Graffiti writer turned digital illustrator and muralist Spen Oner talks Vegas’ scene, street art and more

When I was arrested for graffiti, my mom told me, ‘You can keep doing art; you just have to find a way to make money off of it’.” The rebellious subculture has provided a platform for self-expression, political messages and territorial claims and, today, can be used as inspiration for various commissions. Yet, graffiti’s vibrant legacy is complex; associated with gangs and vandalism, it often leads to arrests and controversy, and historically it has had to fight for respect in the art world. A local digital illustrator and muralist, Spen Oner —he goes by Spen—knows this firsthand, having repurposed his graffiti background into a professional career. Spen’s vibrant style and characters are influenced by the cartoons and anime he watches and by the ‘80s B-boy style of his late business partner and friend Mex One. These standout attributes are showcased throughout Las Vegas—on murals, event flyers, billboards and more. His work is also sought after by local and national companies. Spen embodies graffiti’s evolution into a celebrated form of artistic expression, enriching public spaces and challenging conventional notions of art. Can you share a bit about your journey from being a graffiti writer to becoming a digital artist and muralist?...