We chatted with TLC tutor Liam Henderson who will be running our new Urban Art Certificate in Art & Design (Level 3) in Term 3. Liam is a TLC alumni who has a background in urban art and now tutors and mentors at The Learning Connexion.
Kia ora Liam. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into art?
I’ve always been drawn to making things from a young age, but discovering graffiti art in my early teens is where things really clicked for me. What started as tagging, sketching and experimenting turned into a deeper practice of pushing ideas, refining skills, and finding my own visual voice. Over time, I’ve built my practice through murals, personal work, and constantly developing my style. It’s been a mix of self-driven learning, real-world projects, and consistently putting the hours in.
How would you describe your own style and the kind of work you create?
My personal work leans into abstract graffiti, bold shapes, strong colour, and a lot of movement. I like pushing different stylistic approaches while keeping that raw graffiti energy. Whether it’s a mural, a print, or a sticker, I’m always trying to make something that feels alive and visually engaging.
Urban art has an energy to it that’s hard to match. It’s raw, expressive, and accessible! Anyone can engage with it. I was drawn to that freedom, the scale of the work, and the culture behind it. It’s not just about making something look good; it’s about making something that connects.
Who or what influences your work?
My crew mates and any artists who push style and originality definitely influence me. I’m also inspired by everyday life, music, spirituality, my students, and the process of constantly improving. Seeing artists evolve their work over time is a big motivator for me to keep levelling up.
What kind of projects or work have you been involved in?
I’ve worked across murals, commissions, and personal projects, including community-based work and larger-scale pieces. A lot of my experience comes from hands-on creating, developing ideas from sketch to final outcome and working in real environments. Studying at TLC gave me a chance to really focus on what I am obsessed with.
Seeing my work on a large scale in urban spaces is always a highlight. Also, moments where I’ve pushed past my comfort zone and levelled up my skills, creating a breakthrough piece… Those are the ones that stick.
What excites you about working at TLC?
Helping people discover their creative potential. A lot of people don’t realise what they’re truly capable of until they actually start doing the work. Being part of that process is genuinely rewarding! My teaching style is supportive, honest and I give encouragement and also a push when it’s needed. I help students develop their ideas, build skills, and stay accountable to their own growth. I am laid-back, hands-on and student-focused. I meet people where they’re at and help them move forward from there. It’s about building confidence, experimenting, and then refining work into something strong.
TLC’s Urban Art programme is the first of its kind in Aotearoa. What do you hope students will gain from this course?
Confidence in their creative ability, a solid set of skills, and an understanding of how to develop ideas over time. More than anything, I want them to realise they can actually do this!
Students get to explore their identity, experiment with different approaches, and build real skills in a supportive environment.
What kinds of projects or techniques might students get to explore?
Lettering, character design, murals, composition, and idea development. There’s a strong focus on process, sketching, experimenting, and refining work into finished outcomes. 
Who would you recommend this course for?
Anyone who wants to explore their creativity with a strong street art influence, whether they’re just starting out or already making work and want to level up! Start now and don’t overthink it. The biggest thing is consistency: show up, make work, and improve over time.
Skill comes from doing, not waiting.
Anything else you’d like students to know about you?
I’m still learning too. Art is an ongoing process, and every day I’m pushing myself to improve. That’s something I bring into teaching as well. If you’re on the fence, that’s usually a sign you should give it a go. You don’t need to have it all figured out because that’s what the programme is for. If you’re willing to show up and put the work in, you’ll get a lot out of it!
To find out more about enrolling in Level 3 contact us at 0800 278 769 or email info@tlc.ac.nz
