1. Michael Lown, 19, designs his own stencils to create graffiti art. "I think street art is one of the purest forms of art. There's no recognition or glory in it. It's just art for the sake of art," says Lown. 2. "I used to get in trouble a lot because my hobbies aren't exactly conventional," says Lown. He took a year off after high school because he didn't think college fit into his lifestyle. 3. Lown insists that he shaves more than most people because his stubble makes him appear intimidating. "Some people are scared of me so I try to make myself seem as less intimidating as I can," says Lown. "I'm actually a nice person, but I think people only see what I look like." 4. He shovels the driveway of his grandmother's house every time it snows since she is unable to do it herself. Lown takes his grandmother out to lunch every Saturday.
5. To make some extra money, Lown teaches guitar and piano lessons at the local youth center. He uses this job to help pay for classes at a two-year community college. "I'm trying to go back to school. It's for me and for my parents," says Lown.
6. He focuses on homework after a long day. Lown aims to earn enough credits to transfer to a four-year university next year. 7. Lown shows off his new haircut to his friends. "I got a mohawk because I still want to feel punk rock even when I'm trying to clean up and be the person my parents want me to be," he says. "I'm taking little steps."
SUMMARY:
Michael Lown, 19, spends his most of his time long boarding and creating street art. He started making stencils in middle school, and got in trouble a few times for spray painting buildings, sidewalks and even cars. His reputation and grunge style make him intimidating to many people so he tries to keep clean shaven to offset this. Lown is quite close to his family, particularly his grandmother who lives close to him. He took a job at the local youth center teaching music lessons to help pay for classes at a community college. His parents encouraged him to return to school. Lown's goal is to transfer to a four-year university and earn a degree.