Presto...It's A Blog

We got something coming from this guy...Get ready

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

An all new title from artist Jeral Tidwell is in the works. February 29, 2012. Your welcome.

Huck Gee book release & 11 of 10 show.

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Our main amigo Carlos East of the Beast Brothers shot and edited this amazing video of Huck Gee's book release party and 11 of 10 show in L.A. The book we released on the opening night was an ultra rare super limited black cover edition. Muy Bien!

11/10 The Art of HucK Gee from The Beast Brothers on Vimeo.

The Art of Huck Gee -NOW AVAILABLE!!

2012-01-20T12:00:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time I got an amazing phone call. The Baroness called me and asked if I had an interest in exploring the idea of doing a book with custom toy artist Huck Gee. For years I have collected Kidrobot Dunnys so I have been a fan of Huck's work for years. A call, an e-mail, some jpegs and we were hooked on the idea.

This was one of those projects where ideas burned in my head for layouts and I couldn't wait to produce a volume of Huck's art. A year later and many untold hours and bang. We present The Art of Huck Gee!
We have packed this hard cover edition with 150 pages of Huck's greatest creations. His limited edition customs, production pieces, production art, prints, collaborations, projects that were scrapped, and every single thing in between.

The forward of the book is written by Kidrobot founder Paul Budnitz, who refers to Huck as "...the greatest toy customizer on the planet....". Now if that isn't a ringing endorsement I don't what is. Huck is one of the founders of this custom art toy movement. His work has been shown and is collected the world over, it even resides in the permanent collection of the MOMA. The book was a blast to design and the art is refreshing and important. This is one of the most interesting titles we have published to date and it was wonderful to work with such a talented guy.

The book is available now at www.prestoart.com for the amazing price of $28.00. For those who love art, toys, pop-culture and pure creativity. The Art of Huck Gee - that is how we kick off 2012.

We Have Been Busy...Really.

2012-01-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year, sorry for the lack of updates here at the blog. We have spent the fall knee deep in book projects from toy artist Huck Gee and poster / hot-rod / pop artist Jeral Tidwell, as well as many new projects for 2012. It can sometimes be a challenge to both work on books and report on the progress here on the blog, but we will make a run at doing a better blog job in 2012. We do promise that 2012 is going to be packed with amazing titles from Presto Art. That is also guaranteed by our mascot Quincy the wonder dog. Thanks for sticking around.

Jime Litwalk's Sketchbook 4 is Here!

2011-06-14T13:21:00.000-04:00

Fresh off the truck and ready for Summer reading @ the beach, is the brand new sketchbook from Jime Litwalk. This 4th and final installment of the series features "Hot Rodz & Tiki Gods". Jime's specialty is showcased and packed with cars, hula girls, tiki heads, sleds, rock-a-billys, finks and more.
This entires series of sketchbooks has been a blast to put together and we thank Jime for entrusting us with his project. It's great to finally see them all together as a set on the old bookshelf, it's been a minute. Sketchbook 4 is available now from all the usual suspects and you can pick it up from us direct right here- Jime Litwalk Sketchbook 4 "Hot Rodz & Tiki Gods"

New Craola Show & Interviews

2011-05-27T00:46:00.000-04:00

Artist and Presto author Greg "Craola" Simkins has some new interviews available online. Mike Miller interviewed Greg on this cool split screen video interview show along with artist Lola Gil. It is very cool so check into it right here.

Greg also did a great interview over at LOP Radio, where they talked about everything from Greg's book with Presto Art, to the toys he has designed and his thought process. It's great to see artists getting interviewed and online press. Good stuff.

LOP Radio -Craola Interview Here

Greg also has a brand new show entitled, "Escape With Me" that will be showing at yves laroche in Montreal Canada opening June 8th. The new stuff is amazing as always - so tune in to that at

Craola "Escape With Me" @ yves laroche

P.S. If you haven't had enough of Greg he did a sick in-store mural and they shot a time lapse. See the process in fast forward.

