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I went to the Within Art Show, which showcases urban art done by females, at the Crash Mansion in downtown LA. That's where I got to meet the female graffiti artist, TOOFLY. Here's her Young & Motivated interview where she discusses what it takes to be an artist...especially as a female player in a male-dominated art scene.

A: We want to get to know you a little better so describe in your own words the type of art you produce.
TF: I’m a graffiti artist, painting since 1992--also called a tagger. I paint in public with permission…my art is urban, New York, and edgy.
A: How did you get started in this?
TF: I started in high school. I was a self-taught artist being influenced by other graffiti artists. Definitely influenced by all the guys that were doing graffiti. At the time, there were no women representing [during high school 92-95].
A: What made you realize that this was what you wanted to do with your life?
TF: Turning point was in art school. People liked my characters…I was doing logos for people and ended up working for people like DMX. I realized I could do graphic design well and that urban art was what I liked.
A: Who inspired you? Who do you admire now?
TF: I was influenced by all sorts of women—women in fashion to women in comics. Now, the people who inspire me are women who are rising…the ones empowering the younger generation.
A: I read in your bio that you developed a knack for hand styles. Describe this for us.
TF: Graffiti is rooted in a style of writing on the wall. Basically, every artist has his or her own style. Mine’s feminine but with hard lines so that it’s still edgy…it’s “Toofly.” My style is edgy and sharp…fluid and hard.
A: Some people say you don’t need art school to make art. You went to SVA. Did the school impact you in any way?
Do you recommend school?
TF: School’s good for structure…I needed it to learn how to use the computer and graphic design. However, college is not going to give me the soul, the spirit of my artistry. So school is good for technical reasons and you get to learn from the classes, but you get more from your personal experience.
A: Where do you draw the inspiration for your artwork?
TF: Females…they’re the images in my work. They’re more emotional, deeper…emotionally charged and mature. When I see a dope image in a magazine, I take that and make it like me—a woman of color.
A: Talk about the challenges about being an artist. Can you make a living off it?
TF: It’s hard to have financial backing without people’s opinion getting in the way. I don‘t want to sell out but at the same time, I want to reach a larger public. Basically, it’s commercialism vs. independence. Can I make a living off it? I’m not rich but I do have it steady [income]. Then there’s the cost of living in NYC, and I’m thinking about other gigs, but I don’t want to get sucked in because I don’t want to sell out.
A: What advice can you give someone that wants to go a similar path?
TF: Practice makes perfect. Experience. Experiment with many things…world elements…and float with it. Study the history, do your homework, and stay true to your art.
A: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
TF: With kids.
A: Didn’t see that coming [smiles].
TF: Yeah, I’ve been with my boyfriend for 11 years, and now I want to have kids. Build them little worlds where I can inspire them.
A: How about 10 years from now?
TF: Probably having kids, raising them. But I want to have a business established, so I can pass it on. I also want to work with different people and new projects. I’d like to change the world and help it.

For more info about Toofly, visit:

http://www.tooflynyc.com/

All photos by Francine Yang