Mare 139 Feedback

Firstly if you have no idea who this very respected and world famous New York style writer Mare 139 is please do yourself the favor and educate yourself. You can read a brief bio written by Henry Chalfant (the man behind the classic documentary “Style Wars“) on Mare 139.


This was taken from his original blog on 12ozprophet.com


“EAZ One has produced what I consider a significant modern Style Writing (graffiti) reference that lifts the veil from the once sacred art of Style Writing and spray painting. His 2 volume DVD collection The Future of Graffiti – Wild Style Lettering and Painting Techniques showcases his unique talents not just as a graffiti muralist but as an accomplished 3D animator and producer, this hybrid talent shows how far artists of this genre have evolved. In the sci fi introduction to the DVD I got the sense that he means what he titles the future of Graffiti in which the future knows no boundaries but will still be looking back to its glorious past and traditions in order to move forward.

He lays out some good foundations about harnessing the essentials of lettering styles by breaking down forms and functions of connections as well as how it relates to typography, this was something I especially liked in the animation how he translated a type face to the the wild style letter he drafted. This is helpful in understanding the decoding of names as well as constructing them. I would have liked a more in-depth connection to typography and terminology as this is also a very relative association to todays art schooled writers. For a veteran like myself who still practices the art of Style Writing I found his approach easy and well balanced, his explanation of his particular style methods and his openness to interpretation made his work available to me to build on, this is a key thing since writers tend to act like they have the holy grail of style writing under lock and key. Knowing that we build upon our history and that no one is totally original as he points out makes these lessons invaluable if his intent is understood. His emphasis on reworking letters from many angles and reinterpreting letters from each other is also a little underestimated technique which I find even I dont utilize as I should.

For a novice this is a high recommendation, its a good overview and reference to build upon whether you like EAZ’s lettering style or not, this is about critical foundation lessons that we all have developed in our style over the many years of writing history. As a seasoned writer I appreciate his effort to educate and share the art form in this format which is for our time. I myself was educated on trains and blackbooks and had a small photo file to learn from as well as the apprenticeships with style masters like Kel First, Dondi, Duro, and others, this DVD set would constitute an apprenticeship reference that a young artist can return to over and over again.

His painting techniques are well documented as are his productions and collaborations with top writers like Ces and Serve, there is no disputing this mans talent and desire to keep the art moving forward and he wants us all along for the ride. I dont paint or care for it as much as Style Writing but after viewing this DVD I gained a bit of confidence to try something different. Anyone who picks up the lessons should not expect to be at his level- that said it should provide you with the necessary background of the do’s and dont’s.

Considering how I came into this art form in the mid 70s and to where we are now I am rather impressed at the dedication of EAZ in putting out this professional quality production that is a focused effort to understand style writing the most valued and innovative aspect of the genre.

Each One Teach One

Go cop it.”


I am truly honored to be recognized by a well established and revered artist such as yourself. Your understanding as to why I make these DVDs brings me a true feeling of validation. I hope to keep bringing this series forward to hopefully inspire the future of graffiti.

Thank you Mare 139 for your words of wisdom brother!!!

visit mare139.com or his blog at 12ozprophet.com


- Mr Eaz One