How Does Graffiti Affect Your Life?

[ESKiMO2]

Basically, where do you think you would be without graffiti.
How does it impact you now?

Graffiti opened my eyes to a lot of things.
How to find beauty in things that are 'ugly'.
It made me care less about what other people thought of me.
It made me more adventurous.
I made friends and enemies through graffiti.
It gave me something to live for other than material.

Without it, I would probably be deep in either music or drugs. (or both)

Be as specific or as general as you want. This way we can formulate what graffiti means to each of us.

[Proper]

How to find beauty in things that are 'ugly'.


For instances...? I'm not trying to beef ya'.

[Lunchbox]

It made me think pretty highly of guys that I woulda thought of as failures before, it showed me some really awesome spots, and opened my eyes to alot of aspects of "art" and hip hop culture, to name but a few things

[Scratch]

It taught me a lot of what I know about respect, how to interact with people, rules that are important to follow in life and ones that can be broken, morals, and a lot about other people.
It provided me a way to relate to people id normally never talk to, and helped me meet some of the nicest people in the world (and some of the biggest dickheads too).
It helped me get a better grasp on art, and a better understanding on what the average person finds aesthetically pleasing, which will definitely help me later on in life if I continue pursuing a career in art and design.

However..
It fucked up a lot of love in my life, dealing with conflicting opinions of love interests
It lead to breaking lots of promises, to my parents and to other people,

I definitely wouldn't say graffiti is a positive thing, but it's definitely helped me learn a lot about people, and myself.

[Mr yarbles]

Pushed alot of people aside
feel like no one really understands what it is that I do unless they also do it
Don't really have remorse for alot of things anymore either

[COBALT]

Made me realize people i can trust
Gave me something to do at night
Made me look at a shit load of different art

[{Kandi~Boy~Raver}]

i have to say if anything it made me more happy about my life and gave a direction in life it also gave a determination to follow thru with my goals showed that there ways more to life then parties gave me clearer outlook on wat i wanna do in the but along with those positives there have been alot of negatives like familiy issue girl issues school issues but even with all those negatives i wouldnt give up graff because of all the stuff i learned and have grown thru because of it...is really like a double edged sword in a way

[BIGel]

I definitely wouldn't say graffiti is a positive thing, but it's definitely helped me learn a lot about people, and myself.

if you don't think graffiti is a positive thing, then you shouldn't be here.

[provinT13]

It made me very adventurous, I dropped most of my fears and it totally kills my anxiety because I'm always pushing forward and not letting it take over. It has changed the way I see the city, I've met new people and become a more creative and patient person, and it shows me how to take a step back, slow down and observe. Oh and respect for others.

[Mr yarbles]

if you don't think graffiti is a positive thing, then you shouldn't be here.

Word graffiti fucked my life hard
It's why i started shoplifiting
Most of why I started smoking weed and doing other shit
Now almost anywhere I am I gotta catch a tag

and shit may seem great but that first time you get arrested graffiti turns into the real addiction
You don't even want to do it but you do
You wana be good you wana be know
It's always at the back of m head as something I GOTTA do.

But I'm no longer afraid of heights haha so I guess that's good.
But seriously when you realize you're willing to hang off an overpass just to write your name, there's a problem.

[Kayone707]

I'll say this. when working a full time job, and going to school. i sure look forward to painting on my days off.

as for how it affected my life, i met some people who are guaranteed to be life long friends. my painting partner for 6 years. my homie from canada that visits me and my family once, sometimes twice a year.

"graffiti" lets you view the "surroundings" in a whoooole different way.

and yea, tons more im just too lazy to type

[ESKiMO2]

For instances...? I'm not trying to beef ya'.

Things that society usually finds unacceptable or bad. It's not purely aesthetic, just appreciation for everything beyond societal acceptance.

[JayAyDubZed]

I look foward to car ride cause I get ta see all the latest graff.
I guess it makes my life much better in the way where I am happy to simply just roll around the city.

[Loki X Sho]

haha, first time I ever shop lifted was solely influenced by graffiti but I dont even care. I have no job, I dropped out of college, its hard to get a job, I have an undecided future. I wake up, paint, get lunch, roll another wall, go home, eat again...roll another wall...tag some stupid shit on the way back home...wake up, and repeat the process. Lost my boyfriend of 5 years..but dude if he cant deal with what I do and what makes me happy, then fuck it. I dont need a boyfriend. Graff brought me closer to a strange and random selection of people...the most diverse kids whos paths would never cross in the real world, but art gave us all something to agree on and that was good enough. I tell mom it could be much worse...Im addicted to art, pot, and music haha. No harm in that.

[JadedSketches]

graffiti has affected my life to the point where it is my life....i don't view it as an addiction, a drug or a hobby...to me it's a lifestyle.. i live my life and graffiti fits into my daily routine.

it has put a strain on my family relations though..but fuck it, either they accept it or not, this is me, if i wasn't doing this i'd be doing something else, probably wasting my time doing more drugs than i currently do.

