CINEL

I write Cinel. I’ve been writing my name since 2009. My older brother got me into it at a young age, so most of my monumental childhood memories involved graffiti in some way or another.
I’m based out of Vancouver, Canada but have painted in a few countries now.

I’m heavily influenced by the style innovators of the early 2010’s. It was a time when the OG’s were trying to latch onto the traditional brands of paint while new brands catered specifically for graffiti were coming out. Some cats were really pushing the limits with what was traditionally possible In graffiti, so I find myself revisiting that same transitional era in time on a creative level. I remember seeing what people like Sofles, Does, Mad-C, and MSK crew were doing and instantly knew that’s where I wanted to take this one day. At that time, I couldn’t find that type of inspiration from people in my city so I was always looking outwards rather than in.

I used to get ragged all the time when I first started to get serious. A lot of people who didn’t know me just looked at, and still look at me, as some young dumb kid. That’s life. I laugh now because youth is really the main motivator in this game, so having a head start really helped. I was always told I had no style, or didn’t really have one I could coin as mine. 16 year old me would’ve hated to hear that. Now, it’s the biggest compliment. I hate painting the same thing over and over, it just doesn’t scratch my brain the way it needs to be. I like to try things that require a bit more finesse, maybe it’s a piece I’ve turned into a wholecar or a regular sized panel that involves mashed up styles – either way I chase the feeling of creative anxiety when I paint. If I don’t feel anxious about every single next move I make while painting then I know I’m not pushing myself hard enough. I’m always thinking bigger, brighter, bolder, and cleaner. Every piece, every time. Easier said than done though that’s for true. At this point I’m just trying to come correct and do this game proper while staying true to my creative essence.