Wear Your Dreams: My Life in Tattoos Hardcover – June 18, 2013

“I’m not a public figure,” claims Hardy, the iconic tattoo pioneer whose distinctive artwork now enlivens everything from T-shirts to energy drinks. In his compelling memoir, cowritten with pop-culture author Selvin, Hardy now reveals the man behind the needle. Born in 1945, he grew up south of Los Angeles during a time when only sailors commonly sported tats. Hardy surfed, drew, and hobnobbed with hipsters, airbrush artists, hot-rodders, and the few tattooists around, then studied printmaking in San Francisco. There artist Phil Sparrow rekindled his passion for body art, inspiring him to open his first shop in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hardy energetically describes his subsequent founding of tattoo parlors in Seattle and San Diego, finding love in New York, inking the Yakuza (the Mafia) in Japan, and winning a lifelong battle with alcoholism. Hardy also portrays enigmatic and elusive Sailor Jerry, America’s tattoo patriarch, with whom Hardy partnered to kick-start his billion-dollar, worldwide franchise. Versed in high art, pop culture, and fringe lifestyles, Hardy is a wise and charming guide through the fascinating history of American tattoo art. --Jonathan Fullmer

“Tattoo visionary Hardy has produced an engrossing memoir that serves as both a colorful guide to the history of the tattoo revival and a window on the life of an ambitious, blue-collar artist…a thoughtful narrator…He paints vivid thumbnails of characters like Sailor Jerry and Christian Audigier…Hardy has no shortage of anecdotes and he's not shy about copping to his mistakes…he never loses his genial tone. Tattoo couldn't have a better spokesperson.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Surprisingly heartfelt memoir by an iconic American tattoo artist.” ―Kirkus

“Hardy shares his life in this memoir exploring how he came to be one of the world's most famous tattoo artists. In his travels and travails, Hardy has helped moving tattooing from the cultural wastebasket to the cultural norm. Here, he shares some of his breakthrough moments, some of his regrets, and much of his inspiration. With a rasp in his voice, Johnny Heller sounds in many ways just like Hardy, and it's clear why he was chosen as the narrator. Hardy's nonchalant attitude about his beginnings and even his success is captured by Heller, who can deliver a light and laid-back tone.” ―Publishers Weekly audio book review

“Further proof that art is where you find it. Don Ed Hardy had this insight and followed through on it. Though some of his work is now shown in galleries and museums his choice to pursue an artform that, at the time, was decidedly and defiantly alternative lead him down a path that is is both beautiful and hair raising (I wouldn't want to make a mistake tattooing Yakuza in Japan!). The result is a page turner of an art book - and there aren't many of those!” ―David Byrne, founding member of Talking Heads

“Ed Hardy, along with Sailor Jerry and others, is one of the earliest artists responsible for making the American traditional style, timeless yet modern, with designs that hearken to past eras while punctuating current eras. His art speaks to a vast array of generations. Gaps that once were divided are now unified as a result of his work... More than can be said for any politician or political party. One of the marks of a great artist is creating a body of work that speaks to multiple genres and will continue to do so for years to come.” ―Dave Navarro, guitarist for Jane's Addiction and Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Wear Your Dreams gives the reader great insight into the life of tattoo artist Ed Hardy. His unyielding spirit and dedication to the art form is very evident. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it! A truly great American success story that shouldn't be missed!” ―Ace Frehley, lead guitarist of KISS and author of No Regrets

“Ed Hardy broke the mold. Now everyone is trying to rip off his ideas. I love Ed Hardy. As this book shows, he is bad to the bone.” ―Lita Ford, the lead guitarist for The Runaways

“This book is a stunning and revealing work from one of the greatest artists of our time. Ed Hardy's writing gets under the skin of modern tattooing.” ―Margaret Cho, comedian and author of I'm The One That I Want

“Ed Hardy's intimate account takes us on a vibrant journey that exemplifies the urgent drive of creativity and curiosity that is emblematic of an artist. He is a maverick whose accomplishments disrupt conventions and whose work greatly impacts our use of the body as a vehicle for self-expression.” ―Kiki Smith, artist