Musings on My Graffiti: Evolution, Intentionality, and Next Steps
Graffiti has always been a raw and spontaneous expression for me. I rarely plan things out—I just show up, pull out some cans, and let it flow. That’s what I love about it. But lately, I’ve been noticing patterns in my best work. The pieces that really stand out aren’t necessarily the ones I freestyled on a whim. They’re the ones where I had some level of intention—whether that was choosing a color palette in advance, thinking about the composition, or just being in the right headspace. I don’t want to lose that rawness, but I also don’t want to leave my potential on the table by not being more deliberate.
Color: The Key to Cohesion
One of the biggest things I’m realizing is that colors matter more than I used to give them credit for. I’ve done plenty of pieces where I just used whatever I had on hand, and while some of them turned out dope, there’s a next level I could be hitting if I was more intentional. My best pieces have a thought-out palette, even if it’s just two or three colors that work well together. I should probably always keep a stocked set of go-to colors instead of relying on whatever I happen to have.
Mood: What’s My Lane?
I do a mix of funny, bombing, and devotional murals. Then there are the professional commissions, which are a different beast altogether. The question is, where do I focus? I love the humor in my bird characters, and I love pushing Krishna-conscious themes in graffiti. But I also love the pure energy of bombing. Right now, I bounce between all these modes, and maybe that’s fine, but I wonder if my art would develop deeper if I leaned into one of them harder. Or maybe the real key is figuring out how to fuse them all into a distinct style that’s unmistakably mine.
The Carry Kit Problem
I’m constantly switching up my carry kit, trying to find the perfect setup. The ideal solution would be:
• Waterproof (I’ve learned this the hard way)
• Comfortable to carry for long distances
• Maybe have wheels for when it’s fully loaded
• Able to hold at least 12 cans, a roller, caps, a mask, a music device, torches, and a first-aid kit
So far, I haven’t found the perfect solution. Maybe the answer is a mix of a backpack and a small wheeled case, or maybe I just need to design my own setup. If I nailed this, I’d have way fewer frustrating missions where I’m carrying too much or not enough.
Sketching: The Missing Link?
I almost never sketch. I just freestyle. And while that spontaneity is part of my flow, it also means my pieces are often just whatever came to mind at the time. There’s something pure about that, but I also see how the best writers refine their styles through sketching. If I even did a little bit of prep work—like sketching my letterforms in a blackbook before hitting a wall—I’d probably see a huge jump in quality. Not everything has to be planned to death, but even a loose idea of where I’m going before I start might make a big difference.
Ways to Level Up My Game
1. Set a Go-To Color Palette – Keep a stocked set of my favorite colors so I never have to rely on random leftovers. This would bring more cohesion to my work.
2. Refine My Focus – Instead of bouncing between funny birds, Krishna murals, and bombing, I could experiment with blending them into a unique hybrid style.
3. Find the Ultimate Carry Setup – Either a custom-built solution or a backpack + small rolling case combo that covers all my needs.
4. Sketch More, Even Just a Little – I don’t need to plan everything, but roughing out letters beforehand could bring more structure to my pieces
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Final Thoughts
Graffiti is all about growth. I never want to lose the fun, spontaneous energy that got me into it in the first place, but I also don’t want to stagnate. Lately, I’ve been noticing where I could refine things, and that awareness alone is a step forward. The challenge is making adjustments without losing the essence of what makes my graffiti mine. That’s what I’m exploring right now—how to bring more intentionality into my work while keeping it raw, expressive, and true to me.