{"id":9273,"date":"2023-07-10T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-10T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/07\/10\/working-without-outlines-building-a-relentless-work-ethic-and-keeping-graffiti-og-interview-with-smogone-makersplace-editorial\/"},"modified":"2023-07-10T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-07-10T12:00:00","slug":"working-without-outlines-building-a-relentless-work-ethic-and-keeping-graffiti-og-interview-with-smogone-makersplace-editorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2023\/07\/10\/working-without-outlines-building-a-relentless-work-ethic-and-keeping-graffiti-og-interview-with-smogone-makersplace-editorial\/","title":{"rendered":"Working Without Outlines, Building a Relentless Work Ethic, and Keeping Graffiti OG: Interview with SmogOne | MakersPlace Editorial"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>SmogOne, born in France and raised in Paris, developed a passion for drawing from an early age. He moved to Florida in the 1980s, where he was introduced to Hip Hop culture and discovered graffiti. Over time, SmogOne developed a unique 3D style of lettering and characters and has been an integral part of multiple crews, including XMEN Crew, FX Crew, BSK Crew (Miami), and CEO Crew. He began painting on canvas in the mid-90s and has continued to refine his style over the years. Today, he primarily focuses on painting murals and canvases and resides in Florida\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Please enjoy our interview with SmogOne<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch\/Listen to the Interview<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p>\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Working Without Outlines, Relentless Work Ethics, and Keeping Graffiti OG: Interview with SmogOne\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Bqt_wf3Kpts?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Unconventional Journey of Graffiti Artist, SmogOne<\/h2>\n<p><strong>BW: So you\u2019re a graffiti artist. Some of our audience may be familiar with you and your work, but others might not. Perhaps you could introduce yourself to those who aren\u2019t familiar?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> My name is SmogOne. I\u2019m a graffiti artist originally from Paris, but I\u2019ve been painting in Florida for the past 25 years.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: I\u2019m curious about your creative process. From your process videos, it seems like you just execute without an outline. Could you walk me through your steps, from the seed of an idea to the finished product?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>I don\u2019t use outlines because when I first started graffiti, I lost my outline during a group project. This forced me to freestyle directly on the wall. It didn\u2019t turn out as I wanted, and I vowed never to rely on an outline again. Now, I primarily freestyle.<\/p>\n<p>An idea usually pops into my head and I visually see it. I quickly sketch this vision to capture its shape and feeling. For detailed elements, like characters with glasses, I use real references. I own a pair of kazala glasses, which I wear and photograph from the character\u2019s perspective. This way, I can see the exact way the glasses sit.<\/p>\n<p>Once I have a reference, I sketch it in a graffiti style, modifying elements to my liking. This might involve extending the glasses or simplifying the design. If I\u2019m doing a larger, more detailed canvas, I work from this reference. When I\u2019m working on a wall, I take inspiration from the image but do not copy it exactly. I\u2019ll study it briefly then freestyle on the wall.<\/p>\n<p>As for letters, I also freestyle those on the wall without an outline. Outlining on paper is useless because reproducing that exact outline on the wall is almost impossible without a grid. I prefer to freestyle because it usually comes out perfect the first time. Plus, with graffiti, you can always go over and modify anything as you go, so there\u2019s no commitment to a particular outline. This approach makes the process more fun and engaging.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/hAea-kxwdybUaYlwyl3ZNMEBVgKg5NF81dhfBrs56u2ccqCDBmZb8PL0QFt23lYlVZu0xqUlrRYVxbZWXfaQ35wWQtWYix-IyrfILnwsjw1eliumZR7WD2LpIVQ23OEvgK2VniLgq6lSKvW-BrzXefQ\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/makersplace.com\/product\/smog-sprayers-003-3-of-10-85956\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>SMOG SPRAYERS #003<\/em> by SmogOne<\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Translating Skills from Paper to Wall<\/h2>\n<p><strong>BW: What was your process for transitioning from being someone who couldn\u2019t freestyle to being someone who could?