Illustrator

Patrick O'Connell, History Hound

Patrick O'Connell is a 25 year-old from Hayward who divides his time between working at an East Bay Regional Park, helping out at Zerofriends, and making art. He's also one of my best friends. Now that I think about it, I've never seen him grumpy or depressed. I've never heard him talk badly about anybody. Patrick is just a super-positive, enthusiastic dude. 

Patrick's consistently clean, simple appearance points to his affinity for the craftsmanship and styles of the past. Patrick's clothes aren't necessarily vintage, it's as if HE is vintage. He has an undying fascination with American history. The art, architecture, ideals, and culture. He draws and paints every day and his interests in Americana, cartoons from the 1930s-1940s, and love of old photos always show through in his artwork.  

Remember that cartoon, Doug? It was on Nickelodeon, just before Ren & Stimpy. Like most cartoon characters, Doug wore the same outfit every day. The animators made a joke of this cartoon custom by showing Doug's closet. It was full of multiples of the same outfit. This image stuck with Patrick and now he lives it. I'm not saying Patrick wears the exact same thing every day but a peek into his closet would reveal a lot of repeats: a dozen clean white T-shirts, multiples of the same jeans, and some simple flannels are about all you'll see.

Patrick's consistent, simple style does give us the impression he's a living animated character (maybe less of a Doug, more like Tin Tin or a jazz-playing dog in an old Fleischer cartoon). 

"The last time I was at Michael's, The girl ringing me up asked if I was in a play." Patrick tells me. Yes, she should probably talk a bit less and just sell him his acrylics, but I can see how young people can be thrown off-guard when meeting Patrick. He keeps his hair perfectly pompadoured, but he's too wholesome looking to be Rockabilly. They see a wiry, charming character in clothes that fit properly and are totally devoid of labels and logos. His jeans are belted up at his waste, completely covering his underwear...?!  Through the eyes of most people under 25, Patrick may as well be in a tuxedo.

So what is the motivation for this look? Well, he learned about wearing clothes that fit  while working at Zumiez years ago. "Guys would come in wearing jeans that were way to big for them, or too short. I didn't want to look like that." And aside from his love for the aesthetics of the past, Patrick's interest in putting himself together in a certain way is merely proof that he is interested in Something. After all, if a guy doesn't care about his own appearance, how are we supposed to know if he cares about anything at all? It's not always easy to connect with people who give a crap about anything these days. But Patrick's unwavering personal style is a sort of beacon to others who are tired of the sloppy, disposable clothes (music, furniture, art, and so on) that have taken over in our consumer world. Let's all enjoy well-crafted style that will stand the test of time. Leave the pajama bottoms at home, y'all.

Some of Patricks Style Staples:

Follow Patrick O'Connell on Twitter- @idlehandspaint

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Juan Hernandez - Animation Badger

Last week, the Bay Area had to say goodbye to an incredibly creative and stylish dude. By "goodbye" I just mean he had to move. He's not dead or anything. Juan Hernandez is a life-long Oakland resident who was a 3D Story Artist for Lucasfilm Animation until a recent, major round of layoffs. That was definitely a downer as Juan, a true Star Wars geek at heart, loved his work and team. But Juan landed on his feet and just started at Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California.

I recently got a chance to chat with Hernandez over Skype. I wanted to ask him about his personal style: How it evolved, what his interests are and how those interests influence what he puts on. We ended up talking about much more, including Life, Ambition, and Insecurities. How does personal style relate to truths about life and success? Read on.

Juan grew up in a pretty rough part of Oakland, California. His family didn't have a lot of money so some of his wardrobe was sewn by his mother.  Juan wanted a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-shirt. His mom made one herself. Sewing stretch material is tough so she made a T-shirt from fabric that didn't stretch. She drew a Ninja Turtle on the shirt with Puff Paint. Juan loved it! -until he got to school and heard what the other kids thought of it. Aw! Later, in high school, Juan did his best to dress in a way that would keep him from standing out.

Over the years Juan has followed his curiosities in everything from photography to sculpture to building custom cafe racers and his style has evolved along with his interests. I think his style is super-sharp and hints at alternative and "geek" culture in a grown and gentlemanly way. Juan also holds on to the values of his past by making good use of thrift store and blow-out sales.  

Here are Hernandez' current style-staples:

  • His collection of wingtips, including a wingtip/sneaker hybrid.
  • His flat caps, which he was inspired to try after watching Newsies. 
  • His chin piercing and spike. This little flash catches people off guard and throws a wrench in a look that might otherwise be easier to nail down. (Too many construction metaphors?)
  • His man-bag and M DSLR camera Leica, perfect for candids.

