themonthly

recapJune 2012

interview

Block by Block

&Legal

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of ideas and expand upon that!

I couldnít be doing this without the support of a number of people, and at the risk of forgetting someone I wonít try to name them all, but the daily operation comes from me but with massive support from Dazem with the web/IT shit!!! Designs and additional nerdy stuff has come from Herbs, Bien and Cody Finney.

BSCI: In Canada, it’s not always easy to get «our own» artists and businesses off the ground, especially when looking at the art world, because so many people would rather support the American or other foreign bodies. Despite being its own sub-culture, I find that Canada has a tendency to be slow when it comes to supporting its own. For example: Banksy and Revok can get more love in Canada than EGR or Elicser. How supportive have Canadians -both individual and market wise- been to the Block By Block brand? How important is it for Canadians to get behind their own kind?

Itís of the utmost importance that we as Canadians throw our support behind our local artists and brands! Weíre the second largest country in the world with the populist of the State of California spread over its huge land mass. At times, it can be difficult here BUT the support Block has received is HUMBLING on all fronts! We appreciate it.

BSCI: Before we start talking about the business aspect of your company and building process I want to ask you, who are the individuals that make up BLOCK BY BLOCK? How did this entire movement come to being?

We can start with me: my name is Sizeo and I am the creator of Block By Block ink. I’m born and raised in Toronto and have been involved in graffiti since ‘96.

As far as building the brand goes, it has been a two year process; set off from the influence from some friends of mine, but keeping it as local and homegrown as possible seemed only right as there was no real Canadian brand. It seemed like the right time to come out with a high quality product(s) that could be sold at a reasonable price for EVERYONE involved - from the people buying it to the dudes selling it. I got tired of seeing kids split their lunch money three ways to buy a pen only to find out that these [expensive pens] sucked and the guy who sold them could barely make a profit due to the high price.

After some serious research everything was set to go and the name BLOCK BY BLOCK just seemed rightÖitís how you see the best a city has to offerÖby getting out there and walking it BLOCK BY BLOCK, itís how you build a solid foundation, and Iím not just talking about housesÖcould be your rep, career or brand, it doesnít matterÖ..you start with a single block

Block by blockinterview by matthew James

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new» however -as a writer and crew- you have been around for quite a while and I suspect that reputation affords you a bit more clout and recognition than the typical start-up company. How would you define your success?

The measure of success differs person to person. Right now the main goal has been getting the product out to the people and they are taking notice - itís amazing. Does that mean weíre successful and can hang out? Fuck no! Working hard is whatís up. Sitting around thinking about what you did seems like a waste. Pushing on; staying focused is the mo.!!!

Graffiti has given me an amazing network of friends, which Iíve used to promote the product and to reach out to shop owners through friends of friends etc. Using my own graffiti career wouldnít get me that farÖ.Iím not a talented artist, just a dude thatís honest about what Iím doing and willing to work hard for it.

BSCI: What kind of satisfaction do you get from knowing there are people using your ink to express their ideas? I imagine that would be an intense feeling.

Vandalism facilitation has been the most satisfying and stressful project I have been a part of. But while going out and walking the blocks and I can point out whoís using BLOCK and it drives me to walk that extra five blocks. That motivates me to stay up all night and get the boxes packed for the next day. Seeing those drippy tags make all the hard work worth it.

BSCI: BBB (Block By Block) seems to embody a true hustler’s ideology of hard work and blue-collar effort paying off in the end. We all know the amount of work one puts into a task will reflect on its outcome-whether it be graffiti or business, the effort is essential. I want to know more about the effort; the work that goes not only into establishing your brand but also establishing yourself as a writer. What goes on

BSCI: How important is word of mouth (advertising) concerning your product? I ask because unlike many American or European brands, BBB is not using slick-product ads or buying spots on websites. So how would you define your marketing strategy?

Word of mouth is so important as to whatís going on with Block; everyone wants to be the one to put the next dude on to some shitÖwere all guilty of it But using some slick promo ads would be sweet. If the money was there maybe there would be some high budget block ADÖ..but that wouldnít be BLOCK, hard work from the network of friends that have been accumulated throughout the years of painting graffiti and social media have been kind to us! Our strategy is to be out there and to be honest. If Block wasnít around prowling streets would still go on in my daily life!

BSCI: Let’s do some a quick networking (roll call) and tell the readers where they can find Block By Block products?