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Practice is key. I filled countless black books with outlines, drawing in one every day. That\u2019s been my routine for years, and these books, stacked up with start and end dates, are filled with outlines, color, characters.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, you find certain elements you love to replicate because they just look good. For instance, you might develop a particular style for drawing your \u2018M\u2019 that you find pleasing. You don\u2019t use it every time, but it\u2019s a technique you might return to. Building a repertoire of these little tricks comes from practice, like anything else. Whether you want to excel at the violin or basketball, you have to put in the work.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: Are there any specific tips for practicing? Is there a better or worse way to practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>There\u2019s no bad way to practice as long as you\u2019re exercising your creativity. As you practice, you develop. Sometimes, you might even make a mistake that propels you to a new level. You\u2019ll stumble upon an unexpected effect, think, \u2018nobody\u2019s done this before,\u2019 and run with it.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: Does practicing on paper translate to working on a large scale, like a wall or a canvas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Practice on paper can help you learn how to draw something, such as faces, so you\u2019ll know how to replicate that on a wall. But working on a large scale is a completely different experience. When drawing on paper, it\u2019s like standing far away from a wall and having a long arm to draw from that distance. On a wall, however, it\u2019s like your face is right up against the paper.<\/p>\n<p>You can only work on a small part at a time, and you need to step back frequently to see the whole picture. That\u2019s because graffiti is meant to be viewed from a distance. Therefore, you have to regularly step back to assess the overall effect.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/mBTKs2dAIpob4d8tpXSRw7FPaBm6PPseRcWPaDSdGPbEJl4U8KjQrCezYCadNlBK1xbdGRUbV13qL2rAbkU2aD3p70VTsKG1PvNrW3yDp9eT2iYAilygib84wprhS6X73dPA1WJUEp2bbuRvhKXqDyI?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/mBTKs2dAIpob4d8tpXSRw7FPaBm6PPseRcWPaDSdGPbEJl4U8KjQrCezYCadNlBK1xbdGRUbV13qL2rAbkU2aD3p70VTsKG1PvNrW3yDp9eT2iYAilygib84wprhS6X73dPA1WJUEp2bbuRvhKXqDyI\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/makersplace.com\/product\/smog-sprayers-002-5-of-10-85514\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>SMOG SPRAYERS #002<\/em> by SmogOne<\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: How do you develop that skill?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> Well, it involves drawing as you normally would, but it\u2019s crucial to constantly step back from the wall to check your proportions. It\u2019s easy to think something is the right size up close, only to step back and realize it\u2019s too large or small. So, essentially, every five minutes, I\u2019m moving away from the wall to view it from a distance before returning to it.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re fortunate enough to work on a wall where you can step 20 feet back, that\u2019s great. But sometimes, you\u2019re in tight spots where you can\u2019t move back much. In these cases, you make do with what you have, and the result is what it is. After all, viewers can only see it from as far away as you can step back, and their photographs will be from the same distance, so it still works out.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: Do you distinguish between ideas for canvas paintings and mural designs?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> Any idea can be adapted for either a painting or a wall. I\u2019ve done brush paintings based on murals and vice versa. The medium doesn\u2019t restrict the idea. The key difference lies in the level of detail you can achieve with spray paint. If you\u2019re working on a large scale, say 20 feet by a hundred feet, you can incorporate as much detail as you would on a canvas. But if you\u2019re working on a smaller 10-foot by 8-foot wall, you need to simplify. The same idea can take two forms \u2013 one simple, the other complex. It\u2019s about choosing which form suits your present circumstances.