Graffiti Styles 101: The Official Street Bible

From Tags to Masterpieces Around The World

Graffiti isn’t just paint on a wall—it’s a war for space, a battle for recognition, and a movement that’s been running for decades. It’s how writers claim cities, rep their crews, and make their names immortal. Every tag, throw-up, and blockbuster tells a story, and every real writer knows that style is everything.

From the Philadelphia pioneers and New York subway kings to LA freeway bombers, Brazilian picadors scaling skyscrapers, and Tokyo rooftop legends, this is the blueprint of graffiti styles worldwide. Each style was born from necessity—speed, visibility, impact, and survival in the streets.

This ain’t no watered-down history lesson. This is the real sh*t. The origins, the kings, the techniques, and the risks that separate toys from legends. If you’re just scribbling, you ain’t writing. If you’re just painting, you ain’t bombing. Learn the styles. Master the game. Get up the right way.

Tags – The Foundation of Graffiti

Tags are where graffiti starts—fast, raw, and meant to spread like wildfire. A tag is more than just a name; it’s a writer’s identity, a claim to fame, and the DNA of the entire graffiti movement. Every legendary writer, whether they became a king or just another name in the streets, started with a tag.

A good tag isn’t just about writing letters—it’s about flow, movement, and repetition. The more spots you hit, the more your name travels and the more respect you earn.

Origins of Tagging

Tagging as we know it today began in Philadelphia in the late ‘60s, with pioneers like Cornbread writing his name across the city to get noticed. It wasn’t long before the movement spread to New York City, where writers like TAKI 183 turned tagging into a full-blown phenomenon by bombing their names across subway cars, mailboxes, and walls.

By the 1980s and ‘90s, tagging had taken over Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, with each city developing its own distinct hand styles and bombing methods.

LA Tagging Legends – The Real History

Los Angeles bred some of the most prolific taggers in history—writers who took the game beyond just hitting street corners and freeway signs. Here’s a look at some of LA’s most notorious taggers:

• Chaka (Daniel Ramos) – One of the most famous graffiti vandals in LA history. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Chaka’s tag covered over 10,000 spots across California, hitting everything from freeway overpasses to city buses. His name was everywhere, making him one of the most notorious bombers ever arrested in LA.
• Serch (Sticker King) – While not a tagger in the traditional sense, Serch pioneered sticker graffiti in LA, taking the slap-tag movement to a whole new level. He was a king in the RTH and UTI crews, and his stickers covered the city in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
• Smear – Known for his grimy, drippy handstyle, Smear’s tags weren’t about being clean—they were about being seen. His “Liquor Face” character became an LA street staple, blending classic graffiti with urban street art.
• Sight – A South Central LA legend, Sight wasn’t just a tagger—he was a full-blown bomber and piecer. His work was so widespread that he received one of the longest graffiti-related prison sentences in US history (8 years, served 4).

Tagging Techniques & Tips

Want to develop a signature tag that stands out? Here’s what separates toy tags from legendary handstyles:

• Flow Over Everything – A good tag isn’t about being readable; it’s about style. The way your letters connect, lean, and curve makes all the difference.
• Fat Caps for Drips – Some writers love a clean, crisp handstyle, but drippy tags (especially on smooth metal) can add a grimy, raw look. Fat caps on Molotow burners or Rustoleum cans give the best drips.
• Tag High & Low – The best taggers don’t just hit eye level. Bombers like Chaka and Sight hit high spots (billboards, rooftops) and low spots (sidewalks, curbs, bus stops) to cover all angles of a city.
• Repetition is King – A tag means nothing if you only hit it once. The best writers flood their city with their name—mailboxes, poles, dumpsters, street signs, you name it.
• Crew Affiliation – A solo tag will get you recognition, but a crew will get you infamy. From MSK to UTI to RTH, the biggest taggers usually rep alongside legendary crews that back them up.

Why Tags Matter

Tags are the first step to getting up, the backbone of graffiti culture, and the most aggressive way to claim space in a city. A single tag can get buffed—but 1,000 tags make you impossible to ignore. If you aren’t tagging, you aren’t writing graffiti—you’re just playing around.

Want to put your tag on hoodies, tees, and stickers? STREET-FAME.COM is the spot to get custom gear.

 Throw-Ups – Quick, Dirty, and Loud

Throw-ups, also known as throwies or flops, are the evolution of a tag—designed for maximum impact with minimal time investment. Utilizing bubble letters or swift block letters, throw-ups allow writers to cover more ground swiftly, ensuring their presence is felt across the city.

Origins of Throw-Ups

Developed in the New York City subway yards during the 1970s, throw-ups emerged as writers sought faster methods to get their names up before authorities could intervene. The need for speed led to the creation of simple, quickly executable letterforms that could be replicated rapidly across multiple surfaces.​

Notable Writers & Crews

• JA One (New York City): Starting his graffiti journey as a teenager, JA One became renowned for his relentless bombing campaigns across NYC. By 1990, he was considered by peers to be the all-city king of New York, dominating both trains and streets with his ubiquitous throw-ups. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Mear One (Los Angeles): An influential figure in the LA graffiti scene, Mear One is associated with CBS (Can’t Be Stopped – City Bomb Squad) and WCA (West Coast Artist) crews. Beyond his intricate murals, his early work included throw-ups that showcased his ability to blend speed with artistic flair. ​en.wikipedia.org
• RETNA (Los Angeles): Known for his distinctive script, RETNA began his career in the early 1990s. His throw-ups and graffiti work laid the foundation for his evolution into a contemporary artist recognized for blending various calligraphic traditions. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Mister Cartoon (Los Angeles): Starting with graffiti and later transitioning to tattoo art, Mister Cartoon’s early throw-ups contributed to the rich tapestry of LA’s street art culture. His work is deeply rooted in the Chicano art movement, reflecting the city’s diverse influences. ​en.wikipedia.org

Techniques & Tips

• Simplicity is Key: Utilize one outline and one fill color. If time permits, add a second outline for emphasis.​
• Two Colors Max: High contrast between the fill and outline ensures visibility.​
• Consistency: Maintain uniform shapes and styles to establish a recognizable presence.​
• Speed: Efficiency is crucial. Develop a rhythm to execute throw-ups swiftly without compromising style.​

Blockbusters – Because Size Matters

Blockbusters are graffiti at its most dominant—massive block-letter pieces meant to own space. These are not about intricate design; they’re about territory, impact, and visibility. A blockbuster covers entire rooftops, billboards, train cars, and freeway walls, ensuring a writer’s name stands out from miles away.

Unlike throw-ups, which prioritize speed, blockbusters are about pure, unapologetic scale. Writers use paint rollers and bucket paint instead of spray cans, allowing them to cover huge areas fast and efficiently.

Origins of Blockbusters

The style emerged during the late 1970s New York City subway wars when graffiti crews competed for size and dominance. Traditional spray-can burners took too long, so writers adapted, opting for big blocky letters that could be thrown up quickly and legibly.

This technique evolved onto rooftops, billboards, and freeway overpasses, ensuring maximum exposure to drivers, pedestrians, and transit riders.

By the 1980s and 1990s, blockbusters were seen coast to coast, cementing their place in graffiti culture worldwide.

Notable Writers & Crews

• NEKST (MSK, RIP) – One of the most legendary bombers in graffiti history. NEKST took blockbusters to the extreme, painting huge, high-visibility pieces on billboards, rooftops, and freights. His large-scale work made him a graffiti icon.
• HEX (Los Angeles, CBS Crew) – A West Coast pioneer, HEX became famous for his massive blockbusters on billboards and freeway overpasses in LA. He brought West Coast flair to an East Coast technique.
• HERT (Chicago, MUL Crew) – A midwest legend, HERT dominated Chicago’s skyline with clean, bold blockbusters on rooftops and bridge overpasses.
• BLADE (NYC, TC-5 Crew) – One of the original kings of subway graffiti, BLADE’s blockbusters on New York train cars were some of the biggest and cleanest of his time.
• SABER (Los Angeles, MSK Crew) – Creator of one of the biggest blockbusters in history, a massive piece on the LA River that became one of the most infamous graffiti works ever done.

Techniques & Tips

• Rollers & Bucket Paint – Spray cans won’t cut it. Blockbusters are done using paint rollers and house paint, allowing for huge coverage in a short amount of time.
• Bold, Readable Letters – Forget fancy effects—this style is all about legibility. Blockbusters should be seen from a distance. Thick, uniform strokes are the goal.
• Pick High-Visibility Spots – Billboards, rooftops, freeway overpasses, and train yards give blockbusters their full effect.
• Size Over Detail – More space = more impact. The larger the piece, the harder it is to buff, and the longer it stays up.

