This is Silly!

One of the most highly sought-after illustrators in the advertising, design and editorial world is lending his award-winning skill to launching a new line of products ranging from children's books to skateboards to men's cuff links with his signature pop culture style.

Pop Art becomes accessible to the public with the launch of the Gary Taxali product line of men’s cufflinks, stationary, children’s toys and his debut book, “This is Silly!,” published by Scholastic Press. The product line is carried through the AGO and via Gary’s dedicated website.

Gary Taxali, whose unique retro style has appeared on the covers of Newsweek, and with clients such as Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, Warner Brothers, Sony, and The New York Times, entered the world of men's accessories, children’s literature with “This is Silly and released to rave reviews from kids, parents and critics alike.

In writing the book, the author notes “I wrote the book to give kids a license to be silly,” said Taxali “because not enough parents and teachers embrace that kind of creative expression. My parents encouraged and laughed at my silliness ultimately that was the key to my success. And the toys, stationary and men’s accessories are all about being silly, reinforcing this and reminding us that being silly is a state of mind.”

The book begins with a warning on the inside front cover that readers will giggle uncontrollably, and it delivers this message on every page, where we get to meet “The Sillies” - Silly Willy, Silly Sol, Billy Rabbit, Manic Monkey and other fun wacky characters living harmoniously in Sill-eeville where the rules are relaxed and encourage children and adults alike to be silly – creative, fun, authentic and themselves and believe that anything is possible.

The various products reflect imagery, illustrations and retro style Taxali is known for. Taxali takes the world of graphic communications and intertwines fine art, street culture and 1930s style packaging and typography with signature characters and graphics into the look of the products.

The original artwork from the book and other merchandise including cuff links, skateboards, collectible toys, artist prints, collectible toys, stationary and his new children’s book will be featured at a major Taxali event at Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario next month on Wednesday September 22nd from 6 to 9 pm. The artist plans to expand the product line and develop a number of properties based on Silly Willy, Silly Sol, Silly Lilly and the other Sillies.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is hosting a special book launch/cocktail party for This Is Silly!  on Wednesday, Sept 22nd from 6 to 9 pm.

ALL ARE INVITED!! Admission is FREE     

The event will also showcase a bunch of new Taxali products like cuff links, wallets, etc.  Click here to see the product images.  You can read the press release here.

For more information on Gary Taxali, click HERE. For more information on the book, click HERE.
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Gary Taxali is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist and toy designer. In addition to working for many clients in the advertising, design and editorial world, he devotes a portion of his time teaching and lecturing at various organizations and schools including Danmarks Designskole (Copenhagen), Istituto Europeo Di Design (Rome) and OCAD University where he serves on the faculty. He has won over 500 awards including a Gold from The Society of Illustrators, a National Gold Addy and Shortlist for a Cannes Lion and in 2009, received a Grammy nomination for Best Package for Aimee Mann's album" "@#%&*! Smilers". He lives and works in Toronto, Canada.