Over the last 12 years, we’ve plastered more walls than Spider-Man, spreading the gospel of good taste through movie, video game, comic, and TV posters. But somewhere between geeking out over Dark Souls lore and unrolling a new Star Wars™ design, it hit us: pop culture isn’t just something we enjoy—it’s something we learn from.
From dystopias to dragons, power suits to portals, our favorite stories haven’t just decorated our walls — they’ve shaped how we think, feel, and figure things out when life gets weird.
So, to mark our 12th birthday, we’re celebrating the surprisingly wise, oddly relatable lessons we’ve picked up from fandoms over the years. Because, let’s face it, sometimes, the biggest truths come from the unlikeliest places — like a glowing sword or a talking raccoon.
Ready? Here are 12 pop culture lessons that stuck with us long after the credits rolled.
1. Anger is Not the Answer. Unless You’re a Super Saiyan.
Sometimes, you just need to scream into the sky for five minutes to unlock your potential. We’ve all been there. That said, not all conflicts can be solved by yelling and glowing blonde; most of the time, calm beats chaos. Unless, of course, your Wi-Fi dies mid-episode. Then, by all means, charge up.
2. Not Everything That Growls Needs to Be Slain.
That terrifying roar? Might just be a werewolf with baggage—or someone who’s really not a morning person. So before you start swinging your sword, reassess the threat (and maybe the drama). Some things just need space — not silver.
3. Sometimes You’ve Gotta Grind To Level Up.
Success doesn’t come from skipping steps; more often than not, it comes from killing 47 boars or half a dozen murlocs for one extremely reluctant quest giver (no doubt at 3 a.m., through gritted teeth, and with a half-eaten granola bar next to you). Grinding is a soul-sucking, snack-crushing ritual — but in the end, it gets the job done.
4. Take the Detour — Loot Awaits.
Don’t sweat it when life takes you off-course. Side quests are messy, a little chaotic, and often involve getting ambushed by an NPC with a grudge. But hey, they might lead to some unexpected loot (or at least a funny story). Keep your map open.
5. It’s Not a Fight, It’s a Bonding Exercise.
If you’ve ever wanted to throttle your sibling for hogging the remote or eating the last candy bar, we feel you — it’s universal. Some rivalries cool down, some go nuclear, but the bond? That usually sticks. Messy, loud, maybe a little explosive — but still yours.
6. Never Split the Party—Even for a Bard’s Idea of a Shortcut.
Whether it’s a haunted dungeon or a spaceship with suspicious slime, wandering off alone is how you become the ‘before’ photo in a horror movie. So unless you want to end up as mimic chow or a walking cautionary tale, stick with the party. Safety in numbers. Because if you’re going to panic, it’s better to do it together.
7. Stick Around for that Second End-Credit Scene.
Just when you think the story’s over, life throws in something unexpected — maybe a secret mission to save the world or your ex texting out of nowhere like a mid-season villain making a comeback. Either way, plot twists aren’t always bad (especially when they come with a killer soundtrack). So stay curious, stay seated, and remember: sometimes the best parts come after the credits.
8. Always Read the Smallprint.
Whether it’s a brutal game of survival (or, you know, signing a lease), the devil’s in the fine print. Read those T&Cs or risk getting trapped by a conniving landlord—complete with hidden fees and a suspiciously specific toilet paper quota.
9. Existence Is Chaotic. Bring Snacks.
Life is like a never-ending interdimensional adventure—one minute you’re trying to understand quantum mechanics, the next you’re trapped in a portal full of talking squirrels. Chaos is, frankly, inevitable, but a mini pizza makes it all slightly more manageable.
10. Family Is More Than Blood.
At the risk of sounding trite, family isn’t always who you’re born to — it’s who’ll stand by you when you’re up against a giant talking octopus or when your crewmate eats transformation candy, goes on a rampage, and you’re scrambling to keep them from turning your ship into a disaster zone. Because that’s what family does.
11. A Well-Timed One-Liner Could Save Your Life.
From dodging awkward conversations to handling family drama, or even recovering from that GIF sent in the work thread — a quick wit and a well-timed comeback can get you out of almost anything. Just ask Tyrion.
12. When Life Gives You An Oversized Couch? Pivot.
You can yell, sweat, and strain all you want, but some things just aren’t going up the stairs. Whether it’s a couch, a deadline, or a plan gone sideways, sheer force doesn’t always cut it. Step back, switch tactics, and try a new angle. That’s how the tough stuff moves — eventually.
What’s a Birthday Without Presents?
That’s a wrap on our pop culture wisdom for today — but the celebration’s just getting started! As we hit the big 1-2, get ready for our biggest sale of the year, with up to 40% off across the site, plus some secret goodies tucked into every order (yep, we went full loot box).
Pick out your favorite designs, use code BDAY, and watch your discount grow:
- Buy 1–2 plates and get 30% off
- Buy 3–4 plates and save 35%
- Buy 5+ plates and enjoy a glorious 40% off
Ready to party?
Here’s to 12 years of epic fandoms, unforgettable quotes, and walls that tell better stories than most reboots. Thanks for being part of the ride!
Season 13? It’s already in the works — and it’s got plot twists.
