DNA 11’s Blog - Original Creators of DNA Art

Last Friday we were invited over to NPRs *New* Manhattan Studio to do a little radio interview. It played on Sunday. Over 3 million listeners. The offices were so new that I was the first person to be interviewed in that particular studio. Construction was actually still going on. As we were leaving we were asked to sign their guest-book- it was really cool. I found Clint Eastwood and Frank Miller’s signature. Frank’s signature is by far the craziest signature I have ever seen. Frank created SIN CITY and was a fellow guest at Semi-Permanent NYC this year. We’re big fans of his work.

Listen to the interview from NPRs web site

More pics…

Josh the studio tech:

Me in the booth yapping away:

Seems like we’re spending more time in New York these days then at home. I’m not complaining. As you can see by previous posts we love being in New York. Both Nazim and I were there for ten days. We met some amazing people as always. The main reason we were there was to exhibit at a huge event called NYIGF (New York International Gift Fair). Over 2500 exhibitors and 40,000 people. We had an amazing booth and a great location. Thanks Jessica Lo for your help designing the booth. Here are a couple of pics…

Rob Walker wrote a great article about us in the New York Times Magazine on December 24th. We are getting tons of press lately and a lot more coming in the New Year.

Check it out. Let us know what you think.

We’ve been getting some great press coverage this year. I just did an interview with the Wall Street Journal today and HOW Magazine. Tomorrow I’m getting interviewed by Rob Walker the well-known and highly respected writer for the New York Times Magazine. He writes a great column called Consumed. Our friend Josh Spear just featured us on his very popular blog. These are all world-class media outlets so we’re honored. Maxim magazine even did a small review on us last month. Not too many products could appear in all these magazines and publications and appeal to such a broad base of readers. I guess that’s one thing that makes us special.

 What we’re really happy about is being highlighted as anideal holiday gift by ForbesLife Magazine (Dec. issue). So far the response has been great. The media has been fantastic to us and I hope it keeps on coming…

 Here is the excerpt from Forbes:

“It’s So You! Ottawa-based DNA 11 updates the concept of the portrait for the C.S.I. era, transforming clients’ “genetic fingerprints” into abstract works of art. This complex-sounding procedure is actually a snap. The Canadian company mails out a collection kit. You swab the inside of your cheek, send in the sample, then select the size and color of your DNA portrait. Six to eight weeks later you can display your double helix for all to see. Priced from $390–$790. www.dna11.com. “

We’re leaving for NY for a few days. Some really exciting projects on the works and we’re meeting with some pretty important people in the modern design/art world. Wish I could talk more about it! Stay tuned…

 I love NY. The energy, the hustle and bustle, the people, the food. We always make sure we stay at “Boutique” hotels when we travel. Last time it was the QT hotel this time we’re going to try out Time Hotel. Unfortunately, Night Hotel was sold out. This is the best time of the year to visit the Big Apple.

Things on our to-do list after we take care of business:

-Meet with Geoff (our affiliate manager)
-Visit the WIRED store
-Hang out in Soho and Chelsea
-Visit the new Puma Store
-Check out the MoMA

I’ll make sure I post some pics over the next few days.

What’s your favorite place or thing to do in NY? I want to hear your ideas…

What does a DNA 11 Glowframe portrait, a Dolce & Gabbana Motorola Razr, and a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight have in common? They were all named The Ultimate Holiday Luxury Gifts by CNET. In total, 15  brands were selected this year and the list also included Lexus, Bang & Olufsen, Panasonic, and Lamborghini. I like to call our art affordable luxury.

Our art starts at just $190 for a fingerprint portrait and makes the perfect gift. We’ll be updating the site next week with a special section for gift giving. Basically you give our kit (which comes in a metal gift box) and the recipient takes it from there. It includes everything needed to get started all the recipient needs to do is pick the color they want.

Click here to see the CNET review and video

We just partnered up with Nettwerk Music Group in Los Angeles. A very progressive Canadian based music label. They manage talent like Barenaked ladies, Avril Lavigne, Sum 41, Billy Talent,  and the Cardigans (remember them?).

There’s this great group called Delerium and they are releasing a new album.  To promote the launch of the album they partnered up with us to give away some of our art.  Their music is really good- I’m digging it.

 Check out the contest

Whoa!  Way too many events last month. We just got back from a very cool all-night Toronto art show on Saturday called Nuit Blanche. We were part of the French Pavilion and we displayed our art with our partners Roche Bobois. I brought my camera but unfortunately I forgot my flash memory card!  Lots of interesting sites. Highlights included models in French lingerie walking around, Ligne Rosette couches being stacked into sculptures like gigantic Lego blocks, a pyramid made of Baccarat Champaign glasses, and a Smart Car with a camo motif. We also managed to snag a couple of limited edition Evian water bottles that were shaped like Christmas trees but someone “borrowed” them when we weren’t looking. Amazing event. We can’t wait for next year. Our only regret is not getting a chance to visit the 100 other exhibitors that were spread across the city.

We’re happy to announce our new affiliate program and a new member to our team. We would like to welcome Geoff Marcy to DNA 11. He’s based in New York and he’s the director of our new affiliate program. Geoff was previously with Perfume.com.

Sorry ladies he’s taken.

Our affiliate program allows web sites to refer clients to us in exchange for a commission. If you own a  web site that you feel can bring us some business then we can pay you some hefty commissions. Help us introduce our art to the world! You can learn more about our affiliate program here. Our affiliate program is powered by Commission Junction - the market leader in affiliate marketing. Feel free to drop Geoff an e-mail at affiliates@dna11.com

Good news. DNA 11 is coming to NY again this year. We have been invited to participate in the Soho WIRED store for the second year in a row. This time we’re partnering with American Express to offer card holders a special discount. Stay tuned. I think the store will be launching in mid November. I love the whole concept of pop-up stores. The store is only open until December 24th and then it closes its doors until the next holiday season. If you want to see a video (from last year) of the store and the editor of WIRED talking about our art visit RocketBoom.  See video here.