Artist Interview with Kamoe

Where are you from and what do you write?

I write KAMOE, Sometimes I don’t rock the “E” but yeah, I was born in NYC, Then lived in Long Island, NY. Or “Strong Island”! As it’s also known.

When did you first get into graff how was it introduced to you?

In NY graffiti is so prevalent that you get a tag name by like age 11, but to take it seriously and bomb..I got into that type of graffiti about 2002 I got into it big time after meeting some members of DFM crew. I saw the black books and then when we went out to parties it was like they didn’t give a shit. When the parties broke , it was on, watching them hit spots and tag shit was wild, I wanted to be that free. I never got obsessed with the “make my mark” kinda thinking I got into the rush...

How did you pick your name, does it have special meaning to you?

I picked KAMOE because I caught a case in NY and moving to Oakland California, I wanted to change my name. Five letter names and I also love names that are spelled incorrectly but sound right. The letter K always appealed to me. Seemed like a comic book name or something...

Who have been some of your biggest influences over the course of your graffiti career?

My biggest influences would be:

NSITE taught me structure, importance of history and how to push a cart.

MERES  cbs let me develope my pieces at 5pointz in L.I.C. NY

BAER Btr taught me to go big

ENSUE osd crew,  taught me about style

KAVA , tfn crew, taught me to not take it so seriously...

 

Have you dabbled in any other types of art or mainly graffiti?

 

I have always been into drawing and to me tattooing is an art form or craft, so doing that as well keeps me super fucken busy.

Have you had any especially crazy adventures doing graffiti?

One night I was out in West Oakland California, out with a bunch of heads, mobbin, drinking, druggin, smokin. Trying to kill time a bit until traffic died down a bit. We were rolling about 6-8 deep and was trying to get some tags in , and just getting no where. So bout 1am I’m like fuck it, I’m tipsy, and tell everybody I’m out, to catch some solo shit. I’m doin my thing up San Pablo Ave, and just decided it was time to do a big ass fill on a hot block. I get into complete “FTW” mode and just camp out on this hot spot. It s busy as fuck I’m getting honked at, hookers and hood fools all that shits goin on and I’m about to be done with this Big ass black fill white outline, putting the date on this mothefucker and I’m getting lit up blue and red lights, “drop the fucken can!” So now I’m getting the full Red Carpet treatment, knee to the back of the neck, cheekbone mashed into the sidewalk. I get put in handcuffs. Then I’m getting searched, dumping cans on the sidewalk out of my bag. ‘yelling at me 

“look at this shit!” “What the fuck are you doing with your life 28 years old, and fucking up in the streets. Putting this garbage on hard working people’s property”

He’s going on and on, I just zone out and start thinking about going to Santa Rita County Jail, and all the fun I’m about to have (sarcasm, I fucken hate Rita). 

I’m just head down with cuffs on bumming hard, when something happens that’s never happened before. 

He takes the fucken cuffs off!

And then he’s saying “Your going to write an apology letter, Right now! Write to this honest mans business that you just fucked up!”

So I’m swaying a bit from the nights fun, writing this apology as they dictate it to me word for word. 

Then he goes “Put your phone number down so he can call you down here to repaint the business.”

I can’t remember my new number, and write down a bunk number, he calls it, not a real number, 

“What the fuck, giving me a fake number, you piece of shit!” He barks at me.

Partner grabs my phone off the hood and says, “we'll hear it ring” “Don’t fuck with us.”

He tries to open it but the battery is dead, he then says “put your real number down any way!”

The officers forcefully drag me to the mailbox attached to the door, “Put the letter in”, so I do.

Then they say, “Grab your shit and get over here!”

Then they pull me over to the dumpster and tell me to dump the paint cans. So I do.

Then they say "Run home now!, and stay the the fuck out of the west!”

I lived in East Oakland at the time so I just walked a few blocks to a dealers house I knew. Yelled up to him, and before I knew it I was smokin blunts and drinking 40oz to the sunrise.  Next day got a piece of tape and fished the letter out of the mailbox and grabbed the cans out of the dumpster. I still have that letter to this date.

Have you seen the graffiti scene change a lot over the years?

Social media seems to be the biggest change in graffiti that I have noticed. Styles get posted and bitten within minutes. I loved when magazines would drop and you would spend hours Visually digesting each and every page. Mags are obsolete now, and kids want something new to look at every 20 min. Now kids want fame and to be “relevant’’ takes up all their time. 

The pure essence of graffiti is the same, to me, it’s all about having a can in your hand, catch that tag and let the rest fade away...

Do you have any upcoming projects or anyone that you want to give a shout-out to?

I want to shout out.

