Artrouble was founded in Hollywood in 1977 by English graphic artist David Allen, Angeleno photographer Jules Bates and aided by Canadian illustrator and make-up stylist Phyllis Cohen.
As punk rock was rearing its head in L.A. Artrouble became intimately involved in the evolving scene. David was already involved with Slash magazine as a graphic artist and reviewer and art director for Bomp Records and Bomp Magazine, Jules had worked with X and the Dickies and was creating a distinctive noir-ish style. The collaboration developed to include most of the leading punk rock bands to emerge from the L.A. scene such as the Weirdos, the Dickies, the Go Gos, Devo and many more. Labels include Dangerhouse Records, A&M Records working with Jeff Ayeroff, Bomp, Warner and Island Records. Jules became photo director for the L.A.Weekly producing a significant number of iconic cover portraits, such as Charles Bukowski, Rouben Mamoulian and Harry Dean Stanton to name but a few. Jules also branched into fashion and glamour.
Jules was killed by a hit and run driver in the early 80s, David moved to NYC in 1984 becoming art director for the East Village Eye and High Times later turning his interest to painting. Phyllis moved to London where she has become a leading make-up stylist
http://www.phylliscohen.co.ukThe name Artrouble has been stolen and miss-appropriated by numerous phonies, including the domain name in an attempt to cash in on the significant reputation Jules, David and Phyllis attained, so David has picked up the Artrouble banner in NYC and provides a full design service to bands including photography, logo design and CD packaging. Bands or individuals interested are encouraged to contact Artrouble thru MySpace. Please view the BLOG. MANY MORE IMAGES TO COME! every picture tells a story.
