Urban World

Designer Focus: Mr KaBz

Urbanworld catches up with Mr Kabz, a graffiti artist whose turned his hand to clothing designs.

So Mr KaBz, let's start with who you are, making sure to tell us where you got that name from :-)
Hello Urban World, How are you, hope you're doing well.
Mr. KaBz is - An Individual, A Persona, and A Brand.
I'm an individual who started creating ideas using my perception and appreciation of my surroundings. My nickname KaBz, which my friends and family use, is always going to stay with me so by adding a ‘Mr.' makes it more recognisable and signifies importance.

How did you learn this art and/or when did you discover you had this talent?
At a very young age I have always been intrigued by the culture of the 80s era, hip hop, street dance and graffiti art. I was always scribbling whenever I could at a young age, this really encouraged me to pursue art more seriously which helped me to develop myself and build a foundation. The key is the power of knowledge, anybody can do or learn something if they are willing to invest their time and energy, and focus seriously. I carried out countless research, observing the whole culture, learning graffiti art and how to use the airbrush. Also Practice does indeed make perfect, well I'm not exactly saying I'm perfect but I truly have come a long way since I have started this process.

I've seen a few of your designs and think that you are quite creative. But I've seen a lot of graffiti artists turn their talent to clothing. What makes you different (or maybe better) than the rest?
Well graffiti is very personal to every graffiti artist; it's their artwork that represents their perception of art and most importantly their signature. I would say my work is different as I try and use styles, colour themes and fonts that are unique in their own but still something that people can relate to. I want to depict the ‘Old Skool' notion like when Fresh Prince of Bel Air first started; that was OLD SKOOL. I guess a lot of people like my work because of the colour schemes and fonts which tend to be quite vibrant and ‘out there' so to speak. A lot of my customers appreciate the uniqueness of the designs that I create for them, it's customized to their distinctive taste yet it still contains Mr. KaBz's mark.

Tell us about your favourite design
I don't really a favourite design to be honest; my designs tend to differ. What I appreciate are the lettering styles, effects and colour I put into each design. But I have to say the microphone design has to be on the top of the list. That was the creative spark which encouraged me to start designing on clothes. It came from a quick doodle in lecture room at university onto a printed t shirt I designed in Camden. This was definitely the start of not just a new hobby and interest but maybe even a business to create clothing.

Who would you like to see wearing your clothes?
I love to see anyone wearing my clothes. I think that my designs are definitely universal and they can be adapted to fit all ages and people. A lot of people who take an interest in my clothing are mainly musicians and street dancers, so you could say that is the main market however I absolutely want to expand on this. I would definitely though be very proud if musicians in the high life were to wear my clothes, so any chance you can hook that up lol?! Let's say Kanye or Lil Wayne?! :P