. If I would've seen those pictures without any context, between the way the kids are dressed and the fact that one is a girl, I would've never thought it was taken in the 50's.
@Iam Notafan If I saw those pictures and didn't know what they were of, I definitely wouldn't think they were taken in the 50's, that's for sure. I didn't think little girls wore jeans back then, let alone, would be allowed to get a fake tattoo from a boy.
@@Melissa0774 he said his friends dad was in the navy and had tattoos. his parents generation most likely grew up piss poor in the great depression, them the recession that followed that, and then went to war as teenagers/young men and watched their friends get killed in some pretty heinous ways. From the ones I knew (my grandparents, great aunts, great uncles) they weren't all that uptight and had experienced more by 25 than many now do in a lifetime (myself included). Many just wanted their kids to enjoy life. Society as a whole was pretty conservative but you can't judge everyone by the rules of the days leaders.
He has an ego but the huge factor he isn't an ass about it. He is aware of his influence, hence the fact he has curated his legacy. He knows he is talented and is a good artist, so I wouldn't say he is without one.
People like this are the true definition of a legend. A pure artist dedicated to his craft. This was a beautiful insight to his legacy. I would love to see it in more detail. Maybe a movie or series with his narration covering the many years of his work. Amazing
Love the little bit about his mother keeping his work and recording. I keep all of my daughter's progress and she wonders why. This is why. My daughter is 14 and is amazing.
@@Deenique16 and my apologies. I can see the difference in perspective with what I wrote. It does sound like she's a tattoo artist already. No. She just is really great at what she does.
Right ?? That made me hella emotional 😭 like wow some people are lucky enough to know who they are from the start what a blessing this man has been on art.
What's funny about that is how many mummys have been found with tattoos, which are thousands of years older than the contemporary art you'd see in a museum.
He's one of those few people I've found in life that seem to have a guru-like quality. Like he just seems kind, intelligent and like he figured out the steady, easy going, interested way of looking at life. Everything he said was so insightful. I really enjoyed his line on how the only inanimate objects he cares about are books. Art to him isn't inanimate... they're "transmuters." That's awesome. Happy Vice made this video.
"retirement doesn't mean sitting around watching wrestling, retirement means more time to do my own art" there you get to understand that it's no choice, but a must for him to be an artist
OK I love this man so much. Can't believe I only knew him for his clothes before this doc. He is an absolute icon with incredible talents. Not to mention his sheer intelligence and humble kindness.
I am one of the people that just thought Ed Hardy was a gross brand name that someone at Kohls or TJ Maxx came up with to sell a certain style of clothing. This was a marvelous video and Ed Hardy is a spectacular character and person, I am so glad I decided to watch this and that it was available for me to do so. Very interesting and engaging stuff!
I had the opportunity to meet Ed a few times in North Beach, SF while I was working at a popular local restaurant and living in the neighborhood. Ed was a regular at our restaurant and I would deliver food to his beautiful home pretty often. He was always welcoming and kind and would greet you with a smile and appreciation. Thanks again Ed!
Wait.... how come the guys that wear his clothes are Dbags and this guy is cool AF. And when I say “Dbag” I mean that guy on tiger king that stole the park by acting rich.
Sadly you can't dictate who consumes your art (for the most part) that said some of EH consumers goods are questionable & embody the douchebag aesthetic perfectly. However he does seem like a nice guy who monetize his fame, I would say too well to the point that his image will forever be linked to that aesthtic rather than to his great legacy in tattooing or at at least that is how the greater public will remember it.
Jersey shore (tv show) did a really bad rep for the brand... and 90% of the customer dont know shit about the story behind... but the guy is a damm legend
people rep brands that stand for something that they want associated with themselves, whether it's authentic to them or not. Dbags wearing Ed Hardy stuff are just trying to look harder than they are.
Tattoo artists, take note! This man has severe postural kyphosis, most likely caused by maintaining a position of poor posture over an extended period of time. Stretch regularly and seek out a professional to give you strengthening exercises for maintenance.
Thank you, this is something even at 27 I'm starting to notice, and it takes a lot of mindfulness and stretching to make sure you are taking care of your body as an artist.
He did some work on me back in the day when he had his studio on van ness.Lyle Tuttle down on 7th and market gave me my first tat when I was 16 with a false ID. Ed got me started on my sleeves with dragons, vikings and the like back in the mid 70's. Really a nice and well talented guy.
@Ewolf5150 lol way to be judgmental and generalize a whole group of people based on one person. There are plenty of professionals out there in the world with tattoos leading successful happy lives. I have friends who have tattoos who work as corporate bankers, schoolteachers, college professors, business owners, writers for magazines, etc etc. I personally have a few and I'm a medical student. There's always gonna be a few assholes who muddy up the reputation of how a group of people can be seen but don't go out here saying that just because someone has tattoos it means they're irresponsible, and immature lol.