[PeeInTheShower]

But seriously when you realize you're willing to hang off an overpass just to write your name, there's a problem.

some might view it as a problem, while others might see it as dedication, realizing that you have heart for this shit. there's people out there that live for graffiti, and they'll die for graffiti. there was a guy around my way (not going to say names it'll just start beef) but he was a nobody until he fell off a highway sign. now he's got people throwing up huge straight letters and rollers for this guy on the highway, because he died for what he loved.

graffiti has made me realize, that i could cope with a lawn chair and generic ramen noodles with a portable tv. graffiti has made me waste so much gas it's not even funny. i've hurt my family, only because they don't know my perspective of it, but then again they're not meant to. graffiti has made me realize that i have an adventerous side, and that there's nothing more beautiful than walking in a neighborhood that's not yours, with 2 mop pens and a can of paint with a couple caps in your pocket, knowing what you gotta do if someone approaches, or knowing what to do if you get pulled over. it's simple. graffiti is a lifestyle, and everyone who's into graffiti is similar in some way shape or form. some are straight up faggots who do it because they want to show their friends, and some will go alone to the train yard with work at 6 in the morning the next day. both have love for the letters.

i've also met a few people i got mad love for, and i know what they feel. try hanging out with 4 other friends that don't pay attention to graffiti, then chill with 4 writers. you'll feel such a difference in vibes.

[peacebomb]

Bad things.
I shop lift alot now.
Good things.
Opened me to art and taught me how to better express my own individual style.
Made me see through people better and figure out what kind of person they are.
Got me in shape.

[Black Flag]

To comment on your original post, for me it actually pushed me further in to music and drugs; but it does keep me away from abusing them.

Call me crazy, but doing graffiti has actually given me more respect to people's property.

The only negative things I have stayed away from coming from graffiti is racking and etching.

[SAID]

Basically, where do you think you would be without graffiti.
How does it impact you now?

Graffiti opened my eyes to a lot of things.
How to find beauty in things that are 'ugly'.
It made me care less about what other people thought of me.
It made me more adventurous.
I made friends and enemies through graffiti.
It gave me something to live for other than material.

Without it, I would probably be deep in either music or drugs. (or both)

Be as specific or as general as you want. This way we can formulate what graffiti means to each of us.

Soooo fucking true.

[1 Love]

it made me realize the little stuff..i listen to underground stuff becz only they can relate to me...graff to me is an escape... meet new people. realize the corruption...lets me express my art..care less bout my family and their dreams for me...i dont dream any more i work twords my goal that inevitable fame...fame for the wrong things..love for gravity the thing ppl take for granit...love for the most basic things..love for colors and patterns..an attitude..ima tag what i want when i want even if something is watching..why becz the average person's not gunna stop me or call the cops...its not their property what do they care...ill steal infront of people...not that obvious but obvious enough...why becz their not gunna stop me...i hide i run i dont stop for anyone...more money to spend on my gf becz everythings stolen...i sell the stolen products to toys to pay for the diapers u know..im making a living...graffiti is an life style..u steal use and get more...

[Mr yarbles]

some might view it as a problem, while others might see it as dedication, realizing that you have heart for this shit. there's people out there that live for graffiti, and they'll die for graffiti. there was a guy around my way (not going to say names it'll just start beef) but he was a nobody until he fell off a highway sign. now he's got people throwing up huge straight letters and rollers for this guy on the highway, because he died for what he loved.

graffiti has made me realize, that i could cope with a lawn chair and generic ramen noodles with a portable tv. graffiti has made me waste so much gas it's not even funny. i've hurt my family, only because they don't know my perspective of it, but then again they're not meant to. graffiti has made me realize that i have an adventerous side, and that there's nothing more beautiful than walking in a neighborhood that's not yours, with 2 mop pens and a can of paint with a couple caps in your pocket, knowing what you gotta do if someone approaches, or knowing what to do if you get pulled over. it's simple. graffiti is a lifestyle, and everyone who's into graffiti is similar in some way shape or form. some are straight up faggots who do it because they want to show their friends, and some will go alone to the train yard with work at 6 in the morning the next day. both have love for the letters.

i've also met a few people i got mad love for, and i know what they feel. try hanging out with 4 other friends that don't pay attention to graffiti, then chill with 4 writers. you'll feel such a difference in vibes.

Yeah about the dediaction thing you're right.
I get mad when toys come in thinking they're all good and shit and you've been in the game for a few years just looking at them like what the fuck
Like people at school who strive to draw their shit or fucking whore themselves out to others so everyone knows they do graffiti
But you never see them the fuck up.
and nobody understands what it's really like to go out and bomb shit.

and about the ramen noodles
haha
Graffiti did take me to the point where I wanted t live ina ghetto area and I really don't care too much about havin nice shit or a nice house or a nice car or anything
Just wana live day by day

[..romero..]

graffiti ruined my life.i used to have good grades.was a nice quiet kid and didnt get into much trouble(ok thats a lie haha)...actually i was a huuuuuge geek.still am kinda.once i started doing graffiti i started getting arrested.my parents hate me(they hated me before but now they REALLY hate me),i dont sleep well and am always out at 3 in the morning,i get into fights im constantly harrassed by police on a daily basis and generally hated by alot of people in my community and elsewhere.but i still do it for some odd reason. i think im addicted or someshit. all i do is draw or get on BS or go out scoping spots.all my free time is dedicated to graffiti..i dont even talk to my friends anymore. its both the best and worst thing thats ever happened to me.

[compost]

grafitti has raised my perception, awareness, and confidence level by 54%

[ESKiMO2]

Yeah, even with all the friends I gained through graffiti it made me more introverted. It really precipitated my intolerance for average people. It also made me struggle to go beyond them.

[skull-e]

I've lost many friends because of graffiti and iv gained many at the same time. all in all, i think my life would be a piece of shit without graffiti, I'd have the same life as anyone else, i wouldn't have been exposed to all these things that come with graffiti. If i hadn't written graffiti... fuck it

graff saved my life

[acereborn]

well, graffiti basically gave me something to do..
so yeah.

