Sancler Graffit found art to be a journey of overcoming and transformation. From his first scribbles on sheets of bond paper to the spotlight of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, his career is marked by persistence and innovation.
With humble beginnings, Sancler turned to airbrushing as a way to express his creativity. Little by little, he gained recognition in his hometown, Mogi Guaçu, and expanded his horizons to Japan, where he faced linguistic and cultural challenges, but maintained his unwavering vision.
Customizing sneakers became his new passion, opening doors to collaborations with celebrities like Anderson Silva, Muggsy Bogues and Rafaella Santos. The pandemic didn’t stop him; on the contrary, it inspired him to reinvent himself and create exclusive pieces that conquered the world.
His achievements don’t stop there. Sancler went beyond the streets, taking his art to renowned galleries and prestigious museums. His participation in the Zen Art event at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum and public recognition were undeniable milestones in his career.
With exciting future projects, Sancler is determined to continue his successful journey. Collaborations with renowned brands and innovative art exhibitions are on the horizon, promising to inspire and delight audiences with their art in motion.
From the days of sheets of paper to international art galleries, Sancler proves that art is a universal language, capable of transforming lives and transcending borders. His story is a living testimony to the power of determination and passion for creation.
If you don’t know Sancler yet , prepare to be surprised. Your journey is an inspiration to us all, showing that with dedication and talent, dreams can become reality.
Sancler , could you share more about how you got started in the art of airbrushing and what inspired you to become an expert in this field?
My first contact with drawing was through sheets of bond paper that my father brought from the paper and cellulose factory where he worked. At that time, our financial situation was very precarious, and I had no toys. So, he used these sheets to draw faces of famous or historical people that he found in textbooks; I was only ten years old. Four years later, I started practicing airbrushing. Although he hadn’t yet mastered the techniques, he was determined to apply this art to helmets, bicycles and Discmans.
In 1998, I held my first art exhibition at the Almerinda Rodrigues school in Mogi Guaçu, SP, and the following year, I held a solo exhibition at the Cecilia Meireles library in Mauá, SP. I remember paying the bus ticket for a friend to accompany me and help transport the paintings. It was a challenging journey: we left the Mogi Guaçu bus station and traveled more than four hours with the paintings in bag carriers. Some of the frames’ glass broke and some wooden frames were damaged during the journey. However, despite the difficulties, it was gratifying to see my work hanging on the walls of the exhibition. It was at that moment that I felt I could achieve great things.
I then decided to become a professional and specialize in automotive airbrushing, customizing car parts with my art and colors. It was a success in the city, and people still remember it today. What inspired me to become an airbrushing specialist was my passion for the art and the desire to become a reference as a fine artist worldwide.
What was the transition like from working in factories in Japan to opening your own studio and dedicating yourself to airbrushing full time?
Moving to Japan was a considerable challenge for two main reasons: the first was the Japanese language, which I hadn’t yet mastered; the second was to attract the native public to my studio and gain acceptance of my work in the local culture.
Despite the doubts of many, I kept my faith and dedicated myself entirely to the project. I worked hard, attending custom car events and meets almost every weekend in nearby cities. With perseverance, I overcame adversity, conquering my space and attracting Japanese clients.
You mentioned that you customized sneakers for different personalities during the pandemic. What was that experience like and what was people’s reaction when they received your exclusive pieces?
During the pandemic, when I realized that everything was changing radically, I saw signs on TV and social media indicating that the economy would take a big hit. With that, I understood that people would stop spending money on customized cars or other products in the segment. It was then that I decided to change direction, choosing to work as a truck driver, an alternative that paid well. I also sold some cars to keep my bills up to date and invested in my new business plan: customizing sneakers and collaborating with some celebrities.
I created some sneakers with exclusive artwork for celebrities, and that’s how I started receiving support and constructive criticism. Despite the challenges, I didn’t give up and ended up reaping the rewards of my efforts.
Attending Sneakercon in Osaka and launching her art at Trax jewelry store in New York are impressive milestones. What did these opportunities mean to you and how did they impact your career?