@@cool_labs well said dude!..that guy sound a like a douche bag that has no clue how far tattoos & tattooing has come since the bikers & gang days..& Ed Hardy was a huge key in turning that negative stigma of tattoo art into a respected art form & culture & Thank u for speaking to that!!✌🏽💪🏼💯💯💯
@Ewolf5150 Lol you're still generalizing. The stigma around tattoos has definitely gone away nowadays I've found. The only places I can think of now that heavily against tattoos are places like Japan where tattoos were associated with literal criminals and mafia bosses, but even then the stigma is relaxing. There's been studies done about how patients in hospitals don't even care if a healthcare worker has visible tattoos. But nowadays so many people have tattoos and love them. Do you think the tattoo artists who operate and found successful tattoo parlors are irresponsible and lazy? They're covered in tattoos and we all know that running a business takes someone who's savvy and on top of things. at the end of the day if you don't think they're for you, that's all well and good but again: don't come over here with your hot take that "most people who have tattoos are criminals or have a terrible past and anyone who is tattoo-free is responsible and a good person" noone asked man.
Ewolf5150 bro I think this is less about tattoos and more about the culture. Where do you live? Cause most people around the Bay Area and San Francisco, who are heavily tattooed, range from being responsible and stable working class folks, to people who own businesses and curate museum shows. Edit: I just read your second comment, at least you can admit to being an asshole
Sad to hear about Ed's Dementia and the closing of Tattoo City. His legacy and his shop are legendary and the world is lucky to have been inspired by his influence.
I met him once at De-Yong museum last year, and I felt I might just asked him a stupid question “ I have a mentor and I’m learning tattooing, what should I be notice ? “ He replied to me “ There’s a lot great wonderful tattooist out there, walk by there shop check out some arts, and don’t forget remember what your mentor words ! “ I don’t know how to describe Ed Hardy, but it really inspired me too.
It's douchy to talk down about someone that is writing/speaking in a language other than the one they are most comfortable with. I'm wondering how many languages you all speak? How many can you write in fluently? Unless you speak and write multiple languages without making mistakes, maybe don't be so judgmental.
I love how it opens with him remembering a person and the specific tattoo without having to see it. It really shows how personal getting a tattoo is. You have someone sitting for hours sometimes days, physically touching you, a lot of times having long conversations, getting to know each other, and you're trusting them to make permanent alterations to your body. You end up having a sort of connection with the artist.
Welp… I went from hating the name Ed Hardy to having a respect for the man and his artistic merits within ten minutes of watching this. It's nice to be surprised.
Great man who.s talent was an inspiration..he tattooed me in 1978 then visited me in the uk 1981 first thing he said when he walked into my shop.he looked at my hand drawn flash on the walls n said great artwork.. can you believe how that made me feel. i started to believe i was good...for all his immense talent and wealth he is still Ed Hardy....
Living on the times of an image-obsessed society it's hard to find something that doesn't feel like a fleeting whim and is in fact, truly inspiring and trailblazing in its own right. Ed Hardy is an amazing artist, a living treasure!
I walked in to the shop and Ed was there with his dog. I fanboyed for a moment but didn't bother the man. Seeing him was like seeing sasquatch and not wanting to disturb him.
"The nice thing about losing my memories, is that it's all new. Oh, look at this book" That's how i will re-discover my favorite films :-). Anyway, great documentary, thanks Vice!
alura 86 I’m 29 with health issues and seriously bad memory loss. I already had a joke with my older friends, who will forget something first... always me. No wonder this legend can’t remember everything, he’s carrying legendary shit in that brain.
I'm so happy to hear him say that tattooing is something that allows people to make their art without commodification. I was in school for fashion design before I started tattooing and that was the very reason that pushed me towards the craft. This video is incredible. Love his humble energy
Have a whole new level of respect for Ed out of complete ignorance by following the crowd who hated (noted at @4:00) Ed Hardy apparel and accessories. I also have 0 tattoos.
hes such a humble guy, i would’ve never thought this was behind the ed hardy brand. It really makes me appreciate the brand from a different point of view. He seems like he has alot of great knowledge and even greater stories
In 2008 it seemed like every other person especially guys had a Ed Hardy T-Shirt. His clothing brand peaked in 2008. But to a lot of us who was unaware of the artist behind the brand this video sheds a lot of light on the artistry of the man himself.
Halfway into the video I didn’t realize he was from Orange County. It’s where I’m born and raised currently working as a tattoo apprentice! Truly inspiring.
Not sure if I'm shocked or completely depressed to see all of these comments of people saying they didn't know this man was a tattoo artist. Probably both. Yeah both. Long live Hardy 🤟🏽
It’s sad because I’m a couple minutes in and have seen so many tattoos of his that I would love on a shirt and instead we get douchebag jersey boy shirts
That's b/c the designs on those mass marketed products look cartoonish & tacky. His tattoos & paintings look so much more artistic, intricate, & genuine.
Fuck that man get em, I have a set of Ed Hardy rocks glasses and shot glasses w some of his flash and a few more obscure pieces on them and they're the most beautiful set I have in all of mine.
My dad grew up with Don and went to school with Richard Shaw. He was heavily into tattooing. Growing up in the 90s my dad was the only parent I knew that was covered in them. My dad was also the oldest out of my friends parents too lol. I can only stand to watch a few minutes of this at a time. But I'm glad it exists.
When I was in the third grade, I had an olive green Ed hardy backpack with a flaming skull on it, and I just learned today as a graduated senior that Ed Hardy was a real guy
Every time I was always in San Francisco walking down near Columbus Ave I would pass by the shop and tip my hat as a sign of respect to Ed and the shop. Such a class guy that helped transform the art of tattoos.