NSITE

MERES. CBS

ENSUE. OSD

AWOKE. BTR

KAVA. TFN

SUENOS. TFN

UDON. LORDS CREW

ENERO. LORDS CREW

WIRE. LD 640

GRIEF. 640

ABOUT. 640

LOGO. 640

RENEK. LORDS CREW

VOICE. SWS

ROAR. CBS

ELET

SENSE 3

REKN. PI 

TORSO. TFN

Make sure to check out us out on @Derp_Taggz for new flicks everyday and keep visiting the blog for interviews, product reviews and all things graffiti. Thanks!

Artist Interview With Pase 1

 

1. Where are you from and what do you write?

 

I am from Berkeley and I write Pase 1. I represent Kick The Dog, Free Stye Champs, Under Cover Artist, Writerz Of Doom, The Perfect Crime and Newest Crime Wave crews. 

 

2. How old were you when you picked your name, does it have any special meaning for you?

 

 I have written Pase since about 1986-87 at about the age of 16. I have gone by many names Whip1, Kombat, Roam, Pase and Visa in that order, plus a lot of side names. Pase was originally a side name but I was busted for the name Roam so I went with Pase. Not only was I known to actually pace but also I relate it to the name Roam, the meaning of the movement. Visa was a name I used primarily for bus bombing in the late 80’s and a side name I wrote into the 90’s. The names I choose were primarily for the letters and different meanings. 

 

3. How has the graffiti scene evolved since you first started painting? 

 

I’ve seen a lot of what I would call evolution and devolution of the art form, for better and worse. While some writers have stuck to letter structure and evolving the true art form, others either do not know what that means or have not cared to learn. Writing has moved from completely illegal to a legal wall hobby, not to sound like a snob but there was a time when these types of things were not allowed in the Graff game, you had to come correct or catch the wrath of seasoned writers.

This does not pertain to Writing alone but all of the elements of Hip Hop, and what we do is Hip Hop. That’s another change from what I came from, it was all Hip Hop related, nowadays there are all types of spray can artists who don’t know the history of what writing came from. That’s an issue, I know things change but if it is to be referred to as Writing there are certain rules that must be adhered to.

Also, now with the internet there are no more regional styles, people pick and choose from a hodge podge of styles, biting and chewing from what they like along the way. My crew for example all originates from a Berkeley funk style, at the same time all having our own individual styles. But it is referred to as a Berkeley style, that’s what I mean by regional.

 

 

4. How has your own style evolved over the years? Is there any particular style you prefer? 

 

I prefer a NYC based style of Graffiti, while I respect the time and effort put into experimental graffiti and can techniques, without a good presentation and understanding of letter form it is not what I would consider true Graffiti.

 

Without a good handstyle you might as well start over. There are levels to this game and nowadays it seems like writers jump in at the finish line instead of the start line. Letter form and connections that actually flow and have meaning is what I am talking about, it’s like writing Kanji, there is a foundation that does not change.

 

My own style started off as cholo style, mixed with a martial arts influence from my right-hand man Razer 1. We started off in the East Bay boogaloo era and moved to graffiti in the early 80’s, about 83. We were literally the first local writers in Berkeley, and at that time there were writers from the East Coast who were tagging and piecing in Berkeley and we linked up with them, us being in our early teens and them 21 or over. That’s where I got a lot of my influence. My style has remained based in a NYC funk style.

 

5. Who have been some of your big inspirations or favorite graffiti writers?

 

Some of my favorite writers would be of course Dondi, Futura, Zephyr, and T kid. As far as local influences, back in the earliest days of writing in the East Bay the first East Coast writers to put it down in Berkeley were Kuba aka Cuba, Third World Artists and Raw Power Writers from Baltimore, Thorn from Altered Mind Artists and The Warped Style Writers. And the master of hand styles was a cat named Float AMA TWSW aka Yogurt / Solar from Manhattan, Rest In Power. Also have to mention Damon D Frost aka Rubberman from Berkeley but had stayed in NYC, a master of Boogaloo to this day. These writers were my first and biggest influence.

 

6. Do you have any memorable experiences or epic stories from your time doing graff?

 

It’s been a long and exciting career over 37 years, writing saved my life literally and I owe my life to Hip Hop in general. While I haven’t always been active it’s always been a place to call home. I know that sounds like a cliché but Hip Hop saved the lives of many people I know, we also a lot of good people along the way.

 

 

7. Have you dabbled in other art forms as well or mainly stuck to letters?

 

I have painted with acrylics and other mediums on canvas and I have a degree in Graphic Design.

 

8. What advice would you give young writers who have just started bombing?

 

I would say the number one rule is to know your history. As a writer it is your responsibility to know the history of writing and who the original writers were and respect their contributions. 

