Graffiti as Urban Border Markers
26 Sep 2020
In some urban settings, various forms of graffiti are used to signify areas controlled by particular gangs or other groups.
These logos or ‘tags’ can also be used to let outsiders know whose ‘turf’ they are in.
Gang-related graffiti is often characterised by the use of cryptic symbols and distinct calligraphy styles.
Graffiti; an Ancient Art Form
30 Aug 2020
Street art, or graffiti, has existed since the earliest recorded times, and examples of it can be found across the ancient world, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
One of the earliest known examples of graffiti can be found in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, located in modern-day Turkey’s Aegean region.
The Life of a Graffiti Artist
10 Jul 2020
Graffiti has been a controversial topic for many years. At its core, it describes illegal markings or drawings on public surfaces. Often, graffiti artists use these images to express their sentiments towards a specific subject or movement.
It’s also possible for graffiti to be a territorial sign of a gang or even a form of street art, which is entirely legal. Although graffiti is still primarily seen as an improper act, it’s beginning to gain a lot of newfound respect with the introduction of street art. Additionally, many people are choosing the life of a graffiti artist as a full-time job.
What is a Graffiti Artist?
The word graffiti is derived from the Italian word for scratch, which is graffio. It’s also closely linked to the Greek word for “to write.” Graffiti has a history that dates back to ancient times when the tool of choice was anything sharp. Back then, artists would scratch their drawings into rocks, while nowadays they tend to use paint, brushes, and marker pens.
A graffiti artist is someone who uses art to express themselves in a public space. Typically, the emotions behind this art are related to social conflicts that cause a divide. They essentially showcase their thoughts and feelings to society at large. This sparks conversations and debates that help address these issues.
Nowadays, a lot of graffiti is actually street art. This form of art is legal and the artist has obtained all the necessary permissions. Due to this, many people find themselves admiring the artist’s work and gaining newfound respect.
The Career Prospects of a Graffiti Artist
It’s thanks to street art that many young artists are now choosing it as a full-time career. With the correct permissions, graffiti can provide you with monetary rewards. Instead of lurking around in the dark, worrying about being caught out, you can create to your heart’s content in a safe environment— and, you’ll get paid for it.
Many buildings are beginning to showcase street art, resulting in increased demand. This means that you can find many opportunities to create your designs in a public space. However, as with all things in life, there are some cons to this job.
Is It Worth Becoming a Graffiti Artist?
The primary disadvantage of being a street artist is the financial aspect. Many new artists receive significantly lower pay for their work when compared to those with decades of experience. Additionally, it can take years to gain recognition in the industry and justify your pay grade.
For this reason, many street artists choose to take on side jobs. The most common options include being a graphic designer or an illustrator at a gaming company or online casino such as the ones listed on CasinoHawks.com. These jobs allow you to remain creative while offering you a decent salary.
Other than this, there aren’t too many cons. Sometimes, you might have to paint something you’re not interested in, but you will always have the freedom of giving it your own flair. If the money doesn’t phase you, and you’re willing to put the effort in, then being a full-time street artist is an option in today’s modern society.
Graffiti; the Rebel’s Medium
2 Jul 2020
Unsanctioned street art, also known as graffiti, is frequently associated with banned ideologies and rebellious, anti-authoritarian subcultures.
During the 1970s and 1980s, the anarcho-punk band Crass waged a graffiti campaign in the London Underground to spread its anti-war and anti-consumerist message.
Graffiti also played a significant role in Amsterdam’s emerging punk scene.
Making a Statement With Street Art
Street art is primarily used for entertainment and to showcase the artist's talent. No matter where you are in the world, you are sure to see examples of it. However, it is becoming increasingly popular as a way of drawing attention to important issues.
One of the methods which could be employed is by changing the letters on a billboard, which would give the advertisement an entirely different meaning. This practice should not be encouraged as it is actually classed as criminal damage, and is therefore illegal. However, those who are passionate about a particular cause may see the risk of getting caught as a small price to pay.