 

Straight Letters – Clean, Clear, No Bullsh*t

Straight letters (aka “straights” or “simple styles”) are one of graffiti’s most efficient and impactful styles—big, bold, and readable. These pieces bridge the gap between throw-ups and burners, offering a balance of speed and visibility while still carrying weight in the graffiti community.

Unlike wildstyle, which prioritizes complexity, straight letters are designed to be seen and read at a glance. They are the go-to choice for highway bombing, train writing, and rooftop domination because they are easy to execute at a large scale and command presence in the urban landscape.

Many freight train writers, for example, favor straight letters because they must be readable when rolling by at high speeds.

Origins of Straight Letters

The straight-letter style first developed in the late 1970s and early ‘80s in New York City, as writers sought ways to make their names larger and more readable on subway trains and walls.

• Early NYC writers like DURO, PART 1, and CHAIN 3 (TDS crew) helped push the clean, high-contrast letterform style, proving that a piece didn’t need intricate wildstyle elements to dominate a space.
• As graffiti culture spread to the West Coast, straight letters became a freeway bombing staple in Los Angeles, with writers filling entire walls, bridges, and rooftops with bold, visible names.
• Freight train graffiti further cemented straight letters as a crucial style, with legends like ICHABOD (Midwest freight king), VIZIE (MSK), and BIAFRA (Canadian freight legend) pioneering massive, legible straight-letter panels.

By the 1990s and 2000s, straight letters had become a global standard, used in cities from Berlin to São Paulo to Tokyo as a fast but effective graffiti approach.

Notable Writers & Crews

New York City Pioneers:

• DURO (TDS Crew) – One of the first writers to master clean, large-scale straights on NYC trains in the late ‘70s.
• CES (FX Crew) – A master of crisp, high-impact straight letters with an influence spanning decades.
• SEEN (UA Crew) – Helped define NYC train graffiti with bold, readable styles that have inspired generations.

 West Coast Icons:

• CHARLIE (LA) – A Los Angeles freeway legend known for massive, bold straights that owned entire walls.
• ZESER (LA, LTS Crew) – One of the top names in freeway graffiti, with some of the cleanest straight-letter styles in LA history.
• SABER (MSK) – Holds the record for the largest graffiti piece ever painted, a straight-letter behemoth on the LA River.
• OILER: A 90s graffiti king known for his industrial-inspired, fluid letterforms, Oiler brought metallic aesthetics and dynamic storytelling to the streets of LA, making his work a staple of the era and a pioneering influence on modern graffiti.

 Freight Train & International Straight-Letter Legends:

• ICHABOD (Midwest Freights) – Considered one of the most influential freight train bombers of all time, known for massive straight-letter fills on boxcars.
• BIAFRA (Canada) – A freight kingpin known for crispy straight letters that have dominated trains across North America.
• BATES (Denmark, CPS Crew) – A European graffiti icon, perfecting straight letters alongside wildstyle.

Techniques & Tips

•  Big, Legible, and High-Contrast
  • The key to great straight letters is maximizing visibility.
  • Use high-contrast color combos like black on white, red on silver, or blue on yellow for maximum readability.
•  Use a Paint Roller for Maximum Coverage
  • Many freeway bombers and rooftop writers use bucket paint and rollers instead of spray cans to go even bigger, faster.
•  Perfect for High-Traffic Areas
  • Straight letters are best suited for spots where thousands of people will see them daily—highways, overpasses, train yards, and rooftops.
•  Get the Letter Spacing Right
  • Leave enough space between letters so they remain readable from far away or at high speeds.
  • Tight spacing can make a piece look cramped or illegible, especially on moving freights.

Turn your straight-letter piece into a design—get it printed on hoodies, tees, and posters. Hit up STREET-FAME.

Why Straight Letters Still Matter Today

Even as graffiti styles evolve, straight letters remain a timeless and respected format in the culture.

• Train writers still rely on them for quick, legible pieces.
• Street bombers still use them for maximum impact on high-visibility walls.
• Even modern muralists incorporate them into high-end legal productions.

Straight letters might not be the flashiest style, but when it comes to commanding space, a few styles hit harder.

Pieces – Full-color murals with an Attitude

When you’ve got time to flex, full-color pieces (AKA burners) are the way to go. These aren’t just about getting up—they’re about style, precision, and artistic evolution. A properly executed burner demands respect and turns an otherwise blank wall into a landmark that lasts.

Origins of Graffiti Piecing

Full-color pieces started emerging in NYC’s subway system during the 1970s when writers pushed beyond simple tags and throw-ups to create elaborate, multi-color pieces. PHASE 2, SEEN, DONDI, and LEE Quiñones were among the first to perfect this style, transforming train cars into rolling art galleries.

By the 1980s and ‘90s, full-color graffiti exploded worldwide, with writers in Europe, LA, and South America bringing new techniques, color theory, and letter styles into the mix. Unlike quick bombing styles, burners were meant to last, not just exist for a night.

Notable Writers & Crews

•  REVOK (MSK/AWR) – A Los Angeles icon known for his large-scale, vibrant, full-color murals that mix graffiti, abstraction, and modern fine art influences. 
•  RIME (AWR/MSK) – One of the most innovative letter stylists, blending sharp wildstyle elements with unique character designs and bold color schemes.
• CES (FX Crew, NYC) – A Bronx legend known for ultra-clean letterforms, vibrant fills, and mechanical-style aesthetics.
• MODE 2 (UK/France) – A European graffiti pioneer famous for his intricate, highly detailed pieces that blended hip-hop culture with fine art.
• BATES (Denmark) – One of Europe’s top graffiti stylists, specializing in clean, legible burners with sharp color contrasts.
• SOFLES (Australia) – A modern-day burner king, pushing the boundaries of graffiti with massive, highly detailed productions.

Techniques & Tips

• Plan your color scheme ahead – Full-color pieces aren’t about rushing. Use contrasting tones, gradients, and highlights to make letters pop.  
• Backgrounds matter – A strong background can make or break a piece. Many legendary burners feature clouds, splashes, or intricate backdrops. 
•  Letter consistency is key – The best full-color pieces have flow, meaning letters should feel connected and complement one another.
• Layering & depth – Shadows, outlines, 3D effects, and drop shadows create extra visual weight.
• Work in sections – Burners take time. Start with outlines, fill the inside, then refine with details and effects.
• Pick the right surface – Smooth walls and trains make for the cleanest burners. Brick walls or rough textures require extra layering.

Extra Facts & History

•  In the 1970s NYC subway era, full-color burners became the pinnacle of graffiti art. Writers like DONDI, SEEN, and ZEPHYR turned train cars into mobile murals.
• By the 1990s, full-color graffiti transitioned to legal walls and commissioned murals, allowing writers to experiment with larger compositions.
• Many of today’s street art festivals trace back to graffiti’s full-color movement, with artists like FUTURA 2000 and OS GEMEOS blending graffiti with fine art.
• Modern spray paint brands (Montana, Molotow, Ironlak) were created specifically for full-color burners, giving artists more control over fades, tones, and blends.

Got a full-color burner idea? Turn your blackbook sketches into real designs and print them on hoodies, shirts,and more. 

Wildstyle – Organized Chaos for Letter Scientists0

Wildstyle is a highly intricate and elaborate form of graffiti characterized by complex lettering that is often challenging for outsiders to decipher. This style incorporates elements such as arrows, interwoven letters, curves, and connections, creating a dense and dynamic visual composition.

Origins of Wildstyle Graff

• Early Development: The term “Wildstyle” was popularized by Tracy 168, a prominent graffiti artist from the Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s. He formed the Wild Style crew in 1974, which played a significant role in advancing this complex graffiti form. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Influential Figures: PHASE 2 is also credited as one of the earliest practitioners of Wildstyle, contributing to its evolution during its formative years. ​en.wikipedia.org

Notable Writers and Crews

• Tracy 168: A pioneering figure in graffiti, Tracy 168 is recognized for his contributions to the development and popularization of Wildstyle. ​en.wikipedia.org
• PHASE 2: An early adopter and innovator of Wildstyle, PHASE 2 played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and complexity of this graffiti form. ​en.wikipedia.org

• BATES: Hailing from Denmark, BATES is renowned for his mastery of Wildstyle, blending European graffiti influences with traditional Wildstyle elements.​

Techniques and Characteristics

• Complex Lettering: Wildstyle features letters that are often exaggerated, interwoven, and adorned with additional elements like arrows and curves, making them challenging to read for those unfamiliar with the style. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Use of Color: Artists employ vibrant colors and 3D effects to add depth and dynamism to their pieces, enhancing the visual impact.​
• Abstract Elements: The style draws inspiration from traditional calligraphy and abstract art, resulting in compositions that are both visually complex and artistically expressive.​

Cultural Impact

• Film Representation: The 1983 film “Wild Style” is considered a seminal work that brought hip-hop culture, including graffiti and Wildstyle art, to a broader audience. ​en.wikipedia.org
• Global Influence: Originating in New York City, Wildstyle has influenced graffiti artists worldwide, becoming a foundational style within the global graffiti and street art movements.​

Wildstyle remains a testament to the creativity and skill of graffiti artists, symbolizing the fusion of art and urban expression.