 

Start from the beginning, develop a handstyle, move on to throw ups and straight letters, once you’ve mastered these than move onto a wild style. Not the other way around, keep it true to these rules and real writers will respect it.

 

Don’t expect Writing to be easy and safe it’s a rough world and you will be tested, pay your dues and stay in your own lane.

 

I am a Hip-Hop Graffiti purist and while I can appreciate experimental and spray can art for the effort, I personally feel like if it’s not adhering to the rules of what we refer to as Graffiti then it shouldn’t be referred to as such.

 

9. What do you think of the recent surge in political graffiti?

 

Writing has always had a political side to it, writers like Lee from NYC painted a lot of trains with political agendas. As far as the recent surge, I appreciate it. It’s great to see writers like Kufue and Bukue painting a lot of political graffiti, and at the same time keeping it true to the art form. Political pieces and political productions can reach the hearts of everyday civilians and have a great impact, possibly making them think of issues they may not be aware of.

 

10. Do you have any shout outs you want to give or projects you want to plug?

 

I want to give a shout out to my crews and brothers out there who have stood by me over the years. Props to TMF TDK TMC GFC WCF TWS and all other affiliates. 

Rest In Power to all of our fallen soldiers.

Shout to @djangoconvery aka Razer 1 for the brotherhood, a true style master and a major influencer of generations of writers. Got to hit up my man @dopamine189 for pushing hard and maintaining a constant flow of dope beats and rhymes. Shout out to @eastbayarchive for working on a book project that represents the East Bay writing scene’s foundation. Shout out to my sun at @criminalelementrecords with the dope beats. Big ups to my brother @naconeflix and his latest project Monsters Ink with Rockness Monsta from Heltah Skeltah and his sun Xcluesiv. Shout out to @lexlevel for his upcoming clothing line and hopefully the return of his nightclub @wax_trippin soon. Shout to @dub_esquire for staying true to the game and dropping hit after hit. And finally a project I’m pushing, some clothing designs by myself for @grapelinethc with my man @papa_kurious . Also stay tuned for more clothing design and music from KTD and No Alibi. Check my pieces at @kontrolthedice .

That’s my crew we keep it real, keep pushing the real deal Hip Hop. Kick The Dog...

Make sure to follow Pase One on Instagram @paselarock and follow us @derp_taggz and be sure to keep up with our updates and blog posts for more dope Artist interviews as well as product reviews. Thanks for reading!

Artist Interview With Ricky Rat Comix Creator

1. Where are you from and when did you start doing graffiti?

 I was born in the city[San Francisco] and moved to the North Bay when I was around 4 where I was raised. I've moved back and forth across the Golden Gate Bridge a decent amount in my life. I don't know when I really started graffiti, I guess in 5th grade when I wrote "ASS" on a fence with orange hair spray. 

2. What inspired the Ricky Rat character?

My dad is a cartoonist / artist, so we used to doodle together a lot. Mostly in restaurants on paper tablecloths waiting for our food. Ricky has been in my life as long as I can remember. First comic book he ever was in was "Mad Mouse and Rad Rabbit" when I was in 2nd grade. 

3. Have you or do you plan to release a Ricky Rat comic book?

Yeah I released one end of last year (2019) called "A City Tail" where Ricky Rat basically saves San Francisco from the corporate takeover of Tech Tower. And a shit ton when I was a kid before I discovered weed and girls. 

4. Who have been some of your main inspirations in graffiti and art?

I could write a lot to answer this question. My father mostly. He's Chicano and exposed me to Chicano culture at an early age and I really enjoyed the art of it. Peter Bagge is a big one. R. Crumb. Rat Fink, Stanley Mouse,  Bill Waterson. Matt Groening. Keith Knight. Looney toons, Cartoon Network / Nickelodeon cartoons in the 90's, Drew Toonz. In terms of Graffiti I just loved it all. I didn't care if it was a tag, piece, throw up whatever. I hate bland blank spaces. A room with white walls is my goddamn nightmare. The more color, the more art, the better. 

5. Do you have a preference between wheat pasting and painting with spray cans?

I don't really. I love them both. I respect anyone who makes a mark in a public space in any form. 

6. What’s your favorite aspect of painting in the streets?

The temporariness. Buddhism is all about how everything is temporary. It's like life. We're all born, and we all die. Just like painting in the streets, your piece could be there for years, or painted over the next day. It doesn't matter.  It's for the high. 

7. How have you seen the graffiti and art scene change and evolve since you have been writing?

I mean I really started hitting the streets in March / April of this year, I was cartooning before mostly. For the most part from what I saw it was like 90% tags and 10% wheat pastes - when I started then. Because a lot of surfaces were available in public spaces with all the shops closing down and putting plywood over their windows. However as time went on I've been seeing a lot more wheat pastes going up and a good amount of tags still too, but the wheat pastes increase has been extremely noticeable. And as I answered in an earlier question I love it all. I hate blank walls. More art the better regardless how they do it. 

