Tagging, Graffiti, Street Art, etc. - How to implement it into your roleplay
Whether you're a solo tagger, repping a local crew, tagging up walls to just build a name, or just using it as an emotional outlet, graffiti can be more than just background noise. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to realistically and creatively incorporate graffiti into your roleplay. From tags to wildstyles, we’ll cover it all - IC and OOC.Use this guide how you want: as a step-by-step breakdown, creative inspo, or just something to reference when you’re planning your next piece or character.
Why Does Your Character Do Graffiti?
Before you spray a wall, ask yourself why your character does it.- Is it for the thrill/adrenaline?
- A way to cope with their home life?
- Sending a message to the area?
- Gaining clout or leaving a legacy?
- Your “why” defines your character’s relationship with graffiti—so build that into your story.
Types of Graffiti (Ranked by Complexity):
- Tag - One-color, quick name or signature. Usually the artist’s name/crew. (reference image)
- Throw-Up - Bubble letters or simple block with fill + outline. Fast but stylized. (reference image)
- Piece/Wildstyle - Complex, abstract, often unreadable. For skilled artists with time and balls. (reference image)
When & Where to Use It
You don’t have to tag every day. Make it feel natural and something like a free-time hobby that you chase.- Hit up alleyways, train tunnels, or county underpasses.
- Spray near beefing factions? Expect retaliation or heat.
- Want attention? Hit high-traffic spots.
- Staying lowkey? Stick to back alleys, under bridges, or abandoned barns.
Planning Before You Paint
- Sketch the piece. Real artists draw their planned tag in a sketchbook before they paint.
- Pick your cans:
- Low Pressure (LP) for control
- High Pressure (HP) for speed
- Brands: Montana, MTN, Molotow, Kobra, Flame Paint, Clash, etc.
- Pack right: Gloves, mask, spare caps, backup cans, old clothes.
- Location matters: High risk = more fame. Low risk = more chill.
- Exit strategy: Know how you’re getting out if it pops off.
Actually RPing the Spray-Up
- Use /me’s to show the whole process:
- Shaking cans (rattle sound), cap clogs, dripping paint, fume headaches.
- Fill-in first, then outline.
- Don’t just write one /me and be done. Make it feel gritty and real.
- Tag your name or crew when done. Maybe snap a pic IC.
The Aftermath
- You’ll smell like fresh paint. Your clothes are likely stained.
- You might be paranoid or hyped depending on your character.
- Hide the cans, burn the clothes, bounce quick - you try not to leave a trace to be caught.
- If you bombed someone else's turf, be ready for IC consequences.
Optional: Designing the Piece OOC
If you wanna flex screenshots on the forums or your character thread:- Use GIMP, Photoshop, Illustrator, whatever to make your own tags.
- Keep it raw—like real tags, not digital art.
- I will work on making a video tutorial of how to do this.
Last Advice
This guide is just the surface. If you want to be heavy into graffiti RP, go read up on real-world graffiti history and techniques. Watch vids, read forums, dig into the culture. It'll make your RP hit harder and feel more authentic.
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