HOW Magazine International Design Award for Three Sixty Five

2011-03-25T11:39:00.001-04:00

It's always nice to be recognized for your work, but when your work is rewarded by a magazine that you have read for years, well, that is awesome. Presto Art's "Three Sixty Five" by Martin LaCasse was recognized with an Editorial Merit from HOW magazine. HOW is a magazine for designers and graphic professionals that features the best and brightest in everything from advertising to video game design. It also feels good because the work judged was from all over the world. So thanks to HOW and thanks to everyone who bought the book.

A Novel Idea? The Art of Dave Fox - Available Now

2011-03-18T01:00:00.002-04:00

Dave Fox's new book has hit the warehouse...and filled it up. Dave's new book is by far the most color packed book we have ever seen. I wonder if the print house thought they were going to use so much ink. I am talking about a serious saturation and a varnish flood to hold it all together. I think it's fair to say the book is over stimulating to say the least. When was the last time a book printed on paper made that claim? We are psyched with the final product and know that fan's of Dave are going to be thrilled and non-fans will become fast subscribers to the unique stylings. Available now from Presto Art -A Novel Idea? The Art of Dave Fox.

Greg "Craola" Simkins/Gallery 1988 INLE Show

2011-03-17T10:38:00.000-04:00

Artist Greg Simkins was the host of an amazing event on Friday that packed in over 100 of the countries best artists working today. The theme was the black rabbit of INLE, a character from Richard Adams book "Watership Down", and a theme that Greg has mined in much of his art. Good stuff check it.

Drawn From The Well - The Film

2010-11-25T08:55:00.004-05:00

This Thanksgiving allow me to be thankful for my Family, my Friends and for the bad ass mini film that Stephen Reedy made for Greg Craola Simkin's book "Drawn From the Well". Stephen is the guy behind all those great Zero Friends commercials, his stuff is very cool and you can check it all out on his reel. Both Greg and I are super psyched to have a mini film / commercial for the book. Take a look and pass it on to those you know. Enjoy.

A Novel Idea ?

2010-11-10T17:17:00.000-05:00

The long wait is almost over for Dave Fox's brand new art book titled "A Novel Idea?". The book weighs in at two hundred and twenty five pages, packed into a huge 9" x 12" hardcover deluxe format. The art is a full color, end to end blow out with Dave's entire cast of unusual characters on parade through every inch of it. We are anticipating a street date of January 2011 and that will become more clear as we move through the final steps of the printing process.

This book has been a lot of fun to put together and if you are a fan of Dave's art you will be psyched with the final product. Dave painted 25 new paintings in the last six weeks that all made the book, and the story behind the title is also a very cool one. This book will be the first Presto book to feature 6 fold out setups, so we could showcase some of Dave's art in an awesome 12" x 18" format. We will keep you in the loop....

Coming January 2011 www.prestoart.com Coming January 2011

Greg Craola Simkins "Story Teller" Opens Nov 5th

2010-11-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Presto Art artist Greg Simkins brand new show " Story Teller" opens Nov 5th at Gallery 1988. Greg has created some really remarkable new paintings for this show as well as many new sketches.

Along with the originals being available for sale Greg will be a presenting a brand new print that looks amazing and will be available that night.

Greg has also released a new print with Alex Pardee entitled "The Orange Lantern" that is available now at the imscared.com store. This continues their Scared Friends collab stuff that needs to be made in Saturday morning cartoon.

In addition to all the new art. Friday night at Gallery 1988 will be the last chance to pick up the Presto special edition of Greg's new book "Drawn From the Well". Greg has hand made a super special boxed set of the book that comes in hand painted box along with a special edition bandana from To Die For, and a couple other goodies. He will be also have signing hours at Gallery 1988, check the site for details and times.

Craola Book On Sale Saturday Sept. 25th!

2010-09-22T14:13:00.000-04:00

Get ready because the wait is over. After months and months of work on our end and waiting on yours, we proudly present Drawn From the Well, the all new Greg Simkins sketch archive. THREE HUNDRED PAGES. Yes, 300 pages of Greg's drawings & sketches line this book from front to back. It really has everything, from character studies, painting ideas, toy blueprints, graffiti ideas, commercial stuff, T-shirt designs, loose drawings, tight sketches, and amazing landscapes.