[dior]

if i didnt do graffiti i wouldnt do any thing it motivates me to get threw the week

[provinT13]

well, graffiti basically gave me something to do..
so yeah.

That too

[gcrolla]

well, graffiti basically gave me something to do..
so yeah.

Realest post in the thread

[Slant One]

It kept me outta trouble in a way its somethin that i do faithfully

[.Pando.]

as someone who has just recently started, all these posts are deeply affecting me in both negative and positive ways [though im not sure whats negative and whats positive at the moment]. the one question i gotta ask is : do any of you regret getting into graffiti?

[skull-e]

if we did, we wouldn't be on here.

[acereborn]

lol, im on here, but i kinda regret starting to write...

i dunno. take whatever examples you want from this page for both positive and negative, and theres your argument. you can say that ive been arrested, injured, lost friends over, yadi-yada over writing my name on things, but at the same time its a great way to express yourself, and to enjoy the simpler things in life.

if you want to do it, do it.

[skull-e]

wtf is your sig?

[Bilnek]

lost friends found new..... got beaten up all the time cuz alot of ppl in Bosnia hate graffiti and anything that is different btw.... lost a lot of money for cans and stuff.... girls like me nao (ima graffiti writer wanna go out?)....realized what art actually is.... learned to express myself no matter how.... and i write today cuz i already got too far to quit...

[Mr yarbles]

It kept me outta trouble in a way its somethin that i do faithfully

Kept you OUT of trouble....?

[PeeInTheShower]

"i found beauty in things that people think are ugly".

i wanted to comment on this. the reason why i'm so fascinated with graffiti in the first place, is because it could be made by a regular joe. you don't have to be famous, nor popular in your area, you don't need alot of money, anyone can learn how to do a straight letter (with practice), but i see very few people that i grew up with actually striving to get their name out there. every time i see a tag that wasn't there the day before, i try to picture in my head how it went down. and as weird as it sounds, i try to picture what the person looks like, what they wear, who they run with, all that good shit. and many people will look at a tag as a tag, but i see it as a signature to let everyone know, this is my territory. this is my box, this is my wall, this is my road sign, this is my train, and if anyone tags next to me that i'm not in alliance with, their shit will get gone over real quick.

[..LAZRS...]

its my passion, what i live for. i love the subculture, its like a special thing that no one but other writers understand or probably even know exist. its opened up some job oppurtunities, and has introduced me to numerous people from all over that i would have otherwise not known.

right now in my current situation and the people i work with, all cut up on me all the time about it and as much as it sucks to be made fun of all the time by a bunch of douchebags for what u love, its still worth it.

[jape-the-nape]

i barely paint anymore...if i do its usually the odd piece or a sly tag sumwhere

basically i just dont want to risk getting caught,if i do im in deep shit too.
i dunno if people look down to me cause i dont rep much anymore or if they think im pussy,im just trying to watch my own back

feels funny even thinkin about it,but i think im getting a bit old to be out causing trouble...props to those that are still up and running,maybe if i ever relocate i can start over and do it right this time!

[PeeInTheShower]

well i'm in your same position, and i know that eventually i'll get around to bombing hard again. i just drive around and catch handstyles for now because i'm on papers, and if i get arrested while on probation this time i'll probably be locked up for 364 days in county. not fun. but yeah, i know for sure that eventually i'll be hitting the spots that i scope out driving by.

but if you're concerned about getting roped up but you still want to get your name out, just paint freights.

[jape-the-nape]

you dont know where im at though

this place is fuckt up
try getting ya name seen here..doesnt matter where you go or how small you do it



...ya still gonna be like 50 metres from the police station lol ,and everyones gonna have a mate that that has a mate that knows you
i am actually amazed by the ammount of times i hear my name being spat or hearing about my mates hear random people talking like they know me n stuff
,theres not another way round it but to start over..fresh

[jape-the-nape]

but its cool though,i still love painting
a walls a wall and aslong as toys keep trying im allways gonna have a nice spot

[Slant One]

Kept you OUT of trouble....?

Yea It Kept Me From Drugs And All The Other Shit That People Do In My Neiborhood

[-Dank-DK-]

graffiti affects me every day

i cant go a day with out drawing on a wall/paper/or just in the air

[funhouseXcast]

anyone regret getting into it? im addicted to the shit, and im pretty new to it. every blank space i see on a wall makes me sad, cause my school is loaded with cameras and shit

[Slant One]

anyone regret getting into it? im addicted to the shit, and im pretty new to it.

I Dont Regret Doin It Im Proud To See My Work On Trucks And Walls etc

[Black Flag]

graffiti ruined my life.i used to have good grades.was a nice quiet kid and didnt get into much trouble(ok thats a lie haha)...actually i was a huuuuuge geek.still am kinda.once i started doing graffiti i started getting arrested.my parents hate me(they hated me before but now they REALLY hate me),i dont sleep well and am always out at 3 in the morning,i get into fights im constantly harrassed by police on a daily basis and generally hated by alot of people in my community and elsewhere.but i still do it for some odd reason. i think im addicted or someshit. all i do is draw or get on BS or go out scoping spots.all my free time is dedicated to graffiti..i dont even talk to my friends anymore. its both the best and worst thing thats ever happened to me.

Not gonna judge you bro, but sounds like your letting graff take too much from you.

