10 years Cantastic: Both Feet Underground

Ten years of Cantastic. What began in 2016 as a personal passion project by founder Frank has grown into a name the Dutch graffiti scene can no longer imagine being without. That called for a celebration, and not a small one. At Broedplaats Oogst, writers, artists, friends, customers and partners came together for an anniversary that grew into a full cultural festival. This is the story of that day, and of the ten years that led up to it.

From passion project to Team Joopie

When Frank started Cantastic in 2016, he never dared to dream the ten year anniversary would one day be celebrated on this scale. It all began with his love for graffiti and the culture surrounding it. Along the way he met people who each helped build what Cantastic is today. What started as his project slowly became a project shared by many. By now, the graffiti shop belongs to no one person alone. Cantastic belongs to a community of artists, friends, customers and partners who all contributed to the journey. That might just be what Frank is most proud of. Throughout the anniversary, visitors kept coming up to share stories, memories and appreciation. Those moments show that Cantastic does more than sell paint. It supports a culture and builds connections that last.

An anniversary that was more than a graffiti jam

For its ten year anniversary, Cantastic did not want to put on just another graffiti jam. It had to become an event that reflects everything Cantastic has grown into over ten years. The collaboration with Verrev felt natural from the very start. Both share the same view on creativity, community and independent culture, and Broedplaats Oogst turned out to be the perfect setting to bring all those elements together. Graffiti formed the heart of the day, but there was just as much room for music, exhibitions, workshops, publications, prints and creative exchange. The goal: a complete graffiti experience where different generations and disciplines meet, connect and inspire one another.

Paint, walls and ten years of Loop Colors

Loop Colors is one of the most important partners in the history of Cantastic. The collaboration goes back nearly the entire ten year journey and has contributed a great deal to the growth of the store. During the anniversary jam, artists worked with a wide and vibrant colour palette, strong coverage and the consistency that ambitious pieces demand. From large scale pieces to detailed characters and experimental styles: the paint allowed everyone to focus entirely on creativity. Bold blues, rich purples and warm oranges dominated the walls, often in high contrast combinations balanced out with softer tones and greys. The final result showed a Dutch graffiti scene that keeps getting more diverse and experimental in its use of colour. Writers from different generations and backgrounds stood side by side. That is exactly what Cantastic and Loop Colors stand for together: supporting creativity and keeping graffiti culture alive.

Behind the scenes

An event of this size does not run itself. The biggest task was coordinating all those different elements without losing the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere people know from Cantastic jams. Alongside the graffiti jam there were the Behind exhibition, video screenings, workshops, live t-shirt printing sessions, a pop-up shop, the release of Shameless Magazine, food, drinks and a strong music lineup. Each element had its own schedule, technical requirements and team. Fortunately, a group of volunteers, artists, partners and friends stood ready, each bringing their own skills and knowledge. A day like this is never the work of one person or one organization. It happens because many people believe in the same vision and pull together to make it work.

The moment it all came together

At some point during the day, Frank paused and looked around. The walls were filling up, the music was playing, visitors were walking through the exhibition and friends, artists, volunteers and guests were all enjoying the day together. In that moment it truly sank in that Cantastic has become something much bigger than one person. All the compliments that day were heartwarming, but the realization that so many people feel genuinely connected to what has been built together remains the most lasting memory of the entire anniversary.

A limited edition can with a message

A ten year anniversary deserves something tangible. Together with Loop Colors and Behind, Cantastic created a limited edition collector's can that celebrates not only the history, but also the values that have guided the journey all these years. The design revolves around a slogan that captures the identity perfectly: both feet underground. Those words mean a lot to Frank. Cantastic has grown into a successful business, but at its core it is still the same graffiti nerds who once started out of love for painting, collecting, travelling and the culture. Commercial success has never changed that mindset. The can celebrates ten years of dedication, friendship, creativity and community. At the same time, it serves as a reminder that the roots of the graffiti store remain firmly planted in the underground scene, no matter how big things get.

Carried by the scene and local partners

Independent culture starts from the ground up, but it only lasts through collaboration and trust. Cantastic is grateful to partners such as Fuldauer Fonds, Uit in Hengelo, Hart van Zuid, Timber Sommerdijk, Verrev, Broedplaats Oogst, Mr. Serious, Dope Cans and Loop Colors, who all helped make this anniversary possible. Their support proves that underground culture and local communities strengthen one another when there is a shared commitment to creativity and cultural development. After ten years, one thing is clear: without these partnerships and the people behind them, Cantastic would not be where it is today.

On to the next ten years

This anniversary does not feel like the end of a chapter, but rather like the beginning of a new one. The ambition remains the same as in 2016: supporting writers, strengthening the scene and creating opportunities for people to connect through graffiti and street culture. In the years ahead, Cantastic will keep investing in events, collaborations, publications, education and opportunities for the next generation of writers. Team Joopie stands as strong as ever. As long as there are people passionate about graffiti and street culture, Cantastic will keep doing what it has always done: supporting the scene, with both feet firmly underground.