Please be careful with this brick of a book, it contains so much creative energy that it could get your imagination going at an unsafe speed. This book was an absolute joy to put together, it really was a text book case of the "the journey being the reward". Greg is a great guy and working with him was such a positive experience and we couldn't be happier with the final product.

Case in point -here is Greg at this years Dragon Con, isn't it nice he takes the time to help out the older folks in the crowd. Actually that is Marvel creator Stan Lee signing prints with Greg, but it's still nice Greg took time out of his busy schedule for Stan.

Also this month to co-incide with the release of his first book, Greg's art appears on the cover of Juxtapoz. So he's a good guy, talented, imaginative, kindly, he hangs with the elderly, and if that is not enough, each and every book has an extra special secret suprise. Get the mag this week, get your book on Saturday and settle in to see what all the buzz is about.

We shall now be know as "The Award Winning Publisher" Presto Art!

2010-08-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

I would like to thank the academy, and all the little people....ha ha, but seriously in May this year Martin LaCasse's "Three Sixty Five" was awarded a Judges gold metal for "Most Original Concept" book at the Book Expo held in New York City. The award was presented to us by the Independent Publishers Assoc. and we couldn't be more shocked and excited. We poured a lot of work into the project and to garner an award like this was just humbling. Furthermore we were shocked to find out that we actually got gold metals!! It is pretty awesome. We also got some of these great award winning stickers for the books, so thanks to the Indepent Publishers Awards and to everyone who has picked up the title, we hope you have been enjoying it. Now where do Martin and I go to have our photos taken for the Wheaties box?

Drawn From The Well Special Edition Release at DragonCon

2010-08-26T10:25:00.000-04:00

Greg Craola Simkins new book "Drawn From the Well" is set to drop on September 25th, but if you can't wait that long there is a very special edition that will be available on September 3rd from 2-4pm at Dragon Con. The new book is amazing, we packed three hundred pages into this 9 x7 hardcover sketchbook. The art is inspiring, amazing and full of creative energy, furthermore if this isn't the best sketchbook on your bookshelf I will personally refund your money! Greg is one of the special guests at this years Dragon Con and will be selling and signing his new books as well as some special edition prints. Only 150 special editions will be available at the show, the other 100 will be released at a later date, at a secret location...but for now check out all the details here Im Scared.

http://www.dragoncon.org/

Also set up across from Greg will be Presto Art Artist Joe Capobianco and the crew from Hope Gallery Tattoo. Joe's also going to have a special limited edition pin-up ash can he designed just for this event. I got a sneak peak a few backs and you are going to want to get one of these!!

Presto...It's our new logo.

2010-08-06T10:43:00.001-04:00

Presto it's our new logo! I wanted something logo like and since we have been working with Greg Simkins, I asked a favor and he obliged. I love it! It is just what was needed, it's clean, simple and says "you don't know what we are going to pull out of our hat next". Thanks Greg, now I need to make some gear...

I also got some lettering treatments for special projects.

The Craola proof is in.

2010-07-30T02:24:00.001-04:00

The "Drawn from the Well" proof has hit my desk and it looks incredible. This book is so packed with inspiring art you are not going to believe it. Greg Craola Simkin's first book is an archive of his sketches and drawings. This all new hardcover is now at the printers and has a street date for September. We have some special release details we are working out now with Greg and we should be able to leak some info about the release next week. Big things, big things. Presto is very proud to be the publisher of this premier project, we are huge fans so this project has been an absolute dream. Check back on this one.

Now In Stock

2010-07-08T11:59:00.002-04:00

Back in stock earlier than expected is the new softcover reprint of Martin LaCasse's "Take What You Can...Give Nothing Back". If you don't own this book, you must get it. A certified classic in the Tattoo world, it's loaded with paintings, drawings and flash from Martin. Available Now from Presto Art.