Attending Sneakercon in Osaka was a surreal and challenging experience; There, I performed live tennis art, and the result was extraordinary. Subsequently, launching my works at Traxnyc in New York was practically a dream come true. Coincidentally, they were promoting the release of the film ” Uncut Gems ” on Netflix, starring Adam Sandler, in January 2020. The owner of the jewelry store, who I had become friends with through messages, encouraged me to send all three paintings to New York, promising to promote them in person. The excitement was so much so that I could barely sleep, of course, out of happiness.
Not only did these events have exceptional significance in my personal life, but they also made a huge impact among my audience. Publications about my artistic achievements not only boosted my sales, but also opened doors for museum exhibitions, due to the relevance that my works acquired at the time.
Could you share a little about your participation in the Zen exhibition and having your paintings displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art? How was this experience?
My participation in the Zen Art event at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum was a monumental challenge, as they are extremely selective and detail-oriented. For five years in a row, I tried to enter this event, and was always told that my work was not suitable for the museum. But I kept faith and persisted. A significant change happened when I updated my portfolio, including my collaboration with jewelry company Traxnyc and my participation in Sneakercon . It seems like this completely changed the game—suddenly, my works were accepted!
Finally, my six paintings were not only exhibited, but also won the competition promoted in partnership between Greece and Japan, receiving the highest vote from the public present at the museum. The experience of seeing all my work publicly exhibited was sensational and, without a doubt, the highlight of my career so far, winning at this prestigious event alongside big names in art.
You mentioned customizing sneakers for celebrities like Anderson Silva, Muggsy Bogues and Rafaella Santos. Is there any interesting story behind these collaborations?
Yes, there are some remarkable stories. For example, I was inspired by Anderson Silva when he was the UFC world MMA champion. The fight against Chael Sonnen 2 was particularly exciting. Seeing Anderson win and his children supporting him in the octagon touched me deeply, especially at a time when I was thinking about giving up my boxing career. That victory and the journey there made me rethink and feel ashamed for wanting to give up.
As for the legendary Muggsy Bogues , former NBA player, had the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream. Since 1998, I have kept a collector’s card with his image. Making a custom sneaker for him, incorporating details he appreciates and the bee logo of the Charlotte Hornets, the team he played for for many years, was a true privilege.
The order for Rafaella Santos was also special. I reproduced the tattoos she has on her body and created a personalized avatar for her, which resulted in a unique sneaker. She posted about it on social media, showing the details and expressing her satisfaction. For me, the most important thing is seeing people’s happiness when they receive art that evokes nostalgia and personal meaning.
What is your creative process like when customizing sneakers? Do you follow a specific theme or let your creativity flow freely?
In my creative process, I prefer to be alone to stay focused. I don’t follow a fixed theme; my inspiration comes from seeking to capture the essence of each client’s personal tastes or nostalgic memories. This way, I can touch their hearts through art.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an airbrush artist and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I face is the prejudice of some museum curators, who still insist that airbrushed art is not a legitimate form of art. I overcome these obstacles by defying these arbitrarily imposed rules and proving to myself how far I can go without being stopped.
In your opinion, what is the role of sneaker customization in today’s fashion and streetwear culture?
Sneaker customization plays a crucial role in contemporary fashion culture, elevating the basic to the extraordinary. In the streetwear scene, I have the opportunity to take my works, which are in museums around the world, to the streets through the customization of sneakers. In this way, I transform ordinary shoes into true art exhibitions that can be enjoyed by the everyday public on the streets.
What are your plans and goals for the future in relation to your art and your career as an airbrushing specialist?
This year, I will be launching some sneaker and flip-flop collaborations with my artwork, with themes that celebrate Brazilianness in partnership with the brands Rainha and Topper Brasil. My work aims to bring innovation and rejuvenation to brands by incorporating my vibrant and exclusive artwork into their collections.
An example of this was the collaboration with the Rainha brand for this year’s Carnival, with a limited edition inspired by the Frevo theme, which sold out in just 24 hours, being an absolute success.
Additionally, I am planning an art exhibition in Brazil, combined with a fashion show featuring customized clothing pieces featuring my graffiti- style artwork. airbrushed . It will be a unique opportunity to show my art in different forms and contexts.
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