Popstars and Cokeheads

Popstars and Coke Heads Painted Cans by Greg Mike
next time you drink a soda, pick a pen, draw on the can!

quoted from Format Magazine:

Format: What is the history behind ‘Popstars and Cokeheads?’
Greg Mike: Originally, when I was sketching the Mad Cans, I had no intention of painting soda cans. As the characters evolved, it hit me that I should take it to the 3D form. With a soda in hand, I attempted to paint a few cans. In the beginning, the shape and texture threw me off. Like any artist, I was accustomed to painting the typical two-dimensional surface.

I started with two or three cans, which quickly grew to 10, and then 20. Soon enough I had an entire army of Mad Cans. Everyday, new ideas, characters and concepts would flood my thoughts. I lassoed my ADD, and decided to create a series of cans with a goal of 100 in mind. The small cans inspired me to take it to the next level and create the 3ft tall large cans that I will be debuting in San Francisco.

I soon grew tired of the name Mad Cans and needed something new and energized. The term ‘coke head’ came to mind for obvious reason, I was painting my character heads on coke cans. But this wasn’t enough. As the characters developed, I noticed many of them began to resemble some of our more notable pop icons. That bright light above my head came on and the concept of Popstars and Cokeheads was born. It was somewhat edgy, somewhat risqué – it was perfect.

Format: What does Popstars and Cokeheads say about Greg Mike?
Greg Mike: Popstars and Cokeheads, as a series, is a animated expression of color and simplicity that I feel shows my energetic, simplistic and bold state-of-mind at the current time.