3D Graffiti – Optical Illusion Flex

3D graffiti is a dynamic art form that creates the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on flat surfaces. By skillfully applying shading, perspective, and shadowing techniques, artists make their work appear as if it is projecting outward or receding into the wall, captivating viewers with its realism.

Notable Artists

• DAIM (Mirko Reisser): A German graffiti artist born in 1971, DAIM is renowned for his pioneering 3D graffiti style. He gained prominence in the early 1990s for creating complex, photorealistic pieces that give the impression of floating letters without traditional outlines. His work has been exhibited globally, and he co-founded the artist collective “getting-up” in Hamburg.
• Odeith: Born in 1976 in Damaia, Portugal, Odeith is acclaimed for his “sombre 3D” style, which incorporates dark tones and realistic shading to produce striking anamorphic illusions. He began his graffiti journey in the 1980s and gained international recognition in 2005 for his groundbreaking work in perspective and shadow, creating pieces that appear to leap off walls.

Techniques and Characteristics

• Anamorphic Perspective: Artists use distorted projections that appear normal only when viewed from specific angles, enhancing the illusion of three-dimensionality.
• Light and Shadow: Meticulous attention to light sources and shadow placement is essential to create depth and realism.
• Color Gradients: Smooth transitions between colors contribute to the perception of volume and form.
• Surface Interaction: Incorporating existing architectural elements into the artwork can amplify the 3D effect, making the piece interact seamlessly with its environment.

3D graffiti has significantly influenced both street art and mainstream art communities by pushing the boundaries of traditional graffiti. Artists like DAIM and Odeith have demonstrated that graffiti can transcend flat imagery, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore optical illusions and dimensionality in their work. This evolution has led to greater acceptance of graffiti as a legitimate art form and has opened avenues for exhibitions in galleries and collaborations in commercial art projects.

Stencil Graffiti – Speed, Precision, and Rebellion

Stencil graffiti is one of the most efficient and impactful styles in street art, blending quick execution with intricate design. Unlike traditional freehand graffiti, stencils allow artists to reproduce complex images with surgical precision, often layering multiple colors and details to create depth. This method has been widely used for political activism, social commentary, and artistic expression, making it one of the most influential forms of urban art.

Origins of Stenciling

• 1930s–1940s Military Use: Stenciling dates back centuries, but its modern application began with military markings on vehicles and equipment during World War II. The need for fast, uniform lettering influenced later graffiti techniques.
• 1960s–1970s Protest Movements: Stencil graffiti was first embraced by activist groups, especially in Latin America and Europe, as a method of political messaging. Quick to apply and hard to trace, it was a perfect tool for underground resistance.
• 1980s Paris – Blek le Rat, the Stencil Pioneer: French artist Blek le Rat (Xavier Prou) revolutionized stencil graffiti by introducing large-scale stencil art to the streets of Paris. Inspired by American graffiti and Italian propaganda art, his work aimed to reach the public without the chaotic visual clutter of tags and wildstyle lettering.
• 1990s–2000s – Banksy & The Global Explosion: British artist Banksy took stencil graffiti worldwide, using satirical and politically charged imagery to challenge authority, consumerism, and war. His iconic works—like the flower-throwing rioter and the balloon girl—became global symbols of street art’s power.
• Shepard Fairey & The OBEY Movement: American artist Shepard Fairey launched his Obey Giant campaign in 1989, plastering cities with the iconic face of wrestler André the Giant. His stencil work later gained mainstream recognition with the 2008 Obama “Hope” poster, a design that became one of the most famous political images of the 21st century.

Techniques & Characteristics

• Precision & Clean Lines: Unlike freehand graffiti, stencil graffiti produces crisp, controlled shapes.
• Rapid Reproducibility: A single stencil can be used to apply the same image thousands of times, allowing artists to blanket cities with their work in a matter of hours.
• Multi-Layered Depth: Some of the most advanced stencil graffiti involves multiple layers of cutouts, with different colors and shading, to create realistic, three-dimensional effects.
• Political & Social Commentary: Stencils have been a tool for protest, rebellion, and social awareness, delivering messages about war, surveillance, inequality, and corporate control.
• Material Durability: Stencils are typically made from thick cardboard, plastic sheets, or acetate to allow repeated use.

Notable Artists

• Blek le Rat (France) – The godfather of stencil graffiti, known for introducing large-scale stencils and influencing an entire generation of street artists. His work often focuses on homelessness, social injustice, and personal freedom.
• Banksy (UK) – The most famous stencil graffiti artist of all time, recognized for his dark humor, satire, and anti-establishment themes. His works have appeared in cities across the world, sometimes selling for millions while still maintaining underground credibility.
• Shepard Fairey (USA) – Creator of the OBEY campaign and the Obama “Hope” poster, his stencil work blends political propaganda aesthetics with street art rebellion.
• C215 (France) – A master of hyper-detailed stencil portraits, often depicting the homeless, refugees, and everyday people in deeply expressive ways.
• FAILE (USA) – Known for blending stencils with collage techniques, creating layered, pop culture-infused urban artwork.
• Nick Walker (UK) – One of the first artists to merge stencils with traditional spray painting techniques, bringing a fine-art touch to street graffiti.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

Stencil graffiti has played a massive role in the mainstream acceptance of street art, bridging the gap between underground graffiti and high-art galleries. Unlike traditional graffiti, which focuses on letter styles, stencils allow for storytelling through imagery, making them accessible to a wider audience.

• Legal vs. Illegal: While some cities crack down on stencil graffiti, many have embraced it, commissioning artists to create legal murals.
• From the Streets to the Galleries: Artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey have proven that stencil graffiti isn’t just vandalism—it’s high art, fetching auction prices in the millions.
• Advertising & Commercial Influence: Brands and advertisers have borrowed heavily from stencil graffiti aesthetics, using it for fashion, music marketing, and streetwear campaigns.

Techniques & Tips for Aspiring Stencil Artists

• Use a Durable Stencil Material – Thick plastic or acetate stencils last longer and prevent paint bleed.
• Cut with Precision – A sharp X-Acto knife is crucial for clean edges.
• Use Multiple Layers – For multi-color designs, cut different layers for each shade to add depth.
• Spray Light, Not Heavy – Too much paint will seep under the stencil, ruining crisp lines.
• Practice on Paper First – Before hitting the streets, refine your technique on canvas or cardboard.
• High-Impact Locations – The best stencil spots are high-visibility areas where they’ll reach the most people.

Stencil graffiti has proven to be one of the most effective, enduring, and versatile street art styles. Whether it’s a simple black-and-white political statement or a multi-layered masterpiece, stencils allow artists to make their mark with speed, precision, and purpose. It’s a technique that continues to evolve, influencing street culture, fine art, and even mainstream advertising. In graffiti, speed is survival. In stencils, precision is power.

Hieroglyphic Graffiti: The Ancient Influence on Modern Street Writing

Graffiti isn’t just a modern rebellion—it’s been around since ancient times. Long before spray cans and fat caps, civilizations were marking their walls with symbols, names, and coded messages. The raw energy of graffiti today echoes the hieroglyphic storytelling of the past, from Egyptian tomb carvings to Mayan glyphs and Roman street etchings.

Ancient Graffiti: The First Street Tags

• Egyptian Hieroglyphics (3200 BC – 400 AD) – Pharaohs and priests weren’t the only ones writing on walls. Workers, travelers, and even outlaws left their names and messages in tombs and temple corridors, proving the instinct to “get up” has always existed.
• Roman & Greek Wall Inscriptions (200 BC – 500 AD) – Ancient cities were covered in carved messages, political slogans, and crude drawings—early versions of modern handstyles and gang roll calls.
• Mayan Glyphs (200 BC – 900 AD) – The Mayans bombed their pyramids and city walls with intricate symbols, blending art and language in ways that parallel wildstyle today.

