For Kevin Boudreau, creativity was never meant to stay confined to paper.
Inspired early on by graffiti, skate culture, and the textures of everyday surfaces, his work explores how characters can interact with the objects and spaces around them—from walls and skateboards to scrap wood and found materials.
In this interview, he reflects on his first experiences painting beyond the page, the spontaneity behind his process, and why unconventional surfaces continue to shape his art.
Where it Starts
What first drew you to drawing on objects like boards, signs, or walls? What attracts you to unconventional surfaces?
I’ve always been drawn to the look of graffiti on different surfaces. Eventually when I developed my style and characters I found it fun to see how they could interact on different surfaces. I enjoy seeing the shape or texture of a surface and thinking about what kind of character would work well on it. I’ve always drawn on found objects like pizza boxes at parties, scrap wood, or really anything I can find. To me it’s just a more interesting look, rather than always on a canvas.
Do you remember the first time you moved beyond paper?
I remember painting a character on my wall in middle school with acrylic paint. I think I was in 6th or 7th grade and I painted a skater doing a trick. I wish I had pictures but it was back in the 90s and I didn’t have a camera haha. That was probably the first time I went off paper and it was so fun! From there I remember painting one of my skateboards. Eventually it lead to spray paint and paint markers on anything I found. From there I also fell into tattooing full time. So I’m basically always creating on unique surfaces.
Do your characters come from sketches, or do they develop directly on the surface?
This varies every time I paint. Sometimes I like to use my sketches to recreate onto another surface. However there’s plenty of times I enjoy making it up on the spot.
Could you share your favorite piece of work at this stage and introduce it briefly?
Haha I don’t think I have favorites. I fall in and out of love with my work all the time. It’s a constant battle that keeps me creating more.
How do you decide what surface a piece belongs on? Do different surfaces lead to different kinds of ideas?
I would say I instead decide what piece goes on what surface. If I have a long vertical character in mind it will most likely fit well on a skateboard. I always try to relate shape and size together for a pleasing outcome.
Line, Color, and Surface
How do you begin a piece—does it start with line, color, or character?
I always begin in my head. I try to envision a loose concept. From there I begin the sketch stage. Sometimes this is right on the surface. Sometimes I presketch in a book, scrap paper, or iPad. Then typically color and linework.
Do different surfaces affect how your lines and colors behave?
Some surfaces can soak in the paint so I have to prime it more. Some surfaces are very textured so it may affect the linework. With skateboards the top and bottom are curved so there may be a weird angle. With tattooing the ink is in the second layer of skin. Since we view through the top layer the colors can definitely have tints to them. There’s a slight learning curve with every surface but the important thing is to adapt accordingly.
How do you adapt your process when moving from small objects to walls?
Spray paint! Haha I love using spray paint for large walls. In my opinion it’s the fastest medium for large areas. However, I can’t spray or work as effectively with it on small surfaces. I can get a pretty large wall done in a day, but the odd thing is a skateboard might take me longer to paint with acrylics. The blends happen so quickly with spray paint, but acrylic takes so many tedious layers.
What stood out to you when working with Artify brushes?
I’ve used some pretty expensive top of the line brushes and these are easily comparable if not better for certain areas. I was extremely impressed by the lining brushes.
What do you look for in tools when working across different materials?
I look for consistency and durability.
Expanding the Work
How do you see your work evolving across different surfaces? Are there new materials or spaces you want to explore next?
I basically paint on any surface so I am excited to continue to do so and learn as my art evolves.
How would you like people to encounter your work in the future?
I really enjoy when people discover my murals. They’re typically very large goofy characters that I hope continue to brighten people’s day. I love seeing people stop to take pictures with my characters and share a joyful moment. I’d also love to have more of my smaller pieces in gallery spaces.
Do your characters belong to a larger world or universe?
Haha my characters are just goofy creations from my head. The viewer can most likely see inspirations from my youth. Such as characters on cereal boxes, cartoons, or movies. I take my inspirations and try to make something unique to me.
How do you see your visual language developing over time?
I just try my best to learn. I focus on what works just as much as what has not worked. I apply those lessons to every piece to continue growing.
What direction feels most natural for you right now?
At the moment I’ve been focused on painting what I enjoy. There’s always the battle of trying to create what I think others want to see so I can make a living. However, at the moment I’d like to create what I enjoy and hope there’s an audience that enjoys that just as much as I do.
Whether painted on a wall, a skateboard, or a discarded object, [Name]’s work is driven by experimentation and instinct.
By moving beyond traditional surfaces, he transforms ordinary materials into spaces for play, character, and constant reinvention.
And for him, the process of creating never truly stays in one place.
To see more of Kevin's work and follow his creative journey, visit:
Kevin's Instagram
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