8. What advice would you give to artists who are younger than you? Any tips or tricks you’ve learned?

Inspiration wise, don't listen to anyone or anything but yourself. If you think it's dope, it's dope, and if it is dope folks will take notice. Never make anything to please people. Do it because you like it. In terms of street art, learn your city and learn the rules. I mean there really aren't any rules which is the beauty of it. But you know, if you're not trying to start beef with folks don't go over other pieces. Even if you think it looks shitty, or old, or whatever. Doesn't matter. That piece you're thinking about covering might have been up there longer than you've been alive. Maybe it was written by a person who is no longer alive. That's where learning your city is important.. But if you wanna be a dick just to be a dick yeah do it, there's really no rules. You might catch a sucker punch one day so be careful.  Also always be open to collaborating with folks. That's my favorite part. Learning tricks of the trade from other artists. It's like a musical instrument. You can always learn a new song, or something new about it everyday until the day you die and there will be still more you could have learned. And finally, never get attached to any of your pieces. You never want to get high off your own supply AND EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY. 

9. Are there any upcoming projects or shows you want to plug or anybody that you want to give a shout out?

I got a couple comic books coming out soon. First one is called "Dishwasher: a San Francisco Story." I personally didn't write it, my buddy who runs the @realbayarememes account is an amazing writer and he did. I just illustrated it. It's not even Ricky Rat, but I was down to draw it because the story was sick. The other comic book coming out I did write, and it is a Ricky Rat book. It doesn't have a title yet, but basically Ricky Rat is busting the Albino Alligator at the Academy of Sciences out. 

Shout outs to @calamityfair who is the best wheat-paster in the city in my opinion, shout out to @ribityy who I think is the best graffiti artist in the city. Shout out to @cialuart who I think is the best overall artist in the city, and finally to my older step brother that I never had @seibot who is also a very talented artist in the city. 

Make sure to follow @rickyratcomix on Instagram and follow @derp_taggz to stay updated on new graffiti artist interviews and product reviews.  

Artist Interview With Nite Owl

1. Who are you, where are you from and how long have you been making art? 

This is Nite Owl and i'm based in Oakland, CA.

I started making art as a child when I opened my first box of crayons. I didn't take making art seriously until about 2004 and I started my work as Nite Owl in 2006.

2. How did you decide on an owl as your character? Is there a story behind it?

One of my clients nicknamed me "Nite Owl" since i wouldn't answer emails before 2am. I liked the name and it suited my lifestyle so I ran with it. The owl character didn't happen right away. Initially I avoided painting owls since it would have been the expected thing to do. Back in 2009, while sitting in JFK I came across a picture of an owl online and it just inspired me to draw it out on the spot. I guess I nailed it since I haven't made any major changes to that owl over the years. 

3. I’ve seen some cool character collabs from you, what have been some of your favorites over the years?

Thank you. oh man, do I love collabs with talented artists. In no particular order....Chris RWK, Zero Productivity, Stay Bacon and Sidy, Downtimer, Die Slow, Aura always comes correct on our collabs, Beaks, the list could go on and on.  Maska, Musk, Ham, Sidy, Uter and I have teamed up on some large scale, maniacal 40 piece collab shows like "The Heist" and "Drift the Bay." Currently I have a themed collab show named "With Friends Like These" on display at Chopsticks Artspace in Oakland.  This show was put together entirely during the pandemic and I'm grateful to all the artists for their efforts during these trying times. It features 15 artists and the work truly rises to another level. I invite you to check it out at www.chopsticksartspace.org

4. What is your favorite city to bomb? Have you ever done any international graffiti?

Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Barcelona, um I guess that answers the second question. hahaha. I try to spend 2-3 months overseas each year. It's hard to explain, but the european attitude towards street work is entirely different than it is here. The local culture celebrates it, while back home it can be rather punitive and full of beef and drama.

5. Which writers and artists have been most influential in your work, who are some of your favorites that are getting active right now?

The first artist that truly inspired me was Dr. Seuss. My childhood worlds were fantastic. As a young boy in NYC I remember the crushed train days vividly. Mondays were always something to look forward to. That's when all the new train art debuted. I can't pinpoint any one writer from back in the day, because the whole damn scene blew my mind. As I grew older, I recall seeing Space Monkeys and Robots across the city. Huge fan of Dalek, and basically anyone else who worked under Murakami. Chiho Aoshima's works are incredible. Chris and basically all the other artists in Robots Will Kill collective.  As for right now, Easy and Duel have been killing it. Shouts to Savie, Aura, Posh, LORDS, Ceaver, BTM

6. How has the graffiti game changed over the years that you’ve been involved? The people, the places and the things?

It seems so sterile and watered down. It feels like the integrity is gone. It's more about fame and likes. People aren't really experimenting or taking chances. I don't know, I'm probably just old and jaded. Big shouts to anyone who paints merely to paint. 

