The man behind the HAZZARD BUZZARDS ...is Alan Stedman

Before we even get into this interview lets review some of the stuff you've created that people are going to go, "Oh yeah... I've seen this guys stuff around."

Some of my past customers include, both artwork and color separation. Dice Cover issue 36, Dice Biker Dolls Issues 29-32, Born Free, Born Loser, Heavy, Showclass, FMA, Americana Speed Shop, Biltwell, Lowbrow Customs, Cut-Rate, Tiger Shack, Matt Ross, 4 Aces, Wretched Hive, Garage Co. Customs, LadyHump, and the Gasser Lounge.

So I'd like to introduce everyone to Alan Stedman. If you're a local in Southern California, you've probably attended the same events with him and probably even had a chance conversation with him or ridden along side him on any given monthly Lady Hump / Gasser Lounge ride. I've totally asked Alan to keep creating the Hazzard County Buzzard each year because, gosh darn it, he does such a awesome job!  

Where did you get your first job in the wide wide world of art?

I would have to say it was an art contest when I was a Junior in High School, my artwork appeared on the METRO buses in the form of a billboard that ran for a little over 2 years.

... and how did you first get into drawing?

I guess just like most artists, Ive been drawing since I was young. Drawing is what got me to design school, where soon after I quit drawing for a little over 10 years. With much procrastination and hesitation I started drawing again in 2009 when I was asked to do make the biker paper dolls for DicE Magazine.

Is most of your stuff done on (a piece of) paper or do you work entirely on the computer?

Both. I would say 40% paper 60% computer, depends on what I’m working on.

You've been our resident "Hazzard County" artist since day one? What do you think about having to draw the same buzzard year after year?

It doesn’t bother me at all, I actually really enjoy getting to work on the Hazzard art. Every year is slightly different, I’m not sure what I’m going to do if we keep adding heads though!

(Ed note: Yeah, I'm not sure where we're going after three heads either. We're already at the King Ghidorah level in Godzilla world. And thinking ahead, FOUR heads is way ridiculous, but when we get up to 5 and 6 heads, sheeeshhhh!!!)

You do all the Gasser Lounge Event Poster art?

Yes, I ‘ve been working with Mikey B. from Gasser Lounge on artwork for the bar since 2010. He keeps me on my toes with his wild ideas and very detailed descriptions on what he’s looking for, but still gives me enough room to be creative and make the design my own. We actually work well together.

Tell us a little about your experience? You've told me before you were a Color Separator and I'll be less than 5% of the general public understands exactly what that means?

I have been a Graphic Designer for the last 19 years and have been Color Separating for the last 9. I am currently the Art Director and Lead Color Separator at Icon Screening in the city of Orange. The definition of a color separator is very long and drawn out so to put it simply, I use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to pull apart artwork make it possible to print accurately on a tshirt. The separations can range from 2 to 13 colors. For an example take a look at my website under the separations tab.

www.alanstedman.com

Aside from working within the "chopper" community where might people have seen your work?

Probably nowhere. Most of the designs I do are for Corporate customers in other states or a random color separations that end up in Target or the mall. Ive done separations for Disney, Marvel, Harajuku Lovers, Toki Doki, Levis, Girl Skateboards, Chocolate, Etc.

The funny thing about color separating is that it is not my artwork, Its my job to make sure it looks great when printed, so adding these to my portfolio is weird.

Say a potential customer wants you to create something for them, what's your specialty area?

I would say my specialty would be in Graphic Design, Logo Deign and Color Separations. I love to draw and making artwork for people is fun for me, so if you’re into it and need something let me know! 

www.alanstedman.com

Thanks for everything you do for Hazzard County Alan. We all totally love your work and give a neck-breaking nod to your talent!

Another helmet finished at Wuss Army Paint Studios

... better than a pocket full of Tots!

Thanks Kit. 

* Just a clarification. Kit's our resident painter. Alan Stedman is our resident Hazzard County artist (the guy who comes up with the original art). So who's Alan? We'll have a interview with him soon...

Meet the man behind ZOMBIE PERFORMANCE

I've know Steffan from Zombie Performance for quite some time now but in fact I didn't even run a set of his bars till about a year ago (believe it or not). Our friendship has been one of a mutual love and involvement in the current "chopper" scene as much as it can be described as such under the Biltwell / Chop Cult manifestation (and sure, Yes, there have been a LOT of other influences in that scope; forums, magazines, builders, shops, people, the chopper elite, etc. etc. But I'm talking about the modern day scene and it can best be summed up by looking at what Biltwell has done in and around the Southern California areas in the last decade. Think Slab City Riots and El Diablo Runs for a perfect "what do you mean?" response.) Steffans been a part(y) of Escape To Hazzard County and contributed to the Hazzard County Raffle from the very beginning. This year is no different. He's already donated several sets of bars to the raffle and will be again putting together this years custom trophies, so I decided it was about time I gave him a proper introduction in the form of a ZOMBIE PERFORMANCE Interview.... so I'd like you to meet the man behind Zombie Performance, Steffan Ihrcke.

1.) Tell me a little about the "original" zombie performance? How old were you when you started, what were you doing before this? Did you repair lawnmowers or just chain saws? What was business like?

I've been a small engine mechanic since i was 14yrs old. Originally I wanted to have my own small engine shop until I started getting into 2 stroke engine porting. I was building a lot  of custom chainsaws for local loggers and a few race saws for people around the world.  That's where the "performance" in Zombie Performance came in. The name was Zombie Performance 2 Stroke Engines. At the time I was still working a fulltime job repairing equipment and the engine work was in the evenings. now the name is Zombie Performance Fabrication but Chop Cult and everyone else has just made it Zombie Performance.