Hieroglyphic Influence on Modern Graffiti

• Complex Letter Forms – Just like hieroglyphs, wildstyle graffiti turns words into art, using exaggerated connections, symbols, and layering.
• Messages in the Walls – From gang placas to protest murals, graffiti still carries coded meanings, just like ancient glyphs told stories of power, war, and identity.
• Legacy in Cholo Writing & Calligraffiti – The sharp, gothic letterforms of LA cholo graffiti mirror the carved precision of hieroglyphic writing, while artists like RETNA blend ancient scripts into modern street art.
• Sacred & Rebellious – Just as hieroglyphs preserved history, modern graffiti preserves the legacy of crews, fallen homies, and street kings who’ve left their mark.

The Evolution of Urban Glyphs

Today’s graffiti, from pichação in Brazil to fire extinguisher throw-ups in LA, keeps the spirit of hieroglyphic writing alive—marking names, claiming space, and telling untold stories. Whether scratched into a stone wall or sprayed onto a train, the message is the same: We were here. We exist. You will remember us.

Street-Fame Plug: Want to turn your handstyle into a legendary script? Get custom streetwear with your name in hieroglyphic-inspired graffiti at STREET-FAME.COM. Rep your letters in a style that’s been running the streets for centuries.

Wheatpaste Graffiti aka Wheatpasting (Paste-Ups) – Print. Paste. Run.

Wheatpasting is the DIY soldier’s method of getting up fast, cheap, and widespread. It’s a hybrid between street art and graffiti—built for speed and mass replication. Unlike spray-can graffiti, wheatpaste lets artists and activists slap up detailed artwork, bold messages, and intricate designs in seconds, making it a favorite for political dissidents, culture jammers, and street artists alike.

Writers print or hand-draw their pieces on paper, mix up homemade paste, and hit high-visibility walls, poles, and boarded-up buildings in broad daylight or under cover of night. Since it’s technically “temporary,” it exists in a gray area of legality in some places—but let’s be real, in the streets, it’s just another way to bomb.

Origins of Wheatpasting

• 1800s Europe – Originally used for advertising and political propaganda posters.
• 1970s & 80s Punk Movements – The underground music and DIY zine culture embraced wheatpasting as a way to spread show flyers and anti-establishment art.
• Graffiti Culture Influence – By the late ’90s, street artists and graffiti writers fused wheatpaste with tagging, bombing, and stencils to create an unstoppable movement of guerrilla artwork.

Notable Writers & Crews:

• FAILE – NYC-based duo known for blending wheatpaste with pop culture and fine art elements.
• WK INTERACT – French-born, NYC-based artist famous for kinetic, high-energy wheatpaste pieces.
• Swoon – One of the first female street artists to gain global recognition for wheatpasted portraits.
• Obey Giant (Shepard Fairey) – Before Banksy, Fairey used wheatpaste to spread his “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” campaign worldwide.
• Bäst – Brooklyn-based artist known for bold, collage-style wheatpaste work.

Techniques & Tips:

• DIY Paste Recipe – Mix flour, water, and sugar for a strong adhesive. Pro tip: Add a little wood glue for extra durability.
• Choose Your Paper – Thinner is better (newsprint, blueprint paper, or recycled posters work great).
• Work in Teams – One person pastes, one person slaps the piece, and one keeps watch.
• High-Traffic, Hard-to-Reach Spots – The higher and more visible, the longer it stays up.
• Lamination Hack – A light layer of clear acrylic spray or polyurethane can protect against rain and sun.

Wheatpaste ain’t just graffiti—it’s protest, propaganda, and self-expression rolled into one. Whether you’re pushing political messages, street-level branding, or raw art, wheatpasting is a fast, efficient, and iconic way to spread your work.

Sticker Graffiti (Slaps) – Bomb Everything

Sticker graffiti, aka slaps, is one of the most relentless, efficient, and unstoppable ways to get up. Slaps are fast, low-risk, and long-lasting, making them one of the smartest bombing strategies for graffiti heads who know how to move. Whether it’s USPS Label 228s, die-cut vinyls, or custom-printed runs, stickers are a graffiti staple that can last for years in the right spots.

And no one has dominated sticker bombing harder than KING SERCH.

KING SERCH (RIP) – The Sticker Graffiti God

 No one has more stickers up than SERCH. Period.

• SERCH turned sticker bombing into an unstoppable presence, covering buses, poles, newspaper boxes, mailboxes, and freeway signs across LA and beyond.
• His handstyle-driven slaps are legendary—if you’re in LA, you’ve seen them in every neighborhood, from DTLA to South Central to the Westside.
• He wasn’t just bombing—he was innovating. SERCH knew how to layer stickers, spread them across multiple cities, and trade them globally, making his name travel worldwide.
• His blackbook collection was legendary— packed with hand-drawn slaps, collabs, and pieces from some of the biggest graffiti names across the world.
• An OG SERCH slap is a piece of street art history—his stickers stand next to the greats, just as iconic as any throw-up, burner, or handstyle.

If you find a faded, half-peeled SERCH sticker still riding on a bus stop or newspaper box, you’re looking at decades of graffiti legacy in the making.

Origins of Slap Tags

• 1980s – Graffiti Meets Street Propaganda: Punk bands and underground artists started using stickers for DIY advertising.
• Early 1990s – The USPS Label 228 Takeover: Graffiti writers in NYC and LA rack up postal stickers, using them for quick, easy tags in high-risk areas.
• 1993 – COST & REVS Dominate NYC: These two start a sticker-bombing movement, hitting thousands of locations across New York.
• 2000s – Sticker Culture Blows Up: Custom vinyls, mass production, and graffiti sticker trading go global.
• Present Day – Stickers Are a Graffiti Power Move: Writers drop packs, trade slaps worldwide, and use stickers as an essential part of getting up.

Notable Writers & Crews

• KING SERCH (LA) – The undisputed sticker graffiti god—no one has more stickers up worldwide.
• COST & REVS (NYC) – Took sticker bombing to a new level in the ‘90s, making it an NYC-wide phenomenon.
• ESPO (NYC) – Master of hand-drawn stickers, made slaps part of his graffiti legacy.
• TWIST (Barry McGee, SF) – Turned stickers into a true art form, blending slaps with gallery work.
• OBEY (Shepard Fairey, Global) – His Andre the Giant Has a Posse slaps went from graffiti to global marketing dominance.
• JA (NYC) – All-city legend known for hitting everything—throw-ups, rollers, and stickers.
• NEKST (RIP, MSK) – Bombed every medium possible, including stickers, trains, and billboards.

Techniques & Tips for Sticker Bombing

• USPS Label 228s = Classic Choice – Rack ‘em up, handstyle ‘em out, slap ‘em everywhere.
• Custom Die-Cut Vinyls – Make your slaps last years, weatherproof, and harder to buff.
•   Sticker Layering = Domination – Stack your slaps on heavy traffic poles to make your name ride longer.
•   Trade & Distribute Globally – Trade slaps with writers from different cities and countries.
•  High-Traffic Placement – Bus stops, light poles, newspaper boxes, trash cans, and freeway signs = prime real estate.
•   Sticker Packs = Expansion – Drop sticker packs and trade with other artists to spread your name worldwide.

Sticker bombing is one of the smartest, most strategic ways to get up. Unlike throw-ups and handstyles that get buffed fast, a slap can ride for years untouched. Some stickers outlast full burners, turning into grimy, layered urban fossils stacked on top of decades of graffiti history.

Roller Graffiti

Roller graffiti is one of the boldest, hardest-hitting styles in graffiti, known for its massive scale, high placement, and long-lasting impact. Using paint rollers and bucket paint, writers can cover entire rooftops, freeway signs, billboards, and bridge overpasses in thick block letters that demand attention. Unlike spray-painted pieces, rollers hold their ground for years, resisting buffing and becoming part of the city skyline.

One of the most infamous roller pieces of all time was the MTA crew’s giant block-letter piece in the LA River, a legendary act of visibility that took over the concrete flood channels of Los Angeles—a testament to how roller graffiti isn’t just about going big, but also owning space in a way that lasts.

Origins of Roller Graff

• 1990s-2000s – Writers began using paint rollers to cover larger areas quickly, moving away from traditional spray paint for sheer scale.
• NYC & LA Freeways – As freeway bombing grew, rollers became a way to outdo the competition with size.
• Billboards & Rooftops – Writers pushed boundaries, hitting sky-high locations for the ultimate flex.
• MTA Crew’s LA River Blockbuster (Los Angeles) – One of the largest and most notorious roller pieces ever done, spanning hundreds of feet.

