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Hello dearest bored pandas! I am here to take you on a journey of my recent lifetime when everything was changed because I started to make some new kind of art!

First of all, I should present myself to you. My full name is Cosmin Mihai Moraru, but everyone knows me as short, Miki. My friends got me into this and encourage me to write this self bio about my last 3 years and what I am doing as, if I can call it art.

In short words I wanna say first, that before starting what you will see further, 3 years in the past, I was in a very dark zone if my life, in a deep depression, with dark thoughts about myself and my future and in one of those moments everything was changed!

So let's begin by telling you this, I was on the edge of falling apart with my sanity, at the very right moment of it, I saw this girl, working at the coffee shop, a waitress, trying to carve with some white chalk on a blackboard the promotion of that day in their shop. In that moment I've realized that with all my background in art school and working at the time in a artshop store I can help her with that thing. At the moment I didn't think of it, what is called that and if I should do that, it was spontaneous and I was at her, asking for letting me do that job for nothing in exchange! It was my first blackboard I've ever drawn. It was really really awful drawing, but in that moment I realized I can go in every shop I know and do this job.

So after this moment, 3 years back, being in deep depression, very low on money, not really having a place to sleep, being as well kinda homeless at the time, I've seen light into my darkness and I stepped into a new path, fragile, scared and surrounded by negative people that they don't encourage me at the moment too much.

It was my lifeboat, but I don't wanna spoil more of this story by telling you, for now, all details that leaded to my near future. In simple words I've started like that and in a short long story it was like: I've got few jobs in my town, Cluj-Napoca, România, very hard because I didn't had a real background and a portoflio in this matter, after few months I've traveled to another city, just to do some other small projects, maked new friends a long the way that were very helpful, people started to notice me, I was invited to other cities in my country, events, music festivals, every work I've done it was better and better... And the magic moment was when, in 14 of September 2016 I was outside of my country for the first time, traveling with some friends, in Berlin, Germany. It was a magic moment, in my first half hour after I checked hotel room, I was drawing outside at this restaurant, my first draw signed with my name outside of Romania. Since that moment I've started to travel, around the Europe for now, as a work&travel artist and in my next articles I will share with you every details of this beautiful journey!

I want to share this with you because, maybe out there are people in distress like I was and maybe it can be a story that might save them from their darkness as it did for me! And also I want to show you few of my examples, as portofolio, of what and where I've done blackboards in last 3 years! Hopefully you'll enjoy it and please give me a feedback! Thanks for your time reading this!

More info: Facebook

#1

You Can See This One In Amsterdam (October, 2017)

You Can See This One In Amsterdam (October, 2017)

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Belinda Bennett
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just realised you put a coffee bean in the word "roastery". Love it!

Sarah Figini
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of your work is good but this is by far the best. Keep it up! Youd be great at soft pastels

suzanne hayes
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely work Mikio. You should be very proud of this. Excellent.

Sandra Mason
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would kill myself before I had the patience to finish.

Tamara Laney
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is incredibly intricate & Fun! Love the little tentacles grabbing the desserts!

Rebekah
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is brilliant. And so very detailed. Amazing.

Stella Renieri
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful work and very original technique!

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    #2

    A Very Good Irish Breakfast (February, 2017)

    A Very Good Irish Breakfast (February, 2017)

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely love this one. The shape actually makes it work really well

    C.Marrero
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It makes me hungry just seeing that burger

    Barbara
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want this in my bedroom. It's amazing.

    #3

    A Gift For A Friend Birthday... Renamed Cocktails!

    A Gift For A Friend Birthday... Renamed Cocktails!

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    Devin Robinson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    idk why but I really like this one

    Linda Hobart
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really like this one too it just eases my eyes

    Brian Cortner
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vlad the Impaler and Grosshopper are my favs!

    #4

    My First Paella (Summer, 2017)

    My First Paella (Summer, 2017)

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great work. Keep it up. Nothing more pleasurable than a sign that just works

    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this--The prawns look like they're ganging-up on the octopus!

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    #5

    Summer Time (2016)

    Summer Time (2016)

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    LeeLee
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks awesome!! makes me want a cold drink!

    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The only negative I have is that the last few letters of "enjoy" are a bit too small in comparison to every other word, that makes up the sentence

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    #6

    A Great Big Burger (April, 2017)

    A Great Big Burger (April, 2017)

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    #7

    First Burgers (October, 2016)

    First Burgers (October, 2016)

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    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love how he incorporates the food with the local scenery.

    #8

    Very Cheesy Pizza (November, 2017)

    Very Cheesy Pizza (November, 2017)

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    ALIYAH ALLEN
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    even though it is drawn on a blackboard it still looks delicious.

    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All of these quotes are hilarious! Adding them to my "Philosophy of Life" list.

    Linda Hobart
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a great great question I agree who does need a boyfriend when you have pizza?

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    #9

    Another College Bar, In Another City, Iasi, Romania (March, 2016)

    Another College Bar, In Another City, Iasi, Romania (March, 2016)

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    Harry Bartlett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the detail in the drinks is incredible!

    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still hungry from his last blackboards...now I really want a drink!

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those ice cubes are incredible.

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    #10

    Another Good Food (April, 2017)

    Another Good Food (April, 2017)

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    #11

    I've Made Happy This Guy In Barcelona Last Year (May, 2017)

    I've Made Happy This Guy In Barcelona Last Year (May, 2017)

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    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love how he used bright green in the sign to match the same green of the shop's wall.

