Graffiti, also known as tagging, is an international art form that places art in a fresh context--out in the world. Unfortunately, tagging has some risks associated with it, including safety issues for the artist and the entire issue of legality. Some people have taken tagging too far and have found themselves under arrest. This helpful guide will help you determine if your tagging adventures are worth the potential costs.
Instructions
1. Research the laws in your area. Some municipalities have such strict laws against tagging that it might not be worthwhile to try it at all. Check to see if any local media have done recent stories about tagging. If your community is paying more attention to graffiti than it usually does, you might want to wait until the attention dies down.
2. Research the area. Is the area truly abandoned, or just not busy at night? If it's the latter, you risk detection by alarms or night watchmen. The best places to tag are truly abandoned, but not at all historic. You are not trying to be destructive.
3. Consider your area to tag, and observe it closely from multiple angles. You don't want to be completely obvious about this, but make sure that the area you want to tag is easy and safe for you to approach, yet still hidden enough that you can make a quick approach.
4. Have an exit strategy. Is the site nearly impossible to get to? you need to be able to leave even more quickly than you arrive.
5. Evaluate what materials you would need to bring. Do you need a ladder and huge stencils? Could you really climb a chain link fence with your gear?
6. Check over your gear. If you had to ditch your stuff, would your name be anywhere, like on a receipt?
