Street art and graffiti are often viewed as art forms rooted in rebellion, a way to express unconventional ideas in public spaces. With their vibrant colors, bold styles, and transformative power, these mediums share a unique kinship with cartoons, especially those that challenge traditional boundaries. In creating Little Red and Vandal Wolf, I sought to celebrate this connection by merging graffiti's visual styles and creative energy with the whimsical storytelling of cartoons.
The influence of pioneering artists like Vaughn Bodé in graffiti and comic art is undeniable. His imaginative characters and innovative style have inspired generations of artists to explore the crossover between street art and comics. Bodé’s work showed that cartoons could have an edge and a narrative depth, contributing to the creative language of graffiti. This spirit helped shape Vandal Wolf’s rebellious and expressive personality in my story, bringing a playful yet daring energy to the character.
In Little Red and Vandal Wolf, the characters reflect this blend of charm and defiance. Vandal Wolf channels the freedom and boldness of graffiti—unapologetically creative and always leaving an impression. Meanwhile, Little Red embodies the timeless appeal of classic cartoons, reimagined to venture into Vandal’s vibrant, unconventional world. Together, they explore themes of self-expression, creativity, and the surprising ways art can challenge and inspire us.
Through their adventures, I aimed to introduce young readers (and those young at heart) to the artistry and history behind graffiti and street art. Cartoons have long served as a storytelling medium for audiences of all ages, while graffiti and street art have offered a voice to those often overlooked. By combining these two art forms, Little Red and Vandal Wolf invite readers to see art as something rebellious, colorful, and boundless—just like the characters themselves.