The funny thing about Nike’s influence in the world of soccer branding, gear, and culture is that they’re so new on the scene. Like some kind of new best friend, Nike rolled in on the party in the 1990s and players and teams found their money and ideas enticing enough to leave longstanding brands like Adidas, Puma, and Umbro. Of course, Chicago was a major epicenter for Nike’s global success. Without MJ, without the Jordans, would Nike have had the capital—both cultural and financial—to go into the international market of soccer? more ›

There’s something about multimedia artist / designer Cody Hudson that makes us just want to have a beer with him. Maybe it’s the symmetrical chaos of his work—complex, but approachable. Or maybe it’s his love of Wisconsin cheese curds. Actually, the name of his upcoming show at Andrew Rafacz Gallery may have something to do with it—thanks man, see you around man, fuck yeah, you guys are wild, thanks man, i dig it, see you. more ›