Amir Aziz Design

K'NAAN "Take A Minute" Video Release

2010-08-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

The homie SOL GUY approached me to produce a viral music video to K'NAAN's track "Take A Minute" off of the Troubadour record. This concept developed over conversations with Sol about linking the lyrical content of the song to freedom struggles worldwide, by showing giants of civil and human rights struggles each 'taking a minute' away from the troubles and burdens of the loads they bore and continue to bear. It was a pleasure to work with the brother K'NAAN yet again. Enjoy...

WORLD CUP 2010 Coca-Cola K'NAAN Visual Design

2010-07-23T17:38:00.001-07:00

The homie SOL G contacted me to work on the official visual assets for the Coca-Cola K'NAAN Waving Flag campaign for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. I developed several light and heavy branding options for the entire global market campaign for Waving Flag, including the official album art for the single in every worldwide market. The song went #1 in over 16 countries and it was a pleasure to work with K'NAAN again. The brother SOL G is on the championship run no question!

ILLUZTRATOR Digital Drawing Interface

2010-05-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

I have been developing a custom digital drawing interface in a JAVA programming language. This illustration suite uses mathematical expressions to determine the behavior of brushes, and allows for a full range of user control. The program has undo/redo capabilities and was designed specifically for digital calligraphy/grafitti purposes.

I will be extending the application this summer to work in an interactive projection environment, and I also hope to get a lite version online for people interested in playing with it. Many thanks to DR. CHRIS SHAW and POOYA AMINI for reminding me that I can program!

CYRUS TALENT Website Design

2010-05-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

The homie CYRUS SAIDI approached me about acting as art director for his new website, helping rebrand his company DJ Links into his new vehicle CYRUS TALENT. Cyrus is a mega-talent agent who represents some of the biggest trance and progressive DJs in the world including Roger Shah, Yoji, Scot Project, Lazy Rich, and Hed Kandi.

I created the entire look and feel and developed a clean global style for the new site. Many thanks to Cyrus' partners in crime, JASON and POURIA for their help in the whole process.

BIF NAKED "King of Karma" Video Released

2009-07-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

The homie ALI ADAB contacted me to do the new video for BIF NAKED's latest single off her new album THE PROMISE. It was an immense pleasure to work with Bif, she is a consummate performer and we were on page from go.

I directed the video, edited and did post production. The homie PIET SUESS came on as the director of photography, and I couldnt have done it without him. Extra thanks to Darren Bachynski, Riley Carrol, Peter Carrol, Ali Adab, and Brittany Isaacs.

Enjoy...

K. GIBRAN and S. BUTLER Shirts Now Available

2009-05-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

The homies VLAD GOMEZ and JOE JOHNSON brought me on as a guest artist for Solidaritees.ca to design 4 new limited edition t-shirts. I chose 4 activists or social leaders that to me epitomize progress and struggle. The t-shirts are now available. I present ...

KAHLIL GIBRAN
GENERAL SMEDLEY D. BUTLER

The shirts are %100 cotton with high quality screen prints. They all have a screen of my signature and are available in S-3XL for only $40.

They are LIMITED EDITION. Email me at amirazizz@gmail.com to purchase or for more info.

MOSSADEGH and MEENA Shirts Now Available

2009-05-20T15:04:00.001-07:00

I present ...

MEENA
MOHAMMAD MOSSADEGH

The shirts are anti-bacterial bamboo cotton with high quality screen prints. They all have a screen of my signature and are available in S-3XL for only $40.

They are LIMITED EDITION. Email me at amirazizz@gmail.com to purchase or for more info.

Custom Portfolio Case Design

2009-05-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

A client recently contacted TARLAN S. (www.kloagency.com) and I about creating a custom portfolio for her graduation exhibit in fashion. Tarlan and I work together to design these portolios and then I fabricate and create them. This 11" x 17" portfolio was made from glossy black plexiglass, mirror, and steel hinges. When it was done, even I had to pause and admire how sexy it was! Contact tarlan@kloagency.com for more details on how to create your own.

K'NAAN Album Art Direction

2009-05-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

The homie SOL GUY (www.4REAL.com) brought me on to design the album art and packaging for the new K'NAAN album from A&M/Octone "Troubadour". I was working with photos by James Minchin (www.jamesminchin.com) for the cover which was an honor. The challenge though was alot of his shots were black and white and the label wanted a full colour cover, so I put my head down and got my colour treatment on! Check out the before and after shots below...

The album has Damien Marley, Charlie 2na, Mos Def, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Chubb Rock, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica on it. It is a genre bending album that will likely become a classic. Stay tuned for new videos I did for K'naan as well...