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/cKWkRg41ETf_XxY5k6kDDEnxeuznsJJ-G4oLRP4qe1v76tWmiYIN5H3JeJMSXaQ9M7-gUa_-AjEZSEqsBfxXJVrjIUsNWpvirZKy_IDAcX8c9TI4xaPTXrzsOo3kUnkQrh4aeMcGTGm_KmY1ulQUBGE?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/cKWkRg41ETf_XxY5k6kDDEnxeuznsJJ-G4oLRP4qe1v76tWmiYIN5H3JeJMSXaQ9M7-gUa_-AjEZSEqsBfxXJVrjIUsNWpvirZKy_IDAcX8c9TI4xaPTXrzsOo3kUnkQrh4aeMcGTGm_KmY1ulQUBGE\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><em>BORED APE #799 X SMOG ONE <\/em>by SmogOne<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Evolution of Style: Between Repetition and Innovation<\/h2>\n<p><strong>BW: You have an incredibly distinct style. How do you keep things fresh while maintaining your signature?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>It\u2019s a challenge. Like any creative endeavor, there\u2019s a limit to repetition. Just as with TV comedies or music genres, you need to introduce something new and distinct.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BW: So how do you keep things fresh and maintain your voice?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>It\u2019s all about generating ideas and not being afraid to experiment. For instance, I introduced the concept of spray paint caps with wings, my \u201cfly caps\u201d. Now they\u2019re a new signature element. I\u2019ve always used sneakers in my work because I love them. I\u2019ve moved from Jordans to old school Adidas to Yeezys, each choice reflecting something new. It\u2019s important to integrate what you\u2019re passionate about into your work.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, I\u2019ve started incorporating elements like vintage cars into my art. So, for example, a character set in the \u201980s might have a Lamborghini Countach in the background. It\u2019s a throwback that car lovers can relate to. Now, alongside my old-school radio and sneakers, I\u2019ve opened up a connection with car enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<p>The key to staying fresh is introducing new ideas that stem from your personal passions. That passion will shine through and ensure the success of your work.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: Does the recurring character in your work have a name?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> No, he doesn\u2019t have a name. The character is essentially a European graffiti artist, much like myself, who moved to America. Even though I don\u2019t intentionally draw him to look like me, many say he does. What\u2019s unique about my characters is the constant presence of a pigeon, which acts as the character\u2019s spirit animal or buddy. The pigeon watches over him while he does his graffiti, alerting him if trouble is coming. This pigeon doesn\u2019t accompany other subjects of my art, like Jay-Z for instance. It\u2019s only associated with my personal characters, this graffiti artist journeying through time with his pigeon companion.<\/p>\n<p>Drawing was a significant part of my youth when I moved to America, and characters have always been an integral part of graffiti. A fellow artist, Clear One, who was a master at characters, had a considerable influence on me, as did Mode 2. I came across Mode 2\u2019s work in a book titled \u201cSpray Can Art.\u201d His characters, much like those of The Chrome Angels in New York, were astounding and inspired me to delve deeper into character creation.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/cgX-Lrtmpnz1KDE7qaD95Su53NrQdlG-9aLZVHwxoPi-O-0BZkwisAkSQSR7ZfbAM1QQ98hyOf8Ot2mwH2AWCYqv4zOWgTkoDWNJIAQuxVEHPEtofzzAZjj6a7ritjfahOvpWyJ0YATsyWdx9pmUWXI?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/cgX-Lrtmpnz1KDE7qaD95Su53NrQdlG-9aLZVHwxoPi-O-0BZkwisAkSQSR7ZfbAM1QQ98hyOf8Ot2mwH2AWCYqv4zOWgTkoDWNJIAQuxVEHPEtofzzAZjj6a7ritjfahOvpWyJ0YATsyWdx9pmUWXI\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><em>WHERE\u2019S BROOKLYN AT<\/em> by SmogOne<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: In your early stages, were there many characters that didn\u2019t make it past the drawing board?