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The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston calls him "one of today's best known and most influential street artists," but he's probably mostly talked about as "that Obama-hope-poster-guy." Shepherd Fairey, a graphic designer, illustrator, and needless-to-say artist, emerged from the skateboarding scene in the mid-80s and was first noted for his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" series and later, more famously for his OBEY vinyl sticker run.
In 2008, Fairey self-initiated a campaign strategy to back democratic candidate Barack Obama, and thus the iconic "Hope" poster image was born.
On 23 March 2009, Faiery's design was honored as a poster “breathed new life into a form that had lost its purpose”, and after beating out ninety runner-ups to win the 2009 Brit Insurance Design of the Year, a contest in which the awards go to the most interesting and forward designs in seven disciplines: architecture, fashion, furniture, graphics, interactive, product and transport. After the category winners are announced each compete against each other for the top honor, which Faiery snagged this year. For a list of the six other category winners and more information about the event you can visit the British Design Museum here.