Graffiti vs. Tagging

In this article, we’ll explore the history of graffiti and the differences and similarities between graffiti and tagging.

Tagging Vs. Graffiti

Graffiti can describe any writings or drawings created on a surface in a public space. Tagging refers specifically to writing the artist’s signature (or their pseudonym, name, or logo) on a public surface. 

This distinct signature is known as a “tag,” and the artist is referred to colloquially as a “tagger.” Tagging is the original and simplest form of graffiti; it is also the most common and can be seen in cities worldwide.

Graffiti may seem like a modern 20th-century art phenomenon. But tagging in its most basic form has been around for centuries.

It was common practice even in ancient Greek and Roman times for people to paint or scratch their names onto public buildings. Some of this ancient graffiti can still be found on historical structures today. 

However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that graffiti innovators created the street art culture we recognize today. Artists like Cornbread and other youths in New York and Philadelphia began tagging their names on public surfaces. As tagging culture matured, the locations for these tags became more inventive and harder to reach. 

Taggers often try to outdo each other by tagging over existing works or placing their tags in unusual, hard-to-access spaces. During the 70s and 80s, subway trains became prime canvases for taggers and were so heavily covered with graffiti that windows were sometimes completely obscured. 

Tagging is a graffiti style, but not all graffiti focuses on the artist’s name or signature. Graffiti is a much broader term that can include graphic designs and images, stickers, poster graffiti, stencil art, and even urban knitting.

Types of Tagging

• Tags or Tagging

• Fat Cap

• Throw Ups

• Blockbuster

• Bubble

• Wildstyle

• Heaven or Heaven-spot

Types of Graffiti

• All styles of Tagging

• Stencil art

• Poster or Paste-Up

• Sticker or Slap

• Piece or Brush

• 3D Graffiti

• Cartoon

• Yarn bombing

What Is the Difference Between Graffiti Tagging and Graffiti Art?

Graffiti art is a contemporary art form that takes inspiration from street graffiti and brings its processes and methods into traditional artworks. Graffiti art may be created on canvas or other portable surfaces. Like other forms of fine art, it can be transported, sold, and exhibited. 

Street tagging, on the other hand, cannot easily be sold or exhibited. Tags remain on the surfaces where they were sprayed until removed or covered. Taggers often work illegally and usually prefer anonymity outside their communities. 

Some illegal graffiti has been preserved—most notably the work of Banksy. However, unknown street artists and taggers typically cannot receive payment for such works, and selling them would require removing entire walls or structures. 

Some graffiti artists, such as Eduardo Kobra, have transitioned from illegal street art into commissioned murals and formal artworks. These artists may work both on public walls and on canvas, often continuing to use spray paint and stenciling techniques rooted in street culture. 

Other artists working in graffiti styles, such as Alec Monopoly, maintain an element of mystery around their identities. This anonymity is deeply rooted in graffiti street culture.

Public perception also differs. Street art and graffiti art are increasingly viewed as constructive and beautifying forces that attract tourism and cultural interest. Tagging, however, is often still seen as destructive and associated with vandalism. 

While graffiti art is generally created for a broad public audience, tagging primarily builds reputation within the tagging community and is not typically intended for public enjoyment. 

Both taggers and graffiti artists can demonstrate remarkable skill. Graffiti artists often refine techniques found in traditional painting to create works that can be widely appreciated. Tagging, by contrast, emphasizes speed, risk, and the challenge of marking hard-to-reach or public spaces. 

Both tagging and graffiti can be illegal, rebellious, and political. They can be beautiful or provocative. Graffiti artists bring techniques and themes honed in the streets into galleries and private collections, sparking new conversations about the purpose of art. You can explore graffiti and street art by Eden Gallery artists in our galleries or in our online art store.