The Comeback Kid

2010-05-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

One of our most popular titles is making a comeback. For the last couple years Martin LaCasse's "Take What You Can...Give Nothing Back", has been out of print. Over the last couple months however we have been deluged with requests to bring it back. With the release of Martin's "365" there has been a ton of interest in his first book, so we have decided to bring it back. The new printing will have a soft cover and a nice new price ($30 US).
The new re-issue has a street date of August 1. If you have the original hardcover, it's a collectors item now, so shelf it and pick up the new soft cover. If you don't own this book your library of reference is incomplete, this is one of the best selling tattoo books of the 00's. Thanks for demanding we bring it back, it's one of our favorites too.

To: The Magazines From: Presto "Hey Thanks!"

2010-05-13T00:22:00.002-04:00

I wanted to take a minute out of our busy schedule here at Presto Art to say "Thanks" to all the magazine reviews we have received of late. Getting the word out on our books is invaluable to us and our artists. People have also had really great things to say about our titles and the quality of our books. This really warms our hearts, and mean a lot to our success, we spend a lot of time crafting our wares so it means a ton when some kind words come your way. So thanks for the press and good look'in out for the little guy. TY to Inked Magazine, Tattoo Artist Magazine, Prick, Skin Deep, Total Tattoo Magazine & Tattoo Society.

Joe Capo X Kidrobot X The Bride

2010-05-08T00:05:00.009-04:00

It's never easy to keep a secret, but this one has been a doozy. I have know about this project for years and have been very lucky to see it through each step of it's progress. Presto Artist Joe Capobianco along with toy giant Kidrobot have produced an awesome limited edition toy called "The Bride". The toy really looks like one of Joe's Capo Girls come to life, and is based on a tattoo he did on The Baroness. The toy drops on May 20th at Kidrobot.com and all stores that carry Kidrobot , but here is the inside track. Joe along with The Baroness, are dropping the toy at this years Hell City Tattoo Fest in Ohio. Hell City is one of the best tattoo shows of the year and Joe will have some of his super limited Glow in the Dark special edition Brides. I know these are going to fly off the shelf, so plan accordingly because these are a future collectible. We're very excited, congratulations Joe on a fantastic toy, we hope they do more!

Martin & Mike.....Tyson!?!

2010-05-06T00:03:00.002-04:00

Presto Artist and 365 Author Martin LaCasse recently spent his day job with former Heavy Weight Champion of the World, Iron Mike Tyson. Mike surprised the crew at Olde City Tattoo when he strolled in to get Martin to tattoo a black rose on his forearm. Although that is a cool way to spend the day, even better to us was Presto Art getting name checked in the Philadelphia Daily News. Thanks Mike for getting us some press and for all the one minute fights on HBO. It really is the city of brotherly love!

Craola Title Revealed

2010-03-30T15:27:00.001-04:00

We weren't really keeping it secret, Greg just named it the other day as well as drew a cool title graphic. Greg's first title idea was along the lines of "Draw" or "Drawn", we felt it maybe sounded a bit too much like a learn to draw book, (although not a text book you will learn something - I promise). "The Well" was another title that came to the surface and the marriage of the two certainly evoke a cool image. I dig it and now when I talk of "Drawn from the Well" you will be in the know. I also just checked out Volume 14 of Hi Fructose magazine and they did Greg right with an interview and many pages of art. They also name checked Presto Art as the publisher of Greg's upcoming book, so we sure liked that.

What's Up Next.

2010-03-19T19:53:00.000-04:00

What are we up to next here at Presto? We are deep into the design phase on our next art book from artist extraordinaire Dave Fox. Dave was the artist behind the very popular "Haunted" title we published a few years back. Dave's interpretation of Japanese folk lore was so popular we sold the title out twice. We are now knee deep in hundreds of works from Dave, and one is greater than the next. As the book is coming together it is an amazing body of colorful, graphic, and unique paintings. The characters Dave creates are completely unique, humorous, colorful and strange. The book is going to be wall to wall packed with Dave's creative and prolific energy. We can't wait, our target time frame is Summer 10. We will keep you up to date as it progresses.