Sit down when you have the time and really ask yourself what are your goals and aspirations in life, what honestly matters to you. If none of those things are getting messed up by graffiti, then by all means keep doing what ya love.

[..romero..]

word,i feel you on that.i think im addicted to it our some shit.but ive been painting real chill places and some trains and whatnot so not to much of a problem any more.i mean i get alot less drama from cops and people in general now which is good, they still harrass me every once in a while trying to get info on other writers, i never tell them shit tho haha. im hoping that ill have my stuff straightened up by the time school starts in august. im supposed to be moving pretty soon which i really think will be good for me. going somewhere where noone knows me, the cops dont know me and it supposedly has a kickass yard which im REALLY looking forward to.

[skull-e]

aren't you supposed to be in jail?



em es en

[..romero..]

and about the ramen noodles
haha
Graffiti did take me to the point where I wanted t live ina ghetto area and I really don't care too much about havin nice shit or a nice house or a nice car or anything
Just wana live day by day

living day by day sucks.i used to be dirt poor.now im only poor poor(lol) id never want to go back to ramen noodles.i ate that shit for 5 years of my life for breakfast lunch and dinner in a fucking trailer in the middle of texas,with no AC no bed(i slept in a sleeping bag haha) and dirty water.i mean the shit was falling apart and from what i hear its now a meth lab hardy har har.being poor is shitty man.ill die happily if i ever live in a house that isnt falling apart like and leaking in five place or doesnt have a bunch of broken windows and mold growing in it.and doesnt still have lead paint.and isnt in a shitty neighborhood like the house im in now.....but i somehow have a computer haha.



idk what that has to do with graffiti i just wanted to rant i guess.



aren't you supposed to be in jail?



em es en

they onlyy tested me for pcp and MDMA.i passed,hopefully i wont get UA'd anytime in the next month or so.im supposed to be getting off in like two months anyways.

[Kilroywashere]

For me, its like living in a secret community. Just look at what TMNK (http://www.menobodyknows.com/nobodyblog/) and all them are doing, they're using graffiti as a tool to unite the unspoken artists of graffiti.

[RhodeIsland]

Bad Things

I twitch from paint in-take(sp).
I can't go a couple seconds without catching a tag or a tag with my fingers.
I can't pay attention in school because I can't stop drawing.
I don't own any clothes that don't have paint on them.

Good Things

I met some many cool people that I would have never met if i didn't write graffiti.
I've been places I would have never known exsisted if it wasn't for graff.
I know how to get around my city faster than most people I know.

[sketch_three]

it hasnt changed shit

[TrandomnesstwO]

Graffiti has affected my life so far as much as
Respect,
Privacy(I dont go around telling everybody Im a crip(not) I do graffiti I smoke bud or have a knife anymore thankfully)
Meeting new people,
Finding new places around,
Gives me something to do,
Gives me a goal that I would actually do something to achieve in,
Keeps me from going deep into really fucked shit(I have a tendency do do that)
I use up all those blank sheets lying around,
Create/influence new writers(now that Im here hitting up my name new writers have been popping up locally)
Get popularity(back when I used to be just a really idiotic toy though)
Gives me a rush,
A love for art,
An increased awareness,
A new view of suburbia (walking around at night loved my first time).....
and....made me more skilled in making homemade tools from those homemade mops and shit.
Probably more but I'll post that later on.

[Newkidontheblock]

Taught me:
-respect
-getting over fear of hieghts
-not care what others think
-that people will always hate on things they dont understand
-to open my eyes to new experiences
-meet people and expand in all art aspects
-that vandals get BANGIN girls :D
-live each day like its your last

[..romero..]

-that vandals get BANGIN girls :D


i hear this constantly but i have yet to have it happen to me. maybe its becuase i dont go around like a fool and tell every i write. hhhmmmmmm. i guess we'll never know...

[sketch_three]

its probily ur huge nose and tny penis tbh

[..romero..]

huge nose and huger penis....thats probably it.

[sketch_three]

either way ur a jew

so that means ue only atractive to shejews

[La Coka Nostra]

i hear this constantly but i have yet to have it happen to me. maybe its becuase i dont go around like a fool and tell every i write. hhhmmmmmm. i guess we'll never know...



probably because you said you stopped hanging out with your friends.
how do you expect to meet girls?

[..romero..]

facebook?

[..romero..]

sarcasm...

[SAID]

It definately taught me how to stay calm in stressful situation overall.

[{Kandi~Boy~Raver}]

it seems to me that even tho graffiti takes alot away it really only takes away the bullshit in life

[skull-e]

I'd say it brings more bullshit into your life then anything

[CANT STOP PAINTIN]

It made me relize how much talent that people have some of these people i would have never thought had this sort of talent. It also showed me that there are so many snitches out there but they will get taken care of. sence i have started writin i have met tons of new people and made lots of friends and graffiti has helped alot i am deff alot more in shape with that whole havin to run from the cops all the time. I will never stop ill paint till the day i die!

[-Dank-DK-]

guys u wont believe what just happened to me

ok so i have court the 9th with 21 charges and the copthe has them all on me called and she must of heard im not doing a deal so she fuckin asked me if i snitch on people she with drop all the charges lol

i though it was funny cause i bet she though i was going to be like hell ya and all i did was laugh and say see u in court but that might have not been the best idea lol illl probley go to jail now lol

[KnoxIn]

^^^ haha ya same thing happened to me but not all the charges i had 35 and they were going to drop the felonys for me but i was like fuck it haha got me bout 9 months though =(

[PeeInTheShower]

that's why you make up names of people who don't exist.

