The motivations behind the creators of private and public graffiti are totally different.
 
 
 
 
 
 Back to Top
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ÒThe most notorious type is gang graffiti that consist of primitive scrawls focusing on the gang name or symbolsÓ, and they are to serve the purpose of Òmaking territory and war zones, to send messages, to insult other gangs, and to warn away intruders.Ó (Gomez, 1993, p. 644) 

The second category of graffiti is ÒtaggingÓ, tags are Òsimple, stark lettering of a signature nickname,Ó Òchosen for a variety of personal reasonsÓ by the taggers. The taggers may belongs to ÒcrewsÓ that are Òsimply groups of individuals who go out writing together and a resource for each other,Ó unlike gang, Òthey war with art rather than with guns or knives.Ó Their primary motivation is to seek Òfame and recognition.Ó (Gomez, 1993, p. 645)  

The third type of graffiti are large, elaborate and multicolor ÒpiecesÓ, a term derived from the word ÒmasterpieceÓ. ÒThose who express themselves through the creation of ÒpiecesÓ are regarded as artistsÓ, they Òuse graffiti to build their portfolio and practice their skill so that they can obtain employment and receive scholarships. For many, graffiti is also a means of expression and a way to improve their community.Ó Their works are Òmore intricate and detailed than simply a tag, thus are commonly described as graffiti art.Ó (Gomez, 1993, p. 647 - 648)