7. What advice would you give to young writers that are just starting to tag?

I have 3 points:  

One: Be original. It's tough, but please make the effort to be unique and bring something new to the game. There's enough copycats out there as it is. 

Second: And maybe even more important, learn your history and show respect to the gray hairs out there. 

Third : RESPECT. Give respect to get respect. Stay humble. Don't act like you're the shit when you've only put 6 months into the game. 

8. Do you have any projects coming up or shows in the making? Even if they’re scheduled for after Covid 19.

Yes, I am super excited to announce the release of my first two production skate decks with Bad Apple Skateboards in September (I just caught a sneak peak of the decks and they are looking good). Immediately following that I have a solo show, "Keep a Lid on It" at Forage Space Gallery in NY opening in October. Sometime in between those two happenings, I'll be releasing a t-shirt with No Love City.  I'm in two group shows in S.F. at International Art Gallery  (currently open for viewing) in the Mission and Palette SF in SOMA once things open up again over here.  The "Summer Vacation" show at Chopsticks opens in late September. I'm eagerly looking forward to Carpe Diem 3 in Paris, possibly sometime in 2021.

9. What do you think of this so called “new normal,” do you think it will have an effect on the art we see coming out in the near future?

Kind of a mixed bag. I don't think this really changed much for artists. We typically isolate in the studio all day anyway...and this current landscape is not exactly inspiring. If anything the fact that bars and nightlife are shut down should add some productivity to the art game. lol.  I feel like artists were already making "pandemic" themed artworks about dystopian futures and wastelands...so if anything this is life imitating art. Selfishly, I had to put my "birdflu" campaign on hold. Summer of 2019 I began subtly dropping virus themes into my pieces. In January and February 2020 I dropped a few quarantine pieces, but I quickly shelved that effort...i'm going to bring it back at some point in the near future.

Here's a prediction about the future. I think some savvy artists are going to embrace the virtual aspect of online shows and start moving towards "performance" based video clips that will be featured on their websites. Tutorials, progress clips, etc... The artists that adapt to this "content" game are going to do well going forward. 

10. Is there anyone or any crews or spots you want to give a shout out to?

I miss my peoples in Paris - Joko, Dink, Wekup Streetrider. NYC - Turtlecaps, Belowkey, CityKitty,  Bay Area - Pengo, Mace, Crayone, Cuba, Bode; My international team of paparazzi - Silver Tuna Studios, Newman, Bmines, Dave, Exkise, Solophoto, John Domine... I miss Kizler Coffee, craft brews from Local Brewery and road trips to nowhere with Eddie Colla. Shouts to the galleries that show my work - IAG in S.F., Ewkuks in LA, 212 Arts and My Plastic Heart in NYC, Le Lavo Matic et Discocaso in Paris, Chopsticks in Oakland, Redefine Gallery in Orlando, and all my friends at the Queens Art Collective

Shouts to my guys over at No Love City, TYO Toys, Dumpsty, Urban Robot Podcast, Nuglife Productions, Rocky G, Hella Positive and all the homies. 

Shouts to Eto and Swoe - love these young dudes.

Be sure to keep coming back to our blog for more graffiti culture, artist interviews and product reviews! Be sure to check out NITEOWL on Instagram @naito_oru and follow us on Instagram @derp_taggz Thanks!!!

Artist Interview with Jeremy Fish

Haight Street Art Center, San Francisco, CA 

1. Firstly, who are you, where are you from and what’s your background?

My name is Jeremy. I draw pictures for a living in the center of the oldest neighborhood, in the most expensive city in the United States.

I moved to San Francisco from Upstate NY when I was 19 years old to attend a prestigious Art School, and to ride my skateboard down these hills.

2. My first memories of your art is in San Francisco in 2007, but how did your art career begin and how has it progressed?

After I graduated from SFAI in 1997, I got a job in the skateboard industry where I oversaw printing, drew graphics, and art directed for about ten years. That was my last full time job over 15 years ago. Since I have exhibited my artwork in museums and galleries around the world, and still spend my days drawing and painting here in North Beach.

3. What has most inspired your creative process over the years? Have any certain artists been an inspiration to you?

I am inspired by something new everyday. Mainly finding the motivation and passion to stay here in the city I love doing what I do for a living. I am inspired by artists like Todd Francis, Mike Giant, Travis Millard, Dr. Suess, Michael Sieben, and shitloads of others.