Notable Writers & Crews

• HERT (Chicago) – Known for massive rooftop rollers and hard-to-buff spots.
• KERSE (NYC) – A legendary roller writer who took over the NYC skyline.
• SACE (RIP, IRAK Crew, NYC) – Infamous for giant, high-up rollers that ran for years.
• FLOPS (LA) – One of the most active freeway and billboard roller bombers in Los Angeles.
• GANE (Miami) – Elevated the roller game in Florida by going bigger and higher.
• MTA Crew (Los Angeles) – Pulled off the world’s biggest roller pieces of all time in the LA River.

Techniques & Tips

• Use the Right Gear – Paint rollers, bucket paint, and extension poles are key for coverage. Thicker paint means better opacity.
• Contrast Matters – Black on white, red on gray—high contrast ensures visibility.
• Steady Execution – Rollers require smooth, deliberate strokes. Unlike spray cans, drips can get out of control fast.
• Rooftops & Billboards Are Prime Real Estate – High spots guarantee longevity. The harder it is to reach, the longer it runs.
• Teamwork Wins – Spotters, a clean escape, and execution separate sloppy rollers from legendary ones.

Roller graffiti is about visibility, longevity, and taking over the urban landscape in a way no other style can match. Whether it’s MTA’s LA River takeover, freeway signs in LA, rooftops in NYC, or bridge bombers in Chicago, rollers are built to own space for years. The bigger, higher, and bolder the roller, the harder it is to ignore—real writers reach the heavens.

Gang Graffiti: The Legacy of LA’s Cholo Writing

Gang graffiti, particularly cholo writing, is one of the most historically significant graffiti styles, originating in Los Angeles decades before modern hip-hop-inspired graffiti took over. Rooted in the Mexican-American gang culture of East LA, this style is instantly recognizable for its sharp, old-English-inspired letterforms, monochromatic color schemes, and territorial markings.

Origins of Gang Graffiti

• Developed in East Los Angeles by Mexican-American street gangs in the 1940s and 1950s.
• Evolved as a means for gangs to mark territory, issue warnings, and memorialize fallen members.
• Influenced by blackletter typography, calligraphy, and traditional hand-painted signage.
• Predates New York’s graffiti movement, making it one of the earliest modern graffiti styles in the U.S.

Characteristics of Cholo Writing

• Black-and-white color schemes – simple but bold for high contrast.
• Blocky, old-English-style lettering, often in all caps.
• Neighborhood numbers and street names are prominently featured.
• Gang roll calls listing members or fallen homies.
• Rival disses crossed out or flipped letters to show disrespect.
• Hand-brushed or spray-painted with a focus on clean, deliberate strokes.

Notable Influence on Art & Culture

• Charles “Chaz” Bojórquez – A pioneer in bridging cholo writing with fine art, influencing street art globally.
• Los Angeles Murals – Many Chicano muralists incorporate cholo-style lettering in large-scale public artworks.
• Tattoo & Lowrider Culture – The gothic-style script of cholo graffiti has become a staple in Chicano tattoos, clothing brands, and lowrider designs.
• West Coast Hip-Hop – Early gang graffiti influenced album covers, music videos, and streetwear designs from artists like NWA and Cypress Hill.

Legacy & Impact

• Despite its controversial ties to gang culture, cholo writing remains a respected and influential art form.
• Its unique typography and raw aesthetic continue to shape graffiti, tattooing, fashion, and design.
• Seen today in murals, gallery exhibitions, and high-end branding, proving its deep cultural significance.

Cholo writing is more than just gang graffiti—it’s a defining element of Los Angeles street culture that has left an undeniable mark on contemporary art, graffiti, fashion, and urban identity.

Etch Graffiti – Acid Burned Forever

Etch graffiti, also called glass etching, etch bath, or acid tagging, is one of the most destructive and permanent forms of graffiti. Unlike paint or markers, etch tags physically burn into glass surfaces, making them nearly impossible to remove without completely replacing the panel. It’s a high-risk, high-impact style used by writers who want their name to last for years with no chance of buffing.

This method took over LA’s transit system, storefronts, and public spaces in the 90s and 2000s, with heavy hitters like SMEAR running wild with glass etching. Whether it was on MTA bus windows, Metro train panels, or high-end store displays in Beverly Hills, etch tags became an infamous part of the city’s graffiti history.

Origins of Etch Graff

• Early 90s NYC & LA Subway System – Writers realized acid-based markers and glass etching cream left permanent damage on train windows.
• Mid-90s LA Bus & Metro Takeover – Heavy bombers like SMEAR and others started hitting MTA windows, bus stops, and storefronts across the city, leaving deep-cut etch tags that ran for years.
• 2000s High-End Storefronts & Freeways – Writers expanded etching to Melrose, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and DTLA, burning their names into designer stores, street signs, and freeway glass barriers.

Notable Writers & Crews

• SMEAR (LA) – One of the grimiest etchers to do it—SMEAR ran through MTA bus windows and glass storefronts with Glass Eater, leaving uncleanable destruction in his wake.
• GHOST (NYC) – Early pioneer of subway etch bombing, pushing the style heavily in the 90s.
• SACE (RIP, IRAK Crew, NYC) – Took etch graffiti into storefronts and high-end shopping districts.
• BONES (LA) – LA-based transit bomber known for etched MTA windows, freeway signs, and bus shelters.
• KIDULT (Paris) – Used acid tags as a protest tool, hitting luxury fashion stores like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior with giant etch tags.

Techniques & Tools

• Glass Eater / Etch Markers – Industrial acid-based markers were originally made for engraving lab glass and industrial equipment but were repurposed by graffiti writers for unstoppable glass tags.
• Hydrofluoric Acid Cream – Applied and left for minutes to burn deep into glass panels before being wiped off, leaving a permanent mark.
• Razor Blade Etching – Scratching tags into glass manually for a permanent effect.
• Targeting Public Transit & Storefronts – MTA buses, LA Metro train windows, high-end retail stores (Melrose, Rodeo Drive, DTLA), and freeway glass barriers have been prime spots for etch writers.

Impact & Crackdowns

The cost of replacing etched glass skyrocketed, leading to major crackdowns on etch graffiti in LA and NYC.

• 2000s LA Metro Buff War – After the MTA bus windows got slaughtered with acid tags, LA officials started installing scratch-proof glass and anti-graffiti films to cut down on damage.
• Luxury Store Protection – Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Supreme started using acid-resistant coatings to fight back against etch bombers.
• Felony Charges – Since etching physically damages property, many cities now classify it as felony vandalism, making it one of the most high-risk graffiti styles.

Legacy of Etch Graffiti

Despite the legal consequences, etch graffiti holds legendary status in LA’s graffiti scene and beyond. The permanent, raw destruction of acid tags on transit systems, store windows, and high-rise buildings cemented its place as one of the hardest graffiti styles to erase.

For those who ran etch-heavy in the 90s and 2000s, it wasn’t about just getting up—it was about leaving marks that lasted forever. From SMEAR’s brutal MTA etches to the endless destruction in NYC, Paris, and beyond, etch graffiti remains one of the grimiest and most notorious graffiti styles in history.

Pichação – Brazil’s Rawest Letter Game

Pichação (pronounced “pee-sha-sow”) is Brazil’s most extreme and rebellious graffiti style—a raw, tall, aggressive letterform that dominates rooftops, high-rises, and impossible-to-reach surfaces. It’s not just graffiti; it’s a statement of resistance. Unlike traditional graffiti styles, pichação isn’t about colors or wild lettering—it’s about scale, risk, and defiance.

Pichação translates to “staining” or “scribbling,” a term originally used to describe political protest writing in the 1940s and 50s. However, by the 1980s, it had evolved into an underground movement of extreme vertical tagging, unique to São Paulo’s massive urban landscape.

Origins of Pichação

• 1980s São Paulo, Brazil – Pichação was born as a direct response to Brazil’s oppressive government, economic disparity, and lack of public expression. The youth used the city’s concrete jungle as a canvas for their frustration.
• Influenced by Heavy Metal & Gothic Lettering – Unlike graffiti’s hip-hop roots, pichação took inspiration from heavy metal band logos, Nordic runes, and blackletter fonts, leading to tall, jagged, and highly stylized letterforms.
• A Rebellion Against Traditional Street Art – Many pichadores reject colorful graffiti, seeing it as a commercialized art form. To them, pichação represents pure vandalism, unfiltered rebellion, and an act of taking space in a city that disregards its poor communities.

Notable Pichadores & Crews

• Os Mesclados (São Paulo) – One of the most infamous pichação crews, known for hitting high-risk, impossible spots.
• Vomit3 – A legendary pichador whose tags dominate São Paulo’s cityscape.
• Cripta Djan – One of Brazil’s most vocal defenders of pichação, turning it into a global discussion on public space and social inequality.

