Research Question: What does the graffiti artists' composing process look like?
- Create your thesis (how would you answer that question in on sentence?)
Any project on this scale requires a graffiti artist to have a group of fellow artists with SEEN as a supervisor.
- Locate a moment, regather the data/evidence, and then describe what happened in detail.
SEEN is standing back from the wall and guiding others with a outline drawn on a separate piece of paper, which he holds. He is using language like, "Believe me" and pointing out where to start on the wall. He is also answering questions and concerns from co-artists.
- Interpret the data, make sense of it for readers. (what do you want us to notice?)
SEEN's physical use of the finger and the tone of his voice tells us what is and what is not important to the art overall. He intensives his tone when NICK questions the color scheme to demonstrate that he is in charge and that this is his project. It is also important to note that SEEN may not be this commanding or reserved when he is off camera. Regardless, the co-artists don't waste time arguing with SEEN for long because their body language he is in charge.
- IDing testimony that confirms or analysis your findings and why is it significant.
This kind of structure is common in the graffiti world. Richard Lachmann in an American Journal of Sociology study tells readers, "By accompanying a mentor, who points out his own work and that of other writers known to him, the novice learns that there is an audience for graffiti." The same is seen in SEEN's group. In our case the mentor is the supervisor. NICK questions the color and BOY questions the size, but SEEN feels that if both are done to his plan then it will be worthy enough to be shown on the video documentry. This is significant because it fights a sterotype that graffiti artisits are smiple punks with some sparypaint. SEEN is well organized with a plan and a vision which need mulitple artist to grow into a presentable piece of art.
