HISTORY
In 1999 I launched my first website called Curtoons.com. It was originally going to feature my gag cartoons in an effort to sell them to magazine editors. I quickly learned that there was more money in cartoon logos and a business was launched!
After about a year in business online I discovered I could expand my services into graphic design and website development. I quickly learned I would be competing against design companies with creative names like Groovy Lizard and others.
After weeks of brainstorming names, one popped into my head as I was sitting at a red light. Shaggy Duck! The name originally came from the look of those stuffed animals that have shaggy or nappy fur on them. A duck is a popular mascot and I knew I could draw a fun character.
In 2000, Shaggy Duck Studio was born and a website was created. I concentrated on whimsical designs and more creative type companies. I began to build the brand which centered around fun, sunshine and the easy going lifestyle. I even had a surfboard on the top of my 4Runner in Oklahoma for many years as a marketing gimmick.
I ran that agency for over 10 years and it was my corporate business with all others falling below it. Shaggy Duck fell to the wayside for 10 years after I started Enid Buzz in 2012.
TODAY
Shaggy Duck came back in 2022 with the hope of creating a national brand. Today the vibe of the company is more centered around a sunshine beach type lifestyle brand combined with designs and memories of the 1970s.
I now go by the nickname of Shaggs and the company logo has a great retro feel to it. Shaggy Duck will now concentrate on pop art paintings, NFT’s, a podcast, a book, a t-shirt brand and other groovy content.
I built a brand new studio in the courtyard at the back our house. I’m slowly furnishing it with everything Mid-Century Modern and filling it with memorabilia from the 70s. I’ve also gone back to driving a Jeep and it has been dubbed the Duckmobile. The studio even has the original 4Runner surfboard standing in the corner.
SHAGGHEADS
If you enjoy being a little scruffy, donning a pair of comfy sneakers and shorts, soaking up some sun, love retro, choose adventure over safety and have a spark of enthusiasm in your eye, the Shaggy Duck Brand might be for you!
Shaggy Duck is made up of “Shaggheads” like you! We are people that engage in positivity, individuality, curiosity and discovery. For us, life is a quest! This blog is for those that want to improve their lives, learn something new, take chances and push their limits.
A high number of elderly people that are interviewed and asked about regret say they wish they has taken more risks. If you start slow, keep steady and stay consistent you’ll eventually reach your goals without huge amounts of risk. The greatest resource you’ll invest is time.
I envision a Shagghead being someone that enjoys adventure, fun, laughing, sunshine, beaches, outdoor & water activities, naps, games, travel, exploring, relaxing, trees, volunteering, creating, sharing, learning, rainbows, entrepreneurship, photography, skateboards, guitars, thunder, dancing, reading, hammocks, ghost stories, oscillating fans, friends, movies, art, food and music, and anything from the 70s.
Contact me at Shaggs@ShaggyDuck.com.