4. A lot of your work seems to center around a mixture of aspects of nature and aspects of the city life, what can you tell me about this? Does it have a specific meaning behind it?

I try to draw fairly narrative works, that have an underlying theme or story to them. I like to draw things that are a combination of cute and creepy. I like the tension created by drawing the viewer in to look close, and pushing them back from something odd.

5. How has graffiti and the graffiti culture most influenced your art career? Can you tell me about your process when it comes to designing a mural?

I was very influenced by Graffiti when I moved to San Francisco in the mid 90's. The scene here was very cool and progressive, and I learned a lot by studying some of the legends from that time.

Hashimoto Contemporary, San Francisco, CA 

6. I am a big fan of your work with Upper Playground and your company, Superfishal, what were the beginnings of your company and how did you partner up with Upper Playground?

Upper Playground is celebrating 20 years selling art driven tee shirts on Fillmore and Haight Street here in the city by the Bay. I am very proud to have been involved with this brand, its history, and all of the wonderful artists we were fortunate to work with over the years. 

7. You’re a bit of a veteran in the art scene, What ways have you seen the art/graffiti scene change over the years?

I am a 46 year old artist living in America's most expensive city by almost 1/3 more than Manhattan. I have watched the art scene here change very rapidly and dramatically over the 25 years I have been fortunate enough to live here. Artists come and go very quickly here, and so the "scene" is forever changing. Every time I pay attention the scene is something new and different. The voice of the Bay Area youth, as it should be.

8. What advice would you give to young artists and creatives trying to make a career in the art world?

Right now I would probably tell them to get a back up job. The world is a fucked up place to try and eat off of making art these days.

9. Do you have any upcoming projects that you are currently working on that you could tell me about? Or anything you want to plug for the readers to hear about?

I am moving in to a four story mansion, fully restored to its original late 1800's condition to begin an Artist In Residency project on September 1st. The Haight Ashbury Counter Culture Artist in Residency project sponsored by SF Heritage, The Haight Street Art Center, and Grants for The Arts. Where I live in this huge mansion alone and draw for three months. Also, I am releasing a set of 24 drawings and screen prints that I drew over the last six months called "These Covidian Times". They will be available in October from the Blackbook Gallery in Denver.

These Covidian Times (Art series releases at BlackBook Gallery in Denver, CO beginning of October 2020)

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621 Thank You Business Review/ Interview with Owner JSK42

The color paint markers from 621 Thank You are a product many of us have wanted for a long time. I know a lot of writers, myself included who have used the white out markers by Art Primo and Presto over the years. But there hasn't been a version that released color options for said markers until now and I think this is a great innovation for the graff game. The markers themselves come in a nice variety of colors for all surfaces. They still have that sturdy metal valve nib on them that we are all used to and they are also refillable, which I personally enjoy as a feature on any mop, pen or marker. I would say, like with most markers, to give it a good shake every time you use it and make sure to get that vibrant color. I like that each cap is labeled with the color of the marker, which is a helpful little feature. They marker itself is durable and writes on all surfaces. The ink comes out smooth and has a nice drip effect if you choose to squeeze a little bit harder while writing with it. It's pocket sized or fits right in the tip of your sleeve for maximum inconspicuous activity and for stashing away quickly if the occasion calls for it. Here is a video demonstration:

Interview with JSK42 owner of 621 Thank You:

When did you first come to Oakland?

I'm from Lodhi, Central Cal, in the valley.  There's nothing there and I was always this skateboarder artist, into music and all my friends were super weirdos. I was into goth and punk and all those things the most in my town. I think there was less than ten of us of all age groups and I just outgrew it. When I was 18, this was in about 2005-6, I moved to SF and it was like "there's shit going on here." I moved into the shelters when I was 18, I was in and out of shelters for a bit. 

I got into this program for kids who had been in the shelter and saved up some money and within two years of doing that I ended up in Oakland. Most of my friends I had made would always be taking the bus or the BART back to Oakland and I found that San Francisco is real crazy. It almost had a fractured psyche, you never know what's going to be around the next corner, there's people from all around the world. It's such a hardcore mix, it's almost frenetic.  Oakland always had the laid back creative community type of feel and I like that better. Back then there were a lot of punk shows and house shows and a lot of cool stuff like that. So right now I'm 33 years old, so I've been in Oakland probably about thirteen or fourteen years.

How did you get your graffiti name? How did you come up with JSK42?

It was Random...

