Frank Kozik

Frank Kozik (January 9, 1962 – May 6, 2023) was an American graphic artist best known for his posters for alternative rock bands. With his prolific output and connections in the music industry, Kozik helped revitalize rock poster art in the late 1980s and 1990s, and was a founder of the modern art print scene. His album cover work included the bands Queens of the Stone Age and the Offspring. With his artistic versatility, he was also a pioneer in the designer toy movement, and later became the creative director of Kidrobot. His father was an American serviceman and his mother was Spanish; they divorced before his birth.

Career

Rock poster art

After leaving the Air Force, Kozik worked as a doorman at an Austin nightclub, becoming part of the city's underground-rock scene. He first gained attention as a self-trained underground artist in the early 1980s, making flyers and posters for Austin punk bands. As Kozik brought renewed interest in the poster as a medium of art, his work influenced other rock poster artists such as Emek, Chuck Sperry, and Coop.

Kozik was also a member of the Stuckism art movement.

Man's Ruin Records and album art

Kozik moved to San Francisco in 1993, The label allowed Kozik to experiment artistically by creating the album art for its releases. Among the notable releases by Man's Ruin were rare tracks by the Sex Pistols from their very early days. Kozik folded the label in 2001 to focus on fine art and toy design. Kozik directed the music video for Soundgarden's song "Pretty Noose" and the Mint Condition video "What Kind of Man Would I Be?"

Smorkin' Labbit and toy design

As a toy designer, Kozik created the popular Smorkin' Labbit, an unshaven rabbit that smokes, inspired by the Japanese Hello Kitty character around 1996. Originally named the "Smokin' Rabbit", it was accidentally misspelled by a Japanese toy maker, and Kozik thought the new name was too good to let go. Although Kozik was primarily known for his screen prints, a rare painting of the Labbit sold on the TV blind auction show Four Rooms for £4,000.

In 2007, Kozik created his own toy line, Ultraviolence, for more experimental pieces that big companies might deem too risky.

In 2014, Kozik became creative director of Kidrobot. He helped turn the company around by working with young, urban artists to design new toys. In total, he designed over 500 toys. In 2007, he designed the Spike TV Video Game Awards trophy. He also designed a special-edition watch for Swatch, and was commissioned by Gatorade and Harley-Davidson. and Desperate Measures Empty Pleasures.

Death Kozik died by suicide in San Francisco on May 6, 2023, at age 61. He is survived by his wife Sharon.

Legacy

Kozik's influence on various fields of art, particularly rock poster art and toy design, has been immense. Austin Chronicle writer Tim Stegall has described Kozik as "the graphic and aesthetic conscience of our generation".