But what about those promised Universal Truths that relate to personal style? While talking to Juan we got away from the subject of style and started talking about career paths and ambitions for future projects. Juan currently works with 3D tools that basically allow him to tell an entire story cinematically. He would like to eventually take these skills to the next level and direct short films but doesn't feel ready to put his own stories out there. Working on our own visions puts us in a more vulnerable position than working on other people's visions.

It struck me that Juan had said something earlier about trying new things in respect to clothes. When Juan puts on cognac-colored Wingtips for the first time or tries out a bow tie and vest combo inspired by Harry Potter's school uniform, he is stepping out of his comfort zone. It can feel weird at first. But he puts away any self-doubt and "owns it fully". Call it wearing the clothes, not letting the clothes wear you.

I had just heard comedian, Harland Williams say something similar on a podcast. He said, "Live life, don't let life live you." I think what he meant is that you can spend your whole life trying to keep up with obligations and the basics of survival. He would rather have the life he wants for himself and that may involve doing some unorthodox things. I agree. YOLO! I just want to live while I'm alive! etc. Let's all step out of our comfort zones and try something scary and new, whether that means directing a film or wearing yellow argyle socks. Juan is currently studying up on the craft of writing and it's clear that its only a matter of time until he is directing his own films. In the mean time you will see his influence in Disney's upcoming animated features.

See Juan Hernandez' demo reel and other videos at- vimeo.com/obijuan

Ben Walker is an Illustrator, designer and (now) style blogger. Why not?

Day Dreamer Ring Tailed Lemur

If you caught my last post you know, I am switching gears a little for my SF WildLife blog. For these upcoming entries I am featuring a select group of Bay Area friends. These are guys who I admire a lot, and who have a great personal style. 

To start, I present a guy who has a subtle, approachable style. He enjoys classic men's fashion, and has a sense of humor about it all too.  Plus he was quickest to respond, and was happy to model for free.

It's Me.

Day Dreamer Ring Tailed Lemur

Day Dreamer Ring Tailed Lemur

This is my typical, every day look. There are a few things that I am very likely to have on me. Here are a few of my staples. 

1. Mr. Jones pin

In Daniel Clowes' graphic novel, Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron, this secret mark was forcibly scratched into the heel of the hero. The symbol meant the wearer had the correct "mental frequency" and had been visited by the mysterious "Mr. Jones". Don't worry, I don't think this nightmarish story was meant to make any sense. Wearing this single pin on my corduroy blazer is my little nod to the secret society that is comic book geeks and art dorks. You don't have to wear a polyester Spider-man hawaiian shirt to represent. This pin hasn't sparked any conversations yet but I'm sure when it does I will make a new friend. 

2. The Graphic Tee

A coworker just asked me, "Do you have any T-shirts that aren't your own designs?" Not a lot. My every day clothes usually involve a neutral colored T-shirt that is either one of my own designs or made by my friends. 

I design shirts I want to wear and I would rather advertise for friends than just grab something from Urban Outfitters.

3. The Socks

I started wearing non-white, non-boring socks around age 12 and never looked back. Unless I am rollerskating, I am wear socks that are colorful and possibly weird. They may not even match. You can laugh but a friend of mine got a job for doing the same thing. Yep, the interviewer was on the fence about him, but when he noticed my friend had two different argyle socks on, he knew this guy was alright!

4. The Chucks

Converse has also been my go-to shoes since the 5th grade. In the two years that I have lived in San Francisco, I've literally walked the soles off 3 pairs. This pair was a gift and they are definitely my all-time favorite. Black leather, lace-less low tops. They have a  Ramones-meets-RunDMC vibe that I dig.

5. The Hat

I've always loved hats but they fell off the radar for me for most of my adult life. Now that I live in the City (and lets face it, my hair isn't as thick and lustrous as it once was), hats are non-negotiable. I owned half a dozen before I started working with Goorin Bros. Now my hat wall is looking pretty crazy. I've been hat greedy. But lets face it, if I wear a hat nearly every day and I still want to match all my various clothes, I gotta mix things up. It's mostly flat-caps (news boys) and a couple fedoras. 

By the way,  stay tuned on developments with Goorin Bros.!