[slipyslipyslipymegeee]

^^ damn im lucky i thought i had it bad with 8 i guess not

but ive always been poor so racking and other stuff helped me stay not as hungry i guess you would say
you make alot more friends and sometimes you get to write on reallly hot chicks
i mean you have to work for this shit i fucking suck i will for a while but its like haveing every thing in the world that you want when your walking the streats at 2 am with a full bag of paint cargo paints full with markers and caps but then knowing it will be buffed in 6 hours makes you laugh bc youll be in that same place in another 24 hours
also when you look like a fag to hide your true identiy for love of graff and hype-beast try and fuck with you you just look at them and laugh bc you know that they are gonna have a huge throw on there front door the next morning...
im an addict

[lordloss]

100 hours of community service effects my life

[Baron]

Graffiti had almost ruined my life. It's a long story, some of you know it, some of you don't but to put a long story short, I'm a lucky bastard. I almost came with in 2 felonies, that would have been two strikes, I wouldn't have been able to get a job, I wouldn't have been able to get accepted to a decent college (let alone pay for it), I would have become a burnout if it wasn't for a sheer stroke of luck. It's all fun and games until you and your buddy are face to face with five squad cars and your wrists constricted by the cold metal of a pair of menacing handcuffs. You try and justify your actions by saying; "It's just art" or "It makes the blank, boring, walls look better" or even "It's a part of the game." You convince yourself that its not that bad. I know this, that's how I use to be. But just remember; one slip up, one not-so-chill spot could add up to a lot down the road.

[Riot_VIA]

Hmm..Well, I made alot of eneimes, but even more friends through being a writer.
As a "goth kid", alot of people didn't talk to me. But since I'm a writer, I alk to alot of gangsters and other people I wouldn;t usually ever talk to.
Luckily, my girlfriend, who I love unconditionally, supports my graffiti. She loved the blackbook piece I did for her. <3
My mom, as an artist herself, loves it. She hates the danger and that I'm breaking the law, and she tells me not to. However, she's seen my blackbooks and stuff, and she loves it. I don't talk to my dad about alot.
No school problems. As I go to a highschool for the arts, they LOVE it.

I'd say the most problems I get aren't from my hobbies, but from my religion. As a wiccan, I get alot of shit. All I get from graff that's negative is beef with a few immature writers.

[sketch_three]

As a "goth kid", alot of people didn't talk to me.s.
i wonder why?


oh yea cuss goths are only sslighty less embaresin than jugalos

[Noddles912300]

I'd say the most problems I get aren't from my hobbies, but from my religion. As a wiccan, I get alot of shit. .
Change religion?

Problem for me is got caught racking. (Yea, I'm stupid) But, got away with just small fine.

[Subconcious]

It definately taught me how to stay calm in stressful situation overall.

TRue^^ me too. There are no doubt negative parts though. I just got arrested and I have a court date on the 9th for graffiti.

[ESKiMO2]

Has anyone here actually gotten away by giving fake names?

[Black Flag]

Graffiti had almost ruined my life. It's a long story, some of you know it, some of you don't but to put a long story short, I'm a lucky bastard. I almost came with in 2 felonies, that would have been two strikes, I wouldn't have been able to get a job, I wouldn't have been able to get accepted to a decent college (let alone pay for it), I would have become a burnout if it wasn't for a sheer stroke of luck. It's all fun and games until you and your buddy are face to face with five squad cars and your wrists constricted by the cold metal of a pair of menacing handcuffs. You try and justify your actions by saying; "It's just art" or "It makes the blank, boring, walls look better" or even "It's a part of the game." You convince yourself that its not that bad. I know this, that's how I use to be. But just remember; one slip up, one not-so-chill spot could add up to a lot down the road.

That's why I am hoping my "first time I get caught I quit" rule will save me...maybe not.

Cause I gave up long ago on the idea that I am never going to get caught, just hope I can minimize damages when I do.

[touchmycock]

ive met some of my best friends through graffiti, ive had some of my best times doing graffiti, ive made memories ill never forget. being put in jail and having my house raided, to me, was worth the amazing people ive met. it sounds lame, but without graffiti i would never have met the amazing people i have, and i dont regret anything ive done.

[..romero..]

Has anyone here actually gotten away by giving fake names?

yeah foo' dont bring ID and dont get fingerprinted and they wont know the difference. but then again if your getting printed obviously your lie didnt work but i lie about my name all the time.

[PeeInTheShower]

That's why I am hoping my "first time I get caught I quit" rule will save me...maybe not.

Cause I gave up long ago on the idea that I am never going to get caught, just hope I can minimize damages when I do.

that rule is non existent. i've gotten pinched on two seperate charges relating to graffiti, and the moment i got out of jail, and off house arrest, i started painting again, but it's like "i'll never get caught, man".

[SALVO]

All my friends are writers, most of them do hard drugs, and are in and out of jail.
Getting out of this shit is like trying to leave a gang.

