LONG BEACH – A group of Southern California local designers have united after being given the cold shoulder by California alternative rock label, Fearless Records. In December of 2007, Fearless Records nationally announced a cash prize contest for designers’ submissions for a redesign of their logo. Designers submitted logos with various styles and techniques for a promise of an award of $1,000, and the recognition of having re-branded a prominent record label. The label publicized that a winner was to be announced on January 16, 2008, yet there was no winner, no prize, and no recognition.

After several independent inquiries to the record label resulting in little to no communication, local artists have come together to voice their disappointment. One phone call to the label resulted in comments such as, ‘I think the contest got cancelled,’ ‘the production manager said to ignore inquiries,’ and ‘I think they are going to hire someone instead’. With the lack of communication, and no fulfillment of the contest, local artists are encouraging the arts community to speak out and voice their opinions about the lack of commitment to the arts community.

If you were one of the designers or are sympathetic to people taking advantage of artists and designers, please join our coalition of Professional Artists & Designers for Ethics (PADE) at http://www.un-pade.blogspot.com

The Long Beach-based label represents artists such as the Plain White T’s, At the Drive-In, and the Aquabats.