If you’re lucky enough to be in San Francisco, you can check out the Game Over 3 Art Show at GSRF which opens tonight and runs through April 14th. The show features all kinds of video game-inspired art by plenty of top artists including Sasha Barr, Grant Reynolds, and Marc Johns (who we’re obsessed with). Oh, and Giant Robot, you’re not so bad yourself.

I’ve been holding out for years to find the perfect messenger bag but I think I just found it. Tucker & Bloom’s “North To South Messenger Bag” is its name and by the looks of it, OMFG! I’m hesitant to drop $200 without road-testing it first but get a load of all these features: front organizer and back slip pockets, removable cross-strap for biking, heavy duty cam buckle, metal alloy quick release buckles on flap, side pocket for all your digi-goods and of course a main chamber with an inner zipper pocket. There’s enough room in this bad boy for your laptop, records and TPS report. Buy it here. [thanks Sheila for the tip!]

The highlighter kids are at it again. Oh wait, it’s just Marc Johns being his awesome, clever self. Is there anything this guy can’t do that isn’t this?

Sony just introduced this new “ultra-compact” interchangeable lens DSLR at PMA in Anaheim and I think I’m in love. The concept combines clean lines, economy, and the ability to take DSLR quality images. No word yet of release date. [via Engadget]

Rosa Loves is a cause that rakes in 100% of the cash from t-shirt sales for specific groups in the community that surrounds them. It’s very similar to our Artist Series t-shirts and it’s a great example of a group that pays attention to what’s going on in their community and takes action by doing something to help. Mike Fretto, the guy who owns Rosa Loves, designed the t-shirt below to raise donations for relief efforts in Haiti. Creativity is great and it’s even better when it’s used for a great cause (and not to make other creative people jealous).

Nike has teamed up with graphic artist Parra for a new pair of Air Max 1’s. It features a burgundy suede mesh upper, terry chenille on the Swoosh and plenty of spring colors on the outside. It’s an exclusive to Patta in The Netherlands so you better dig if you wanna snag a pair. Full pics here.

San Diego native Matt Stallings is an artist, painter, designer, admirer of film, husband, brother, father, son and your new best friend. Well, he probably doesn’t have time to be your best best friend but his artwork can fill the void. Here are two of my personal favorites.

Jennifer Strunge is the mastermind behind Cotton Monsters. Made from thrift-store leftovers, they’re equal parts cute and freaky. And even though Strunge emphasizes they’re more art and less kids’ toys, I definitely think they’d make a great gift for the little ones (or your 36-yr old cousin who’s obsessed with Juxtapoz and Kid Robot). Check out more from the Cotton Monsters line and a pretty sweet write-up with the artist herself on Jail Break.

Seldom is someone so genuine you feel like you could instantly be friends, but that’s exactly how I felt about meeting Rocky Votolato. I caught up with the singer-songwriter in the car before his show to talk about his new album, True Devotion, and two things he’s totally excited about. But what I got was so much more – some excellent advice for any artist and life in general. Have a listen below.

Rocky Votolato Interview

We love coming across bands that have the vibes to match their jams and I feel confident in saying The Ruby Suns is one of those. Hailing all the way from Auckland, New Zealand, they combine a distinct freak element (think Animal Collective) with something more melodic and tonal (think The Microphones) to produce one of the most pleasing and unique sounds I’ve heard in a while. Nestled alongside fellow Sub Pop artists Fleetfoxes and Beach House, The Ruby Suns find themselves in good company musically with a serious future ahead of them internationally. It’s real refreshing to get ahold of something new that is really worth appreciating. Then, as if these three guys weren’t good enough, they told us the two things they’re most excited about right now aside from the release of their second album Fight Softly and immediately ascended two notches.

1. My 1999 Dodge Ram 15 Seater Van.
I just got this baby for real cheap. It only needed minor repairs, but that’s all sorted now. It’s smooth, spacious, and, carbon footprint aside, awesome! Considering there’s going to be 7 of us travelling together on this next tour, it’s going to perfect. This is the first vehicle I’ve ever bought in the states which is sort of funny because I live in NZ. We rent a vehicle every time we come to the states to tour and I was about to rent a van for 5 weeks when I found my burgundy beauty for cheaper!

2. Chipotle Cholula.
This stuff blows me away. Chipotle has been a real buzz word in the states for a while and it seems like you can get chipotle anything…. but not many people know about chipotle peppers/sauces in NZ. My friend found this stuff in a supermarket in wellington (nz) hidden behind some kaitaia fire (NZ’s BEST hot sauce). We were eating felafel kebabs and I had to have this stuff on every bite. SO GOOD!

So now that we’ve got you all excited, here comes the best part. They’re on tour, and they’re playing in San Diego on the 13th at the Loft at UCSD. You should really come by if you get the chance, it promises to be something special.