Techniques & Risk

• Height is Everything – Pichadores scale buildings, freeway overpasses, rooftops, and billboards, often climbing with no safety gear just to leave their mark.
• Roller & Paint Stick Bombing – Unlike traditional graffiti spray paint, pichadores use cheap latex paint with long rollers or homemade paint sticks to stretch their letters vertically.
• Extreme Risk & Climbing – Writers climb high-rise buildings, electric poles, TV towers, and skyscrapers—often without safety harnesses—to ensure their pichação is untouchable by buffers. Many fall and die trying to claim impossible spots.

Criminal Crackdowns & Social Impact

• Harsh Legal Consequences – Unlike graffiti in other parts of the world, pichação is heavily criminalized in Brazil, with pichadores facing long jail sentences and severe fines if caught.
• Targeted by Police Brutality – Brazilian law enforcement views pichadores as criminals, not artists. Many are beaten, arrested, or even killed by police while bombing high-profile locations.
• Seen as Pure Rebellion, Not Art – Unlike street art, which is often praised and commissioned, pichação is still viewed as an act of urban defiance, not creativity.

Legacy & Influence

Despite legal repression, pichação remains a dominant force in São Paulo and other Brazilian cities. It has influenced graffiti writers worldwide, especially those drawn to raw, aggressive tagging styles. Some high-end fashion brands have even tried to appropriate pichação in clothing designs, but true pichadores reject commercialization, keeping the movement underground. For those who risk their lives to bomb the highest towers, pichação isn’t just graffiti—it’s a war against the system.

Fire Extinguisher Graffiti – Massive Drippy Tags

Fire extinguisher graffiti tags is a technique where artists repurpose fire extinguishers by filling them with paint, enabling the creation of large-scale tags and murals quickly. This method allows for expansive coverage, producing distinctive drippy aesthetics that are both striking and efficient.

Origins of Fire Extinguisher Tags

• Early 2000s – New York City: The technique gained prominence in the early 2000s, particularly in New York City. Graffiti artist KATSU is credited with pioneering this approach, utilizing modified fire extinguishers to produce large-scale works.

Notable Artists

• KATSU (New York City): Renowned for his innovative use of fire extinguishers, KATSU has created monumental tags across various urban landscapes, pushing the boundaries of traditional graffiti.

Techniques & Tips

• Preparation: Artists typically fill fire extinguishers with a mixture of paint and water, adjusting the viscosity to achieve the desired spray effect.
• Application: The pressurized nature of the extinguisher allows for rapid application, covering large areas in seconds. This method is particularly effective for high-visibility spots such as billboards, rooftops, and overpasses.

While this technique offers a unique aesthetic and efficient coverage, it also raises concerns regarding property damage and legality. The use of fire extinguishers for graffiti is often viewed as vandalism, leading to potential legal repercussions for artists.

Fire extinguisher graffiti represents a fusion of innovation and rebellion, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of street art. As with all forms of artistic expression, it walks the line between creativity and controversy, challenging perceptions and leaving an indelible mark on urban environments.

Calligraffiti – The Fusion of Graffiti & Calligraphy

Calligraffiti is where classic calligraphy meets graffiti, blending ancient lettering techniques with modern street styles. This style takes traditional scriptwork—flourishes, brushstrokes, and elegant penmanship—and reinvents it with spray cans, broad-tipped markers, and urban street energy. Calligraffiti carries both artistic precision and the rebellious, free-flowing nature of graffiti, making it one of the most dynamic forms of letter-based art.

Origins of Calligraffiti

• Ancient Influence – The roots of calligraphic graffiti trace back to Arabic, Gothic, and East Asian calligraphy, where fluid, decorative script was used for sacred, artistic, and political purposes.
• Graffiti Meets Calligraphy (1980s-Present) – Graffiti artists have long experimented with stylized lettering, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that calligraphy and graffiti fully merged.
• 2007 – Calligraffiti as a Movement – The term “Calligraffiti” was coined by Dutch artist Niels “SHOE” Meulman, who developed a unique style combining classical calligraphy with modern graffiti influences. His work brought traditional brushwork into the realm of street art.

Notable Artists

• Niels “SHOE” Meulman (Netherlands) – A pivotal figure in calligraffiti, SHOE’s work fuses sharp lettering techniques with abstract textures, creating pieces that are both structured and chaotic.
• RETNA (Los Angeles, CA) – One of the most well-known calligraffiti artists in the world, RETNA blends influences from Mayan, Arabic, Hebrew, and Gothic scripts into an intricate, almost cryptic visual language. His murals have appeared everywhere, from LA freeways to international luxury brands.
• Gracmor (Mexico) – A rising force in calligraffiti, Gracmor blends Mexican cultural influences with calligraphic styles, pushing the boundaries of script-based street art. His work has gained recognition globally, including features on STREET-FAME.COM.
• El Seed (France/Tunisia) – Merging Arabic calligraphy with contemporary graffiti, El Seed creates large-scale murals that highlight the power of written language, often incorporating messages of social and political significance.

Techniques & Tips

• Master Hand Control – Unlike throw-ups or wildstyle, calligraffiti requires precision. Artists often train with traditional calligraphy tools before transferring their skills to spray cans or mops.
• Layering & Movement – Calligraffiti pieces often feature overlapping scripts, varied line weights, and sweeping motion, giving them a sense of rhythm and energy.
• Tool Experimentation – Writers use wide spray caps, squeegees, paint rollers, and custom brushes to achieve unique calligraphic effects on walls and canvases.

Cultural Impact

• Bridging the Gap Between Street Art & Fine Art – Calligraffiti has been featured in art galleries and exhibitions worldwide, proving that graffiti is as much a respected art form as any traditional medium.
• Commercial & Fashion Crossovers – RETNA’s work has been incorporated into brand collaborations with Louis Vuitton, Nike, and MOCA Los Angeles, bringing calligraffiti to mainstream audiences.
• Social & Political Commentary – Like traditional calligraphy, calligraffiti often carries deeper meanings—poetry, protest messages, or spiritual reflections—giving writers a new way to express themselves beyond typical letterforms.

Calligraffiti isn’t just about writing words—it’s about storytelling, culture, and style. Whether it’s painted across city walls, printed on fashion pieces, or displayed in galleries, this hybrid art form continues to evolve, proving that graffiti is a living, breathing language of the streets.

 

Character Graffiti – The Faces of the Streets

Character graffiti is a major pillar of the graffiti world, bringing life, personality, and storytelling into urban spaces. Whether it’s cartoonish figures, hyper-realistic portraits, or surreal creations, character graffiti adds depth to letter-based graffiti pieces and can stand alone as striking street art. Characters are often used to make statements, represent alter egos, or complement lettering with visual storytelling.

Origins of Graff Characters

• NYC Subway Era (1970s-1980s) – Writers like Lee Quiñones and Dondi White were among the first to integrate full characters into their burners, often pulling from comic books, hip-hop culture, and political satire.
• West Coast Influence (1980s-1990s, LA & SF) – The LA and SF graffiti scenes evolved differently, incorporating influences from Chicano muralism, lowrider culture, and street gang placas. Graffiti artists on the West Coast often included stylized skulls, clowns, or Aztec warriors in their work.
• Global Expansion (1990s-Present) – Artists from Brazil, Mexico, and Europe brought new twists to graffiti character work, merging graffiti with fine art, surrealism, and hyper-detailed illustration.

Notable Artists

Los Angeles & West Coast Legends

• Mear One (LA) – Known for his insane detail and politically charged murals that blend graffiti, surrealism, and street art.
• OG Abel (LA) – Iconic for his mix of tattoo-style cholo art and graffiti, with hyper-detailed skulls, women, and gangster themes.
• Slick (LA) – A pioneer in graffiti character work, Slick’s signature cartoonish B-boy characters, and exaggerated lettering style have made his work instantly recognizable worldwide.
• Tempt One (LA) – A major force in the LA graffiti scene before ALS left him paralyzed, Tempt One’s character work and letters set a standard for detail and flow.
• Grave (LA) – Underrated but highly influential, Grave was one of the first LA writers to push full characters alongside his burners.

NYC & International Influences

• Lee Quiñones (NYC) – A pioneer in subway graffiti, Lee brought full-scale comic book-inspired characters onto NYC trains in the 70s.
• Mode 2 (UK) – One of the first European artists to blend b-boy culture into graffiti characters, influencing a generation.
• Os Gêmeos (Brazil) – Twin brothers famous for their yellow-skinned characters, heavily influenced by Brazilian folk art and dreams.
• Gracmor (Mexico) – A Mexican graffiti powerhouse, Gracmor blends calligraffiti and character work into uniquely surreal creations, often featuring Aztec mythology.