I lived in Sacramento for about a year, this was 4 or 5 years ago, and I was writing SHITSREAL. I hooked up with one of my friends out there, he writes BURGERS, he has more names now like 666 BURGERS and he does a lot of sticker trades and stuff. I started making a lot more stickers because he had slaps from all over, he was the first one I seen with a book and he kept all of his prototypes and stuff. He was sending packs and getting packs all the time, so I started making stickers and a few years later I was back in Oakland and I had moved into a house where most of the people did graffiti. I started going to 14th Street [Supply] when it was downtown and getting new stuff. I was at Merchant's [Saloon] one night and I was drunk and I had tagged up the bathroom and I decided I needed a new name. SHITSREAL was too long. 

I was tipsy and I said to myself, I should pick like three letters and two numbers. And it just came from the back of my mind, JSK42, I was like "that work's and I'm going to run with it."

Were those letters and numbers that you liked?

I had heard from my friends, 3 other writers who were trying to do a custom piece for me, that those were three terrible letters to go together just because they're hard...

... I like 42 a lot, that's from The Hitchhiker's Guide [To The Galaxy] and they had a machine in the book that knows everything and they ask it 'what's the meaning of life' and the answer is 42. That was a good book series and I liked the humor in that answer, but it was mostly totally random. I like that it was by chance. It reminds me of doing Noise Music or Collage Art where you just start putting stuff down and just see where it goes. You mix it together, chop it up, without listening to it and then see what you got. So I liked it, it was just random and meaningless.

Though I did find out there's a crew in the midwest called JSK, so if you see it up on trains, that's not me...

.

..I don't like graff beef.

Have you had any negative experiences in the graffiti community?

No I've stayed out of the way for the longest time. I have a few friends who do it here and there. And a few friends who have beef a lot and friends who used to have beef a lot. I've just heard so many shitshow stories that are just petty, unnecessary and aggravated stuff. Unfortunately, it's a lowkey defiant kind of art form, so you're definitely going to have all different types of people doing it. Those people might also rob people, they might also kill people, they may do hard drugs and be more cut throat type of people. All different people write, so you never know, you have to be careful. Other people roll how other people roll, but sometimes you got to stay out of the way.

What is you business called and when did you start said business?

We are called 621 Thank You. We do color white outs, it basically began when I started buying Presto's [White Out Markers] at 14th Street [Supply] a couple of years ago and they became my favorite. Then I started dying them and buying them on Amazon for a little bit cheaper. Then I got some of the Press And Go [Markers] for Art Primo and I liked those a lot more for many reasons. And it's pretty much the same thing except you can unscrew the top and they're refillable, so you can put anything you want in them. But I ended up just dying them colors for myself, to see which colors worked and which blends worked. Then a few friends of mine, over and over, said "this is a million dollar product, I want these and I know more than a handful of people who want these." I had people who wanted to go into business with me, but I just kept going. I bought a bunch from Art Primo and now I'm just rocking with it. I put up stickers [on my website] and I also do a lot of Non Sport Trading Cards, like wacky ones or like for movies like Batman and Garbage Pail Kids and all the kind of stuff. Just trying to make it more fun. It seemed like the people who buy graffiti stuff on Instagram would like that kind of stuff and sometimes the orders are for younger kids, so yeah its been fun.

It's my way to keep busy. And also even when I have busy weeks I'm not making a lot of money. So right now its a lot of fun, there is a potential big deal coming soon and I maybe sold out for the next few weeks. (This deal ended up going through a few days after this interview and 621 Thank You will be partnering with Art Primo and putting out color dye Press And Go Markers).

Do you dye the actual white out that is already in the Press And Go [Markers]? 

We have them sent to us filled and we put our sticker on them, pop them open and run it through to test if it works. Then we put a dab of color on the cap, so it's straight dyed...

...I could never find color white out myself and I liked the idea so I just jumped on it.

What advice would you give to young artists coming up in graffiti? 

Paint and dry and tag at home as much as you possibly can. Go get reams of paper and do your style a million times, try other styles a million times. I'd say be careful who you go out [and paint] with. The most important advice would be to take care of yourself, being creative is important and a lot of people don't do it, but take care of yourself. Jump into it, but I think also exercise is important and having a routine. I get up every morning and I count my beads and do a mantra, then I come over here [Town Park, Oakland, CA] and I skate until I'm sweating and then I go home and have some Yerba Mate and breakfast and start the day, which has all helped me. I quit drinking that's been good for me, for younger kids I would say don't do drugs right off the bat. Maybe wait until your twenties if you can (Laughter). Mental health is real and it's important...

...Be fearless and be creative, be experimental.

Do you consider yourself to be an entrepenuer?