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Not discarded, but rather evolved. I have countless characters in my black books. When I understood the importance of having a signature as an artist, I realized that I needed a consistent element across my work. It\u2019s crucial for people to recognize your art piece by piece. So, it\u2019s not about leaving characters behind; it\u2019s about the constant evolution to define my artistic identity.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: This leads to a good question: when you have the ability and interest in so many styles, how did you find the \u2018you\u2019 in the style?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> I turned to my black books and asked, what do I keep repeating? I found it was the B-boy characters. After sharing a B-boy character on Facebook and receiving an overwhelming response, I knew I\u2019d found it. So, I expanded on that theme with more characters, settings in New York, old school elements like ghetto blasters and break dancing. It just clicked. Young people remember that era, older people lived it, and it was well-received, so I stuck with it.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/eF-KY-Pi9dT6FgJ3QZ_iM5pDOWvnt9xDx8T8NmE0qyn59WbQINvLUDeaOBzCTSraQQQyhR6ElNlaSxUI3draZbrkSeHkFvL0cCfE0pRa1zho2u4junpvbMDcOO46ijy8GFcDmNv1R9zPIlVPgAYaDds?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/eF-KY-Pi9dT6FgJ3QZ_iM5pDOWvnt9xDx8T8NmE0qyn59WbQINvLUDeaOBzCTSraQQQyhR6ElNlaSxUI3draZbrkSeHkFvL0cCfE0pRa1zho2u4junpvbMDcOO46ijy8GFcDmNv1R9zPIlVPgAYaDds\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><em>BANNED 5000 <\/em>by SmogOne<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Art of 3D Graffiti<\/h2>\n<p><strong>BW: Your initial lettering style was heavily influenced by Erni Vales, who, from what I can tell, really invented that 3D style.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Yeah, the funny part is, I only have two pictures on my shelf: a picture of my parents and a picture of me in front of Erni\u2019s piece in Queens. I was lucky enough to go to New York, but lost every single picture I took when my plane got delayed at LaGuardia. We went back to Queens, bought a little camera, and I took those pictures. They\u2019re the only pictures I have from my trip to New York and sure enough, there\u2019s the Erni piece.<\/p>\n<p>Once I saw the 3D because my head is very dimensional and mathematical, I loved the challenge of the 3Dness. I started doing 3D, and then of course, I saw works by Hessian Dime. Many 3D artists came out after that. For example, Lumet, who I met and was super nice to me at Banzel.<\/p>\n<p>Artists like Dime and PETA inspire me to do 3D so much. Once I saw their stuff, I knew 3D was my thing. I just freestyled it, learning the color ways and the lights and the shadows. The precision required is challenging, but these guys are like the masters. They\u2019re so precise at it.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: You\u2019ve also created sculptures, which seems unique for graffiti artists.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>That derives from Dime. I saw him making sculptures and thought: making a three-dimensional object, putting a light source on it, and taking a photograph of it gives you exactly what you want. So, I started cutting paper and building this whole three-dimensional piece.<\/p>\n<p>Creating it in 3D gives you the true, true dimensional quality, kind of like when people take pictures of photographs of people, that\u2019s how they get all the perfect shadowing and reflections. For 3D graffiti, if you build it and then take a photograph of it, it\u2019s on another level. Your brain has to be thinking three-dimensionally both ways. It\u2019s hard when I start to try to explain that because I visualize things as if they\u2019re literally sitting in front of me.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/TG_I2XWYbpC4xM6k6YMxlyI1zEnqurYo2CAPvjJLV5DADV1N6GJQTiR0wVcnClBBGZjvC7UgbFYfu7ZCg1kYnLtKCnxnD0AXp95USdskYch-ezyoQnXCWzq18W2S4CoFPYRrvFRJ-nMmlPmPhU5J2Wo?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/TG_I2XWYbpC4xM6k6YMxlyI1zEnqurYo2CAPvjJLV5DADV1N6GJQTiR0wVcnClBBGZjvC7UgbFYfu7ZCg1kYnLtKCnxnD0AXp95USdskYch-ezyoQnXCWzq18W2S4CoFPYRrvFRJ-nMmlPmPhU5J2Wo\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><em>ZEN <\/em>by SmogOne<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: Have you used any 3D software at all to try to iterate on these ideas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>No, I just started using Procreate. My first piece was a 3D piece. Now, it has almost 6,000 views on YouTube. As for 3D software, no clue. I\u2019ve watched PETA use software like Rhino, but it seems too complex for me. I\u2019d rather just do it in my head. It\u2019s simpler than using a 3D program. Maybe when I have time, I will use a 3D program, but I don\u2019t have the time to learn it now.