This was awesome! Made me really really respect this guy as an artist but also as a person. So passionate and the stories...he's been there done that. He deserves all his success
It’s really nice to know that he really wants to pass down what he’s learned. Honestly him being a “sell out” made his work accessible. I got two Ed Hardy notebooks in 7th grade. I’d look at them and draw them on a different page. Must have drawn this one rose two dozen times. I thought it was funny that he used eyeliner. My friends would sit with me before school and I would draw on their hands with cheap liquid eyeliner. Honestly gotta give him credit for a lot of my initial influence. My grandpa had a bunch of sailor Jerry tattoos and my first tattoo was traditional. Thank you Ed for selling out. Inspired and influenced my art and it only cost me $2 😂
People who use the term "sell out" are just jealous. Believe me, I don't care what you do. You want to be the best at it. And you want to be famous for it, and make a lot of money. Even if all you did was mow people's lawns, and people started to recognize how good you were at mowing lawns, you would start your own business, and you would jump at the chance at a licensing deal to have your branded lawnmowers for make countless riches and fame. You would be stupid not to, just to "not be a sell-out." The people who think that way, never had the opportunity presented to them.
I hated it when I was a kid and wore it ironically in 2016 now I am completely obsessed in my Late 20’s. As a bipoc cisgendered man from Long Beach California I find it hilarious.
My neighbor whose like 30 years older than me saw my leg sleeve. He saw the mesh off American traditional and irezumi together and he said, “that gives off old school Ed Hardy vibes!” And it’s probably the best compliment I got on my tattoos.
I am not a practiced artist of any type. I purchased my own tattoo machine for simple black line work I want that I can not afford to pay for. It gave me sooooo much appreciation for the toll it takes on your body to do it. My hand was tired from the weight & vibration. Keeping the machine from rotating in my hand since it has so much of the machine hanging over the back of your hand. It was really hard to maintain an even depth so th ink takes and will not fade out. Keeping the lines an even thickness & shade is super difficult while keeping your hand in the air and not resting on the skin. I have only done one peice on my own. On my right thigh just above the knee I freehanded a sideways stretched out figure 8 that I morphed into being the wheels of a bicycle. I strategically added a road handlebar, seat post & seat to it. I was very happy how it turned out. It took me like 3 hours for something a professional would have done in about 20 to 40 min.
"The two most important things in life are that you were born and that you find out why you were born". Looks like Ed knew from an early age why he was born. The sad thing is that the majority of people go to the grave never figuring it out;-/
Hardy’s early human influences had an impact upon him; the shop(s) he visited as a young person, the artists he watched as they worked… Hardy’s not as old as the (late) folks he himself watched as a kid. By the way, allegedly Hardy was once known as “Ed the Neck” due to his neck tattoo, which was sort of a rare site for ink…way back then… How many people do you know in 2022 with neck tattoos?? Times change. We all stand on the shoulders of our elders; Hardy is no exception to that rule.
Just finished watching this and I'm kinda shocked that this isn't general knowledge to most people. Thanks for showcasing his life's work, I have a whole new level of respect for Ed.
VICE and its production team are amazing. The work put into this piece is outstanding. Imagine if this mini-doc was never produced? Thank you for assembling this.
In 1990 I made the pilgrimage to San Francisco to get tattooed by Don Ed Hardy. First thing is it is appointment only. So me and my buddy Jonas go to a phone booth and call, ask for Don, and are told he lives in Hawaii now and has like a decade long waiting list and only does full back pieces etc. etc. But, after we tell em we came up from LA just to get tattooed here, they took pity on us and told us to come by that night after hours. So, we did just that. And it was Amazing. We had read the RE Search books and Tattoo times so we knew all the lore and were treated to a dissertation of sorts from 2 great guys, Bill Salmon who had just a billion stories about everything and was just cool as F, and Freddy Jesus aka Mr. Nice guy. Who ended up tattooing me and my buddy. Gotta admit it was one of the best times I ever had.
I got to study at SFAI, where he went, for my first year of college, and I love it there. It’s my home. But unfortunately, it’s shutting down operations right now. They’re trying to get the school up and running again, but I really do miss that place. I feel really honored to have studied where such an amazing artist like Ed has studied. I really admire and look up to him as an artist.
This guy is a true genius in every sense of the word. He’s living proof of that quote: “ Find something you love to do, and you’ll never “ work” a day in your life.”
"I feel pretty good, I bought this building." Yep. Bless you Ed, bless tattoo & blessings of success to each of us you have inspired! Thank you!😘💘👏🏼💞 Honored to have that book, signed in person by himself. Great man🙏🏼
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
Mr Hardy tattooed me 6 times when I was in the navy. I believe the shop was on 2nd street in San Diego. I am almost 70years old now, still remember him very well. Great guy. I wonder if the young folks know about agitate stencils.
I didn’t until this video 😅
wow that's so cool! i envy everyone who can say they have a tattoo from THE ed hardy, that must feel so special! :)
I would like to see those tattoos :)
thats so cool!!!!!
Acetate stencils (not “agitate” stencils).
Such a shame there weren't earlier docs about him This guy is known by my generation as the "Dbag shirts guy" Why didnt anyone talk about him... even early Tattoo shows never talked about him. Glad i got to see this and have been informed.
He is very well known in the tattoo world
I like your comment. You have 123 likes and I think that number looks best.
