Nick Egan

British Artist and Film Director, Nick Egan, occupies a distinctive ‘Rock Star’ venerability in popular culture that has felt his influence since the early days of the Punk Rock Revolution.

Egan is currently putting together a book called ‘Auteurist – The Influence of Malcolm McLaren.’ It will be a visual and anecdotal collection of his artwork from Duck Rock combined with McLaren’s ability to bring street culture to high fashion via art, video, music, and design. The book is being done in collaboration with iconic photographer Bob Gruen, who documented a large chunk of McLaren’s career from the New York Dolls, Sex Pistols, Bow Wow Wow, and his own albums. Also collaborating is Young Kim, McLaren’s partner and executor of his estate. The book will be published by Rizzoli.

Egan is also in the process of putting together an exhibition of his contemporary paintings and artworks, as well as a historical one-man show covering more than three decades of his most famous album and single sleeves. This includes designs for some of the most influential artists in the history of contemporary music. With these projects, he again demonstrates a remarkable ability to effectively work with some of the most eccentric characters in film, fashion, and rock and roll. This reputation is attributed to much of his previous award-winning success in music videos, having directed over a hundred for bands such as Oasis, Duran Duran, INXS, Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop, Motley Crue, and Kylie Minogue, among others.

Born in London, Nick attended Watford College of Art and Design, just outside of London, where he studied Graphic Design. This formed the basis of the visual language that would connect him with millions and, unintentionally, make him a Punk Rock Iconoclast. While still in college, he began designing single covers and posters for emerging bands like The Clash and The Ramones. His relationship with Bernard Rhodes, manager of The Clash, led to him designing the landmark album cover for Dexy’s Midnight Runners. He then became involved with former Sex Pistols manager and fashion entrepreneur Malcolm McLaren, for whom he designed the album artwork for Bow Wow Wow’s “See Jungle! See Jungle!” The cover was voted into the ‘Top 100 Album Covers of All Time’ by Rolling Stone Magazine. His long-time involvement with McLaren led him to design artwork for McLaren’s own innovative albums ‘Duck Rock,’ ‘Fans,’ and ‘Swamp Thing.’ He went on to design album covers for some of the most influential and recognized bands of that era. He also had a close association with celebrated film directors Oliver Stone and John Hughes, designing the album covers for Stone’s epic movies ‘The Doors’ and ‘JFK,’ as well as Hughes’ logo for his Production Company Hughes Entertainment. During this period, he worked closely with celebrated fashion designer Vivienne Westwood on her ‘Worlds End’ collections, designing invitations and art directing her fashion shows in London and Paris. Egan’s stylistic vision helped shape the punk aesthetic and shook visual music and fashion culture from The Clash to the present.

After five successful years in London’s music and fashion scene, Egan relocated to New York for a different challenge, transitioning from a young up-and-coming scene in the UK to working with more established and legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Iggy Pop. He continued his experience in fashion by designing the ‘Sketchbook’ label for then-young fashion designer Marc Jacobs. Egan’s collaboration with Jacobs continued closely as Jacobs rose to fame in the fashion industry. During his time in New York, Egan was asked to direct his first-ever music video for Iggy Pop’s ‘Real Wild Child,’ which ultimately led him to move to Los Angeles and pursue music videos on a more permanent basis. He became one of the world’s premier and award-winning music video directors, working with legendary Production Company, Propaganda Films. He also had a successful period as a commercial director, responsible for directing spots for major brands like Levi’s, Nike, Diet Coke, Nintendo, and Sony Playstation.

In Los Angeles, Egan continues his success with several t-shirt collections and spends time doing what he enjoys most: painting. He has had several small solo and group shows in and around the Los Angeles area. He has also become a much in-demand public speaker, giving keynote speeches in various locations such as Auckland, New Zealand, Brighton, England, and venues in the LA area.

Nick Egan is married to Executive Producer Ann Haugen and lives in the Hollywood Hills with Ann and their three children.