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: You could use something like Rhino and actually do the sculptures with a 3D printer or some sort of fabrication place.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>I see that, but there\u2019s no way that I\u2019m putting the proper shadows and proper lights on everything. I\u2019m halfway guessing. When a piece gets complex, to be able to just do that perfectly off your brain is really hard. I\u2019m sure if I thought something was perfect and put it into that program, it would look even way more 3D, like it\u2019s floating in your hand. But I just gotta keep practicing. I don\u2019t do as much 3D anymore because I\u2019m doing so many characters and trying to develop so much other stuff.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joining the Graffiti Crews: X-Men and FX Crew<\/h2>\n<p><strong>BW: Are you currently part of any graffiti crews? I understand you were part of the X-Men crew and Blessed Style Kings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Yes, I started with FS, the Flavor Savers, and I\u2019m still with them. Then, Flavor Savers and some other Miami crews came together to form BSK. BSK has now spread out, with members living in different states. I\u2019m not sure who from BSK is still here in Miami. Most have moved to places like Atlanta. Then I joined the X-Men Crew and FX Crew, which was my latest addition.<\/p>\n<p>Watching Hesh, Dime, and their 3D art in FX Crew, I remember thinking how great it would be to join them. It seemed like such an unattainable goal, but I made it, which still astounds me. When Per invited me to join, I couldn\u2019t believe it. It\u2019s a testament to the idea that if you want something bad enough and put in the work, you can achieve it. A special shoutout to Per, rest in peace. I\u2019m truly honored to be a part of all these crews, including X-Men and FX.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: Could you explain what it means to be in a crew?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> Being in a crew is about constant communication and mutual support. Unfortunately, I joined FX quite late. If I had joined earlier, I could have traveled to New York, LA, and other places to work on walls. I\u2019ve missed out on some walls recently that I wish I could\u2019ve contributed to, like the FX anniversary wall in New York and a large project in LA with Hex.<\/p>\n<p>However, when you can be present, it\u2019s fantastic. Everyone flies in, we get together and paint. It\u2019s a lot of fun. Life happens and sometimes you can\u2019t be everywhere you\u2019d like to, but that\u2019s just how it goes.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/vDPfYe5WWMR5gElsTA2NfNDv776W3NGH-dajMigQ4JAK6V99Vwfj1orlWdX_EFANBFkcQQJHG4Q73cdmluxQvqDrCc4q-aHEb6F01IfztRlKgNzXvgO4AUNiefDO7tuHj3T0OIsGDpjNnHNxcxOcvVE?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/vDPfYe5WWMR5gElsTA2NfNDv776W3NGH-dajMigQ4JAK6V99Vwfj1orlWdX_EFANBFkcQQJHG4Q73cdmluxQvqDrCc4q-aHEb6F01IfztRlKgNzXvgO4AUNiefDO7tuHj3T0OIsGDpjNnHNxcxOcvVE\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/makersplace.com\/product\/smog-sprayers-004-3-of-10-86980\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>SMOG SPRAYERS #004<\/em> by SmogOne<\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: I\u2019m curious about the intersection of hip-hop culture, graffiti, and French culture. Do you maintain a connection with your French heritage?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Graffiti was always present in France when I was there, but it wasn\u2019t my main focus until I moved to the US in the \u201980s and met B-boys who introduced me to breakdancing and graffiti. Regarding my French roots, I haven\u2019t been back since the \u201980s. I prefer to remember France the way it was when I left. Although I\u2019ve heard that Paris is still a beautiful city, I fear it won\u2019t match my memories. Despite this, I\u2019m always proud to say I\u2019m from Paris, I\u2019m French. Maybe one day, I\u2019ll overcome this fear and visit.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: What about your connection to South Florida?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> I\u2019ve been living in South Florida since the eighties.