ABOUT EAST3

East3: Writing Culture, Community, and a Life Dedicated to Art

For nearly three decades, East3 has quietly built one of the most respected careers in contemporary Writing culture, mural arts, design, and creative community development. His work can be found on walls, apparel, branding, and public spaces across Hawaiʻi and around the world, but his greatest legacy may not be the artwork itself—it is the people, communities, and young artists he has inspired through education, mentorship, and authentic cultural preservation.

Known internationally for his distinctive handstyles, large-scale aerosol murals, and innovative design work, East3 represents a rare combination of artist, entrepreneur, educator, project manager, and creative strategist. Behind every mural is meticulous planning, disciplined execution, and decades of experience managing complex creative projects for clients ranging from grassroots organizations to internationally recognized brands.

The Beginning

East3's journey as a professional artist began during the mid-1980s on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.

Long before social media or digital design, he was creating custom hand-painted apparel, illustrating flyers for Hip Hop youth events, and painting community murals throughout local high schools. These early years established both his artistic voice and his belief that art should serve people—not simply decorate walls.

What began as creative expression quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to the culture of Writing.

Learning from the Source

According to PHASE 2 (P2), the original term that described aerosol culture in the early 70’s is “Writing” or “Writers”. The late PHASE2 was a mentor and older brother to East3. In his teachings, P2 broke down the history of the term Writers. He shared that the community created the title, “Writers”, and the other term, referred to as the “g word”, was a label attached to the penal code and the name was popularized by the media, galleries and New York City. As a result, Writers adopted the g word, including PHASE2 because of the glamorization, fame, and skyrocketing financial opportunities being offered to Writers.

In 1972 P2 joined other artists in a crew called UGA (United Gr@…ti Artist). Their goal was to organize and promote Writing as a high value art, but under the g word moniker. Shortly after joining UGA, after critically thinking, P2 became conscious and aware of the cultural appropriations stemming from the marketing campaigns of art galleries and the media. He decided to depart UGA and never associated with the g word moving forward.

Other terms of the culture were appropriated to better related with the masses. (e.g. BBoys/BGirls vs Break Dancing Emcee’n vs Rap music). PHASE2 shared the importance of cultural integrity and the language. East3, raised in Hawai‘i, immediately resonated with the importance of preserving the truth because of his upbringing within an island chain with indigenous culture and practices. East3 shared, “as an example, it would be beyond hurtful and wrong to have foreigners come to Hawai‘i and see the Hula and then decide to change the word to a term more identifiable to the masses”. PHASE2 passion for the art for he fathered drove his conviction to spread the truth about the art. P2 said, “it’s hurtful, it’s like calling me the N word and you not Black”.

East3 (E3) has been handed the knowledge and hands down the gems he has learned from his brother. E3 stated the he does not have an issue with anyone who utilize the g word, yet respectfully shared he only asks to not address P2 or himself using any form of the g word.

Additionally, under PHASE 2's guidance, East3 studied not only letterforms and handstyles, but the deeper philosophy behind creative discipline, cultural responsibility, and artistic integrity.

PHASE 2 himself stood among the architects of the movement, pioneering Writing, Breaking, DJing, and Emceeing years before the culture became commercially known as Hip Hop in 1981. Through decades of mentorship, East3 inherited that lineage directly from one of its original innovators.
That mentorship continues to define his work today.

Building a Global Network

As East3's reputation grew, so did the circle of artists and organizations seeking to collaborate with him.

Over the years he has worked alongside legendary pioneers, musicians, DJs, dancers, designers, and brands whose influence helped shape modern Hip Hop culture.

His collaborations include organizations and artists such as the legendary Rock Steady Crew, Adidas Originals, DJ Qbert, Afrika Bambaataa, Rawkus Records, Mix Master Mike, Kidrobot, Common, PlayStation UK, Fatlace, Illest, Clear Channel Communications, GQ, Bucketfeet, Modify Watches, and **VMware>.

These relationships were never built on popularity alone. They were earned through craftsmanship, reliability, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Beyond the Walls

East3's contributions extend well beyond painting.

Recognizing the power of media to educate and connect communities, he co-founded the Hip Hop radio program Mind Tactic, broadcast on Clear Channel's I-94 in Honolulu. The show became an important platform for authentic Hip Hop culture, music, and education throughout Hawaiʻi.

He also organized youth events, community gatherings, workshops, and cultural programs that encouraged creativity while providing positive outlets for young people.

His passion for design naturally expanded into fashion, where years immersed in streetwear culture led him to create his own apparel while contributing creative work for established brands throughout the industry.

Artist and Entrepreneur

While many know East3 through murals and public artwork, those closest to him recognize another side of his career.

Behind the scenes is an experienced entrepreneur, disciplined project manager, and detail-oriented business professional.

Managing creative projects requires far more than artistic talent. Budgets, logistics, scheduling, accounting, client communication, and long-term planning are all part of the process. East3 developed these skills over decades while working with clients throughout Hawaiʻi, the mainland United States, and internationally.

His reputation has been built as much on professionalism as creativity.

A Continuing Legacy

Today, East3 continues to balance studio work, international collaborations, education, and community service while remaining deeply committed to the principles first taught to him by PHASE 2.

His work stands as a bridge between generations—preserving the authentic traditions of Writing culture while demonstrating how those same principles can create positive change in schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.

His career has never been measured solely by the walls he has painted.

It is measured by the lives he has influenced, the culture he has protected, and the communities he continues to strengthen through art.

For East3, the work has never been about recognition.

It has always been about keeping the culture—and the community—flowing.