This year I've started considering that word because running this little business is floating me, so yes. Yes I do and I think more people should consider themselves entrepreneurs. And if you don't want to consider yourself an entrepreneur, then you should think of money as a game and if you're not playing the game correctly you're going to lose. What the game is and what the rules are is that if your money [spent] is not making you money then you're losing the money game. And it's something I've heard my whole life, but only realized in the last year how many ways there are to make money legally and in an honest way. The stronger  and larger your community is, the more opportunities you are going to have. The more people who can trust you and who can relate to you, the more opportunity you're going to have to make money and I'm learning that.

You already have an online store but do you want to open a physical store one day?

I've thought about it and if I open a store I would like it to be in Oakland and I would want it to be something super cutty. I'd like to sell stuff you can't normally find or even sell things from etch to pre filled fire extinguishers and collapsable ladders. That would be ideal, not that I'm going to do it, but I would love to.

Are there any projects in the mix that you are currently working on or any shout outs?

Shout out to anybody who has sent stickers in to us, I featured everyone who has sent a pack on my instagram in a little video. Shout outs to Thank You Crew, FRITOE, MIXTAPE and all the skaters at Town Park and anyone who's getting up in Oakland right now and to anyone who has supported us.

(621 Thank You's colored white out markers are going to be available on Art Primo. They ended up cutting a deal for the rest of their stock to be sold through Art Primo. JSK42 couldn't speak on the deal at the time of this interview, but now that the deal has gone through he would like buyers to know about it. So make sure and be on the lookout for their markers at Art Primo's stores).

Follow them on Instagram at @621.ty

Follow us on Instagram at @Derp_taggz

Stay tuned to the blog for more interviews and reviews and more graffiti and counter culture! 

Artist Interview with Tony Ross

1. Who are you and where are you from?

Hey Guys! My name is Tony Ross, also known as Guerillustrator on social media, and I hail from Ventura County, California.

2. When did you start creating your art?

I have been creating art as long as I can remember, but I started taking it seriously around the ninth grade. High school was when I realized that the art field was the direction I wanted to take my life, as a result I went to Academy of Art in San Francisco for animation. After college, I pursued more Illustration and Graphic Design jobs rather than animation. I discovered I was getting more offers as a designer, so that's where I gravitated.

3. What is your favorite item to customize?

Baseball caps will always be my first love and focus, but I also love to customize shoes. Vans, Nike, Jordan, I've customized quite a bit of shoes over the past couple of years.

4. What got you into designing hats?

Back when I was four years old, my Dad and his friend coached a baseball team and nominated young me for the role of "bat boy." That's not only when my lifelong infatuation for baseball began, it was also my official introduction to hats. Over time, I began designing uniforms for local softball teams and had a couple hats embroidered and it all spiraled from there. After that, combining two of my favorite things was a no-brainer.

5. How are you associated with The Clinkroom?

The Clink Room and I just started working together. I have a been a fan of their Clink hats for years and I love the work they have done for the Minor League teams as Brandiose, so when the opportunity to make some hats with them arose, I didn't hesitate to get some designs over to them.

6. What advice would you give young artists looking to start their careers?

It may sound cliche, but practice, practice, practice and never give up. There are reasons that piece of advice is so commonly given, because it works! Another little tidbit of advice, and I use this one often, there's an ass for every seat, you just gotta find the right one. I know artists can become emotional about their art because of the creative process and attachment they develop to their work, but you can't let criticism get you down. Art is an individual expression, not everyone is going to like what you create and you can't let that discourage you. The audience for your work is out there, it just may take longer than you want to find your niche.

7. Who are some of your bigger inspirations?

I'm inspired by anyone who takes initiative and doesn't sit back and wait for things to come to them. Since we are talking art, cartoons and comic books have always been an integral part of my life when I was younger. I am a huge fan of Jack Kirby. Honestly, I find inspiration all over the place, horror movies, graffiti, toys, legendary artists like Dali, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Caravaggio, Hieronymus Bosch, Lichtenstein. There are so many great artists today, it's hard to narrow down, but Beastwreck, Alex Pardee, Dave Correia, Wayshak, Sweyda, Hydro74 are artists I check out regularly. As far as hat designers are concerned, I'm inspired by each and every artist, it's not as easy as everyone thinks.

8. Do you have any upcoming projects you want to plug or anyone you want to give a shoutout to?

At the beginning of the year, I co-founded The Capologists with my friend, Leon Chen. We make custom hats and pins, as well as special edition apparel every now and again. There are so many hats and pins currently in our pipeline, I'd recommend staying tuned!

Shout out and thank you to everyone who follows and supports me and my work, I can't express my gratitude enough. I'd also like to shout out all of you out here doing your own thing and creating something for yourselves!

Follow Tony on IG @guerillustrator and catch some of his hat designs on IG @thecapologists & @theclinkroom

Follow us on IG @Derp_taggz for updates on our blog and lots of Graffiti photos