6. The Man-Bag

I realize that for most of the country this is still called a purse, but my man-bag has become a necessity to living in The City. I walk or bus everywhere and I need a few basics every time I leave the apartment, including but not limited to: 

  • Sketchbook
  • Pens & pencils
  • Business cards/postcards
  • My keys. I hate having a bunch of crap, especially keys, scraping against my legs and bulging out of my pockets. I don't want to look like Khaki Koala.
  • Groceries. Yep, San Francisco charges for bags now, so if I buy a bottle of wine on the way home I might just put it in the man-bag. 

My leather messenger bag was a gift from my lady. Its by Andrew Marc and it's awesome. 

7. Oh, and The Jeans

I have a few pairs of Levi's 511s. One each in blue, grey and black. I love them. They aren't too baggy or too close. There are no ridiculous stitched flourishes on the butt or hammer loops coming off them. I've been told they are ass-complimentary. That's all a guy needs.

Thanks for reading! Who is next? Check back in the coming days.

-Ben

EVOLUTION of San Francisco Wildlife project

Why Document the "Wildlife" of San Francisco?

It may sound strange but more than anything, this blog is about style and fashion. I'm not as interested in runway shows or specific designers as I am fascinated by the choices EVERYONE makes when we all decide to cover our nakedness and go out into the world. Our choices along with our set of circumstances will determine whether we are a Startup Possum or a Little Owl lady.

Over the last five weeks, I have already showcased over 20 fascinating creatures. They are all based on real people (if generalized some) that have recently crossed my path. These characters may be interesting but I have made a point to not engage with them. Well, the time for watching safely from afar is over. It's time to delve in and see what drives the beasts and critters roaming the greater Bay area!

For upcoming posts I will be featuring some friends who have beastly personal style. They are not Fashion Moguls. These are everyday guys who I admire. My friends are creative, super-cool, and humble. Their clothes are just a natural extension of their individual personalities. I will capture their Spirit Animal and talk with them a bit about what's in their closet and why.

I'm starting with myself. Not because I am the most most deserving of being featured for personal style, but because I am available.

 Stay Tuned! ...Do people still say that? What are tuning?

Protest Terrier

Most Terriers love a scratch behind the ear, or perhaps a game of tug-O-war with an old gym sock. The Protest Terrier prefers nothing more than a good, old-fashioned march against something.  What are they marching against? To quote the original rebel, Marlon Brando,

"Whataya got?"

Above all, the Protest Terrier is eager to get out and demonstrate their belief in Free Speech for anyone they already agree with. 

Art School Lemming

San Francisco Wildlife #19 

Incredibly, most of the apartment buildings in San Francisco are now designated housing for art students. Apparently, some one tells about 10,000 young creatures per year that enjoying video games and anime is enough of a reason to register for private art school, and that after a few short years, they will be escorted to the gates of the Pixar campus for their first day on the job.

Yes, the one thing you may have heard about lemmings is absolutely true. They will, in fact follow each-other straight off the edge of a cliff. What makes the Art School Lemming unique is that his cliff looks less like a sudden drop in the landscape, more like a towering pile of student loan debt that can never, ever be paid off with his future job as a chalk artist for Trader Joe's.

But don't fret for the Art School Lemming's future. When the seasons change and he flunks out of school, those big skater-punk pants from Hot Topic will convert to a warm, dry shelter.

Activewear Gull

This bird can be identified by her markings: black stretch pants, jogging shoes with neon accents, zip-up top. She will be carrying a water bottle, and rolled yoga mat.

These markings let us know she is either on her way to a Yoga or Zumba class, on the way back from a Yoga or Zumba class, or somewhere in-between. Basically, she is prepared to work out at any moment, all day, every day.

Yes, the Activewear Gull is into fitness but she is also very, very busy. So busy that she has no time to change into any other clothing. And if she is busy, that means she is important. So if you see a gull in yoga pants you know she is definitely an influential go-getter. Or she just likes stretchy clothes.

Start-UPossum

With his fresh Masters degree in Engineering secured in his leather messenger bag, the Start-UPossum migrates to San Francisco. Once he has found a start-up company to mate with, he begins the arduous task of filling his hi-rise apartment with expensive stuff.

The Start-UPossum hopes to eventually find a more appropriate mate but first he must finish the process of becoming Steve McQueen. He is already on his way when he makes his first large purchase; the custom Triumph bike which was built new for him and is somehow vintage at the same time. And by carrying his matching custom helmet (a subtle, but beautiful army green) wherever he goes, he can show potential mates that he pretty much is Steve McQueen.