Vancouver: SHARKS AND HAMMERS

Calgary: LE ROCK

Toronto: JOE HUFFERS, HOME BASE

Hamilton: BLAZEN

Ottawa: FALL DOWN GALLERY

Kingston: ROCKIT BOUTIQUEMontreal: LE ROCK, SUB V

Houston, Texas (USA): REAL713

Of course at WWW.BOMBINGSCIENCE.COM and our site, www.blockbyblockink.com

BSCI: Your brand is steadily picking up momentum and gaining supporters, but do you feel -at this point- it is too early to say whether or not you’re successful? From a business-world prospective, BBB (Block By Block) is one year old and considered «brand

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BSCI: Another way you have promoted BBB is through your Tumblr page which comes across as being very authentic to both your brand as well as the culture. How would you describe the content on this platform and what are your online intentions?

Tumblr is awesome; been slacking because of a lot of time is being spent on Instagram, too. I respect anyone on Tumblr that can keep the content 100% THEIRS. The guys at Mook Life have done an outstanding job at that! I like old paint, music and chicks with fat asses. If you can relate and like graffiti then follow us at, www.Blockbyeblockink.tumblr.com . Using the internet to help showcase our product and spread the word is the goal, weíre in a golden age of DIY marketing based on the internet thatís so close to the fundamentals of what graffiti was based on that itís stupidly easy for someone with right attitude and a little bit of know how to push anythingÖÖthat being said it will become a shit show of watered down consumer B.S. soon enoughÖÖ.so ride the wave in the meantime, but donít expect anything else but honesty from us!

behind-the-scenes to make this who thing a reality? How does that process work? ?

Block as a reality is fucked (hectic). Itís not my full time job so after being a productive member of society I spend a few hours each day- in the grind- filling bottles, completing orders and doing whatever I have to do in the office. Some days it takes three hours, others itís over 16. To be honest, I don’t always notice the time because this is like painting to me; itís fun and seems natural to work hard at something.

The hardest part of branding Block has been documenting all it. Itís hard for me to stop and document things and be like, ìLOOK! LOOK! THIS IS US!î

I feel nothing is cornier then seeing some douche writer be just that, a douche writer. So honesty has been the main format for not only my graffiti but for my brand, itís really easy to be yourselfÖ..it has awarded me some great things and limited a lot , as I will always speak my mind and do what seems right.

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about to crack (the deal is being worked on as this is being typed). We are willing to work with anyone interested in trying or carrying our product. Spreading the disease [of graffiti] is the goal. Although it was unexpected to have grown internationally, I must admit, weíre all VERY EXCITED at all of the new opportunities coming our way!!!!

BSCI: Before we end this, is there any final message you’d like to leave with the folks reading this interview?

I want to say THANKS to homies in UNC, VC, KPS, LSD, 56, UFOS, GH, AOR, STS, NWK, ETC, POSITIVE APPROACH, UNDER PRESSURE, and PYRAMID SCHEME CLOTHING. There are too many people to mention, but believe us; we havenít forgotten those who have helped!!

Respect to Bombing Science and Matthew Johnson for the opportunity to speak my mind and let the public see whatís going on here behind the scenes. Shouts out to all the shops and to everyone thatís tried our product - without you this wouldnít be possible.

Until next time, weíll be out there doing our thing, no doubt. See you on the block!

BSCI: Apart from the production of new colors, which will be coming out soon, what else can we expect from the company in 2012? Do you have any big projects on the way?

NEW PEN JUST CAME OUT!!! A squeezer just dropped, working on a larger more Kiwi-type-style of pen, too AND OF COURSE SILVER, WHITE AND YELLOW are here and being distributed. Be sure to keep an eye out of the Vimeo/YouTube clips. Weíve spent a lot of time walking blocks with the homies filming and are so excited to drop the rest of the footage!!!!

BSCI: What does the future hold for BBB regarding international business? Do you plan on taking your product to other markets? I know a lot of people would love to get their hands on the ink you’re selling.

Yes we have broken in to some foreign markets; we are now available for sale on the Australian version of Bombing Science called OZ GRAFF, ozgraff.com. We are available for sale in a few shops in the US, we will ship anywhere from our online shop and our homies at BombingScience.com can handle any order anywhere. Brazil is the next market

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than a day, random people can stand around and watch you paint,

If im looking to paint a piece I’ll find a good trackside spot or a spot down by the water where I can chill with a bunch of homies. Or find a nice roof or dark streetside spot where I won’t be seen to paint at night.

BSCI: What about smoking chronic?

Legal: Inhale, exhale, everyday, All day! I smoke trees before and after everything I do. Red eyes on tha prize.

BSCI: Students are on heavy strikes in Quebec over the tuition fees raise. Do you think they are mostly fighting so they can still afford some weed on the daily?

Legal: Yesss!

