18 May 2018

Selebi Phikwe born Abel Peter is making ends meet by decorating garments, shoes and bags with stylish writings and graffiti style paintings.

The 25-year-old, who stays at Pilane, says he started painting in 2015 after being inspired by works of a Russian tattooist, Marco Manzo.

“After that inspiration, I explored how best I could do graffiti style painting by watching some video clips on YouTube, checking out some background of artworks in soapies such as Generations and Scandal and going for art exhibitions.

I was motivated to start trying out graffiti style paintings and it was not that difficult since I did art at school,” he said.

The young man says he applies graffiti, which is normally used on walls and surfaces in public places, on canvas shoes, jeans and bags, and that his clients are mostly from Gaborone and surrounding areas, hence his decision to relocate to a nearer village.

Peter, who currently operates from home, appreciates that it was never smooth operating a business, and said he intends to move out and establish a bigger structure.

He also explained that his business is doing well although it is seasonal.

“During low seasons sometimes I am forced to reduce prices to keep going,” he said.

“For those unemployed, but having talent in art, they should consider using it to improve their lives rather than staying home with nothing to do, since it can really transform one’s life,” he advised.  

The young artist says social media has made it easy for him to market his business, saying he often posts his work on Facebook and other mediums, including word of mouth to advertise his work.
Referrals from satisfied clients also help a lot.

Peter says establishing a business requires someone who is willing to take risks, adding that he is willing to help those with the same passion for graffiti to unleash their potential. Ends