Missile launching rubber ducks, pigs dressed in Islamic niqabs and blood splattered Hello Kitties. No folks, this isn’t Banksy’s latest graphic comeback, but rather the unique designs courtesy of the cute institute and The Hiccups, just two of the 887 talented artists featured in Prickie.com, the largest on-line badge shop.
A collaboration between the passionate Eduardo Chavez and Peter Locke, Prickie began life as an on-line bulk buying business. It wasn’t until 2005 that they capitalised on the return of pin-wear with the unique concept of commissioning artists and selling small orders. Two years in the running post-launch, and with a global network of fine artists, graphic designers, illustrators and cartoonists firmly under their lapel, Prickie can boast an eccentrically extensive collection. And it’s one that caters to an extensive collection of tastes. The stratum of styles and designs, which ranges from minimalist graphics to phantasmagoria and ironic slogans is so far unrivalled in quality and choice. And you can even choose between a size of 1inch and 25mm.
Dedicated to pushing the button, Prickie’s philosophy extends a little beyond supplying their pin-hungry clients with fresh and inspiring designs. The site also doubles as an alternative plateau for artists to showcase and sell their work, as well as promote new ideas, making it a potentially vital launch pad for any of these young artist’s careers. Free to decide a price of their work, every artist receives a commission from sales, although interestingly each badge is set at $2.99 (the US equivalent of roughly £2.00). There’s also Prickie’s own in-house designs to browse through, while the Top Sellers section keeps you posted with what’s hot in the badge world. The duo’s democratic approach also allows artists to voice their own personal creative philosophies, persuading shoppers with proverbial pleas, caustic wit, and sometimes downright profound literary vignettes to read through [check out Surfsupbrah].
With features in Creative Review, Trendy and Italian Dior Homme magazine, as well as various badge devoted publications, Prickie’s no stranger to literary recognition either. Not only appraised for its art (and photography), the easy to use flash site is a noted experience in itself, akin to gliding over the arched back of a rainbow in love. Well, perhaps not quite that enjoyable, but lets just say that an on-line shopping experience hasn’t been smoother, simpler, brighter or heaps more pleasurable than browsing with these guys. And with plenty of discounts on offer, you can indulge in stockpiling your own unique collection, or someone’s you care for, in a leisurely time with a permanent smile. But be warned - it’s only once you’ve browsed and re-browsed the first two-hundred pins or so, then sadly played with checkout like it’s some kind of computer game, that you realise just how addictive the whole experience is. And even then I bet you won’t log off… - Janet Mink
If you’d like to check out Prickie, click www.prickie.com