Spotlight on YAFies: Devil

Devil
Graffiti writer and artist with HK Urban Canvas

Why did you choose “Devil” as your artist name?
If you read the word “Devil” backwards, it’s “Lived”. Since graffiti changed my life, I use “Devil” as my artist name.

How did you start doing graffiti?
When I was about nineteen years old, I bought some spray paint with a group of friends and decided to give it a try. Then I fell in love with graffiti and started my own practice during holidays or weekends.

What fascinates you most about graffiti?
I love the challenge to get my work recognised by working harder on my artistic and graffiti skills. I don't need everyone to understand my work. It’s joyful enough to know my work has amazed or impressed others with just the visual presentation.

Which shutter artwork made the biggest impression on you?

The one I did at Vision Signage Production in Yau Ma Tei. I like the bold cartoon style of this work. I got to know Mr Xian, the owner of the shop, in 2018 through HK Urban Canvas and we became good friends. I talk to him about work from time to time and he generously shares his knowledge and techniques. Sometimes he even improves my drafts. You don’t get this kind of human connection in commercial chain stores.

How did you transfer your artwork draft to the shutter?

My method was to use technology. First, I drew tiny symbols on the shutter and took a picture with my phone. Then I used a mobile app to transform the picture into a translucent image, projected it onto the shutter from my phone, and traced it.

What’s the most challenging part of creating shutter artwork?
The biggest challenge is to use my creative visualisation to tell a story that meets the expectations of both the organiser and the shop owner. It’s not easy to find that balance. The other challenge is not having time to eat, drink or go to the bathroom – because we have to work in the early morning when the shop is closed!

Some artists hide secret messages in their artworks. Have you ever done that?
My dad passed away in 2019. Since then I’ve been hiding the word “Family” in my work to commemorate him.

If you could do graffiti anywhere, where would it be?
I’d love to paint graffiti on a plane – you rarely see graffiti on planes anywhere in the world.

What advice do you have for teenagers who are also passionate about graffiti?
Dreams don’t become reality unless you act. We need to take action to get where we want to be.

How do you imagine yourself in 10 years?
​I want to have stopped doing commercial work. I hope to have more time to myself to just create what I want.