I felt totally same, huge shock. Goes to show how quickly we are to judge a name or brand.
Early on only people who got tattoos and tattoo artists knew the truth about Ed Hardy
"Your art wont be in museums? No, because they will be dead" EPIC.
He seems like such a kind man. We are lucky to have his art in this world
We also have another one in my world
Lol comments like these are so corny
Yes 💗blessed by this mans presence and influence on art history...
You must be kidding right? This is the stupidest art form ever
It psychologically changes people
I’ve seen normal people get a tattoo on their calf muscle and now they only wear shorts even in the winter just so everyone can see their tattoo
I see that with people who have shoulder tattoos for some reason now they only wear tank tops or T-shirts with the sleeves cut off just show off their
tattoos
I saw one lady tuck in her shirt and then untuck and roll up part of it just to show off her tattoo on the side of her lower back as if her shirt just accidentally slipped up
Tattoos are addictive because you start to think you look like a loser if you only have one or two so people feel the need to cover themselves with ink to try to fit in and be “cooler”
Every time I see someone with tattoos I just laugh inside and know what a Insecure loser they are
I can't believe his parents and friend's parents let him do fake tattoos on them when they were kids and that they actually took pictures of it. What supportive parents for back then. If I would've seen those pictures without any context, between the way the kids are dressed and the fact that one is a girl, I would've never thought it was taken in the 50's.
@Iam Notafan If I saw those pictures and didn't know what they were of, I definitely wouldn't think they were taken in the 50's, that's for sure. I didn't think little girls wore jeans back then, let alone, would be allowed to get a fake tattoo from a boy.
@@Melissa0774 he said his friends dad was in the navy and had tattoos. his parents generation most likely grew up piss poor in the great depression, them the recession that followed that, and then went to war as teenagers/young men and watched their friends get killed in some pretty heinous ways. From the ones I knew (my grandparents, great aunts, great uncles) they weren't all that uptight and had experienced more by 25 than many now do in a lifetime (myself included). Many just wanted their kids to enjoy life. Society as a whole was pretty conservative but you can't judge everyone by the rules of the days leaders.
Goggle products lol this dudes gonna have a lot of regrets on his death bed. You’re only here once.
It's been crucial to have supportive parents and nurture his talent. Many don't have this gift I would say.
@Goggle products Fam, who hurt you?
First thing that stands out to me is his humbleness and no ego...a almost rare trait in many good tattoo artists nowadays...Decent vid
that's always the first thing I notice about tattoo artists, their ego lol
Unlike the people who wear his clothes
Most OG's Are. They got nothing left to prove.
He has an ego but the huge factor he isn't an ass about it. He is aware of his influence, hence the fact he has curated his legacy. He knows he is talented and is a good artist, so I wouldn't say he is without one.
Killed the ego with acid and shrooms thats why👽👽👽
"Nobody starts anything, it just keeps going" what a genius quote
@Goggle products yo, you're not okay. please seek help from a licensed psychiatrist.
Goggle products Your puritan bullshit wont fly here. Go back to the 1600’s
@Goggle products what? Are you serious?
They need to make a movie about Ed Hardy's life already. This man is an all-american icon
They already did some years back
Ed hardy tattoo the world
There's a much longer documentary about his life.
For all of his talent and success, Ed still remains a very humble man.
and young at heart
I was thinking the same thing!
I'd say arrogant and pretentious is more on point.
@@christianperez7758 ppl pl
@@christianperez7758 plllp
the fact that he studied americana, japanese, and baroque art and smushed it all together in tattoos blows my fucking mind. man what a genius
Agreed! :P
"How are those tattoos going to look when you're old??"
Looks at Ed Hardy
"Badass."
was thinking the same thing if i saw a old man with tattoes its like uhh interesting rather than ugly
my grandma literally said this to me last night i wish i had that good of a comeback
When you're old bad tattoos look even worse, but good tattoos still look cool af
@@themeanlesbeann When you're old you'll look worse too lmao. May as well decorate that loose, scaly, skin
What a humble guy, it’s a shame because a majority of today’s tattooers have an ego way bigger than their actual ability as a tattooer
cough cough kat von d cough
motelapathy yessss
it is a shame the man that can walk the walk doesn’t even talk the talk
social media makes their heads big
facts... incredibly sad
People like this are the true definition of a legend. A pure artist dedicated to his craft. This was a beautiful insight to his legacy. I would love to see it in more detail. Maybe a movie or series with his narration covering the many years of his work. Amazing
I was today years old when I found out that Ed hardy is a tattoo artist
Same
🤣 really?! Love it 😂
Omg lol
You learn something every day my friend! U just learn about a legend !
Most people also have no clue about sailor Jerry. They think that's just a brand of whiskey.
Love the little bit about his mother keeping his work and recording. I keep all of my daughter's progress and she wonders why. This is why. My daughter is 14 and is amazing.
Your daughter tattoos?
@@Deenique16 thinks about it. Might buy her an old kit. Teach her to use the machine inside and out. She's only 15. But there isn't a limit to art. 🤙
@@Deenique16 and my apologies. I can see the difference in perspective with what I wrote. It does sound like she's a tattoo artist already. No. She just is really great at what she does.
