inspiration
Where a Derelict Becomes an ICON
The Gearheads slide into 4-high and spend an evening talking design, marketing, technology and inspiration with Jonathan Ward, the founder and CEO of ICON 4×4 and TLC. Known for their modern take, yet charmingly nostalgic-in-character FJ and Bronco and Derelict builds, the company is blazing new paths through design and forward thinking. We go deep into the “why.”
Power Tour Magnetism: Creating the Art
For the third year in a row, I have had the honor of creating the Long Haul Gang magnets given at each stop on the Hot Rod Power Tour. For 2019, I made it a personal mission to man the wheel on Creative Direction as well as producing the art, and at the risk of sounding like an overly-proud parent, this one raises the bar. Let’s tear into the artwork and see what makes it tick, and drop a few tips and tricks your way, too. I’m a giver.
Directing a Design Career Arc
The Gearheads celebrate fifty episodes with an incredible insider’s look at Hot Wheels design and career arcs with Die Cast Hall of Fame members Eric Tscherne and guest-host Carson Lev. It’s a multi-layered episode with not only two influential giants, but a mentoring theme that makes for a masterclass in following your passion.
A Well-Executed Fart: Steve Strope
Episode twenty-nine brings it all your way, courtesy of the very vocal and always insightful and entertaining Steve Strope of Pure Vision Design in Simi Valley, California. The guys talk vintage BMX bikes, bass guitar, reality TV and more. We get into the SEMA Show talk, Joe Rogan’s Nova and even a bit of serious health and family discussion, and learn a lot form a very driven and passionate designer and builder. If you’re looking for the ultimate kick in the pants to go and do your thing, this is your episode. Especially if you wear a man bun.
Cube-ist Customization, or The Art of Making a Finky Square Look Cool
Throwback Thursday and Brian suspends rational thought, and toys with the idea of creating a cool custom from an overlooked ride.The Nissan Cube isn’t exactly the first thing that pops into many peoples’ minds when asked “what late-model cars have some potential, custom-wise?” We can’t imagine that it enters most sane people’s minds for any reason, really. Yet, back in 2009, this was precisely what he was considering. You’re welcome.
Treading Forbidden Ground is the Kustom of My People
“The forbidden-ness of the place” is what made it “so compelling.” Greg Noll once said of his decision to surf Waimea Bay in November of 1957, around five years after Sam Barris chopped his 1950 Buick. How does surfing relate to a kustom car, much less have anything to do with designing hot rods?
Plenty more than you might think.
FAST Thinking. What Gets You Going?
If I were to ask you to name the first car that really did it for you… the one car that sparked your interest in hot rods or fast cars in general, what’s the first car that comes to mind for you? For me, there was always some interest in cars. It was and is in my blood. I’m convinced that it’s genetic. My parents were rabid car fanatics, and here I am, passing that gene on.
If I were to ask you to name the first car that really did it for you, the one car that sparked your interest in hot rods or fast cars in general, what’s the first car that comes to mind for you? What sparks your imagination? For me, those answers come from some relatively humble and common places. It seems that the car thing is held together by a common adhesive, no matter what kind of cars you like.
Tom Fritz Masterclass Part Two: Going Deep
The Round Six gearheads sit and talk art, history, career paths, school and life in general with legendary automotive artist Tom Fritz. This is part two of a multi-part masterclass filled with great advice, intimate knowledge and insight… Plus a ton of laughs, as you’d come to expect from one of our podcasts. We boldly go where no interview has gone before in this deeply-probing session.
