Crayone discovered his passion for spray-can art during his youth, a path that led to fame early in his career. When Hip-Hop culture burst onto the Bay Area scene with groundbreaking documentaries like Style Wars and Wild Style, Crayone was instantly captivated. Initially a breakdancer known as “SpaceGhost,” he embraced the vibrant world of street art after a brief stint in the athletic realm.
As his name “Crayone” gained recognition, he expanded his reach beyond San Francisco, forming the iconic TWS (Together With Style) crew—the first Bay Area spray-can art collective. This group of visionary artists blended fine art, illustration, graphic design, and European influences with San Francisco’s unique lettering style. Together, they transformed spray-can art into an elevated medium that pushed creative boundaries.
Unlike traditional academic art, TWS championed innovation, exclusively welcoming those who mastered the spray can. Their advanced techniques and bold color theories redefined street art, bringing studio-level artistry to urban walls. At a time when most local artists were creating two-dimensional characters, Crayone and TWS pioneered dynamic patterns and designs that introduced an entirely new visual language.
Pre-dating the internet era, Crayone and his crew’s revolutionary style earned widespread admiration and set the benchmark for spray-can art. By merging creativity, vision, and skill, they blazed a trail for future generations, proving the limitless potential of the spray can as a legitimate artistic medium.
Today, Crayone's legacy as a trailblazer in spray-can art continues to inspire, demonstrating the transformative power of passion and innovation.
TWS High Quality Murals were being noticed! In the end while others knew how to do their names in Graffiti letters, Crayone took the Letter Form and brought it to new heights of Abstraction. He was able to put artistic flair and originality into the work. While most of the City Street Artist, were following New York influences, Crayone followed his own dreams and aspirations because he knew this new Medium was not a fad. The New Art Form was here to stay and it was going to change the world. Crayone knew it and wanted to be fully invested so he drank the whole container of this new “Graffiti Kool-Aid!” He dedicated his life to this new Art Form. He kept Painting and eventually, Local, National and International Fame came to this young kid, Painting in San Francisco, CA.
In 1988, Crayone was featured in a book called “SprayCan Art” representing the City of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area and his life was never going to be the same. He was fortunate enough to have accomplished so much at an early age and was represented by several agents before he turned 21. About this time, when he was 19 years old, he found opportunities to create Murals, by Commission from Patrons and started slowly building his Portfolio. Crayone was the first Graffiti Artist from the West Coast to do a one-man show in an established gallery in Palo Alto, Ca. His works was shown in such galleries and museums as the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, The Museum of Modern Art in Los Angeles and the Oakland Art Museum, to name a few. Examples of his work have appeared in many published books; The History of American Graffiti, Freight Train Graffiti, Graffito, SprayCan Art and many others. His newspaper and local TV news exposure is second to none. His videos combined are more than 50 hours unedited. His dedication to the Spray Can Art form now goes back more than 30 years and he can bring the whole media package to a Commission or Exhibition, that only a few can.
The high-quality murals created by TWS (Together With Style) were quickly recognized for their innovation and distinct style. While many artists stuck to creating graffiti names and following the trends of New York, Crayone took graffiti lettering and elevated it to an art form, exploring new heights of abstraction and originality. Crayone believed in the transformative power of graffiti art, embracing it not as a passing fad but as a cultural revolution poised to reshape the world of art.
In 1988, his dedication to the medium earned him a feature in SprayCan Art, representing San Francisco and the Bay Area on an international stage. This recognition marked a turning point in his career, solidifying his reputation and opening doors to new opportunities. By the age of 19, Crayone had begun receiving commissions for murals, carefully crafting a portfolio that showcased his groundbreaking techniques and vibrant vision.
Crayone was not just a graffiti artist; he was a pioneer. He became the first West Coast graffiti artist to hold a solo exhibition in an established gallery in Palo Alto, CA. His work was later displayed in prestigious venues, including the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, the Museum of Modern Art in Los Angeles, and the Oakland Museum of California.
His influence extended beyond galleries. Crayone’s work and story have been featured in numerous books, such as The History of American Graffiti, Freight Train Graffiti, Graffito, and SprayCan Art. With unmatched exposure in newspapers, TV news, and over 50 hours of video content, his impact on the art form is undeniable.
Now with more than 30 years of experience, Crayone’s commitment to the spray-can medium remains unwavering. His journey from a young artist painting the streets of San Francisco to an internationally recognized icon underscores the potential of graffiti as fine art. Whether through commissions or exhibitions, Crayone continues to bring unparalleled expertise and passion to every project, inspiring future generations to see graffiti as more than an art form—it’s a movement.
While Crayone’s passion for painting never waned, his artistic journey also included ventures that broadened his skills and perspectives. Between 1989 and 1991, he attended the Al Collins School of Design in Tempe, Arizona, to study graphic design. He then pursued Fine Art at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California (CCAC). These educational experiences laid the foundation for Crayone to promote and sustain his work more effectively over the years.
In 1992, he ventured to Southeast Alaska, working at fish canneries during the salmon season, an experience that further shaped his resilience and work ethic. By 1995, Crayone embraced the digital revolution, creating website designs for companies such as hip-hop.com, hiphop-network.com, and his own platform, crayone.com.
From 1999 to 2011, Crayone balanced his role as a graphic designer and art director with commissioned mural work. This dual path not only provided him with a steady income but also allowed him to continue expressing his vision through large-scale public art.
One of his recent notable works is the "Dharma House" Mural at Mission and 22nd Street in San Francisco. This commission celebrates global icons of peace, equality, and goodwill, featuring figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi. The mural aligns deeply with Crayone’s own vision of fostering harmony, kindness, and healing for all living beings and the planet.
Crayone’s ability to adapt and thrive across various mediums and projects underscores his enduring impact on both the art world and his community. Through every venture, his commitment to creating a positive, inspiring legacy remains at the heart of his work.
From 2011 to 2016, Crayone dedicated himself to freelancing as a muralist and graphic designer. It was during this time that a new chapter began—he was hired as a San Francisco firefighter. His journey toward becoming a firefighter, however, started decades earlier. In 1989 and again in 1993, Crayone took the firefighter exam but did not pass. Despite this setback, his determination never wavered.
In 2006, Crayone reignited his dream. He returned to school to earn Fire Science course credits, completed the local community college fire academy, and immersed himself in volunteer work with charity organizations, giving back to communities in need. Along the way, he earned his EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification, balancing these efforts with his ongoing art career. Through his work with Precita Eyes Mural Center, Crayone also guided young taggers toward creating positive, community-beautifying murals—a role that exemplified his commitment to mentorship and public service.
For Crayone, creating art has always been about more than earning a living. While being a professional muralist is fulfilling, his greatest joy comes from using his talent to uplift the marginalized and spark meaningful conversations. Through his vibrant murals, he addresses issues of youth, culture, community, and safety, infusing each project with purpose and advocacy.
Today, as both an artist and firefighter, Crayone is living the dream in every sense. He serves the city where he grew up—San Francisco—both by protecting lives and property and by transforming public spaces into dynamic canvases of expression. His dual roles allow him to contribute in unique and impactful ways, blending his creative vision with his commitment to service. Crayone is a shining example of how one can bring color, meaning, and positive change to the world.