I dunno why but hearing a 75 year old man say bitchin is just cool lol
Second to that is hearing him say “far out” 🤣
What do you think millennials invented the f****** word, "bitchin"
@@TheYammerHammer if I hear millenials say bitchin it just doesn't hit right, kind of like a diet coke it's useless to me
He got stuck in the best years of his life lol
@@ChivasBarcelonaMex ain't that the truth
When he talked about him and his friend drawing tattoos on the neighborhood kids with watercolor pencils and opening up a little fake shop 🥺
Right ?? That made me hella emotional 😭 like wow some people are lucky enough to know who they are from the start what a blessing this man has been on art.
yea its like he was destined to do tattooing from the day he was born crazy asf
"Your art wont be in museums? No, because they will be dead" EPIC.
Therefore he has a clothing brand, he is very clever....
Funny thing is SF MOMA did a huge exibit on Ed Hardy with all this archived art just last year
@@joshuaking9249 wow that’s wild! How awesome!
@@monkey93xf uh idk about SF Moma I think you are talking about De Young Museum in SF he had a deeper than skin exhibit I haven't seen one for MOMA.
What's funny about that is how many mummys have been found with tattoos, which are thousands of years older than the contemporary art you'd see in a museum.
"fuck getting a souvenir, can you do my back?" The legendary Ed Hardy
Ed Hardy is so different to the people who wear his shirt.
He's one of those few people I've found in life that seem to have a guru-like quality. Like he just seems kind, intelligent and like he figured out the steady, easy going, interested way of looking at life. Everything he said was so insightful. I really enjoyed his line on how the only inanimate objects he cares about are books. Art to him isn't inanimate... they're "transmuters." That's awesome. Happy Vice made this video.
the neighborhood kids doing "tattoos" with handmade licenses featuring their class photos/ID's. I adore that so much
@Goggle products im gonna get this tatooed
@@davidzubek5035 good idea, kinda laborious🤔😂
I always thought his tattoos were only simple traditional pieces because of the clothes. But his tattoos are crazy, epic, timeless
"retirement doesn't mean sitting around watching wrestling, retirement means more time to do my own art"
there you get to understand that it's no choice, but a must for him to be an artist
I like that. It's not a hobby or entertainment it's a life for some
OK I love this man so much. Can't believe I only knew him for his clothes before this doc. He is an absolute icon with incredible talents. Not to mention his sheer intelligence and humble kindness.
Ed Hardy even speaks poetically. Great stuff here.
I am one of the people that just thought Ed Hardy was a gross brand name that someone at Kohls or TJ Maxx came up with to sell a certain style of clothing. This was a marvelous video and Ed Hardy is a spectacular character and person, I am so glad I decided to watch this and that it was available for me to do so. Very interesting and engaging stuff!
I had the opportunity to meet Ed a few times in North Beach, SF while I was working at a popular local restaurant and living in the neighborhood. Ed was a regular at our restaurant and I would deliver food to his beautiful home pretty often. He was always welcoming and kind and would greet you with a smile and appreciation. Thanks again Ed!
I cant even verbalize the amount of respect I have for OG's like this who literally invented some aspects of modern design.
Wait.... how come the guys that wear his clothes are Dbags and this guy is cool AF. And when I say “Dbag” I mean that guy on tiger king that stole the park by acting rich.
Sadly you can't dictate who consumes your art (for the most part) that said some of EH consumers goods are questionable & embody the douchebag aesthetic perfectly. However he does seem like a nice guy who monetize his fame, I would say too well to the point that his image will forever be linked to that aesthtic rather than to his great legacy in tattooing or at at least that is how the greater public will remember it.
Ed Hardy is for dbags and drainers
Jersey shore (tv show) did a really bad rep for the brand... and 90% of the customer dont know shit about the story behind... but the guy is a damm legend
2 words, one name Christian Audigier
people rep brands that stand for something that they want associated with themselves, whether it's authentic to them or not. Dbags wearing Ed Hardy stuff are just trying to look harder than they are.
Tattoo artists, take note! This man has severe postural kyphosis, most likely caused by maintaining a position of poor posture over an extended period of time. Stretch regularly and seek out a professional to give you strengthening exercises for maintenance.
Thank you, this is something even at 27 I'm starting to notice, and it takes a lot of mindfulness and stretching to make sure you are taking care of your body as an artist.
Severe is too strong of a word, I'd say it's mild, especially for a man his age
deuces roxy bro you know he has a hunch because if his poor posture due to tattooing
He did some work on me back in the day when he had his studio on van ness.Lyle Tuttle down on 7th and market gave me my first tat when I was 16 with a false ID. Ed got me started on my sleeves with dragons, vikings and the like back in the mid 70's. Really a nice and well talented guy.
Bullshit
I smell cap.
DAS CAP
so it's so crazt to believe that upon the 1000's of people he has tattoo'd thru the years one of them would have seen this doc on you tube
still DAS CAP
Holy shit little did I know this man was a genius and maybe the best to ever do it, this is the content I look for
Ed Hardy gives me serious Anthony Bourdain vibes. Super down to earth, introspective and totally honest. You love to see it.
RIP Anthony Bourdain
This guy is a true artist. And thank god he had a great mom who encouraged him and saved his work.
