WHAT IS GRAFFITI?

WHY SPRAY PAINT?

WHY CAN'T I READ THEIR NAME/TAG?

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO PAINT GRAFFITI?

Graffiti artists use spray paint because it’s fast, versatile, and ideal for creating bold, eye-catching artwork on large surfaces. Spray paint dries quickly, allowing artists to layer colors and work efficiently, especially in outdoor or public spaces. The aerosol can makes it easy to cover big areas, create smooth gradients, and achieve a variety of effects—from fine lines to broad strokes—by switching out different spray caps. This flexibility, combined with the vibrant colors and durability of spray paint, makes it the perfect tool for graffiti artists who want to make a strong visual impact. HAVRE Graffiti has had decades of experience working with spray paint, and has had the pleasure of being asked to teach young artists in the art of aerosol painting.

Many people find graffiti names—or “tags”—hard to read because graffiti artists often use highly stylized lettering, unique shapes, and creative flourishes that prioritize artistic expression over legibility. The goal is to create a signature style that stands out and is recognizable to other artists, rather than to the general public.

These stylized letters can be stretched, twisted, overlapped, or filled with extra details, making them look more like abstract art than regular handwriting. For those outside the graffiti community, this can make the names look like a secret code. Over time, artists develop their own visual language, and part of the fun and challenge is in deciphering and appreciating these unique signatures. As you can see in the gallery, HAVRE's graffiti tag (lettering) takes on varying styles and elements throughout his graffiti career-but they all say "HAVRE."

Spray painting a good graffiti piece is much harder than it looks. It takes a lot of skill, practice, and control to create clean lines, smooth color blends, and balanced designs—especially on a large wall. Artists must master different spray caps, pressure control, and techniques for layering and shading. Planning a piece, sketching the design, and working quickly (sometimes outdoors or in challenging conditions) adds to the challenge.

A strong graffiti piece isn’t just about technical skill—it’s also about creativity, composition, and developing a unique style. Our artist HAVRE is an experienced graffiti artist who has spent decades perfecting his craft and personal style. For beginners, it can be tough to get the paint to behave the way they want, and mistakes can be hard to fix. But with dedication and practice, artists can turn a blank wall into a striking work of art.

Graffiti is a form of visual art that involves creating lettering, sometimes with images and designs, on surfaces in public or private spaces, typically using spray paint, markers, or other materials. It originated as a way for artists to express themselves, share messages, and leave their signature (“tag”) in urban environments. Graffiti can range from a simple word (their graffiti name/tag), to complex, colorful murals and large-scale works of art. While it was once seen mainly as vandalism, graffiti is now widely recognized as an influential art movement that brings creativity, energy, and unique character to cities and communities around the world.

A CLOSER LOOK

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?

If you are interested in learning more about graffiti, would like to discuss a graffiti mural on your property, or have any questions, please reach out to us today!