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: You\u2019ve lived in South Florida since the \u201980s. I assume you\u2019ve had opportunities to leave, but you stay. I\u2019m interested in knowing what culturally bonds you to South Florida.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> \u00a0One thing is that I can\u2019t stand the cold. I\u2019m skinny with no fat to insulate me. I once moved to Minnesota to clear my head and start from zero. Growing up in Florida is like being at a nonstop party. The weather is always hot, there\u2019s never snow, the clubs are incredible, and you\u2019re constantly meeting fascinating people. But you can\u2019t be part of the party all the time; at some point, you need to focus on starting a business or considering a mortgage.<\/p>\n<p>So I moved away from Florida to escape the partying and get serious. But then winter was about to hit Minnesota, and I decided that I couldn\u2019t endure the cold. The stories I heard about Minnesota\u2019s winter were daunting. However, when I came back to Florida, I was a different person.<\/p>\n<p>I used to party nonstop, had barely any money, drove a car my parents got for me. I had to grow up fast when I moved to Minnesota. The day I arrived, I woke up in the afternoon and told my parents I was going job hunting. I ended up getting a job at a club and helped them move equipment for their new bar. They offered me the bar because I was the only one willing to help. The guy I assisted also needed help during the day, so I ended up with two jobs \u2013 moving bar stuff during the day and working as a bar back at night.<\/p>\n<p>In less than 24 hours of moving to Minnesota, I\u2019d transformed from someone with no responsibilities to a person with two jobs. From then on, I\u2019ve always worked hard, never without a car or being broke again. Florida is a party, but you sometimes need to step away, reset, and then come back to conquer.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: You\u2019ve been at this for a very long time. What inspires you daily? Is it the development of your style or the flow of new ideas? What motivates you to paint every morning?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>The ideas definitely motivate me. As soon as I finish one painting, I come up with ten more ideas. It could be something like a neon mug painting. I visualize a whole painting in my head, note down the details, and then I can\u2019t wait to bring it to life. If you don\u2019t have passion for something, you won\u2019t have the drive to do it. That\u2019s why they say, if you want to excel in life, find what you\u2019re passionate about.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s not all rosy. People say if you love what you do, you\u2019ll never work a day in your life. That\u2019s partially true, but not entirely. You\u2019ll actually be working harder, nonstop, every day, especially if it\u2019s your own thing. As an artist, not only do you have to produce art, but you also need to promote it on social media, do interviews, collaborate with others, and sell your work.<\/p>\n<p>Once you\u2019re past just painting canvases and start giving interviews and appearing in magazines, it becomes even more exciting. The other side of the coin is, of course, money. I\u2019d rather earn $10,000 by selling a canvas than working for someone else and making them that amount.<\/p>\n<p>Not that I haven\u2019t worked regular jobs. I\u2019ve been employed at places like Gap when I was young. You have to start somewhere, learn the workforce dynamics, and understand what it means to save money. Passion is crucial because initially, you\u2019ll be working hard on something that may not be bringing in money.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, when I was tattooing, I would work until 10 PM, then go home and work on my X-Men pieces. Each morning a new piece would pop up, and people would wonder when I found the time to do it. Similarly, while I was working as a bartender, I was also apprenticing in tattooing for twelve hours a day, not getting paid for half the work. But that\u2019s the kind of commitment and passion you need. It\u2019s crucial to maintain a job while you work on your passion until you can finally switch careers. So, yes, passion and work, they\u2019re inseparable.