The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

MANY know him as the proprietor of Airbrush Junkies, but few know Stefan Davis’ story of his rise to success.

Stefan said he never dreamed that his artistic capabilities would one day yield such great rewards, or that they would launch a flourishing business which would make him a household name in the Bahamas.

Stefan, who has pursued the non-traditional art form of airbrushing for two decades now, is gearing up for his next venture where he plans to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring young artists.

In the years to come the artist said he will begin teaching people all that he has learned as it relates to airbrushing and encourage people to follow their dreams.  

“In the beginning I would of never thought airbrush art would of taken me the places it has and is still taking me. It has taught me the meaning of perseverance and to remain genuine and humble,” he told Tribune Arts and Entertainment. Before the birth of Airbrush Junkies back in 2003, Stefan opened an airbrush shop called Too Deep Graphyx in 1991 along with partners Farrand Lockhart and Andrew Brown.

Sometime later, Stefan and his partners parted ways to pursue other ventures. It was during that time he decided to start something of his own.

Stefan and two other friends, Darren Bastian and Teran Rodgers, teamed up to create M2 Designs. They worked together up until 2003. The trio then separated and Stefan took a break from airbrushing.

In search of a new beginning, Stefan travelled to Miami to refocus and rebrand. While there, the idea of Airbrush Junkies came to him.

He returned home in 2004 to open his store at the Mall at Marathon, which has been its home ever since.

“I have always wanted to pursue a career in art and fashion, but I did not want to be confined to an office with a drawing table or anything. I wanted to perform in front of people. I did not know what direction to go in until I took a trip to Philadelphia and saw airbrush art for the first time. It was literally love at first sight. It was exactly what I was searching for in a career. I did my research, bought some equipment and a video. I practiced my butt off, and the rest is history,” he said.

“I have turned Airbrush Junkies from an idea into a household name. Airbrush Junkies is not just about airbrushing T-shirts, signs, but it has turned into a huge promotional tool for most of the major concerts/parties in terms of a ticket vendor for events. I have ventured into concert/party promotions as well,” he said.

Stefan’s canvas can be anything, however, he mostly airbrushes T-shirts and clothing in a variety of materials. Recently, Stefan has ventured into tattooing and sneaker restoration.

When it comes to airbrush art, attention to detail is one of the single most important things, he said. 

“I love the art form because I love the way I can take someone’s thoughts and turn it into something beautiful. I have a strong passion for airbrush art really. I am pretty much married to it and we are deeply in love.

“I think everything about airbrush art sets it apart from visual art forms. In order to be good at this form of art you have to master its ability. You have to have skill, you have to be creative, you have to have knowledge of art and of colour and perspective. Most people think they can just pick it up and magic happens. I have been airbrushing now for over 20 years and I am still learning. It is a learning process really,” he said.

Stefan and his work have been featured in The Source Magazine of New York. One of his biggest projects to date was designing a specific spot in the first phase of Atlantis on Paradise Island and the Mall At Marathon’s Christmas display.