Don't Be Scared of...I'm Scared

2010-03-12T00:48:00.001-05:00

Our good friend Greg "Craola" Simkins has stocked up his all new web store with all kinds of great goods featuring his art. T-shirts, hoodies, toys, stickers, and prints, all sorta good gear. Even more exciting is the fact that this store will be the home to an all new sketchbook from Greg published by yours truly -Presto Art. Greg has turned over an unbelievable collection of sketch work that we are currently putting together for a Summer 10' release. It is going to be awesome, so check out Greg's paintings and art at I'm Scared and then get excited for the new book. Official online store - I'm Scared

Jime Sketchbook 3 -Out Now!!

2010-02-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

Hot off the boat the all new title from artist Jime Litwalk. Jime's 3rd sketchbook "Monsters, Misfits & Maidens" came out fantastic. A great addition to the growing Jime Sketchbook series, this time round he has created a fierce collection of creepy creatures and ghostly ghouls. Well worth the wait! Available now -Monsters, Misfits & Maidens Litwalk Sketchbook 3

Joe Capo X Kidrobot = ssshhh it's a secret

2010-02-22T22:32:00.000-05:00

This is top secret - Presto Artist Joe Capobianco has hooked up with the brilliant people over at Kidrobot for a spring toy release. Joe has created an exclusive Capo girl pin-up that has been brought to life in full color three dimensional vinyl. I have seen the prototype and as Joe says "this thing is gonna knock your socks off". He is totally right, it is amazing. I was also lucky enough to be tapped to do the graphic design work for box package. It was a lot of fun. As with all things Kidrobot this is going to be super limited and we are hoping to have some here at Presto for sale, keep your fingers crossed. As I get more details I will spill em.

Jime Tre Preview

2010-02-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

As promised here are some sneak preview of the all new art featured in Jime Litwalk Sketchbook 3. This new volume is packed with the Monster, Mayhem & Maidens. This collection is really varied and it will be well worth the wait. Jime has really stiched together some unique new creatures and creations. The book drops in February and although it's cold outside this book will heat up the old brain, promised.

Three Sixty Five Originals for Sale!!

2010-02-09T00:58:00.001-05:00

We have known that Martin was going to sell the original sketches from the new book for a while now, but we had to keep that info under wraps while we were in production on the new book. Now that the book is out we are psyched to be the exclusive agent for the sale of the original art from "Three Sixty Five". All the art is up at the Presto Webstore Martin LaCasse Originals Available Now

The sketches are priced at the amazing price of $65.00 per piece. The originals have that soft grey pencil tone and very subtle details and shading. Most of the sketches are 9" x 12" on a heavy sketch paper. A series of these would look great framed in your studio, or pick up your birthday. A great opportunity to invest in an original that has been published from a seminal tattoo artist.

Also available is a archival print of the slipcase art from Three Sixty Five. This reproduction is remarkable, when we held it up to the original you couldn't tell the difference. Printed on a heavy duty paper this 18" x 24" is a classic. It will also only set you back $10.00 "Three Sixty Five" Print

If all this new product isn't enough we also have a Presto T-shirt. What better way to impress your friends at the club than by rocking a boutique publishing house shirt. Mens and Ladies $8. Presto T

Martin LaCasse's "Three Sixty Five" Is Awesome

2010-02-05T01:02:00.000-05:00

The books are finally in. We have come to the greatest part of all book projects, the final product. This book has been years in the making and it has been fun through the whole process. When you read the opening from Martin you can really see what an incredible struggle it is to draw every single day. He was very disciplined and the results are stunning. Follow his journey as he fills a year through 365 drawings, each month a new subject, each day a new challenge.

The book is actually 4 soft cover volumes that feature 3 months worth of drawings in each book. Each set of books comes in this beautiful all over slipcase designed by Martin. The books are packed with very refined sketches, personal notes, and step -by-steps. Each month also features a brand new full color painting created just for "Three Sixty Five".