Looks like an old accountant...proof again to not judge a book. What amazing talent
@Ewolf5150 lol way to be judgmental and generalize a whole group of people based on one person. There are plenty of professionals out there in the world with tattoos leading successful happy lives. I have friends who have tattoos who work as corporate bankers, schoolteachers, college professors, business owners, writers for magazines, etc etc. I personally have a few and I'm a medical student. There's always gonna be a few assholes who muddy up the reputation of how a group of people can be seen but don't go out here saying that just because someone has tattoos it means they're irresponsible, and immature lol.
@@cool_labs well said dude!..that guy sound a like a douche bag that has no clue how far tattoos & tattooing has come since the bikers & gang days..& Ed Hardy was a huge key in turning that negative stigma of tattoo art into a respected art form & culture & Thank u for speaking to that!!✌🏽💪🏼💯💯💯
@Ewolf5150 Lol you're still generalizing. The stigma around tattoos has definitely gone away nowadays I've found. The only places I can think of now that heavily against tattoos are places like Japan where tattoos were associated with literal criminals and mafia bosses, but even then the stigma is relaxing. There's been studies done about how patients in hospitals don't even care if a healthcare worker has visible tattoos. But nowadays so many people have tattoos and love them. Do you think the tattoo artists who operate and found successful tattoo parlors are irresponsible and lazy? They're covered in tattoos and we all know that running a business takes someone who's savvy and on top of things.
at the end of the day if you don't think they're for you, that's all well and good but again: don't come over here with your hot take that "most people who have tattoos are criminals or have a terrible past and anyone who is tattoo-free is responsible and a good person" noone asked man.
Ewolf5150 bro I think this is less about tattoos and more about the culture. Where do you live? Cause most people around the Bay Area and San Francisco, who are heavily tattooed, range from being responsible and stable working class folks, to people who own businesses and curate museum shows.
Edit: I just read your second comment, at least you can admit to being an asshole
@Ewolf5150 fool
Sad to hear about Ed's Dementia and the closing of Tattoo City. His legacy and his shop are legendary and the world is lucky to have been inspired by his influence.
The fact that people only think this dude ONLY did clothing blows my mind
thinking of ed hardy as brand reminds me of that joke, "nirvana is my favorite T shirt brand"
I met him once at De-Yong museum last year, and I felt I might just asked him a stupid question “ I have a mentor and I’m learning tattooing, what should I be notice ? “
He replied to me “ There’s a lot great wonderful tattooist out there, walk by there shop check out some arts, and don’t forget remember what your mentor words ! “
I don’t know how to describe Ed Hardy, but it really inspired me too.
🧢
Ferd Dorst thought it was just me.
It's douchy to talk down about someone that is writing/speaking in a language other than the one they are most comfortable with. I'm wondering how many languages you all speak? How many can you write in fluently? Unless you speak and write multiple languages without making mistakes, maybe don't be so judgmental.
@Ferd Dorst fuck off, Seppo
@Ferd Dorst you couldnt work out what he was saying? how the fuck have you survived up til this point? you must have a full time carer
I love how it opens with him remembering a person and the specific tattoo without having to see it.
It really shows how personal getting a tattoo is.
You have someone sitting for hours sometimes days, physically touching you, a lot of times having long conversations, getting to know each other, and you're trusting them to make permanent alterations to your body.
You end up having a sort of connection with the artist.
Welp… I went from hating the name Ed Hardy to having a respect for the man and his artistic merits within ten minutes of watching this. It's nice to be surprised.
It’s weird his most people didn’t know he was a tattoo artist
Great man who.s talent was an inspiration..he tattooed me in 1978 then visited me in the uk 1981 first thing he said when he walked into my shop.he looked at my hand drawn flash on the walls n said great artwork.. can you believe how that made me feel. i started to believe i was good...for all his immense talent and wealth he is still Ed Hardy....
Have seen his brand out there but this video gives more details about Ed's art and tattoos of this remarkable mans work.
Living on the times of an image-obsessed society it's hard to find something that doesn't feel like a fleeting whim and is in fact, truly inspiring and trailblazing in its own right. Ed Hardy is an amazing artist, a living treasure!
If he had his sleeves down you would never know he was one of the coolest men to exist.
I don’t care. I loved my Ed Hardy T-shirt from Costco.
Rosida Andriyana I don’t think so 😊
⭐👍🏼 I think they look cool too
So good to see this replay about the greatest American Tattoo artist. He is remarkable
I walked in to the shop and Ed was there with his dog. I fanboyed for a moment but didn't bother the man. Seeing him was like seeing sasquatch and not wanting to disturb him.
"The nice thing about losing my memories, is that it's all new. Oh, look at this book" That's how i will re-discover my favorite films :-).
Anyway, great documentary, thanks Vice!
alura 86 I’m 29 with health issues and seriously bad memory loss. I already had a joke with my older friends, who will forget something first... always me. No wonder this legend can’t remember everything, he’s carrying legendary shit in that brain.
0
I'm so happy to hear him say that tattooing is something that allows people to make their art without commodification. I was in school for fashion design before I started tattooing and that was the very reason that pushed me towards the craft. This video is incredible. Love his humble energy
Have a whole new level of respect for Ed out of complete ignorance by following the crowd who hated (noted at @4:00) Ed Hardy apparel and accessories. I also have 0 tattoos.
So did you hate the designs, or did you hate the stereotype person that you'd see in Ed Hardy?
