Artist Talk + Book Signing with Kevin Lyons & 123KLAN

Thursday, June 5 | 7:00–8:30PM
📍 Empire Seven Studios
🎟️ Free & Open to the Public

What does it take to turn personal style into global influence?
How does a graffiti practice evolve into a fully fledged brand or business?
And how do you stay creatively true while designing for the world’s biggest companies?

On Thursday, June 5, join us for a very special Artist Talk and Book Signing featuring two visionary forces in contemporary art and design: Kevin Lyons and 123KLAN.

Moderated by Victoria Velasquez and Ryan Mante of Petals and Peacocks, this conversation dives into how artists can build a creative practice that crosses from the street into the studio—and still stay true to their roots.

🎨 About the Artists

Kevin Lyons is best known for his iconic Monster characters—playful, expressive creatures that have appeared on everything from gallery walls to sneaker drops. As a designer, illustrator, and creative director, Kevin has worked with global brands like Nike, adidas, Stüssy, and Girl Skateboards, and continues to influence visual culture across fashion, music, and youth movements.

123KLAN—the French-Canadian graffiti duo Scien & Klor—are pioneers in merging graffiti art with graphic design. From their roots in Bray-Dunes, France, to building their own streetwear label Bandit-1SM, their work blurs the boundaries between public art, commercial design, and lifestyle branding. Their signature style—razor-sharp, high-energy, and pop-culture rich—has shaped street art aesthetics for decades.

🧠 The Conversation: Topics We’ll Explore

I. Intro & Foundations 7:00 - 7:10

• What were the early days like?

• How did their roots in graffiti shape their voice and vision?

• When did the lightbulb moment happen—realizing that personal artwork could evolve into a brand?

II. Creative to Commercial 7:10 - 7:20

• How do artists move into brand work without losing authenticity?

• What does it take to work at the intersection of personal creativity and commercial demand?

• Behind-the-scenes of first big projects—and the lessons learned.

III. Collaboration Culture 7:20 - 7:30

• What makes a brand collab truly successful?

• How does the identity of the artist merge—or clash—with that of the brand?

• When has a collaboration pushed them into new creative territory?

IV. Building a Business from Art 7:30 - 7:40

• Starting your own label, studio, or product line

• Balancing creativity and production

• Do labels like “artist,” “designer,” or “entrepreneur” still matter?

V. Advice to Emerging Creatives 7:40 - 7:50

• Tips for local muralists & artists thinking beyond the wall

• Navigating IP, licensing, and the business side of creativity

• Common pitfalls to avoid when going from art practice to enterprise

VI. Audience Q&A 7:50 - 8:00

We’ll open the floor for a few thoughtful audience questions—so bring yours!

📚 Bonus: Book Signing

Stick around after the talk for a special book signing session with both Kevin Lyons and 123KLAN—limited quantities available.

🕗 7:00–8:00PM – Artist Talk
🖊️ 8:00–8:30PM – Book Signing

🎟️ Don’t Miss It

This is a rare opportunity to hear from two global creative powerhouses on how they’ve turned their visual voices into creative legacies—without compromising who they are. Whether you're an artist, designer, brand founder, or just an admirer of culture, this conversation is for you.

📍 Empire Seven Studios
🗓️ Thursday, June 5
⏰ 7:00 – 8:30PM
🥂 Beverages by Foxtale Fermentation
🎟️ Free Event