ignition.ac.nz | graffiti art
Visual Communication Design student Wongi ‘Freak’ Wilson, further explores his creative potential. Why did you come to CPIT and study design? I had been practicing my art for a few years, and had already had a few exhibitions, but I just wanted to extend myself and take it all further. Originally I started off in Visual Arts because I wanted to add to what I already knew, but then I switched over to Visual Communication to reach in to a whole new realm, and learn something new. I still utilise my creative potential, just in a different way.
What would you consider your favourite part about the course? I love the type work so far, especially the project last year - 42nd Street. Playing around with the letter forms and learning a more commercial way of thinking about the design of type. The graphics and communication classes are also really helpful with finding other angles I can explore. Its good and I enjoy it, but they are really challenging. I often struggle with layout in class because, with the walls, normally you try to fill up all the space so there are no obvious gaps for a kid to tag. So these classes are doing a good job of helping me actually get out of that habit and embrace negative space a little more.
18 | ignition
Opinion on Banksy?
“ No matter what people say, or how many people say it. If you love it, and it’s what you want to do, keep at it”
Back in the day I wasn’t a huge fan of his stuff, but now that I’m older and I’ve gained more maturity I guess my opinion has changed. Its amazing, the guy’s making a huge income from his graffiti art, the only difference is he cuts stencils and does his art that way on the street. The best thing about him is that its so secret, his name and everything, and his tight circle of friends that have all that trust in one another to keep his identity under wraps.