Petr the Anteatr sticker collection, 2018-2019

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Summary

Abstract:

This collection comprises stickers created by an anonymous student, known as "Petr the Anteatr" or "Original Petr", as well as stickers created using his original template and distributed by another anonymous student known as "Petr the Planteatr" or "Community Petr". The collection includes 5 stickers from the original artist and 7 from "Community Petr" which were created in 2018 and 2019.

Extent:

0.25 Linear Feet (1 half document box)

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

Petr the Anteatr sticker collection. AS-205. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California. Date accessed.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains 12 stickers of various sizes. There are 5 stickers from the original "Petr the Anteatr", which includes the designs: Original Petr, Spooky Petr, Thankful Petr, Jolly Petr, and New Year Petr. The other 7 stickers are "Community Petr" stickers.

Biographical / historical:

Petr (pronounced "Pet-urr") the Anteatr stickers were created by an anonymous student and started appearing around the University of California, Irvine campus in September 2018. The stickers are an homage to the UCI mascot, Peter the Anteater, and intended as a gift to enhance the school's culture and to help bring students together. The original artist, known as Petr the Anteatr on social media or "Original Petr", created 13 sticker designs between September 2018 and his graduation in June 2019. He finally revealed his identity and first name, Qasim, on the @petr_the_anteatr Instagram with the release of Grad Petr, his final sticker.

The Petr design was originally posted to Reddit and was so popular that Petr the Anteatr staged scavenger hunts, where riddles were posted on social media to lead people to stickers, and "Petr drops", where he would give out stickers at specific locations for short periods of time in disguise. The artist would appear on campus in all black clothing, a red beanie, blue gloves, a neck warmer to conceal their face, and a fanny pack full of stickers. His location would be broadcast on social media and students would run from all parts of campus and line up for a chance to claim one of the stickers.

Having gained popularity among the student body, he has given others permission to make similar products using his design as inspiration on the condition that the Petrs are not monetized. This led to other Petr sources such as Petr the Planteatr, also known as "Community Petr", creating and distributing stickers based on student designs and competitions. The Petr templates have also been used to create items such as Pokémon-style cards, keychains, and earrings.

Acquisition information:

Transferred from "Community Petr", who wishes to remain anonymous, 2019.

Processing information:

Processed by Sarah Glover, 2019.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in its original order.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:: The collection is open for research.
Terms of access:: Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the University Archivist.