Don Ed Hardy is an American tattoo artist raised in Southern California. He was a pupil of Sailor Jerry Collins. Through his association with Sailor Jerry, Hardy was invited to study tattooing in Japan in 1973 with the Japanese classical tattoo master, Horihide. He became recognized for incorporating Japanese tattoo aesthetic and technique into his American style work. His works were once referred to as unique and special but now ordinary bland because he sold out to corporate America. Therefore, leaving everyone with an Ed Hardy tattoo explaining to preteens why they have a school folder or t-shirt design on their neck.
In May 2009, Iconix Brand Group, Inc. announced that the Company has acquired a 50% interest in Hardy Way, LLC, the owner of the Ed Hardy brand and trademarks. The Company paid $17 million for its interest in Hardy Way, consisting of $9 million in cash and $8 million in stock. In addition, the sellers could be entitled to receive an additional $1 million in stock pursuant to an earn-out based on 2009 royalties received by Hardy Way. Hardy Way estimates that 2009 royalty revenue will be approximately £10 million.
