Step into iam8bit a world where pixels meet paint. iam8bit isn’t just a store. It’s a vibrant testament to the intersection of art and gaming culture. iam8bit began in 2005 not as a retail space but as an art show celebrating pop culture fandom. Video game and tech journalist Jon M Gibson and film director Amanda White co-founded this unique venture. Their inaugural event was a smashing success drawing thousands. This initial art show even inspired a book iam8bit Art Inspired by Classic Videogames of the 80s. Chronicle Books published this book. It became a bestseller found in Urban Outfitters Barnes & Nobles and other stores.
iam8bit’s story isn’t just about art. It’s about pushing creative boundaries. Think of the Mega Man 9 press kit. iam8bit created a limited edition press kit. They took apart hundreds of vintage NES cartridges. They inserted mini CDs with game assets. The result? A collector’s item fetching thousands on eBay. Or consider the Tricell Progenitor Virus Detection Kit. iam8bit designed this for the launch of Resident Evil 5. It looked like a pregnancy test but contained goodies like gloves a mask and even discs that ran a fictitious anti-virus scan. These weren’t typical promotional items. They were experiences.
iam8bit extended beyond video game promotions. They collaborated with Blik a vinyl wall decal manufacturer. The partnership produced a series of Space Invader-style wall stickers. They worked with Couch Guitar Straps creating guitar straps for Guitar Hero and Rock Band. They even produced supplemental features for the DVD release of The King of Kong A Fistful of Quarters. This included an original animated short A Really Really Brief History of Donkey Kong. iam8bit also created a Zelda-themed conference room for Nintendo in Redwood City. Their influence expanded to the creation of Passport to Iron City a recreation of Alita Battle Angel’s setting for fans.
iam8bit’s impact continues to grow. They’ve become a major player in the industry working with companies like Capcom Disney and Twentieth Century Fox. They publish games too such as Gone Home Donut County and Sayonara Wild Hearts. iam8bit showcases its creativity through annual art exhibitions in Los Angeles. Each exhibition features numerous artists and continues to solidify iam8bit’s position as a force in art and gaming. iam8bit isn’t just a gallery or a publisher. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring magic of collaborative creativity. So take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and artistry of iam8bit. It’s a journey worth exploring.