John Yates                         

JOHN YATES; A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME

Born in Leeds, England in 1965. Eldest of two sons named after mother's favorites in The Beatles. Raised incredibly bravely and unquestionably well by single mother following father's complete capitulation of responsibilities. Mother aided and abetted in raising offspring by unabashed socialist grandfather. Is taught strength, independence, and that any working man who votes conservative should be put against a wall and shot. Excells in little at school but art and physical education, and in drawing the wrath of his teachers. Chooses art over culinary school, surprising since he practically exists on cereal. Winds up at college when it is discovered it pays better than unemployment and there are no dress restrictions. Somehow graduates two successive art schools with pieces of paper claiming he is capable of design and photography. Stumbles into first design studio position by pure luck. Spends next few years abusing free access to all manner of equipment, fueling first forays into music business design and zines. Through mailorder record purchases and persistant art submissions, somehow manages to hook-up with Jello Biafra through Alternative Tentacles' London office. Begins free trade exercise via mail with Dead Kennedys' frontman. Gets offered lyric booklet design job for DK's swansong album. Pulls it off across an ocean and a continent, first of a decade of collaborative efforts with outspoken artist. Accepts a job offer at A.T.'s San Francisco office following a summer "working" vacation. Quits Thatcher's Britain, never looks back. Dedicates 10-years as visual skullduggery to pioneer label, only quitting twice. Finally for good in early 1998. Simultaniously runs incredibly underachieving D.I.Y. label for 9 of those 10 years, releasing 100 titles and succeeding in a goal of helping little-known bands become totally obscure. Publishes various visual tirades against a lot of bad things. Forums include small press items, posters, t-shirts, and the surprisingly popular 'Punchline' zine. Works freelance for numerous bands and labels, achieving modest name recognition in most industrialized nations, including Lichtenstein. Wrangles two book publishing deals through personal friendship leverage. Participates in several exhibitions, including a fully funded trip to a French international design show, courtesy of France's arts council. Did not affect his view of said country. Accepts the fact he hates participating in art shows. Sees designs appear on t-shirts internationally, highlighted by excellent product placement during 2000 Green Party convention and various anti-WTO protests. Remains a fanatical Leeds United supporter, regardless of the abuse he receives for this. Enjoys watching far more television than you might expect, with not a shred of justification forthcoming. Collects original movie posters, cannot display them, persists regardless. Collects retro and current toys, for which he denies he needs professional help. Owns every episode of 'MASH' available. Currently resides in San Francisco Bay Area. Has a 6-year old son and a 6-year old relationship, both of which continue to enlighten, entertain, and enthrall him. Feels the need to rewrite his bio daily, but has accepted he must let it go. Always receptive to design opportunities, interviews, and pie.

contact: www.stealworks.com