SKET ONE

1. Can you state the Name  and crews affiliated with... and maybe where the name originated from.

 I write Sket One. I am down with TITS Crew, BLT Crew, and IMOK. My name originated from the work Sketch and was given to me by a painting partner back in the 80’s who is now a Sargent in the police force.

 2. When and where did you start the graffiti career?

 I started in 1984 but wasn’t piecing until 1986 (or what I thought was piecing hahaha)...

 3. Who were the big art or graffiti  influences in your life when you started?

 I painted mostly in New Haven, CT and was brought up by Eros. So of course my crew mates like JESTER, KEM, BRAT, DEAN, and REBEL, but I would say Woodlawn/Bronx writers at the time were the first stop on the metro line so we were seeing a lot of their stuff also. (SEEN, CES, SHAME125, SAK, CAVS, REAS, SENTO,WANE, KNOWS, DERO).

4. Have you ever had any legal problems from doing graffiti as a youth?

 I got caught a couple times but nothing more then a trespassing ticket. I guess I was lucky.

 5. what got you into doing designer toys?

 I collected toys and comics from an early age and was into collecting art also. I came across Michael Laus work on the web back in 1999 and researched and started buying things by a buncha Japanese artists. I was into the style and was eager to learn how to create. I ended up heading to a Mark Bodé show in NYC and he introduced me to Tristan Eaton. I saw the first Cheech wizard prototype from a new company Kidrobot.

Tristan asked if I wrote and if I knew illustrator both of which I did and handed me a disk with templates of the DUNNY. That was it.

 6. what were the first toys that you worked on?

 The DUNNY for sure I also worked on another toy by Tristan called TORO but it never was green-lighted. After that I worked on my own toy called EGGSTER. It was an eggplant character I would drop for my “E” in throw-ups and in pieces.

7. Does your art reflect any political views or religious views?

 Not really political, religious I touched upon in my whole star wars/darth vader/our father piece.

I wrapped a whole art show around the correlation between the Vatican and The Empire from Star wars. There are images up on my site. I had some real fun with that show.

8. As a fine artist what are some of the more rewarding events you do?

 I would say as long as I can inspire others to create, crack a smile or make happy with an item I created. That’s the most rewarding thing.

 9. Do you have a favorite thing to paint? and why does it differ from other things?

 Graffiti – I love to just paint with no stress, no end goal but to create. I wish I could do it more, but I fit it in when I can. It differs because it doesn’t have to sell or make money or be completed in a certain way. It's free flowing and open.

10. Do you have favorite locations to paint ?

 Any train setting is always amazing. I miss Long Beach and the walls there. It was nice to be able to paint whenever. I also enjoy painting to see friends. I recently moved to Vegas and need to establish some locations so I can get the same feeling.

11. Do you have a bucket list of places you want to visit ?

 I guess, but I’m pretty easy going and have been to buncha places now with a family, the “work” vacations are the best. Looks like I am going to South Korea this Summer for Urban Break so excited about that.

 12. Does music play a factor in what you create? If so what are you playing lately?

 I still listen to old school Hip Hop, Classic Rock, Jungle, Brit Pop and other 80’s/90s music. It's there for concentration and relaxation.

13. Do you think the internet destroyed graffiti culture? or enhanced it?

 Both

-Destroyed geographical styles and techniques

-Enhanced getting your work shown around the world.

-The lists could be bigger but off the top of my head.

 14. What is your favorite movie about graffiti? Scripted and documentary if they vary...

 Style Wars- It will always be the best quotable movie at the wall.

 15. What projects get you excited to get out of bed and complete them?

 All do – Every day I have a mix of things to do, from packing and shipping to designing ad campaigns for clients. From corporate work to personal work its always kept fresh and unpredictable sometimes.

 16. You recently did a move out of CA to reside in NV, What are some of the advantages of being in the city that never sleeps?

 TAXES ! Saving on Taxes and the cost of living is just cheaper here. Although I miss CA, the government and the overreach is just getting insane. I had to make the move.

 17. What kind of toy projects do you have launching in the future that you can share?

 It’s not really a toy project but more of an award project with the video game GUNDAM EVOLUTION and it’s pretty dope. Really looking forward to being able to release the project.

18. We know that you are very active in the toy designing world but is there other niche markets you plan on expanding more with?

 I have been doing a lot of collaborations with sports both professional and other sports related companies. Brining my art and design to the licensees has been awesome. It all started with Hite and the LA Dodgers and blossomed into working on TOPPS Project 70 and MLB The Show video game. I enjoy getting into the main stream or the unexpected markets and rock the boat a little.

19. Without scaring the reader, What is your belief when it comes to aliens? Break that down like it's a book "aliens for dummies"

 Hahahahaha. My views constantly change with new information. I would say that I am an ancient astronaut theorist. I am a believer that Aliens where here before us and establish A LOT of things on this planet through inter-dimensional travel and a lot of the prophets were also “visitors” trying to help humanity grow.

20. What is the most rewarding thing in life for you in 2023?

 All my kids. Seeing them all grow and navigate this world is amazing.

21. We know that recently you got to show in the Museum of Graffiti pop up that Ket is traveling city to city with, How did that come about and have you seen the show?

 I haven’t seen the pop up, but the museum in Miami currently has an installation for me and about my path and my work. I was floored when I was told I was being highlighted. I have been to the museum as a guest and release some limited canvases and prints. I did a meet and greet and had a blast.

22. Is there any regrets you have when you look back at the career? Can you advise folks on anything they should watch out for?

 No regrets because all mistakes matter as lessons. Read your contracts make sure its all good. Get a lawyer and never sign any rights away to your creations unless there’s a HUGE paycheck and I mean HUGE.

23. do you have any social media handles we should follow and closing words ?