@@bigtats76 p]pp0
@@bigtats76 Ed's artwork is cool as hell, it's the douchebags who ruin it.
This was so enlightening and inspiring. If I find any of his clothes in thrift shops I’m gonna wear them proudly.
I truly didn't know.
What a genius.
hes such a humble guy, i would’ve never thought this was behind the ed hardy brand. It really makes me appreciate the brand from a different point of view. He seems like he has alot of great knowledge and even greater stories
In 2008 it seemed like every other person especially guys had a Ed Hardy T-Shirt. His clothing brand peaked in 2008. But to a lot of us who was unaware of the artist behind the brand this video sheds a lot of light on the artistry of the man himself.
Halfway into the video I didn’t realize he was from Orange County. It’s where I’m born and raised currently working as a tattoo apprentice! Truly inspiring.
Not sure if I'm shocked or completely depressed to see all of these comments of people saying they didn't know this man was a tattoo artist. Probably both. Yeah both. Long live Hardy 🤟🏽
Ed Hardy tattoos - cool
Ed Hardy T-Shirts - tacky
Sometimes mediums do matter I guess
It’s sad because I’m a couple minutes in and have seen so many tattoos of his that I would love on a shirt and instead we get douchebag jersey boy shirts
That's b/c the designs on those mass marketed products look cartoonish & tacky. His tattoos & paintings look so much more artistic, intricate, & genuine.
Ed Hardy paintings - Beautiful
Fuck that man get em, I have a set of Ed Hardy rocks glasses and shot glasses w some of his flash and a few more obscure pieces on them and they're the most beautiful set I have in all of mine.
@@dustincarter229 Wow, you have beautiful shot glasses...just wow!!!
I had everything ED HARDY literally. Clothes, books, notebooks, pens, pencils. EVERYTHING ED HARDY DESIGNED
Was he like the lisa frank of the mid 2000's
Wow. Did you stop being a horrible person at some point?
@@samfiadrangus9188 😂 I'm a terrible person for laughing so hard. Fuck, that was good!
My dad grew up with Don and went to school with Richard Shaw. He was heavily into tattooing. Growing up in the 90s my dad was the only parent I knew that was covered in them. My dad was also the oldest out of my friends parents too lol.
I can only stand to watch a few minutes of this at a time. But I'm glad it exists.
When I was in the third grade, I had an olive green Ed hardy backpack with a flaming skull on it, and I just learned today as a graduated senior that Ed Hardy was a real guy
Every time I was always in San Francisco walking down near Columbus Ave I would pass by the shop and tip my hat as a sign of respect to Ed and the shop. Such a class guy that helped transform the art of tattoos.
This was awesome! Made me really really respect this guy as an artist but also as a person. So passionate and the stories...he's been there done that. He deserves all his success
It’s really nice to know that he really wants to pass down what he’s learned. Honestly him being a “sell out” made his work accessible. I got two Ed Hardy notebooks in 7th grade. I’d look at them and draw them on a different page. Must have drawn this one rose two dozen times. I thought it was funny that he used eyeliner. My friends would sit with me before school and I would draw on their hands with cheap liquid eyeliner. Honestly gotta give him credit for a lot of my initial influence. My grandpa had a bunch of sailor Jerry tattoos and my first tattoo was traditional. Thank you Ed for selling out. Inspired and influenced my art and it only cost me $2 😂
People who use the term "sell out" are just jealous. Believe me, I don't care what you do. You want to be the best at it. And you want to be famous for it, and make a lot of money. Even if all you did was mow people's lawns, and people started to recognize how good you were at mowing lawns, you would start your own business, and you would jump at the chance at a licensing deal to have your branded lawnmowers for make countless riches and fame. You would be stupid not to, just to "not be a sell-out." The people who think that way, never had the opportunity presented to them.
Me before this video: Ed Hardy is a lame brand.
Me after this video: Ed Hardy is an incredibly cool guy with a lame brand.
I love ed hardy
I love him, because i can put on his art , and still having no tattoo.
The brand specially the perfume is pure bomb. I really think jersey shore the tv show destroy the brand. The giy is a legend
I hated it when I was a kid and wore it ironically in 2016 now I am completely obsessed in my Late 20’s. As a bipoc cisgendered man from Long Beach California I find it hilarious.
kevin st-amand Ed survived ....The Situation.
My neighbor whose like 30 years older than me saw my leg sleeve. He saw the mesh off American traditional and irezumi together and he said, “that gives off old school Ed Hardy vibes!” And it’s probably the best compliment I got on my tattoos.
I've met so many people who thought Ed Hardy only did those lame trendy shirts. I'm like hes the biggest tattoo legend in the US!
I am not a practiced artist of any type.
I purchased my own tattoo machine for simple black line work I want that I can not afford to pay for.
It gave me sooooo much appreciation for the toll it takes on your body to do it.
My hand was tired from the weight & vibration. Keeping the machine from rotating in my hand since it has so much of the machine hanging over the back of your hand. It was really hard to maintain an even depth so th ink takes and will not fade out. Keeping the lines an even thickness & shade is super difficult while keeping your hand in the air and not resting on the skin.
I have only done one peice on my own.
On my right thigh just above the knee I freehanded a sideways stretched out figure 8 that I morphed into being the wheels of a bicycle. I strategically added a road handlebar, seat post & seat to it. I was very happy how it turned out.
