“Do what you can’t”—I began my journey into graffiti when I was just 16 years old. At that time, I had little knowledge of which cans to use or what a 'fat cap' even meant. The internet was a vastly different place from what we know today, and social media didn't even exist.
I can vividly recall posting my graffiti pieces on websites like Flickr and Fotolog, and eagerly sending my images to local magazines.
Magazines held significant prestige among graffiti writers in those days. The most dedicated and skilled artists were often featured in magazines with a global reach. Every Friday, I would eagerly visit my local mall, hoping for a new edition of 'Graffiti Bombz' or 'Graffiti All Stars.' These magazines were like art galleries, curated by individuals who truly understood the essence and culture of the graffiti movement. Sadly, that era has waned, and traditional graffiti magazines have become increasingly rare. The ones that do exist tend to be too generic, often focusing primarily on street art rather than the core of graffiti itself.
So, I pondered, why not create my own graffiti magazine—a publication centered around the themes I cherished as a young enthusiast, featuring content that genuinely resonates with writers. Today's graffiti zines often lean toward street art, sometimes straying from the essence of graffiti—writing your name on the wall.
With this vision in mind, I gave life to NastyVandal™, a passion project tailored not only for myself but also for the brand I wished had existed 15 years ago when I first picked up the spray can.
I'm hesitant to label it exclusively as a magazine because it's much more than that.
NastyVandal™ is not just a publication; it's a celebration of the graffiti culture and a tribute to the spirit that ignited my journey. Here's to the art of writing, and to preserving it for the generations to come.