[ugotfdinthea]

graffiti, there is alot to say about it
i guess it really made me see things in a different way,. the average person goes through life only seeing what they want to, the greatness in the city, i see the grimeness the run down dirty fucking bombed walls that only a small amoutn of people sdsee

in a way i guess it kinda deterrred me from alot of shit, i just smoke weed and not often and without graff i would be doing coke and drinking like 5 times a week, graff has helped me along, i ts fucked alot of things up tho
my relationship with my parents up until now was totally ucked until they foudn out i wrote and i was totally open to them about it

ive only been writing for 2 ish years but it has changed my life

" people are risking their life hanging off bridges and buildings for somthing that maybey a few people will appreaciate and there is somthing to be said about that"

graff has its ups and downs, but overall im glad i s tarted writing it has opened my eyes to art, i wasnt an artistac kid , i liked to sing when i was smaller n shit but when i started writing , visual art was just like a new world for me it was dope but yeh thats my opinion

[arsoni2]

it's just a part of who i am. graffiti is just there as a part of my daily routine that i love to do and am constantly thinking about. it keeps me away from being an average douche bag in society and from doing common things that don't mean anything. it teaches me aspects of life that i had never seen before.

it has shown me how creative the human mind can be, and what people will risk to do what they love.

it brings me happiness, friendship and creativity. it has helped me earn more friends and allowed me to look into things that may seem ugly at first but are truly beautiful, which eskimo had said previously

i also just love the act of it. getting ready with your bombing clothes and all your paint and going out while others asleep and expressing yourself through something you create and then seeing others looking at it the next day.

on the law aspect of graffiti, getting caught is my least of concerns, because you will not enjoy it if you waste your time being nervous about getting arrested. do what you have to do and get the fuck out of there. it's that simple.

theres nothing like it. it's what i live for.

[NiL]

Graffiti with underground culture is hawt.

Btw is it just me or does so much of this shit sound like actually shit..
LOL

[tha wite rabbit]

graffiti stole my money to feed its addiction to paint,got me arrested, and ruined relationships with people... I <3 graff :D

[lord patrick]

nothing actually tangibly good has ever come from graff for me.
jail twice, more fuked relationships than one can count, im a broke broke down man that crawls around at night feeling self destructive.. to a point i hate it, but without that releas id pop... but im a father now and shit different i get to see the bright side of graff ,the sketches, the new lil homies bombing, day spots ,comission painting all that shit. you gotta grow up and with out graffiti i never would have..

but fuck, what i wouldnt give to be 16 again... i would either never have started or willd out harder

[sketch_three]

it's just a part of who i am. graffiti is just there as a part of my daily routine that i love to do and am constantly thinking about. it keeps me away from being an average douche bag in society and from doing common things that don't mean anything. it teaches me aspects of life that i had never seen before.

it has shown me how creative the human mind can be, and what people will risk to do what they love.

it brings me happiness, friendship and creativity. it has helped me earn more friends and allowed me to look into things that may seem ugly at first but are truly beautiful, which eskimo had said previously

i also just love the act of it. getting ready with your bombing clothes and all your paint and going out while others asleep and expressing yourself through something you create and then seeing others looking at it the next day.

on the law aspect of graffiti, getting caught is my least of concerns, because you will not enjoy it if you waste your time being nervous about getting arrested. do what you have to do and get the fuck out of there. it's that simple.

theres nothing like it. it's what i live for.

graffiti dosnt mean anything

[ugotfdinthea]

graffiti dosnt mean anything

it means alto to alot of people, without graff i dont know what i woudl be and i dotn want to know,

[sham->]

in my situation
TLOKS said it best

"Graffiti fucked up my life, without graffiti my life would be fucked up."

[smesta]

It's interesting reading the replys from you guys who still get up every day.

I sprayed for a good 8-9 years before I settled down (Real job, Married the usual bullshit) and graffiti still affects me to this day. When i'm stressed I still break out the black book and draw. But more than that Graff gave me skills I still use today, I find I remain calmer than most in fucked up situations as most of them don't compare to cops with dogs chasing you train yards. LOL

It's also good to see the guys that used to get up at the same time as me succeed. Guys like Phibs whose exibit was just on recently.

Either way I see allot of negativity in this thread but I guess if you can evolve your skills and get out of it in once people graff can be a very positive part of your life.

[staone]

the way that graffiti has changed me is that before i would be afraid to stand up to my self but when somone went over my stuff id need to fight and that helped me build self confident because of the fights i won so if it wasnt for it id probally be getting bullyed and wishing i could die

but honestly right now am not a hardcore bomber so i cant give anymore insight only people who go out and put in work can speak but graffiti has opened my eye out to the world and the true face of this world and for that am thankful and wouldnt give it in for anything else and i would risk my life for this art and i would die for this are and thats a fact

[slipyslipyslipymegeee]

omg if i was in school and this was like an actual class paper i think every one in here would probbly write atleast 5 pages

[ReKoNe~!]

keeps me out of serious trouble, keeps me occupied with life
allows me to learn new things, has taught me a moral code
gives me a base for life

[sketch_three]

thats sad that u base everything about urself on writing madeup word on stuff

[ReKoNe~!]

obviously if you think graffiti is just that then you have no understanding on how to do it/what its about

[choderickbenson]

graffiti got me into the type of music i listen to now and music is definetley a big part of my life

it also got me into a bunch of different types of art and i also see it as a way to occupy myself and keep me from dying of boredom. I stay occupied in class by sketching and when i take the usual bus route, i enjoy looking at the graffiti because it is the only thing that really changes on a weekly basis

[KidReny!]

Bad:
1.I get heated as fuck when people talk about graffiti as being garbage instead of seing it as art, that same peice woulda been praised by top crits if it was in a museum but if its on a wall or train OH LAWD CLEAN THAT SHIT UP.

