GRAFF.FUNK MEETS - SKOFE (MEXICO)

An Interview series with writers from all around the globe. This time: Skofe from Mexico.

Skofe is one of the household names when it comes to graffiti from Mexico. The country is on our list for a long time and so is the incredible work of Skofe. We are happy that he answered some questions for our magazine. All eyes on Skofe, all eyes on Mexico.

Name: SKOFE Crews: NBC , BOS , LTS City/Region: Mexico writing since: 1999

All artworks by SKOFE on Grafffunk SKOFE on Instagram SKOFE online

What does writing and graffiti mean to you? Which part of your daily life involves graffiti?

Skofe, Mexico, 2021

Graffiti for me is a lifestyle, it’s the streets, and vandalism. It occupies every moment of my life 24/7, whether I’m on my lunch break or taking my kids to school! Whenever I get a chance I paint.

Skofe, Mexico, 2022

What was your first contact with graffiti? How did it all start?

My first contact with graffiti was when I was about 11 years old. Los Angeles is a big city with a lot of graffiti. After that, it was a wrap.

Tell us something about your home country: the graffiti scene, the spots, and the possibilities to paint in Mexico. How is it with the authorities, laws, and police in Mexico? What does a local writer have to fear?

Mexico is crazy. It is easy to paint graffiti because the cops are more focused on getting the drug cartels. But if the cops catch you, best believe you're getting taxed or beat up. But besides that, it’s all gravy! Mexico is a big playground.

Skofe, bos, nbc, LTS, Mexico, 2021

Skofe, Mexico, 2021

When we look at your social media channels, we see a lot of risky actions and a huge follower base. Are you always well-prepared or do you just not give a f**? Does it always go well?

Sometimes I am prepared, but the majority of the time I’m not! I’m really busy with work and family stuff! I look at spots and right away I’m like, I need to catch this! I always think big and trust that sometimes when you don’t plan, it comes out better in the end.

Skofe, bos, nbc, LTS, Mexico, 2021

Is your personal style influenced by your home city? Is there a special style Tijuana stands for? Does the location close to the US border play a role?

My style is definitely influenced by Los Angeles. But I’ve been in Tijuana for 14 years now, so I can say it developed here. Tijuana is known for TREPES. It’s like a hangover spot! They kill it out here with those tags!

Skofe, bos, nbc, LTS, Mexico, 2021

What is your point of view on the local writer scene in Mexico? Is there beef, or is it a good community? What communities and crews are you gathering with?

It’s definitely a good community, but it’s graffiti. So it comes with a big package: beef, haters, fights, drama.

In your eyes: What is the future of graffiti? What do you wish for?

Shit, the future? I don’t know. Maybe our pieces will actually be moving or glowing on the wall, hahaha. I just want to paint big, take it to the next level, do stuff that people haven’t really seen before, get creative, and think outside the box!

Skofe, bos, nbc, LTS, Mexico, 2021

Skofe, peok, mode, Mexico, 2021