Art by Estavan Lemus

My name is Estevan Lemus, NDOC #1272235, but most people know me as “Terms.” My journey with art started at 14 years old when I was introduced to graffiti. What started as a creative outlet eventually led me down the wrong path, and I found myself in and out of juvenile hall. Ten years later, I ended up incarcerated in county jail, and that’s where I began putting my artistic skills onto paper instead of walls, focusing on realism art rather than graffiti.

I am completely self taught, but over time I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from some very talented artists. Sitting with them, studying their techniques, and taking their advice has helped me continue improving my work and developing my own unique style. Art has become a way for me to express myself and continue growing while I’m incarcerated.

While I’m sitting here in prison, my goal is to keep learning, keep evolving as an artist, and push my work to another level. When I come home, I hope to become a tattoo artist and eventually open my own tattoo shop.