BSCI: You’re from the west-island, right? Maaaaannn that’s far, how long of a bike ride is it from downtown MontrÈal?

Legal BTH FUNK, from Montreal, has been writing for about 5 years now. This guy’s a beast when it comes to letters, and I hope he shows the way to newer generations. Meet the new west island boss.

BSCI: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What’s really good?

Legal: Thanks for the featuring. The summer in this fine city is what’s good. Lovin’ it!!

BSCI: Why the name legal?

Legal: At first the name Legal was actually an abreviation for «Legalize». After writing it a few times I realized I liked the contradiction of seeing the word ‘legal’ up in illegal spots.

BSCI: If all this graf shit was legal, do you think you’d be into it?

Legal: Aghhh nahh... No way. I’ve painted a legal wall twice ever in my life, I fucking hate it, for obvious reasons.. Shit doesnt run for more

Legal

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ATM were the realest crews in my hood. I used to pass by TSN wall and see burners and pieces by these guys(mostly BBC) when i was young and barely able make out the letters.

Back in the day shit was more real, Now the scene in the west island has changed, Graffiti is all toys. 95% of these kids dont even understand what it is all about.

SMAK: ‘’My dad used to tutor legal and saw him drawing throw-ups and asked him if he wrote. Legal said yeah and then my dad said: ‘’Oh, my son does that too. He writes Smak.’’ Legal thought it was cool and my dad was real proud of me.»

BSCI: Do you think you will follow Smak’s steps and leave graffiti behind to become a full time R’n’B singer?

Legal: Haha I don’t know about that one. I have no musical talent I’m aware of.

BSCI: I see you been doing mad spots with

Legal: Yeah my bike doesn’t leave the west. I used to have one downtown and one at my place. You have to be really motivated to bike your ass for an hour and a half instead of hoping the train or the bus. Although on the wrong day and time, it could take that long for bus too. Fuck the west island.

BSCI: Do you ever pass out at atwater metro waiting for the night bus, and wake up with native drunks spooning with you?

Legal: Ahahaha- I try to stay awake at atwater for reasons like that. I’ve passed out at the night bus stop, woke up in the daylight and had to stumbled to the day bus. Or gotten in fights with the driver or rejected from the night bus, that’s the worst. The natives are cool though.

BSCI: Who are the west island writers prior to you that influenced you into this graffiti thing?

Legal: Smak was someone I was seeing a lot, Enom too. Yusa, Jazz, Oath, all of ATM. When I was coming up I quickly realized that BBC and

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3 are always active and always around. They know how to get busy. Day or night.

BSCI: Is there still always parties at Mos’ cribs? Haven’t been in forever..

Legal: Yeahh I can guarantee you that. Mos is a party man, his mentality; the more homies at the cribs the better. The party will neva stop. Holla!

BSCI: Some people from outta town come here and say we are lucky to have so much graffiti around. What’s your opinion on the current situation in the streets of Montreal?

Legal: Yeahh everywhere you look in Montreal you’ll see graffiti. That’s definitely one of my favorite aspects to the city. In certain hoods more than others, a lot of shit runs for years and sometimes forever until its nice and faded. Nothing better than doing a spot and knowing it’s gonna run! This summer the city went buck and buffed all the highways even throughout every suburb, they buffed spots that had been running since the early 2000’s. Fuck ‘em!

BSCI: I was gonna ask you about legal walls, if they should add some or what not. Then I realized any wall with your piece is a ‘’Legal’’ wall.

Legal: They dont need to put up any more legal walls i been putting up legal walls for them. Jays, still see you everyday, rest in peace my brother.

this guy Jake, ain’t that guy french? I thought peppers and anglos don’t like each other..

Legal: He is one of my favorite homies to paint with because he’s all about having fun. He doesn’t give a fuck and most of the time were laughing throughout the whole night. I’ve got plenty of french friends, thats one thing I love about montreal, all kinds of peoples.

When it comes to getting shit done, Jake is someone I can count on. He’s always down even when we’re smoked out. Definitely one of my favorite homies to paint with and I can’t wait to see how his styles are going to progress.

BSCI: I gotta say, the burners are piff fresh! Your styles are a killer combination, do you work the letters together?

Legal: I check his shit, he checks mine and we give each other little ideas on how to improve. Yeah I guess you can say we work some styles together, but we each doin’ our own thing. We’ve got a mutal respect for each others opinion for sure.

Any critisism is only constructive. Always shooting new ideas at each other over some fat spliffs about future projects and bombing ideas.

BSCI: Who are your other usual partners in crime?

Legal: I paint with Mos, Peace or Jake. These

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