bio

Sparky Jones

Born: 6th March, 1969 (age 52)
Adelaide, South Australia

Nationality: Australian
Occupation: Artist / Graphic Designer

Also known as: McSparky - electronic music producer

Awards: Mobile app of the year 2011 by DRIVENxDESIGN

Employers: Deloitte, Recall Design, Chimo, Makers Empire, Torson

Clients include: LGA South Australia, Tourism SA, Australia.com, Nike, Hyundai Australia, Fortescue Metals Group, ANZ Bank, McPhee Andrewartha, Port Adelaide Suicide Prevention, BUPA, BHP Billiton, Booze Brothers, BAE, ASO, Hamilton labs, SA Health, Smith Family, Colliers

Most known for: Creating 3D models for the Eiffel 65 "Blue" music video. Starting up a legal graffiti group called Spray Graffix to help foster emerging street artists. Winning the 99 designs competition to design an alternative logo to South Australia's official state branding.

a writers tale

Sparky Jones (yes, this is his real name) started his artistic endeavours back in the early 80's as an aspiring teenage graffiti artist, much to his parents dismay. His choice of canvas back then were large concrete drains, bridges and basically anything that stood still long enough for him to paint. At first his spray painted creations were kept out of the site of the general public especially those in law enforcement.

There were no safety masks, no rubber gloves and a neighbourhood watch which often took law into their own hands. The rivalry between graffiti artists often turned into confronting, violent exchanges which placed Sparky in hospital on more than one occasion. The health risks were high, one incident saw Sparky undergo reconstruction facial surgery after being king-hit with a fist that was sporting a knuckle-duster.

Sparky's trust in others would be shaken further when it was later found that his own sister had set him up for the terrible beating that hospitalised him. Sparky found a few loyal friends amongst the graffiti writers in Adelaide still he usually painted alone.