    #12

    First Improvement, From Classic Chalk To Chalk Water Based Markers! (May, 2015)

    First Improvement, From Classic Chalk To Chalk Water Based Markers! (May, 2015)

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I take it back. I like it. Didn't realise I could zoom in & see it properly

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I just have to make it how they want to be. They provide the text, I manage it, even it's just a small board.

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a bit hard to read. Too much going on

    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm pretty sure he was given a list of all the "Summer Specials" and HAD to put them all in. The fact that he could do that in such a clear & creative way is a testament to his artistic ability. I found it delightful & easy to read.

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    #13

    Freshman College Bar (September, 2015)

    Freshman College Bar (September, 2015)

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    Sara Kate MacFarland
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the 'Freshman' is conveniently placed to hide what might be an otherwise inappropriate term. Maybe it's my age, but that alone would give me pause about entering the establishment...

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I just have to comply with is requested from me, sometimes I just have to put everything in place and kinda make sense for everybody, if not maybe just the target people. Isn't easy to make something out of nothing just based on ideas from a mind who doesn't have a clue about it, but that mind want that... It's even hard to explain this situations, but this one is a true example of it.

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Too much on the board to know what it's advertising

    Gayle Bynum Cardosa
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not usually too hard to figure out when you're walking by a bar. I go with the places that look the best and signs do help. I'm not going in somewhere that looks dull.

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    #14

    Using Classic Chalk! (April, 2015)

    Using Classic Chalk! (April, 2015)

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    Devin Robinson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is really awesome! Stay strong and keep up the good work!

    Natalie Say
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're in Singapore, let me know. I will want to pay you to do some blackboarding work :)

    #15

    Nicely Done Beers (November, 2016)

    Nicely Done Beers (November, 2016)

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of work has gone into the detail. Great work

    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually got a few cold-shivers looking at this. Nicely done!

    Magpie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow!! that is fantastic. To make it look transparent and reflective: that is genius!

    #16

    One Of My First Realistic Food Draw (January, 2017)

    One Of My First Realistic Food Draw (January, 2017)

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    Linda Hobart
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did anyone ever offer to pay you for them? Because they're just exquisite

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah... I mean I di this job as a job, it's my job, I am hired to do this kind of work, I never said it's for free!

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    #17

    Cocktails Of Barcelona (May, 2017)

    Cocktails Of Barcelona (May, 2017)

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    Sara Kate MacFarland
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eye-catching and arresting...have to stop to read everything backwards

    Susan Ja
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It all looks like the wrong way round.

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    #18

    Showroom, Brasov (March, 2016)

    Showroom, Brasov (March, 2016)

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The chalk work on the containers look like they're knitted, they have so much detail, & the tear-away piece in the middle to separate it from the left side is gorgeous. I love this! I wish I had just 1/2 or a 1/4 if your talent

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have it, believe me, it's just 99%practice, just 1% is talent!

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, the flourishes around "welcome" are beautiful. I'd love to see more of it. I look forward to seeing more of your work. You have definitely excelled as time & skill has progressed. Good luck with it :-)

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will post every week a new story about my work and how I overcome poverty and being homeless by doing this!

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    #19

    Pastaaaaa De Bucharest!!! (Summer, 2017)

    Pastaaaaa De Bucharest!!! (Summer, 2017)

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    #20

    Great Friends, Good Food Ar Arrosticini (Summer, 2017)

    Great Friends, Good Food Ar Arrosticini (Summer, 2017)

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    #21

    Drawing In Copenhegen At The "Local Bar" (March, 2017)

    Drawing In Copenhegen At The "Local Bar" (March, 2017)

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    Sarah Figini
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice calligraphy & good job hiding the brand label on all of your markersfor the pic :) ! Molotow or Montana ?!

    Magpie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exquisite work, such clear and accurate edges.

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    #22

    Smokin' That Blackboard (Summer, 2017)

    Smokin' That Blackboard (Summer, 2017)

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    Belinda Bennett
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like it! Only criticism is the spelling of the cheese "cheddar"

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    #24

    About Wine... (November, 2015)

    About Wine... (November, 2015)

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    #25

    Another Sign With Beers (December, 2016)

    Another Sign With Beers (December, 2016)

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    #26

    My Very First Recorded Draw On A Blackboard With Classic Chalk (March, 2015)

    My Very First Recorded Draw On A Blackboard With Classic Chalk (March, 2015)

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    Tamara Laney
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Congratulations! You've really come a long way. So glad your talent and travel helped to bring you out of the darkness. Judging from all the pics posted, you are certainly a source of great Light to many many people!

    Magpie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even here I admire the clean lines, the correct spacing. Getting the words all straight and in the right place, centered.

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    #27

    Take Away This Coffe (November, 2016)

    Take Away This Coffe (November, 2016)

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    #28

    Oslo, Norway (May, 2017)

    Oslo, Norway (May, 2017)

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    Martin Williams
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are very talented! I'm an artist too and I know how therapeutic it can be when we are depressed, angry, etc. Taking out our frustrations on the paper, or in my case clay, makes me feel so much better. Good luck as you move forward!

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you a lot for this kind words! Good luck to you also and great accomplishments in your work!

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    #29

    Beers In Amsterdam (October, 2017)

    Beers In Amsterdam (October, 2017)

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    #30

    First Trip Outside Romania, Berlin, Germany (14 September, 2016)

    First Trip Outside Romania, Berlin, Germany (14 September, 2016)

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    Viki Banaszak
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They all look wonderful! What a great talent.

    Susan Ja
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this a different brand and style of chalk? The colours look more vibrant. I like it.

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