2. I think so hard and scheme so'much to steal paint but cant cause its so hard for a young brotha to steal in my town cause im constantly being watched whenever i walk in a store, so i waste my got damn milk money on paint.

3. Im extremley arrogant and have told everyone what I write thinking i wont get caught, but deep down i know someone is gonna over hear me and try to play hero all cause my damn ego.

Good:

1. I find bitches love it when you tag there names lol.

2. I apreciate long boring drives cause i have high hopes i will see graffiti.

3. I constantly have my black book on me.

4. I now appreciate all forms of art and color.

5. Ive become even more open minded and accepting of others in general.

6. Lastly bitches love gettin tags on they body lol.

[sketch_three]

obviously if you think graffiti is just that then you have no understanding on how to do it/what its about

yea cuss that makes sense

[Mr yarbles]

3. Im extremley arrogant and have told everyone what I write thinking i wont get caught, but deep down i know someone is gonna over hear me and try to play hero all cause my damn ego.


THis is true.
You need to stop droppin handles in everyone's yearbooks homie.

[ReKoNe~!]

maybe not to someone as simple minded and retarded as yourself, but im guessing youre a toy?

[immoral]

Graffiti Gave me something to do with my time.
A reason to be comfortable with ditching out on dates to go paint freights.

Graffiti probably saved my life. Although I've been in jail because of it, I don't mind it much. It's been a part of my life for about six years now and I don't see it ever stopping.

[sham->]

One thing that grinds my gears as well, is that when I get in trouble for graffiti, my parents threaten me with taking my car away, not letting me be with friends, or taking away internet. ALL THAT for WHAT writing on something that's not mine. Did I kill anybody, did I steal something like a dvd player, did I throw a brick through a window, did I neglect all of my responsibilities to do graffiti. HELL NO!!

What have I really done wrong, made some guy clean up my graffiti, who by the way gets paid to do that?

[sketch_three]

maybe not to someone as simple minded and retarded as yourself, but im guessing youre a toy?

so my veiws on something determen my skill level

[PeeInTheShower]

graffiti has given me an ego. everytime i pass one of my tags i just think to myself "one of many, these people know who the fuck i am". of course there's heads that put in so much more work than me, but it's nice to pretend.

look at those tko heads. they fucking yell tko everytime they beat someone's ass. who would have thought that writing on walls would make your head bigger.

[steaksauce]

graffiti turned me into a survivalist, i wouldnt walk as much climb as much rack as much travel anywhere or fight as much if it wasnt for it and for that i am actually grateful. if there where to be a nuclear attack i think the true writer would survive. its something i wont stop so to keep my senses keen

[sketch_three]

explain how writing on shit is gunna cure you from the force of a thousand exploeding suns and super mutated cancer

[smesta]

Maybe if you write with lead paint it would help??

[TECKN]

Basically everything ya'll just said goes for me

fear
adventure
girls
stealing
drugs
art
people

[Wankerchops]

explain how writing on shit is gunna cure you from the force of a thousand exploeding suns and super mutated cancer


Only this guy's talking sense, the rest of you clowns are all....'Oh,oh, graffiti made my dick an inch longer and my turds 2 degrees firmer on the Bristol Stool Chart'.

[FrEEk_nine-o-fizzle]

graffiti affects my life in every aspect.
i get a job so i dont have to steal all my supplies
i go to school so that i can learn new art techniques
i got into hip hop because of graffiti
im moving to toronto because my city is going all gistopo on writers (not the only reson but...)
ive gotten laid and paid for drawing peoples names, i want to go into desing because of things ive learned in doing graff. ive lost friends and girlfriends and gotten cuffed and beaten for graff. my clothes are always covered in paint and ink, not a pizza box leaves my house without being vandalized. i walk home certan ways because there is more graffiti in this ally or that set of train tracks. ive climbed building and done things i neve would have done other wise. ive seen places people dont see. ive made friends with people i never would have had reson to talk to. graff is more important to me than anything else i can think of.

[THAT BOY DOWN THE BLOCK]

explain how writing on shit is gunna cure you from the force of a thousand exploeding suns and super mutated cancer

^

[dior]

its my reson for doing anything pretty much

[Reincarnation]

Graffiti gets me out of the house its allows me to be something much larger then myself. It allows me to express myself and to make friends. It also allows me to connect to my brother better.

[jaketherake94]

I've just started doing graffiti but its opened peoples eye's at school they dont see me as that kid that has a freaky fro but they see me sorta as like a person who has talent. I cant say that its really affected my life since i recently started doing it but also it gives me something to do in my spare time when im not playing video games or chillen with my friends

[PeeInTheShower]

I've just started doing graffiti but its opened peoples eye's at school they dont see me as that kid that has a freaky fro but they see me sorta as like a person who has talent. I cant say that its really affected my life since i recently started doing it but also it gives me something to do in my spare time when im not playing video games or chillen with my friends

not to burst your bubble big guy, but everyone knowing you write graffiti will get you hemmed up in a heartbeat.

[tork614]

i cant love anymore

[Waterwings_]

One thing that grinds my gears as well, is that when I get in trouble for graffiti, my parents threaten me with taking my car away, not letting me be with friends, or taking away internet. ALL THAT for WHAT writing on something that's not mine. Did I kill anybody, did I steal something like a dvd player, did I throw a brick through a window, did I neglect all of my responsibilities to do graffiti. HELL NO!!

What have I really done wrong, made some guy clean up my graffiti, who by the way gets paid to do that?

Sounds like your parents bought you a car..

