Street Cats & Cyber-Warriors: 8 Artists, 8 Patches, and 8 Years of Moving Forward

To celebrate eight years of innovation, we’re proud to release a limited-edition 8th Anniversary Patch collection. The collection’s theme – our motto, Keep Moving Forward – captures the resilience, growth, and determination that have driven us from day one. We reached out to eight talented artists from around the globe, and asked them to show us what it means to them. 

Morale patches have long been a staple in military and streetwear culture, serving as symbols of identity, motivation, and belonging. For us at ALPAKA, these patches become a creative canvas, reflecting both our philosophy and the artistry of individuals who share our passion for exploration. Each patch tells its own story of what it means to keep moving forward.

Here’s a closer look at each artist’s take on this theme, and the meaning behind their patch designs.

CLOGTWO: The Cyberpunk Street Cat 

"For me, ‘Keep Moving Forward’ resonates with patience and tolerance. It’s about constantly overcoming challenges with a positive mindset."

Clogtwo, a graffiti artist known for his intricate MechaSoul style, merges the organic with the mechanical. His patch design is a nod to the "Street Cats" of the urban jungle, infused with cyberpunk elements that reflect his signature style. The street cat represents the gritty, resilient spirit of those who navigate the chaos of city life while embracing their individuality. In this world of ever-evolving technology and constant change, the message is clear: patience and persistence are key to progress.

COOK: Vintage Graffiti 

"‘Keep Moving Forward’ to me means staying healthy, continuing to paint, and sharing my art with the world."

COOK, hailing from Osaka, brings his roots in graffiti into a vintage-inspired patch. His design takes cues from classic American wappen patches, blending old-school aesthetics with his own unique character logo. The message of perseverance is evident in his commitment to staying active, healthy, and creatively engaged. For COOK, moving forward is about living a life filled with purpose and creativity, constantly pushing boundaries with his art.

MAUY: The Resilient Elephant

"My patch features an elephant, a symbol of strength and wisdom. Its determined expression embodies the spirit of ‘Keep Moving Forward.’"

MAUY, an artist deeply connected to wildlife and environmental themes, chose the elephant as the central figure for his patch. The elephant, revered in Thailand, represents power, patience, and a quiet strength. MAUY’s design reflects the need for personal and creative growth, a reminder that no matter how challenging the journey, we must continue to develop and evolve, much like the resilient elephant.

KATUN: The Rebellious Monkey

"To me, ‘Keep Moving Forward’ means never giving up, learning from setbacks, and staying resilient. It embodies the mindset of growth, persistence, and always striving to improve, both in art and in life."

Katun, a Malaysian graffiti artist known for his vibrant and cartoon-inspired animated characters, channels the energy of hip-hop culture into his patch. His monkey character, armed with a spray can and accompanied by a boombox, is a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and persistence. The cap bearing the “Keep Moving Forward” message is a reminder to embrace creativity, fight through obstacles, and continue to evolve—whether in art or life.

WOES: Beauty Amidst Chaos

"Through struggle, there is always growth and a path to peace. ‘Keep Moving Forward’ is about staying resilient and finding beauty in the chaos."

WOES, a Hawaiian-born artist famous for his signature panda characters, uses his patch to symbolize the beauty found in perseverance. Set against a floral background, his panda character represents serenity amidst life's daily challenges. The patch reminds us that while the journey may be tough, the lessons learned and the growth experienced are what bring true peace and fulfillment.

MACHINE56: Bold Aesthetics, Minimalist Future

"‘Keep Moving Forward’ isn’t just about physical distance; it’s about pushing creative boundaries and constantly evolving."

MACHINE56, based in Bandung, Indonesia, is known for his futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired designs. For this piece, he brings a bold yet minimalistic approach to his patch. The sharp, geometric lines of ALPAKA’s signature style meet MACHINE56’s rugged graphic language, creating a patch that symbolizes both precision and adaptability. Moving forward, for MACHINE56, means embracing the future without losing sight of where we came from—balancing tradition with innovation.

SOFLES: Graffiti and Evolutions

"‘Keep Moving Forward’ is a message that everyone can relate to. It’s about constantly evolving and pushing yourself artistically."

SOFLES, an Australian street artist, is known for his diverse range of graffiti styles. His patch features one of his iconic graffiti girl faces, rendered in vibrant, eye-catching colors. For SOFLES, moving forward means continual evolution in style and technique, staying inspired by new environments, and always striving to improve. His design reflects the bright and dynamic nature of both art and life.

QUICCS: The TEQ63 Legacy

"‘Keep Moving Forward’ means staying focused on our goals and never letting the past hold us back."

QUICCS, a Filipino designer renowned for his TEQ63 character, created a patch that embodies his journey as an artist. The TEQ63 character, with its roots in Japanese robots and hip-hop culture, serves as an avatar of his personal growth and creative evolution. For QUICCS, the motto is a daily reminder to stay focused on his artistic goals and to keep pushing the boundaries of his craft.

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

As we celebrate ALPAKA’s eighth year, this collection of patches is more than just a mere commemoration—it’s a reminder that the journey never stops. Each artist’s take on “Keep Moving Forward” is a testament to the universal power of perseverance, creativity, and growth. Together, we continue to push boundaries, innovate, and create products that inspire. With these patches, we carry forward the stories and visions of artists who remind us to embrace every challenge and to keep moving forward, no matter what lies ahead.

Here’s to many more years of creativity, collaboration, and exploration. Keep Moving Forward.