The Eager to be Naked Beaver

Whenever the temperature in San Francisco pushes past 60 degrees you may see them. The Eager to be Naked Beaver lives for any opportunity to be bare in public. The athletic males remove thier shirts. The hairy, free spirits remove everything but their puka shell necklace. On a sunny day, female Eager Beavers (a bit more rare) can be spotted wearing a bikini, laying on any patch of grass larger than their beach towel.

The Who's The Kitten? Cats​

"Wow, who is that kitten hanging out with her older, less attractive, twin sister?"

Actually they aren't sisters at all. The Who's The Kitten? Cats are besties, shopping warriors, dance floor princesses, oh and they happen to be a mother and her kitten. They love yoga, flirting with boys, talking about yoga, fro-yo, and talking about yoga pants. Follow their journey on Instagram for non-stop pics of egg-white omelets, shoes,  fresh pedicures, and felines making the duck face.

Little Owl Lady

Amongst the hurried business people, young, tech start-up owners, hipsters, hippies, punks, drop-outs and weirdos the little owl lady is nearly invisible. This is not due to any camouflaging markings. Its only because every creature in the wilderness of San Francisco assesses others as those that can either Eat or be Eaten. The little owl lady is not a threat. She will not attack you (unless you are in her way when she is trying to get off the bus). She also cannot do anything for you. She won't date you. She cannot get you a job or hook your band up with a gig at the Red Devil Lounge. And so she is rarely "seen", even in broad daylight. 

Some little-known facts about the little owl lady:

  • Despite its size and slow pace, a little owl lady can lift twice its weight in weird groceries.
  • Little owl ladies have an average of 7 grandkids in college and will collect 40 metric tons of recyclables each year in order to keep them there. 
  • Little owl ladies are flightless birds, so they ride MUNI.

The Used Record Rat

Three times a week, the used record rat wakes up at 2PM in the morning, gets off his best friend's couch and heads to work. This remarkable creature actually has communication skills, though very limited. It can acknowledge your presence with an eventual nod of the head. It can also speak in basic greetings like "Sup, man?" But don't mistake this for an ability to actually help you. The used record rat is incapable of saying things like "It will be just a minute, and then I can help you." or "She can actually take care of you at the other counter." Instead the rat will look down and continue shuffling stacks of CDs by Smashmouth, Ace of Base and other bands no one likes anymore until you eventually throw your arms up, say "Fuck it, never-mind" and leave. Why? Because turning you into the dick affirms that he is the cool one. And being cool is all the used record rat has. 

Designer Victim Penguin

Not every creature in in the wilds of San Francisco can be a peacock. The Designer Victim Penguin is not born with that jaw-dropping flash and dazzle the peacock gives off so effortlessly. Why can't he feel a little fancy too? We understand. But a penguin that buys his flash can easily go overboard in a city that offers a sea of glamour. Like a goat left alone on a lush exotic island, eating until his stomach explodes, the Designer Victim Penguin will never stop mindlessly consuming clothes, accessories, and anything else with a label. 

Faux Pimp Fox

A genuine Pimp Wolf can be very hard to spot in the wilds of San Francisco. Our only real clue is that he is being a dick to more than one female at a time. On the other hand the Faux Pimp Fox can be spotted easily roaming the plains of the SoMa or strutting down Divisadero Street. Always alone, he hunts for the next clearance sale at a Spirit Halloween Store.

Tenderloin Terry

Terry The Tenderloin Terrier

Terry The Tenderloin Terrier

Explorers of San Francisco will no doubt want to see Union Square, which is home to a vast amount of shopping and place one can hop (after a 1 hour wait) onto a cable car. Be aware though, deviate from the trails by a block or two and you may find yourself in the lawless wilderness known as the Tenderloin. 

Khaki Koala

Khaki Koala

Khaki Koala

The male Khaki Koala is a puzzling creature. While the female of this species will carry her belongings in a Louis Vuitton purse, or even load up an otherwise empty stroller, the male chooses to jam all of his worldly possessions into the two pockets that occur naturally on each side of his Dockers. 

The Mission Marmot

The Mission Marmot

The Mission Marmot

Thanks in part to their opposable thumbs, Mission marmots are often artists. Or more commonly, "very artistic". For a 12-pack of liquid encouragement called PBR, these adorable, lumberjack-like creatures can draw you some diamond shapes that would probably look pretty sick on a skateboard. 

Mission Marmots do not drive. Instead they make their way over the near-virtical San Francisco hills on "fixies", bicycles with no breaks and one gear. This has everything to do with their stance on Big Oil and nothing to do with their recent string of DUIs.