Styles of Character Graffiti

• B-Boy & Hip-Hop Figures – Inspired by hip-hop culture—breakdancers, DJs, and MCs. Popularized in NYC and later spread to LA and Europe.
• Cholo & Lowrider-Inspired Art – Skulls, payasos (clowns), Aztec gods, and gangster figures are common in LA graffiti culture, deeply tied to Chicano identity.
• Comic Book & Cartoon Characters – Classic cartoon characters get remixed with street style, often exaggerated or given a graffiti makeover.
• Surreal & Abstract Figures – Some artists take a more avant-garde approach, blending elements of dreams, nightmares, and hallucinatory visuals into their characters.
• Photorealistic Murals – Some graffiti artists focus on hyper-realistic portraits, often using spray paint to achieve insane levels of detail.
• Mascot Characters – Some writers create their own recurring character as a visual signature, making them instantly recognizable.

Techniques & Tips

• Work with Your Letters – Many graffiti artists blend characters into wildstyle pieces, making them interact with the lettering.
• Mix Your Tools – Spray paint is essential, but some artists use paint markers, airbrushes, and even brushes for finer details.
• Color Theory is Key – A strong use of contrast, shadows, and highlights makes characters pop.
• Layering for Depth – Some artists use multiple layers to add a 3D effect, making their characters look more dynamic.
• Influence & Remix – Many graffiti character specialists take inspiration from cartoons, comic books, pop culture, and personal experiences.

Impact on Graffiti Culture

• Storytelling & Personality – Characters add another layer of expression to graffiti, whether through humor, social commentary, or raw style.
• Bridging Graffiti & Fine Art – Many character-focused graffiti artists transition into gallery spaces, streetwear collaborations, and mural commissions.
• Iconic & Recognizable – A well-crafted character becomes a personal brand for a writer, making their work instantly identifiable.

Character graffiti has evolved into one of the most expressive and visually striking elements of graffiti culture. Whether it’s a menacing cholo payaso on a freeway wall or a wild B-boy character dancing next to a burner, character work continues to push graffiti into new creative territories.

Bubble Graffiti – The Foundation of Throw-Ups

Bubble graffiti, also known as bubble letters, is one of the most recognizable and essential styles in graffiti culture. Characterized by rounded, inflated letterforms, this style is built for speed and visibility. It’s a core element of throw-ups, making it a go-to choice for bombers who want to cover space quickly and efficiently.

Origins of Bubble Letters

• New York City (1970s-1980s): The bubble style was refined in the NYC subway scene as a way for writers to get larger, more legible pieces done before transit cops could roll up.
• West Coast Expansion: Bubble-style graffiti became a staple in Los Angeles and the Bay Area as freeways, rooftops, and billboards became prime real estate for graffiti.
• Global Reach: This style spread internationally, influencing scenes in Europe, Brazil, and Japan, where bombers adapted bubble letters to local aesthetics and techniques.

Notable Writers & Crews

New York City & East Coast Pioneers

• Phase 2 (NYC) – One of the earliest to refine bubble lettering, pushing styles beyond basic tags.
• Stay High 149 (NYC) – Innovator of high-volume tagging with throw-ups that spread across NYC.
• JA (NYC) – A relentless bomber known for dominating train lines and rooftops with quick, high-visibility bubble throw-ups.

Los Angeles & West Coast Bombers

• Chaka (LA) – One of LA’s most prolific bombers, with over 10,000 tags and throw-ups across the city. His bubble-style variations were a signature in the ‘90s.
• Oiler (LA) – A freeway legend known for massive throw-ups on high-traffic routes.
• Kerse (Bay Area/LA) – A freight train and rooftop bomber, running clean, high-visibility bubble throw-ups.
• CBS Crew (LA) – One of the most influential graffiti crews in LA history. Members like Mear One, Kofie, and Axis pushed styles forward, with bubble-style throw-ups appearing alongside their more intricate productions.
• Smear (LA) – Though more known for handstyles, Smear also rocked bubble throw-ups with grimy, drippy fills.
• Diar (SF/Bay Area) – Legendary Bay Area bomber known for quick bubble throw-ups on walls and freights.

International Influence

• Bates (Denmark) – A European graffiti king known for highly stylized bubble letters and burners.
• MOAS Crew (Germany) – Mastered the train bombing scene, rocking massive bubble throw-ups on freights.
• Nash (Netherlands) – A Euro-style innovator known for pushing bubble letter aesthetics in new directions.

Key Features of Bubble Graffiti

• Rounded, inflated letterforms – The signature look of bubble throw-ups.
• Bold, clean outlines – A thick outer outline makes letters pop and stand out from the surface.
• Minimal detail, maximum speed – Bubble graffiti is meant to be quick, meaning no overcomplicated designs.
• One or two colors – Most throw-ups stick to a single fill color and a contrasting outline for high visibility.

Techniques & Tips

• Speed is King – A good bubble throw-up should be done in under two minutes.
• Contrast is Key – Classic combos like chrome & black, white & red, or yellow & blue help the letters stand out.
• Layer for Impact – Double outlines or force fields can make a throw-up more noticeable.
• Drips & Extras – Some bombers add intentional drips or highlights to enhance their throw-ups.

Bubble Graffiti Still Dominates

• Perfect for Bombing – Quick, simple, and hard to buff.
• Instant Recognition – Even with minimal detail, bubble letters are one of the most recognizable styles in graffiti.
• Timeless & Universal – Nearly every major graffiti scene worldwide incorporates bubble throw-ups in some form.

Bubble graffiti is the backbone of street bombing. Whether you’re hitting a freeway, a rooftop, or a blackbook sketch, mastering bubble letters is essential for every serious writer.

Heavens – Reaching The Highest Level of Graffiti

In graffiti, the term “heaven” (or “heaven-spot”) refers to extremely high-up, hard-to-reach locations where graffiti is placed. These spots—billboards, freeway signs, bridge overhangs, rooftops, and water towers—require serious skill, planning, and risk-taking to hit.

A successful heaven piece earns major street respect because:

• They stay up for years (sometimes untouched for decades).
• They’re incredibly dangerous to paint (falling = death).
• They’re nearly impossible to buff without professional equipment.

For many writers, getting their name in a heaven-spot is a career-defining moment—it proves they’re willing to risk everything to be seen.

Origins of Heavens

• New York City (1970s-1980s): NYC subway kings Sane & Smith were among the first to push heaven spots, hitting bridge overhangs and rooftops.
• Los Angeles (1980s-1990s): LA writers took heavens to new extremes, bombing billboards, freeway signs, and skyscrapers.
• São Paulo (1990s-Present): Brazilian Pichação bombers revolutionized the concept, scaling 30+ story buildings to tag their names in death-defying locations.
• Global Expansion: From Berlin’s train bridges to Tokyo’s neon rooftops, graffiti artists worldwide continue to push how high a name can go.

Legendary Writers & Crews Who Owned the Heavens

New York City

• Sane & Smith – Their Brooklyn Bridge throw-up was one of the most legendary heavens ever hit, staying up for years.
• JA (NYC) – Known for highway overpass and billboard bombs that ran citywide.
• Revs & Cost – Hit rooftops and water towers, mastering high-visibility bombing in Manhattan.

Los Angeles & West Coast

• HEX (LA) – One of the first to dominate LA billboards in the ’80s, setting the tone for West Coast heavens.
• SIGHT (South Central LA) – South Central’s king of heavens, known for high-up bombs in impossible spots.
• Kerse (Bay Area/LA) – Freeway and bridge heaven-spot legend from NorCal to SoCal.
• MTA Crew (LA) – Painted the largest graffiti production in LA history across the Los Angeles River banks, visible from the sky.
• SABER (MSK, LA) – Created one of the largest heaven pieces ever, covering an entire LA River bank.
• RTH (Reaching The Heavens Crew) – A crew named for their specialty, bombing extreme high-risk locations across LA.
• AWR/MSK (West Coast) – These crews revolutionized freeway heavens, hitting billboards, rooftops, and sky-high pieces.

International Heaven Killers

• Pichadores (São Paulo, Brazil) – Risked their lives scaling skyscrapers to hit some of the most insane heavens ever seen.
• MOAS Crew (Germany) – Famous for rooftop and bridge bombing across Europe.
• Bates (Denmark) – Consistently painted high-exposure heavens across Copenhagen and beyond.

Techniques & Tactics for Painting Heavens

• Always Plan Your Escape – If you can’t get down safely, don’t go up.
• Rollers for Maximum Impact – Spray cans fade on big surfaces—paint rollers last longer and hit harder.
• Contrast is Key – White, silver, black, and red stand out the most on high-up surfaces.
• Train for Grip & Endurance – Many heavens writers train in rock climbing and parkour to reach extreme spots.
• Watch for Cameras & Motion Sensors – Many modern billboards and rooftops have security measures in place.

