Types of Graffiti

There are different types of graffiti. The major types include:
• gang graffiti, often used by gangs to mark turf or convey threats of violence, and sometimes copycat graffiti, which mimics gang graffiti;
• tagger graffiti, ranging from high-volume simple hits to complex street art;
• conventional graffiti, often isolated or spontaneous acts of "youthful exuberance," but sometimes malicious or vindictive; and
• ideological graffiti, such as political or hate graffiti, which conveys political messages or racial, religious or ethnic slurs. In areas where graffiti is prevalent, gang and tagger graffiti are the most common types found. While other forms of graffiti may be troublesome, they typically are not as widespread. The
proportion of graffiti attributable to differing motives varies widely from one jurisdiction to another.

The major types of graffiti are discussed later.