It took me like 3 hours for something a professional would have done in about 20 to 40 min.
"The two most important things in life are that you were born and that you find out why you were born". Looks like Ed knew from an early age why he was born. The sad thing is that the majority of people go to the grave never figuring it out;-/
Ed hardy personal collection belongs in the Smithsonian
Ýes, his art should be preserved.
@some dude no, it belongs to me
-Indiana Jones
What an amazing legacy! And the fact he’s so thorough in keeping everything is amazing !!
Imagine having that passion that young. Nobody can say that.
Hardy’s early human influences had an impact upon him; the shop(s) he visited as a young person, the artists he watched as they worked…
Hardy’s not as old as the (late) folks he himself watched as a kid.
By the way, allegedly Hardy was once known as “Ed the Neck” due to his neck tattoo, which was sort of a rare site for ink…way back then…
How many people do you know in 2022 with neck tattoos?? Times change. We all stand on the shoulders of our elders; Hardy is no exception to that rule.
Ed- “Did you bring it?”
Other guy- *laughs* “yeah”
Seconds later *takes his clothes off all the way down to his cheeks*
Hahahahaha
Seeing his art work as a kid makes me wish I never stopped chasing my dreams. Because my art looks so similar at that age.
Tbh they should have a museum for Ed Hardy after his death, because how meticulous he is about everything he's done and has...that's amazing to me.
They should start a Ed Harding art museum
Just finished watching this and I'm kinda shocked that this isn't general knowledge to most people. Thanks for showcasing his life's work, I have a whole new level of respect for Ed.
He’s so artistic and humble. Those kid tattoos were too cute ☺️
Am I alone in feeling like Ed could be my grandpa? I love that he has completely embraced the don't give an F old-timer look. What a guy!
I was today years old when I found out the Ed Hardy was a tattoo artist, my bad.
VICE and its production team are amazing. The work put into this piece is outstanding. Imagine if this mini-doc was never produced? Thank you for assembling this.
"Just snorting coke&crank sometimes."
15:00 . This comment got me to watch the whole video.
In 1990 I made the pilgrimage to San Francisco to get tattooed by Don Ed Hardy. First thing is it is appointment only. So me and my buddy Jonas go to a phone booth and call, ask for Don, and are told he lives in Hawaii now and has like a decade long waiting list and only does full back pieces etc. etc.
But, after we tell em we came up from LA just to get tattooed here, they took pity on us and told us to come by that night after hours.
So, we did just that. And it was Amazing. We had read the RE Search books and Tattoo times so we knew all the lore and were treated to a dissertation of sorts from 2 great guys, Bill Salmon who had just a billion stories about everything and was just cool as F, and Freddy Jesus aka Mr. Nice guy. Who ended up tattooing me and my buddy.
Gotta admit it was one of the best times I ever had.
this popped up in my feed i watched it for 1 minute and was hooked. This is one interesting guy.
Mr. Hardy is one of my favorite Japanese traditional painters and I love his work the new age of tattooing has so much to learn from past age artists.
Just saw news footage from the fifties of the Bristol tattoo club and the tattoos were wonderful,full body Japanese dragons and all.
It's pretty dope how little he cares for posturing and image.
so refreshing!!
Ed hardy: “I stopped drinking at 37 but I still was smoking weed..and coke and crank sometimes” 😂😂😂
#thehonesty lol
Title calling Ed Hardy the Godfather of Tattooing
Host: 23:43 "Who did the dragon?"
Ed Hardy: Sailor Jerry. lmao
Falo yes!!! Lmao
Exactly the point I came here to make
I'm covered in Sailor Jerry flash......I laughed at the title
I have work from Sailor Jerry's shop he passed on to Mike Malone, The Aloha Monkey
this documentary made me cry twice because his inspiration is from outer world. what a fucking legend.
Can you imagine what all those original ed hardy drawings from when he was 10 years old will go for.
One of my favourite vice documentaries of all time. No, one of my favourite documentaries of all time
He truly is a master as his master who proceeded him, thank you and much love to his family and the art he has created.
I'm physically retired from the craft but I still appreciate much of the "outlaw culture".
I got to study at SFAI, where he went, for my first year of college, and I love it there. It’s my home. But unfortunately, it’s shutting down operations right now. They’re trying to get the school up and running again, but I really do miss that place. I feel really honored to have studied where such an amazing artist like Ed has studied. I really admire and look up to him as an artist.
This guy is a true genius in every sense of the word. He’s living proof of that quote:
“ Find something you love to do, and you’ll never “ work” a day in your life.”
And hear I am going into this thinking this man only did t-shirts...damn.
@Goggle products you sound like a prude. Sit down and let others grow and rot without putting them down.
Goggle products sounds like you struggle with your humanity
"I feel pretty good, I bought this building." Yep. Bless you Ed, bless tattoo & blessings of success to each of us you have inspired! Thank you!😘💘👏🏼💞
Honored to have that book, signed in person by himself. Great man🙏🏼
I love how when he has his jacket on he looks like he'd own a boutique not be one of the most influential tattoo artists in history
Honestly the most versatile artist I've ever seen!!!!
Plus his take on art is the coolest with the complete and total lack of pretentiousness
💘 Such an inspiration for so many tattoo artists, including myself. Thank you Ed Hardy for being you.