2.) When did ZP change from Chain Saws to Handel bars? Was there any product in between these?

The business just kind of fell into the handlebar market. I had sold some personal stuff to get a bender. mostly because I wanted to build my own bars. I couldnt really afford to buy new bars at the time and knew how to make them. I just needed the tools. I had made my first set of bars before I had the bender out of some old thinwall stainless. the tube was off some old medical table someone had thrown away. I put bends in the tube by heating it with a torch. they are super ugly but i still have them hanging on the wall. once I got my bender I was making a new set of bars for my bike just about every week. I started selling the old ones on the chop cult classifieds. every set sold almost right away and in no time I was getting people asking me to build them bars. at the same time my day job was slowing down and the economy was taking a dump so the engine porting just about disappeared. I started working for a new repair shop and the owner there was more than supportive of my ideas of starting a business.  more than he should have been if he had wanted me to stay around. lol. that was a great job and the owner was a great guy to work for but the market kept slowing in the winter time and I kept getting laid off. The whole time I was starting to get more and more orders for bars so eventually it was a natural transition to go fulltime with the business when I got laid off.

3.) How long did ZP run out of your house in Winston before you opened your new shop? What made you go from no rent to now having to rent a shop to run your business out of?

About 7yrs if you count the very beginning of tinkering with saws and equipment. I think 2009 or 2010 would be more official year/s for the business as we know it now. I ran the business out of the house as long as I could before I had no choice to move. I needed more space for equipment, inventory, materials, etc. I just always let the business build it self as naturally as possible. I never tried to force anything out of it. I wanted my business to be fun and represent me so I just did what I wanted with it and made the most of it.

4.) In just a few short examples describe the motorcycle scene in the town you live in?

The chopper/home builder scene is nonexistent here. theres alot of people that ride and the Harley crowd here is pretty big but my business has almost now showing in this town.

5.) You're pretty much the town "handlebar guy" but do you think they understand how worldwide your reach is? And in the same thought, has any local shop ever once called you for help on a bike build?

"the town"....? no. but there is a handful people that know about what i do and are really supportive. There really isn't any bike builders here but I can count on one hand the amount zp bars that are on bikes being ridden around here. 2 of them are my own bikes. 

6.) If your business continues to grow how are you going to grow with it? New products planned?

I'm just going to let it grow into what ever it wants to become. ill help it along as needed. I'm mostly going to tailor it along so that I can keep my lead times of orders reasonable while trying to keep people happy with out sacrificing quality. I have some ideas for other products but I'm going to try and streamline the handlebars first. I want to get more bars stocked up so people don't have to wait as long for them. with almost 100 different designs and multiple sizing and additional options its a lot to try and keep everything in stock. I cycle some designs in an out to try and help keep the work load manageable.

7.) In a few words describe what the Cheap o chop off is all about... (and keep in mind I'm also interviewing David for FU and will cross promo each interview asap/before the cheap-o chop off)

The "Cheap-o Chop Off" is mine and Dave's attempt at getting some sort of scene going here. I see lots of people here that want to build a bike or hang out with like minded people but we are so spread out its almost been impossible to get everyone together. we had decided to try and get people to build cheap/small bikes with out spending any money of them just to thrash on them at the chop off. That part of the event has been lacking since the people that show up are usually from other parts of the state and usually ride their normal bikes in. It doesn't really matter to use. the whole thing is just a fun camp out. we go on rides through the hills, and just do stupid fun stuff the whole time.

READ THE CHEAP-O CHOP OFF INTERVIEW WITH DAVE FROM FABRICATION UNDERGROUND HERE

8.) You take it on the road, vending at both Born Free and most recently at the Norcal Swap... are you planning any other major events?

its not a big part of my plans. I'm going to pick my events based on if I want to attend them or not. mostly just to see friends and customers. it usually just cost me time away from the shop filling orders.

9.) Tell me about your beer brewing hobby?

Its a hobby that I haven't had time for the last year or so. Its fun, tasty, and gets you drunk on the cheap. lol. its actually relaxing for me since it takes a whole day to make a batch. Now that I have an open garage at the house ill try and get brewing again.

10.) anything else you'd like to add?

I'm here doing what I love to do only because of everyones support. All of my customers, friends, and family are the reasons that I'm able to do all of this and I'm eternally grateful. I don't feel like I'm doing anything different from anyone else with the same tools or motivation. My customers are the ones that drive me to keep going and be creative with my stuff.

VISIT ZOMBIE PERFORMANCE FOR YOURSELF HERE

Be sure to attend Escape To Hazzard County 3 this November 15th 2014

Details on attendance will be coming soon!

The Saga Continues ...

Biltwell helmets make some of the best raffle prizes.... I just gotta say. Especially when they're painted up Hazzard County style by our own Kit.

and here's another peak of some custom bars being made by Maker's Moto & Mfg Co.

follow him on IG at @Butcherstreet 

We're still a good chunk of time away from the event horizon but you know it'll be upon us before you realize it... stay tuned Hazzardites!

We're starting to get some inside looks at what people are creating...

These sneak peek images come from Maker's Moto & Mfg Co., who've joined the Hazzard County Raffle this year with something sure to be a one-of-a-kind prize for one lucky soul! Looking forward to seeing this completed prize under the starry moonlight of Hazzard County...

As sponsors continue to create unique one-off items for this years Hazzard County Raffle, we'll continue to tease and showcase them. There's still time for you to jump in and stamp, cut, weld, or craft something from your own imagination, shoot me a email

Wuss Army Paint Studios (first peek)

"Kit's busy painting with a silver spoon,

Little boy blue and the man in the moon... 

...we'll get to Hazzard soon Son,

yeah, we'll get to Hazzard soon."

~ Freddie Mercury