Why Heavens Matter in Graff Culture

• They Stay Up for Years – Hard-to-reach graffiti = hard-to-buff graffiti.
• They Prove Dedication – Painting a heaven means risking arrest, injury, or worse—only serious writers attempt it.
• They Get Maximum Visibility – Freeways, bridges, and billboards get seen by millions of people every year.

Legendary Heaven-Spot Pieces That Still Exist

• Los Angeles River Piece (SABER & MTA Crew, LA) – One of the biggest graffiti productions in history.
• Brooklyn Bridge Throw-Up (SANE, NYC) – A bridge heaven that ran untouched for years.
• São Paulo Pichação Skyscraper Pieces (Brazil) – Writers risk their lives scaling 30+ story buildings.
• Bay Bridge Rooftop Bomb (Bay Area, CA) – A massive illegal rooftop burner that was untouched for years.

Heavens separate real bombers from amateurs—they prove a writer is willing to push limits, take risks, and reach heights most wouldn’t dare attempt. From NYC bridges to LA billboards to Brazilian skyscrapers, the real ones always find a way to hit the heavens.

Street Art – Beyond Letters

Street art takes graffiti beyond traditional letter-based styles, blending murals, stencils, wheatpaste, and installations to create large-scale, often highly detailed works. Unlike graffiti, which is about getting your name up and earning street cred, street art leans toward visual storytelling, social commentary, and public engagement. But make no mistake—street art still carries the raw energy of graffiti culture and its roots in rebellion.

Origins of Street Art

Street art has deep roots that overlap with graffiti but evolved with different intentions.

• 1960s-70s: While graffiti writers bombed NYC subways, artists in Latin America and Europe painted murals tied to political movements. The Mexican muralist movement and protest murals in Chile and Argentina laid early foundations.
• 1980s: Stencil and wheatpaste graffiti took off, largely due to political artists creating bold, repeatable images.
• 1990s-2000s: Street art spread worldwide, merging graffiti with fine art and abstract design. More cities saw large commissioned murals, but illegal street bombing continued.
• Present Day: Street art is recognized in galleries, city projects, and global mural festivals—but many artists still hit streets illegally to stay true to its roots.

Notable Artists & Crews

• BLEK LE RAT (France) – One of the first to popularize stencil street art in the 1980s.
• BANKSY (UK) – Global icon known for politically charged stencils and social commentary.
• SHEPARD FAIREY (USA) – Creator of the OBEY campaign and the famous “Hope” Obama poster.
• TRISTAN EATON (USA) – Large-scale murals combining pop art and street techniques.
• REVOK (USA) – A legendary graffiti writer turned street artist known for colorful geometric work.
• VHILS (Portugal) – Unique method of carving murals into walls rather than painting them.
• INSA (UK) – Known for “GIF-iti,” animated street art that moves when viewed digitally.

Techniques & Styles

• Stencil Art – Spray-painted designs cut from pre-made templates for clean, fast application.
• Wheatpaste (Paste-Ups) – Large, printed posters applied with wheat-based glue, often used for propaganda and mass messaging.
• Murals – Large-scale, hand-painted works that often carry social or political messages.
• Sticker Slaps – Pre-made sticker designs bombed across cities for quick visibility.
• 3D Installations – Sculptures or interactive elements incorporated into urban environments.

Street Art vs. Graffiti: The Key Differences

Feature	Graffiti	Street Art
Focus	Lettering, bombing, handstyles	Murals, characters, social messages
Legality	Mostly illegal, done in secret	Often commissioned or legal
Medium	Spray paint, markers	Spray paint, stencils, wheatpaste, mixed media
Audience	Graffiti community, peers	General public, art world
Recognition	Fame within graffiti culture	Gallery exhibits, city projects

 

Some graffiti purists see street art as too commercial, but its influence can’t be ignored. Many of the world’s biggest artists started in graffiti before pushing their craft into murals, stencils, and large-scale visuals. Whether illegal or commissioned, street art continues to evolve—keeping the rebellious spirit of graffiti alive while reaching a wider audience.

Outlines (Hollows) – Minimalist, High-Speed Bombing

Outlines, also known as hollows, are a stripped-down version of a throw-up, consisting of a single-color outline with no fill. This graffiti style prioritizes speed, size, and visibility while using minimal paint, making it a favorite technique for bombers looking to cover maximum territory in the shortest time possible. Without a fill-in to mask imperfections, outlines demand clean execution, turning them into a real test of a writer’s can control.

Origins of Outlines

• 1980s-90s NYC: Outlines became popular among train bombers who needed a faster way to get up while still maintaining style and impact.
• 1990s-2000s Worldwide: Writers in major cities like LA, Chicago, London, and Berlin adopted outlines for their efficiency in high-risk areas.
• Present Day: Freeway systems, rooftops, and heavily patrolled spots continue to see an explosion of outline graffiti due to its ability to dominate space quickly.

Notable Writers & Crews

• JA (NYC) – One of the most relentless bombers ever, known for his citywide coverage of throw-ups and outlines.
• FUME (London) – UK bomber known for highway and train outlines, making his presence impossible to ignore.
• RAELS (NYC/Paris) – International bomber known for crisp outlines in massive spots.
• KET (NYC) – Pioneer of clean, high-impact bombing styles with outlines as a staple in his arsenal.
• RTH Crew (West Coast) – Known for their large-scale, high-up outline graffiti in LA and beyond.

Techniques & Tips

• One Continuous Motion – A clean outline should be executed in one smooth, connected motion for the best flow.
• Thick and Bold Lines – Fat caps or stock caps help make outlines pop even without a fill.
• Spacing and Letter Proportions – Even with no fill, well-structured letterforms maintain readability and style.
• Speed is Key – Outlines are designed for efficiency; keeping the can moving fast prevents drips and inconsistencies.
• Perfect for Risky Spots – When hitting high-surveillance areas like freeways, train yards, or active streets, outlines let you get in, go big, and get out.

Outlines are a power move in graffiti culture. Their simplicity might fool the untrained eye, but real writers know the level of skill required to execute a flawless outline. Unlike full-color pieces, there’s no room for cover-ups—every mistake is on display. Outlines represent pure bombing energy, emphasizing efficiency, confidence, and high-risk street presence.

For those who value getting up over anything else, outlines are a timeless and essential graffiti style, allowing writers to maximize their reach while keeping their style sharp.

The Streets Don’t Sleep – Neither Should Your Style

Graffiti ain’t just paint on a wall—it’s legacy, war, and flex all at once. Whether you’re out there catching tags, bombing highways, or locking in full-scale burners, the rules never change: Stay clean, stay bold, and stay up.

Every handstyle tells a story. Every throw-up claims a space. Every rooftop piece is a monument to movement—proof that the real heads don’t fade.

But why let your name live on the streets alone? At STREET-FAME.COM, we keep your graffiti DNA alive in the real world. Drip your tag on hoodies, tees, stickers, posters—whatever keeps your style immortal. Whether you’re rocking cholo block letters, wildstyle burners, or crisp handstyles, we got next-level custom gear to turn your blackbook sketches into street-certified fire.

•  Custom handstyle tees – Rock your tag like a king
• Throw-up hoodies – Keep your signature style in motion
• Sticker packs – Bomb your city without touching a can
• Blackbook sketch prints – Keep your ideas on lock before they hit the walls

Don’t just rep your name—own it. Hit up STREET-FAME.COM and turn your graffiti into straight-up streetwear history. The city’s watching. The streets are waiting. Time to get up. 🚀

DISCLAIMER  – The content on this blog is for informational and artistic purposes only.

STREET-FAME.COM does not encourage, condone, or promote illegal activity, including vandalism or unauthorized graffiti. This article is a cultural deep dive into the history, styles, and impact of graffiti as an art form, reflecting its evolution from ancient civilizations to modern street expression. Graffiti has played a significant role in shaping urban culture, design, and artistic movements worldwide. However, we strongly advise that any artistic pursuits be conducted legally and with respect for public and private property. If you are interested in graffiti, consider practicing on legal walls, canvases, or commissioned mural projects to showcase your skills without legal consequences. STREET-FAME.COM is dedicated to celebrating street culture through legal, high-quality apparel and accessories inspired by graffiti, hip-hop, and underground art. For custom gear that reps your style, check out our latest drops at STREET-FAME.COM.

Stay creative. Stay respected. Stay smart. – INDOE ONE, RTH