Boca Del Lupo Website

2009-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

My friends JAY DODGE and SHERRY YOON (www.bocadellupo.com) reached out to me to design a new portal website for their production company and theatre group. Jay and Sherry are a dynamo couple who are one of the most innovative and prolific independent theatre groups in Canada or the world. They write, produce, act, direct, build props, you name it, they are all over it. They wanted a new website that could showcase the numerous shows, outdoor plays, and multimedia events and they are involved in. I did the art direction for the site, and the homie CHRIS WONG (www.monstroyer.com) built the beast. Stay tuned or more collaboration with Monstroyer and Boca...

Check out the website and their work!
www.BOCADELLUPO.com

Artwork for Tamy Pepin - Montreal's IT Girl

2009-05-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

My homegirl TAMY EMMA PEPIN (Montreal Girls Getaway Blog) approached me a few months ago to design a funky art identity for her business cards. Tamy is a marvel who has all 5 fingers in the honey pot. She is a video blogger for Tourisme Montreal, helping people from all over the world get in the know in Montreal. If you plan to go to Montreal, especially if you're a woman, do yourself a favor and follow this girl's lead!

DJLINKS.com Scot Project 15th Anniversary

2009-05-13T15:24:00.001-07:00

The homies JASON SPENCER and CYRUS SAIDI (www.djlinks.com) asked me to help them design a new art direction for the "15 Years of Scot Project" campaign coming out. Scot Project is a monster of German trance who has been doing the thing with a vengenace for decades. Keep your eyes out for him, he may be in your area soon.

Bif Naked Album Art Direction

2009-05-13T15:09:00.001-07:00

The homie ALI ADAB (www.internationalartsmusic.com) brought me on board with RILEY CARROL and Her Majesty's Records to design the new album art for Bif Naked's new album, "The Promise". Bif is an amazing woman with a profound spiritual energy and we got on the level right away. This album is a bit of a comeback after her bout with cancer which she is recovering beautifully from. The album is really personal, intense, and beautiful. She is an icon of Canadian music for a reason. In her words, "Hare Om Nama Shivaya! Fuck Yeah!!" Buy the album!

I will be directing a new video for "King of Karma" off the new album. I'll be shooting if with Bif at the end of May, so stay tuned!

Moreza.ca Artist Website

2009-05-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

The man MOREZA (www.moreza.ca) contacted me and TARLAN S. (www.kloagency.com) to put together an artist website for him. Moreza is a persian nuevo flamenco artist and composer. He is a multi-instrumentalist, 23 years old, insanely talented and hungry. His first album sold over 10 000 copies independently and he is putting the finishing touches on the second album "Crimson Moon". I've heard some of the new tracks off the album, and the electronica direction he is taking his guitar sound is really fresh. It should be out sometime this summer. Check out the website and listen to some advance cuts off the album...

www.MOREZA.ca

K'NAAN "The Great Depression" Video Exclusive

2009-05-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

The homie SOL GUY (www.4REAL.com) reached out to me to do a viral video for a new K'NAAN track called "The Great Depression" which is an exclusive, not available on the new Troubadour album (www.knaanmusic.com). The crazy thing is that K'naan wrote this song a year before the economic crash, and so this african folk tale finds new, inspired meaning in the current climate. I wanted to connect the ancient to the modern by telling the story in a way that reflects both the history and future of the African diaspora and people. Damon Albarn of Blur is on the hook. I think the tune is bananas (B. ANANA. S) and felt priviliged to work on it.

Look out for my next video for K'naan for "Take a Minute" which will be released soon...

DJLINKS.COM Flash Banner for Scot Project

2008-11-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

The homies JASON SPENCER and CYRUS SAIDI (www.djlinks.com) recently approached me to do a whole range of visual design work for their roster of international trance and house DJs. Up first was a flash banner for a new Remix Collection from Scot Project, an artist out of Germany. Look out for more collaboration between myself and DJLINKS.com in the coming future.

SOLIDARIO at Lucy Mae Brown

2008-09-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

On October 10th, I will be hosting an event at Lucy Mae Brown called SOLIDARIO. A couple months ago, the homies VLAD and JOE (www.solidaritees.ca) reached out to me about coming on as the first guest artist featured on their T-Shirt line, Solidaritees. I agreed right away, seeing as how I own half the shirts in their line. The shirts have a simple concept: an illustration of an unsung political or social hero of the past, along with a quote that conveys the power of their convictions.

I am releasing 4 new shirts: Mossadegh of Iran, Meena of Afghanistan, Gibran of Lebanon, and Smedley Butler of the USA. I am very proud of the shirts and I think cats will really enjoy them. Colours and sizing for men/women will be available, and each shirt is limited edition. They will sell for $40.

