20 Things You Didn't Know About Shepard Fairey

Here's everything to know about the great street artist.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

The imagery behind the Obey brand is almost instantly recognizable, whether you're a fan of street art or not. In the 1990s, stickers began appearing in Rhode Island proclaiming that Andre the Giant should run for mayor and that he had a posse. After his design for Obama’s 2008 Hope Campaign, Shepard Fairey was rocketed into superstardom.

People may not instantly recognize Fairey's name, but the ubiquitous image of Obama as the United States' hopeful future is instantly recognizable. Through these simple, layered graphic portraits, the artist has made a name for himself both inside and outside the art world. Rhiannon Platt and avid fan Halopigg have partnered to bring you a few facts you might not know about the man behind the ever-present “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” image.

RELATED: The 50 Most Influential Street Artists of All Time
RELATED: 15 Street Artists to Watch in 2014 

His first name is actually Frank.

Not Available Interstitial

The Andre sticker was created to teach a friend how to stencil.

Not Available Interstitial

Before Obey Giant, there was Alternate Graphics.

Not Available Interstitial

In addition to using propaganda imagery, he is also a fan of John Carpenter.

Not Available Interstitial

You've heard of Andre, but have you heard of AG Soda?

Not Available Interstitial

When bombing in Philly, Fairey used to crash with Adam Wallacavage.

Not Available Interstitial

He has released over 1,000 prints in 20 years.

Not Available Interstitial

Shepard's wife Amanda often models for his pieces.

Not Available Interstitial

He was the final headliner at Jeffrey Deitch's New York Space.

Not Available Interstitial

The artist also goes by the name DJ Diabetes.

Not Available Interstitial

It took only three months for the first bootleg to surface.

Not Available Interstitial

He designed a patch for NASA.

Not Available Interstitial

KAWS once told him to mix his colors up.

Not Available Interstitial

He once paid tribute to Eminem's D12 group.

Not Available Interstitial

Fairey designed the wedding invitations for Russell Brand and Katy Perry.

Not Available Interstitial

He also designed a poster for the Grammys.

Not Available Interstitial

The artist lent his hand to redesign the book cover of Animal Farm.

Not Available Interstitial

Fairey has collaborated with (almost) everyone.

Not Available Interstitial

There is a forum for collectors of his work, as well as the work of other street artists.

Not Available Interstitial

Obey wallpaper exists.

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Style