Artist Bio
Painting the Streets
Zensay315 (David Picaso) is a multi-disciplinary artist known for his work as a graffiti artist, tattooer, and web developer. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he eventually made Elgin, Illinois his permanent home—a city that continues to inspire much of his creative work. His drawing influenced from the exaggerated animation style of John Kricfalusi (Ren & Stimpy) and the pioneering graffiti work of a German artist Can2. Zensay315 blends street art with a strong sense of character design and visual storytelling. His artistic style is instantly recognizable, fusing raw graffiti energy with a touch of animated flair.
David’s Role in Elgin’s Graffiti Culture
David is deeply rooted in the local art community, dedicating much of his time to painting large-scale murals, designing artwork, and organizing graffiti-focused events. Since 2011, he has been the lead curator of the graffiti section at Nightmare on Chicago Street, Elgin’s flagship Halloween festival—hosting his longest continuous graffiti session there.
The Work of Zensay315
His portfolio includes collaborations with major brands and institutions such as Reebok, Elgin High School, Elgin Community College, the City of Elgin, Studio Energia, and Engage Creative Agency. Whether it’s a wall, a tattoo, or a digital canvas, Zensay315 brings the same passion, skill, and creativity to every project he takes on.
Where It All Began
During his teenage years, he drew heavy inspiration from the lowrider art scene and comic book illustrations, influences that would later shape his creative style. From the moment he picked up a spray can, he never looked back. That passion for street art not only became central to his identity but also inspired him to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Visual Communications at Westwood College.
In 1999, driven by passion and a desire to build community, he founded Creative Mind Control (CMC)—a collective of artists expressing themselves through graffiti, b-boying, DJing, and emceeing. Through CMC, David realized he was doing more than just creating—he was inspiring, mentoring, and guiding others in the art scene. That realization gave birth to a new identity.
The Meaning Behind ZENSAY315
Inspired by the wisdom and calm of a sensei, and blending it with the philosophy of peace (zen) and the power of voice (say), he created the name Zensay—a peaceful person who speaks knowledge. To further distinguish himself in the growing digital landscape, he added 315, giving rise to the unique moniker: ZENSAY315.
From Crew to Culture
Today, CMC lives on as a dedicated graffiti crew focused solely on the art, and ZENSAY315 continues to be a respected figure in the urban art community—an artist, mentor, and true sensi of the streets.
STREET ARTIST
ZENSAY315 has been painting graffiti since 1994, refining his craft through decades of exploration, collaboration, and community engagement. He continues to organize graffiti events and create large-scale murals and custom designs, showcasing his dedication to both the art form and the culture that inspires it.
TATTOOER
ZENSAY 315 has been tattooing since 2016, beginning my journey with an apprenticeship at King of Hearts under the guidance of my mentors, Keith Schubert and Travis Turner. Over the years, I have developed a style that blends traditional tattooing with Chicano art, Aztec influences, and elements of graffiti, creating unique and dynamic designs that reflect both my roots and artistic vision.