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/Sm-6xwnnoQIiCHZiCA1BphEWBNHR5ViDcvgth-E9rr3BfmCrHFFkJHMzG6DMFW_G6vfp8CrrGkHFaWdV5Bznv3qCYBjgIPf4AeL9pK02IMKUl1VBmDLuaGwCWeBULj6_yd-PmKbox7ub0JiNB4khs_I?is-pending-load=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img data-lazy-fallback=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/Sm-6xwnnoQIiCHZiCA1BphEWBNHR5ViDcvgth-E9rr3BfmCrHFFkJHMzG6DMFW_G6vfp8CrrGkHFaWdV5Bznv3qCYBjgIPf4AeL9pK02IMKUl1VBmDLuaGwCWeBULj6_yd-PmKbox7ub0JiNB4khs_I\" alt=\"\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/makersplace.com\/product\/smog-sprayer-005-6-of-10-303061\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>SMOG SPRAYER #005<\/em> by SmogOne<\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Never Give Up<\/h2>\n<p><strong>BW: Is there a creative process behind building a career? I mean, beyond the brute force required. Are there creative elements in career building, marketing, promotion, that you take creative pleasure in?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO:<\/strong> Absolutely, the results. When you get the momentum going, people start noticing your work, it feels good. Whether you\u2019re getting credit or you post something and see 2,000 likes on Instagram, you know you\u2019re building your brand. You do it for the results, right? It\u2019s like building a house. You don\u2019t do it just to build, but to see the beautiful house you\u2019ve put all your passion into. The result is what it\u2019s all about.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>BW: That makes a lot of sense. We\u2019re nearing the end here, and I always like to finish my interviews with this question: what advice would you give your 20-year-old self about art, creativity, the creative process, or any mindset you wish you\u2019d had?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SO: <\/strong>Certainly. There was a point when I felt I had to abandon what I loved to get a job. I began prioritizing making money over my artwork. I was working, I had money. I could do whatever I wanted, and it felt good. But, later on, I found myself behind the bar, realizing I should have been doing artwork this entire time. Right when graffiti artists were gaining recognition and entering galleries, I faded out. I only realized it when a customer at the bar told me, if they had my talent, they\u2019d be a millionaire. That\u2019s when I decided to leave the bar business and start working with art. That\u2019s when I started tattooing, working long hours, and committing to no days off.<\/p>\n<p>I could have been so much further along if I hadn\u2019t given up art for money. I\u2019d probably be better, more well-known. So, I would say: never give up. Even when you have to start making money and your art becomes a side hustle, don\u2019t abandon it. Because you never know when what you\u2019re doing might blow up, and you don\u2019t want to miss it. It took me ten years of tattooing before I realized it wasn\u2019t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I quit and started painting, enduring financial hardship for years. But at the end of the day, I didn\u2019t give up my dream. Always leave room for your passion, no matter what else you have to do.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For updates on all of our artist spotlights, subscribe to our newsletter below.<\/h4>\n<p><!-- Mailchimp for WordPress v4.9.5 - https:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/mailchimp-for-wp\/ --><!-- \/ Mailchimp for WordPress Plugin -->\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rare.makersplace.com\/2023\/07\/10\/working-without-outlines-building-a-relentless-work-ethic-and-keeping-graffiti-og-interview-with-smogone\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=working-without-outlines-building-a-relentless-work-ethic-and-keeping-graffiti-og-interview-with-smogone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SmogOne, born in France and raised in Paris, developed a passion for drawing from an early age. He moved to Florida in the 1980s, where he was introduced to Hip Hop culture and discovered graffiti. Over time, SmogOne developed a unique 3D style of lettering and characters and has been an integral part of multiple [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9275,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/rare.makersplace.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Untitled-design-7.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9273"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9273\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nft.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}