Anyway, I've lost most of my friends, I lost a girlfriend of 2 years because I refused to stop, I've been beat the fuck down by 20 guys, I've been robbed, I've been stabbed.
But honestly that's life. You put yourself in that position when you first put a marker to a wall. There are people living in much worse shit then that. I take it as a part of life, graffiti life. Eh.

[PeeInTheShower]

Sounds like your parents bought you a car..

Anyway, I've lost most of my friends, I lost a girlfriend of 2 years because I refused to stop, I've been beat the fuck down by 20 guys, I've been robbed, I've been stabbed.
But honestly that's life. You put yourself in that position when you first put a marker to a wall. There are people living in much worse shit then that. I take it as a part of life, graffiti life. Eh.

i'm sorry. let me clear this up. your girl left you, you've gotten jumped, robbed, and stabbed, because you put a marker to a wall? i'd understand if you actually picked up a can of rusto, but shit.

[Waterwings_]

I'm sorry, let me clear this up.
You put yourself in the position for that to happen when you START WRITING GRAFFITI.
And no, I've never used rusto. We have Aussie exports here.

[jaketherake94]

not to burst your bubble big guy, but everyone knowing you write graffiti will get you hemmed up in a heartbeat.

not really sure what getting me hemmed up in a heartbeat means but like i just write it out to think of the pattern im going to do and then i spray it

[rinoh]

just dont tell everybofy you dumb fuck

[TECKN]

yea dont be like "i write _____!"

[jaketherake94]

ooo ok

[shalf]

Oh my lord kid...Don't tell people what you write thats not a good fucking idea.
The only people who know I write is my girl and my boys THATS FUCKING IT. And most of my friends only know becuase I was a fucking big mouth in my toy days.
At the end of the day don't go telling your teachers that you enjoy spraying on walls in your spare time
learn the rules kiddo

[jaketherake94]

Oh my lord kid...Don't tell people what you write thats not a good fucking idea.
The only people who know I write is my girl and my boys THATS FUCKING IT. And most of my friends only know becuase I was a fucking big mouth in my toy days.
At the end of the day don't go telling your teachers that you enjoy spraying on walls in your spare time
learn the rules kiddo

yeah im obviously not that stupid to tell my teachers i dont like bragg it to kids i just say like yeah i spray apint some times. Like my parents know that i spray paint like i told them that i want to do buildings one day because im just trying it out on wood and canvas right now but my parents were like when your older you can do buildings just if you dont get caught

[hasemler]

but my parents were like when your older you can do buildings just if you dont get caught

who hasn't heard that before? lmao

[xylene hug]

its 2am. i woke up from my nap a few hours ago. i'll be layin tags till 4 i think... hmm... nahh hasnt effected my life one bit..

[hasemler]

graff gave me something to do when im saying im walking my dog, besides smoking.

btw my dog is dead

[wired_615]

graffiti killed your dog

[thedudeman]

graffiti affects my life in every aspect.
i get a job so i dont have to steal all my supplies
i go to school so that i can learn new art techniques
i got into hip hop because of graffiti
im moving to toronto because my city is going all gistopo on writers (not the only reson but...)
ive gotten laid and paid for drawing peoples names, i want to go into desing because of things ive learned in doing graff. ive lost friends and girlfriends and gotten cuffed and beaten for graff. my clothes are always covered in paint and ink, not a pizza box leaves my house without being vandalized. i walk home certan ways because there is more graffiti in this ally or that set of train tracks. ive climbed building and done things i neve would have done other wise. ive seen places people dont see. ive made friends with people i never would have had reson to talk to. graff is more important to me than anything else i can think of.

some of the realest shit ive read in a while.. this pretty much sums up every writer that actually puts in the work and paints every night and not just put up 2 little ups stickers and like 5 tags.. i think im gunna have 2 sig this

[hasemler]

nahh that jaketherake kid accidentally snitched on himself and my dog died of laughter

[downunder]

I think graffiti has shown me what i can do. I'm pretty sure most people in here have been told that they are useless, and lazy, or not committed to anything. But the same people talking all that shit are hugging their pillows while you are out at midnight, doing what you love. I think in some ways it has given me more confidence around people, though at the same time made me less sociable... if that makes sense.

Anyway, cool thread.

[TheMurderousMisterMero_]

graffiti fucked up my life pretty bad.i think i already posted why.but the more i think about it its alot better than what could have happened.becuase i stopped hanging out with the people i did before i got into graff.which at first i was like thats a bad thing that im drifting away from my friends.but thos same people are all drug dealers and gangsters and shit now.i heard about 3 days ago that one of those people is going to jial for a long time for a string of robberies,tyin people up an shit(he's 19).and i thought to myself.shit man,that would have been me.i mean most of those guys are all either gonna end up dead or in jail.graffiti could land you in jail or in a grave too,but at least im doing something i like...i tried selling drugs.wasnt for me...so in the end i guess it turned out alright.

[PeeInTheShower]

simple. i can't get a 9 to 5 anymore.

[NepNEEKgraffing]

graffiti changed my life big time. i go out writin almost everyday allday i meet tons of ppl new frends. it tawt me respect and tru art a way to express myself. in sum ways more than others how to get respect or disrespect on the streets...........but i love it and almost everything it has to offer

[adreniline_zero]

not really changed much achuly

[BIGel]

the biggest blessing, and the biggest curse..

[LIQUIDFOOT]

you get arrested, you get props, ups and downs, but when its all said and done whats it realy about? doin what you want, when you wanna do it