Paul Frank

For the Norwegian jurist and politician, see Paul Christian Frank. For the lifestyle products company, see Paul Frank Industries.

Paul Frank (full name Paul Frank Sunich), born August 29, 1967, is an American cartoonist, artist and fashion designer. His creations adorn clothing, accessories, and many other products. Julius the Monkey is one of Sunich's best-known characters, and has appeared in a wide variety of media. He is also the founder of Paul Frank Industries.

Early life and education

During the 1990s, Sunich was an art student at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California.

Career

He bought a sewing machine in order to complete small projects. One day, he used some spare orange vinyl to create a wallet and after seeing his work, his friends expressed interest in other accessories, so he began to sew items such as guitar straps and backpacks. A few years later, Sunich formed Paul Frank Industries (his first and middle name) in order to keep up with the demand for his products. He worked at another job during the day, but sewed and sold his products during his spare time. Paul Frank Industries currently has a multi-national presence.

Paul Frank Industries has collaborated with many bands including Bad Religion, Eighteen Visions, Every Time I Die, Radiohead, The Vandals, Alkaline Trio, Atreyu, Tool, Gorilla Biscuits, The Aquabats, Underoath and Pretty Girls Make Graves. Other musical collaborations include the Coachella festival, Lollapalooza, and Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM.

Paul Frank Industries and Sunich have collaborated with other artists and companies, including Mattel, Oscar Mayer, Andy Warhol, Wahoo's Fish Taco, SHAG, John Deere, Nirve Bicycles, Skullcandy, Obey Giant, ProKeds shoes, Mark Ryden, Thomas Campbell, Hello Kitty, Nintendo, and Lego.[1]

He has not been affiliated with Paul Frank Industries since November 2005. Sunich owns and heads the design studio Park La Fun.[2] Park La Fun includes brand new characters, as well as a more hands-on, personal approach towards his new creations. Sunich's new line includes handbags, wallets, t-shirts, and many other accessories all personally designed by Paul Frank Sunich himself.

Personal life

Sunich married Susan Wang, whom he met in 2003. They live in Los Angeles.

References

  1. ↑ Michael Lyster, Orange County Business Journal, March 2008
  2. ↑ Khatchatryan, Astgik (July 2013). "Life After Julius". Orange Coast: 112.

External links