Trackside Paint Jam: Graffiti Lettering

In 2024, artist Lys Glassford participated in the annual Trackside Paint Jam, Canada’s largest sanctioned graffiti wall event held in Esquimalt, BC. The event brings together graffiti artists from across the country to transform the legal space.
Lys approached the opportunity as homage, returning to the roots of typographic art with a fresh graffiti composition inspired by 1960s commercial sign painting.

Creative Concept
The mural featured classic letterforms rendered in bold primary colours, echoing traditional hand-painted signage. Depth and dimension were achieved through shadow techniques and tonal layering, reflecting a fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern graffiti methodology. The design focused on clarity, nostalgia, and technical nuance.

Technical Execution
Working directly on the Trackside wall surface, Lys applied aerosol create crisp linework, controlled gradation, and vibrancy. The mural was completed within the time constraints of the jam while navigating weather conditions and surface scale typical of outdoor events.

Outcome
The mural received enthusiastic response from fellow participants and visitors. For Lys, the experience was both a reconnection with foundational influences and a joyful contribution to a nationally celebrated public art initiative.