We are very proud of this new project all the hard work paid off, (we had to scan each drawing three times to achieve the effect we got). This book is a must have reference book for artists, and a great collectible for anyone who enjoys sketch art and tattoo designs. You also will not be able to beat the value -400 pages, 4 books, 1 Slipcase -only $60. It is now stocked and ready to ship at our all new Presto store. Martin LaCasse "Three Sixty Five" Available Now

Off To The Print Man

2009-12-15T16:47:00.005-05:00

Jime Litwalk's long overdue Sketchbook 3 is finally finished. Jime filled this gem of a book with "Monsters, Misfits & Maidens". I will post a preview up soon, but it is done and on it's way to Hong Kong. Book 3 has a street date of the first week of February 2010. Now armed with this knowledge please spread the word the book is coming so Jime can stop getting all the phone calls and hate emails about finishing the new book. Just kidding...kinda.

New Presto Site

2009-12-15T16:46:00.001-05:00

The all new prestoart.com is up and running. We have streamlined the site a bit and now have a brand new Presto store. Along with our books the store is going to feature some original artwork as well as some other attractions. A big thanks goes out to Jared for helping us build the site, so if you love the new site, it was a team effort. If you don't like it, blame Jared. We kid, we love the new store!

The Proof Is In -Three Sixty Five

2009-12-13T02:23:00.000-05:00

I almost can't believe the proof is in, I have to pinch myself. This project has been in production for years. It has been a complete joy to be involved with. As I worked on it, I would always think about how great it would be when I would get to the proofing point...know what...it does feel great.
Three Sixty Five has been a huge undertaking. Artist Martin LaCasse set out on a quest to draw everyday for a year. He was looking to fill some sketchbook with tattoo ideas that he could refer to for years to come. This idea rolled into the development of a book project, where we would publish his results upon him finishing the year.
What both Martin and I found out along the path of this project were some life lessons. Martin's challenge was pushing himself through each month to work up enough ideas and execute them. It then became a struggle to work each day. His personal notes reflect this. He also pushed himself beyond burned out, but the final result was worth the painful journey.
As for me the challenges were daunting. How to manage this much art, and how to present it, so it's both an enjoyable view and a functional tool for other artist. Part of the challenge was also the process. Martin's art has been scanned and re-scanned, it has been printed on transparency and re-re scanned, then color corrected and filtered. Then they were set up and dated and sized and filtered again. Times three hundred and sixty five times each time. Whew.
I loved working this project and both Martin and I are at a point of being very excited. Three Sixty Five is going to be packaged as 4 volumes in a slipcase (wait till you see the slipcase art). Martin has also created 12 all new paintings for the book. He focused on a single topic for each month and than explored it from every angle. The proof looks great, the colors are right on, a few specs needed to be tweaked but the books are now in production and our release date is 1/15/2010. So get ready to start the year right.

Joe Capobianco Invades Great Britain

2009-12-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

Artist Joe Capobianco is headed to London England for the European drop of his new Presto release "Knock Yerself Out". This all new sketchbook features brand new art from loose sketches to fully rendered Pin-ups this book is jam packed with goodness! The title has been flying off the shelves here in the U.S. - Joe will be signing books on Thursday the 19th at Lal Hardy's "New Wave Tattoo" -157 Sydney Rd. Muswell Hill in London Tel: 020 8444 8779. Call for times. If you are in the area stop by and check it out, Joe would love to meet you, and then you will have a great story about meeting a crazy American bloke!

"Knock Yerself Out"-In Stock by the Kilo!

2009-12-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

Artist Joe Capobianco's all new sketchbook "Knock Yerself Out" is in stock now. It arrived just the other day direct from the printer. For Joe's new book we used a printer in South America hoping to cut down the turn around time we experience when printing in Hong Kong. It took just as long. I did however feel very Miami Vice when I would tell people that I was expecting a shipment from Bogota, Colombia.
I was a little worried before the books came when I had an international shipping and import manifest sent to me that had both my name and the fact I was importing 3700 Kilos from Colombia on it. Seems like that might red flag me in some one's computer. I half expected a visit from Crockett and Tubbs.

Presto...It's A Blog

2009-12-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

Greetings and welcome to the all new blog from the Presto Publishing house. We are planning to post news, release schedules, sneak previews, production pics and specials here. We have many great projects underway and want to say thanks for stopping in. We hope to see you around -Presto