Welcome to Punk & Kindness
Background & Mission
Hi my name is Pete Clayton, an illustrator, animator and graphic designer based in the UK. Punk & Kindness was born out of a love for punk rock music and an innate need to spread kindness, hope and positivity through my illustrative and graphic art. For me, punk music is steeped in rebellion and non-conformity. We live in turbulent times, with prejudice, hate and war across the globe and this simply doesn’t sit right with me. Through positive art and statements, it’s my mission to rebel against pessimism, conforming to negative cultural bias and to not let hope and kindness disappear from society
Superman is a Punk Rocker
Admittedly, a bit of jolt into this project came from the new 2025 Superman film. Superman has always been my hero and my first as little lad was depicted by the late, great Christopher Reeve. For me, Superman was always someone to aspire to because he told the truth and fought for what was right. After the 2025 film was released there was an assortment of inspirational memes saying that "kindness is the new punk rock". Whilst not a direct quote from the film (if I remember it correctly), it embodies a sentiment of what the movie is about. The film shows that kindness can be "super' powerful in a world defined by cynical and negative attitudes and events. With this in mind I feel inspired by this form of rebellion and resistance... a form and characteristic much like that of puck rock I know and love.
Designs & Illustrations
All creative works are designed by my own hand with ideas from my own brain. There’s nothing artificial and everything is authentically from the heart. One of my favourite ideals of Punk is having a DIY approach to creativity. I’m a great believer in just making things myself. In the past I have self published books and found ways to do the work I wanted to be known for myself to further my creative practice. It’s through this attitude that I hope to keep all works as pure and real as possible with no compromise.
Conscious Products
Punk & Kindness clothing and accessories are print-to-order and fulfilled through Teemill. Everything Teemill makes is made from organic materials. They use renewable energy and believe in a circular economy for fashion. It’s a no-brainer for me to use an ethically-minded fulfilment service and I will try to source similar companies with a conscience for future product ranges.
Selling Out / Commercialising Punk?
While punk is VERY anti-consumerism, I promise you my intentions are pure. My favourite punk bands and lyrics hold a mirror up to society and have moulded me to be more socially conscious and to ultimately be myself. I’m using the idea of Punk (along with kindness) to spread joy and hope in the world in a bold and expressive manner. Yes, I’m doing that through selling products but I need to eat and live as well. It’s my time, effort and optimistic ideals which are ultimatley driving this brand. In any case, there's no business plan or sales projections. There’s just me, trying to put something positive out in the world.
Favourite Punk / Post-Punk Bands (Old + New)
Black Flag. Bad Brains. Gang of Four. The Ramones. The Ejected. The Raincoats. The Offspring. Green Day. Circle Jerks. Blink 182. Sex Pistols. The Clash. Idles. Soft Play. Minor Threat. Bikini Kill. Misfits. The Stooges. Joy Division. The Buzzcocks. Nirvana*.