Script & Calligraphic Styles

Many tags consist of script and calligraphic styles. Some writers use objects that are
symbolic of their lives. Others simply use patterns or other elements for design purposes. One
of the most famous tag styles was done by Stay High 149. He drew his name with a smoking
joint as the cross bar in the letter “H” and included a stick figure. As tags became more complex
and more detailed, they became bigger and more noticeable.

Because the spray nozzle has a very small orifice, the only way for writers to make their tags
larger was to increase the thickness of the letters and do additional outlines. Writers realized
that by using nozzles from different aerosol products that they could get bigger and wider spray.
As thicker letters increased the effect, writers imaginatively designed the inside of the letters,
too.

Letters changed from the traditional thin style to bubbly, block, and leaning letters. Letters
were manipulated by the addition of characters such connections and curls. Arrows were added
to the ends of letters. This style of lettering became known as mechanical or wild – style
lettering. One writer, Phase 2, developed most of the new lettering styles through which graffiti
became recognized as an art form. The following are the lettering styles used by writers: CLICK HERE

Graffiti artists have had a great deal of freedom since the crack down several years ago
before municipal and other public budgets became extremely tight.  However, government is
again fighting graffiti.  Several cities are considering or have passed anti-graffiti laws.  Many of
these laws make it illegal for merchants to sell spray paint and broad tip markers to individuals
under 21 years old.  Some of these new laws make it illegal for individuals under 21 to possess
spray paint and broad tip markers.  Others yet have combined the two making it illegal to sell to
and possess.
Artists are fighting back.  Prominent people, such as Mark Ecko, a former graffiti artist turned
clothing and media magnate who founded New York-based Ecko Unlimited, is funding legal
proceedings fighting these new laws.  Ecko and his artist friends claim these bans are
unconstitutional because they limit free speech.  In time, the courts will decide who wins and
what happens.

Types Of Graffiti:
• MURAL:  Large and often called a “masterpiece.”  Motivation is artistic.  Illegal murals
are a small percentage of graffiti.
• GANG:  Not highly repetitive or artistic, designed to convey a message about territory or
a threat.  Usually confined to specific areas, so amount of vandalized property is
generally low.
• TAGGING:  Most graffiti falls in this category.  Taggers are individuals or groups, called
crews.  Taggers often leave initials or crew names.  Can be artistic or not.  Highly visible
and dangerous locations are prized.
• TOYS:  Refers to young people who are just beginning to tag.