A Tribute to "Big Daddy"

The first Stickman Sticker 2007

Quite a few years back I had the pleasure of doing a small fan commission for a local Las Vegas chapter of custom hot rod enthusiasts. These fans like many grew up inspired by the work of a man named Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, a talented mechanic and artist.

"Big Daddy" contributed to the rise of the custom hot rod scene in the 1950's and 1960's. He is also widely known for his creation of "Rat Fink", characters he designed to promote his work in the custom car culture.



Little did I know at the time while working as a web master for another local Nevada artist that "Big Daddy" would spark my very first sticker design. As I rushed to the artist's airbrush shop on a city bus I quickly sketched out this piece. Once I arrived at the shop I was able to complete inking it by hand and from there proceeded to scan it in to a computer older than time! (Windows 95...really?). From there I applied the colors and even printed out the finished product myself on 4"x4" matte vinyl adhesive stickers with the use of the artist's own 40' plotter. By having created my first physical piece of art back then through digital technology it left a lasting impression on me that I carry with me to this day. And the smile on the gentleman's face when he came to pick up the stickers was worth it even more for such a small piece of art.

We lost "Big Daddy" on April 4, 2001 and his legend continues through the work of the many custom car mechanics and artists around the world. If I hadn't had the honor of doing a art piece in his style and making my very first vinyl stickers way back then, I find it would be difficult to envision having the ambition to strike out years later to create the "Stickman Sticker Company."

Thank you "Big Daddy"

R.I.P Brother