Then One - Graffiti Artist Interview

September 2009

Interview with Then One, a graffiti artist from New Jersey in America who paints with the AIDS Crew, LCF Crew and MOK Crew.

Graffiti piece by Then One

Where are you based?

I am currently based out of New Jersey.

When did you begin painting graffiti?

I began writing graffiti in 1995.

How did you get into graffiti and what made you start painting?

I was always drawing as a kid and when I started going to high school I used to see pieces by Tdee and other members of the DF Crew around my neighborhood. These pieces and productions always caught my eye so I eventually made a tag for myself and started writing it everywhere.

Where did you paint your first piece?

I remember doing my first piece behind a small building that was near the house I lived in. My friend Chuck and I got some Krylon from the local hardware store and went behind the building and painted… it turned out horrible but back then we thought it was the best shit ever. That followed by a few close friends letting me paint their rooms, like Nine who let me paint his bedroom.

How did you choose the name Then One?

When I was in high school I had gone through a few tags all bad names and then I met a few other writers that were really rocking some fresh shit. I used to talk to them all the time and they gave me tips here and there, one of them was getting a better name. One of them suggested "Then" and it's stuck ever since.

Do you write under any other names?

I don't write under any other names

Graffiti piece by Then One

Do you write with any crews and if so which ones?

I write with a couple crews, the first being AIDS Crew out of Jersey. The other crews I rock with are the LCF Crew, based out of California, and the MOK Crew, based out of NYC.

How would you describe your style?

I would say I am known for using bold bright colors, and being really clean with my lines. The style changes here and there, I like to experiment with letter forms.

Have you done many collaborations with artists overseas or travelled abroad for your art and if so then where is the most exciting or interesting place you have painted?

I have collaborated with other artists, mainly the ones in the AIDS Crew, LCF Crew and MOK Crew… a lot of creative heads in those crews.

I have travelled to a few places abroad to paint, never really collaborated with anyone abroad but have painted some interesting spots. I went to Nicaragua this past year which was fun… but stil a bit sketchy in the capital as it is still recovering from the civil war that took place in the 90's.

Graffiti piece on a truck by Then One

On the up side there is more innovative work and ideas popping up in graffiti and street art but on the downside some of the newcomers to either scene are not really grasping the whole concept and just creating a mess.
Then One

What are your feelings on the graffiti and street art scenes in America and New Jersey at present?

I think that the graffiti scene is good and bad like everything else out there. On the up side there is more innovative work and ideas popping up in graffiti and street art but on the downside some of the newcomers to either scene are not really grasping the whole concept and just creating a mess. New Jersey is a prime example of that, there are a handful of people that are really pushing the limits and trying new things but at the same time there are so many others that are not taking the time to get good, just going out and ruining old pieces and getting spots buffed that are 10 years old.

Have you done much commercial work and if so what would you say was your most well known piece?

I have done commercial work but nothing massive as of yet, last year I hand drew some boxes for Microsoft Zune that went out to some top tastemakers. I have done graphic work for companies/people such as Substance Skateboards, Savage Urethane, Roxy Cottontail, School Of Hard Knocks, Akademiks, Money Clothing and Socialight Entertainment.

Have you ever had any of your work published in any books or magazines?

I have been published in some magazines such as Day In The Lyfe Magazine, Graffiti World 2 (book dropping soon) and La Mala Vida (magazine dropping soon).

Is there any one point in your career you would class as 'your big break'?

Not yet, but my career in graphic design has definitely gotten me some great projects.

What are your thoughts on graffiti being just as likely to be found in a gallery as on the streets these days?

I think it's great that galleries are giving graffiti artists like myself the ability to show our work in galleries. It shows that they take us seriously and realize that we have talent beyond the bricks and mortar.

Have you ever had your work displayed in galleries and if so is there any one show which stands out from all the rest?

I have had my work in galleries in the past, the most memorable would be the time I sold my first painting, but other than then I would say anytime that the show involves the crews I am in. Hanging with the crew making, selling some art and drinking some beers… that's always a good time.

Canvas by Then One

I think that with the recent economic times, as well as before this, corporations and small companies have realized that we are the voice of the streets and the people who make moves to get ourselves heard without the million dollar advertising budgets and so they are coming to us for ideas on how to reach the youth in a more effective manner.
Then One

There seems to have been a sudden surge of interest in graffiti and street art recently, why do you think this is?

I think that with the recent economic times, as well as before this, corporations and small companies have realized that we are the voice of the streets and the people who make moves to get ourselves heard without the million dollar advertising budgets and so they are coming to us for ideas on how to reach the youth in a more effective manner. Sometimes it's succesful and other times it looks like a cheap knockoff but I blame that on the people they choose for the project and a lack knowledge on their part.

There is a very fine line between those who see graffiti as art and those who see it as vandalism, what are your views on this?

Vandalism and art are 2 different animals, I think that without the "vandalism" there wouldn't be graffiti in galleries or on commercials created by large corporations. People love it or hate it, usually hate it, but you can't deny that it's what opened the door for graffiti in galleries.

Do you paint legal or illegal pieces?

Both.

Have you ever 'felt the long arm of the law' because of your art?

I have felt it but try not to think about it too much, this is not something you take part in if you are afraid of taking large risks. Recently a kid in Texas got 8 years in prison for catching tags in his hometown… I don't think that is fair at all. The judicial system is a fucked up place, they run you around in circles with ancient laws and bullshit.

Do you try to keep your identity anonymous where possible?

Yes.

Do you see yourself as an artist or a graffiti writer?

Both.

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken for your art?

I would say everytime I painted illegally was a large risk that I took for my art.

Graffiti piece by Then One

Which other artists work do you admire?

There are too many to name but currently I have been intrigued by:

James Jean
Greg Simkins
Shawn Barber
Barry McGee
Espo
Doze Green
Mars One
Coop

Which other artist would you most like to work with if you were given the chance?

That's a tough one! There are so many.

What is your preferred medium for making marks with?

Anything that marks basically, for paintings I like to use acrylic paint.

What is your colour of choice?

I like all colors but lately I have used a lot of purple.

What is your favourite surface to paint on?

A nice primed cement wall with spraypaint, or a masonite panel with acrylic paint.

Do you have a favourite piece of all time?

I do not have a favorite piece of all time, usually when I am done with one I already start picking it apart wishing I had done something different with it.

What kind of music are you into?

I truly like all kinds of music, I go through a lot of phases and the music I listen to changes with these phases.

What is the last album you bought?

The last album I bought was "And Justice For All" by Metallica. I have been listening to it for 2 weeks straight now… I know I'll get sick of it and not listen to it for a year after this but right now I am loving it.

What are you working on currently and what plans do you have for the future?

I am currently working on a new series of paintings and drawings, I am also working on some designs for a few small NYC based skateboard companies that should be finished pretty soon and I will be posting that on my website as the projects reach completion.

Anything else you would like to add?

I'd like to thank you at Canned Goods for the interview! Also a shout to the AIDS Crew, LCF Crew, MOK Crew and of course Linda!