A GOOD twist on Graffiti

Rafaelbntos — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:57 +0000

Several weeks ago I did a a small research on graffiti and I found really interesting sites and videos about “A GOOD twist on Graffiti.” This is the reason I titled my the way I did. Now, I know graffiti is not always viewed as art or anything positive because it costs cities money to clean it up. Good things can come out of bad things, and I’m going to talk about the good things.

In my “D-Journey” as I called my life growing up, (D = for Design) I was influenced by graffiti. I grew up in Los Angeles California and I attended to Gardena High School. There was and still is graffiti everywhere. The combination of colors, the interesting font styles, and spray techniques got my attention. I am not talking about tags on the walls or simple graffiti, I am talking about the more elaborated graffiti. I like how Charlie B. Johnson describes graffiti when he says, “A concept that was originally used by gangsters to stamp their authority on a specific urban area, graffiti is now also used by graphic designers and creative artists to showcase their artwork.” I agree with Charlie. You’ll be surprise how new and creative styles of art branched out of graffiti.

I found two great blogs that talks about graffiti.

Blog #1 is inksie. Inksie posted a great article about “Street Art vs Graffiti.” Its a great article that I recommend. You will see Above’s, Ellis Gallagher’s, 108′s and a few more street artists art work. I was really fascinated when I came across this blog and saw the great art designs posted on the walls and buildings.

Blog #2 is Graphic Design Blog. Charlie B. Johnson, posted a collection of “Street Graffiti Illusions.” Its way different from inksie’s art work collection, yet great and interesting. Some of the art is too realistic to tell if is an art illusion or not. I also recommend this blog.

Now, I would like to share this great video that I found on 2Twentysix blog, that I believe is just beyond creativity.

These street artist were influenced by graffiti in their time. Now they are influencing many future artists, painters, photographers, graphic designer, fashion designers, and practically anyone involved in design. I truly believe that today more then ever it should be easier to be inspired or motivated to be involved in any sort of art. Wouldn’t you agree? Was this type of art new to you or you were familiar with it? Do you know any other type of art? I am sure do would like to see your comments or other sites recommendations.

More interesting sites on Calligraffity: Upscale Typography – Calligraffiti

D-Journey

Rafaelbntos — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:46:22 +0000

I still remember my first drawing. I believe I was 5 or 6 years old. We were visiting my grandparents from my dad’s side, they lived in a small town. I was in the living room trying to draw a ceramic elephant that was on the center of the table. My uncles were arriving and one of them told me “I’ll buy one of your drawings”. I was shocked and immediately started drawing.

I’m sure many of you could relate to my story in some way. Maybe it was one of your parents, uncle or aunt, a word, or a gesture, or maybe another piece of art, but that was the trigger that got you interested with what you are doing today. Whether it is drawing, painting, sculpting, graphic design, fashion design, architecture and the list can go on, you became motivated just as i did.

Even though I am not drawing for living; it was the beginning of my journey into graphic design. I have more to share on how I got from drawing to graphic design, but that will come later on. Just as I became motivated, I also would like to hear your story, if you don’t mind. I’m pretty sure you have a good story of your own. Look forward to hearing your stories!!

Links: Post’s Pictures – Lines and Colors

Drawing – Odosketch

Ceramic – A plate a day

Graphic Design – Psdtuts

For All Design

A GOOD twist on Graffiti

D-Journey