Also, this event at Lucy Mae is an excuse for everyone in Vancouver who is tired of the anthem house, top 40, and other "Groundhog Day" variations of parties that seem to clog up Vancouver nightlife. There will be a special dinner menu, a downtempo dinner set (think Bliss meets Karsh Kale) and serious ethnic beats, world rythms, conscious roots and reggae, and proper hiphop throughout the night. Part industry mixer, part art release, part dinner and dance, part full blown bender, I hope to catch up with my friends and colleagues for a special night.

Facebook event link

Zeha Modern Antiquity

2008-09-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

The homie AXEL (www.am-collections.com) asked me to produce a brand artwork on stretched canvas for the Berlin shoe company Zeha (www.zeha-berlin.de). Axel is the international rep for Zeha and wanted an elegant traditional artwork that he could display at events and tradeshows that harmonized the glory of Zeha's past and the luxury of its present. I used current and archived photo stock from Zeha campaigns, ranging in dates from the 30's to the present. The logo was cut from plexiglass and extruded from the canvas...

In Vancouver, you can buy Zeha at Umoboshi, Gravity Pope, and Lark. The shoes blend old world craftsmanship with new world style. Seriously, I took shoes as payment for this project, so trust!

Heat Clothing Retail Interior

2008-09-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

The homies SULLY SAFI and MICHELLE DE LA CRUZ commissioned me in December 07 to do a complete visual treatment for their new retail store in Coquitlam. Working with their initial brand identity, I did a visual consult that included full digital projections of my proposal by superimposing my designs over top of digital photos I took of the empty space. In the end, I did over 400 sq.ft of custom digital wallpaper, a 150 sq.ft feature wall including mirror, 3 graphic window displays, as well as two lit dimensional signage pieces for the mall side and street front.

Check out Heat Clothing at Henderson Place if you're ever in Coquitlam. They carry all the highest end from the Audigier, Smet, Hardy, Bikkemberg, True Religion, Faith and others. There is even a lounge with a TV and drinks in the fridge!

Hollywood Fridays

2008-09-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

The homie NIMA SAEEDI (www.systemsound.ca) reached out asking for new art direction for his Friday nights at the Lotus Sound Lounge in Vancouver. Known for being the place for the underground house heads, Nima is doing his thing 24/7/365. Big respect to him for pushing the scene and creating the space for the real tech heads.

Check out the new artwork, as well as some other event art from the vaults...

Marley Vibration

2008-09-17T14:47:00.001-07:00

The brother SOL G (www.4real.com) blessed us with all access at the STEPHEN MARLEY Mind Control show at the Commodore. K'NAAN, DAMIEN, and STEPHEN lit the venue bright and I had a chance to connect to share my artwork with them backstage.

This autographed piece is in the personal collection, but I made a single replica for the bredren upon their request. It sits currently at their house in Miami, next to the other memories of King Nesta. Bless the youth them!

The Legendary Foundation

2008-09-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

The homie RIZK (www.gmanandrizk.com) put in a word and behold: Aziz + Quest + ReeqGeez. This piece is in the personal collection, but currently on display with the 3D Rakim piece at NLA Showrooms at the Fashion Xchange building (www.nla.bc.ca).

The Rakim piece is 18" x 24" 3 level plexiglass 3D painting. One of a kind. It is for sale ... contact amirazizz@gmail.com for more info.

Junior Brown's Crib

2008-09-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

My good friend BLAIR (www.djjuniorbrown.com) commissioned me in 2005 to plush out his space with some custom art and some colour paletting. We put in work together and the sugarshack that is his kingdom now is testament to the soulpower. If you're ever in Edmonton, check out Halo and Redstar, Blair is resident and co-owner of both spots. Like the man said, for those who know...

The Timelessness of Dr. Jassal

2008-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

One of my first complete loft interiors I ever completed was commissioned by Dr. RAJIVE Jassal. I met Rajive through a mutual friend, and spent several weeks consulting with him and getting my finger on the pulse of how he uses his personal space. He had immaculate custom furniture already and a strong colour scheme including a hot pink feature wall. This project represents the absolute potential of creative collaboration between a client and designer. I completed 6 pieces in total for his loft in Edmonton, including 3 original acrylic paintings, and a 65 sq. ft. 3 panel custom mural of the James Bond franchise. This is where it all began!

ZigZagZigAllah

2008-09-16T19:20:00.001-07:00

The homie GMAN (www.gmanandrizk.com) reached out to the homie MALCOLM (www.sealedwithakisspresents.com) and one thing led to ten others and behold ... Aziz + The RZA, live from the Wuchess. Big respect to Bobby, the brother Divine, and Stone Mecca for the access and purview at the sold out show at Richard's.