I’ve noticed that some cats in Nairobi are interested in graffiti and I stumbled on this thread on the 12oz Prophet Forums. This will basically give you and idea on getting started, graffiti etiquette, how not to get caught, etc. Here it is, I picked out all the best and most relevant posts but if you are having trouble with some of the graff jargon, go here: www.at149st.com/glossary.html
Disclaimer: UP does not encourage any illegal activities
Espo’s Rules of Graffiti
As published in “The Art of Getting Over”
You suck until further notice.
It’s gonna take a long time before we even acknowledge your existence, even longer before we can bear to look at that foul scribble you call your name. To speed the process of acceptance, you can A) choose a clever name that defies the norm of simple-minded slang. An example of a good name is “ARGUE” (RIP) it looks good when written, sounds cool when spoken, and conveys a combative attitude. ON the other hand, “ENEMA” (actual name) looks, sounds and conveys a shitty attitude. Be CHOOSY. B) Use paint, gain a thorough knowledge of supplies, remember that permission walls, stickers and dust tags are small parts of a balanced diet, be bold, learn a style of writing for every occasion, and write your name bigger every time you go out.
Jealousy is a disease for the weak.
Your heart is your greatest possession, don’t let it get taken from you.
Don’t write on houses of worship, people’s houses in general, other writers’ names and tombstones. Writing on memorial walls and cars is beef beyond belief. Furthermore, involving civilians in your beef is grounds for dismissal. These are the five fingers of your right hand. Get to know them well. Give soul claps, firm handshakes and throw smooth bolo punches. Although being a toy seems undesirable, you should enjoy it while you can. At this stage you can bite all you want with no remorse. All your elders will say is “Awww isn’t that cute, kootchie koootchie koo.” So steal that dope connection, rob that colour scheme. And loot whole letterforms. Don;t worry about giving any credit, we’ll pat ourselves on the back and brag how we’re influencing the next generation. However, style isn’t a crutch os a schtick. It is understanding why that connection you but flows, or why that colour scheme bumps. Style is the process to an appealing end. Once you got it down to a science, you can reinvent letterforms to suit yourself. This creative growth will amaze the old and young alike. Pretty soon somebody will steal your secret sauce and the cycle will be renewed. If this happens to you, don’t bitch about not getting your due. Graffiti is the language of the ignored. If your style is stolen, someone heard you speaking. You got what you wanted from the beginning, some attention, you big baby.
It must be noted that the vandal squad loves graffiti. Their job requires them to fiend for graffiti as much as you do. When you wreck enough walls, they’ll want to meet you. Just like the ball huggers outside the graff shop, they’ll recite every spot you hit, with the difference being you’ll also hear the Miranda Warning.
(UP Editor’s note: In Kenya consequences of illegal activity can be much more serious, though tagging is classified as a misdemeanour.)
To postpone this, go solo as much as possible. Don’t write with anyone that won’t fight for you. Don’t be paranoid, but be careful. If you avoid writing on pristine properties you’ll stay in misdemeanor territory, and you won’t divert the cops’ attention from pastry and caffeine consumption (consult local laws to be sure). Remember, if htey didn’t see you do it, it’s almost impossible for the to win a convistion without your own damning testimony. Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! Giving a cop info on another writer will doom you to a life of ridicule, from cops and kids alike, with no parole.
There’s nothing wrong with knowing you’re the shit as long as you are. But once you reach that conclusion, your one foot over the edge of the falling off. Watch your step fathead, there’s no shortage of people chanting”JUMP!JUMP!JUMP!” there are plenty of writers that have been painting well for the better part of 20 years, and your posing and fronting looks retarded next to them. Get back to work, you “never was” slouch. In conclusion, graffiti is free, impresses the girls, is heroic in our couch potato culture, will provide you with a million stories to tell at parties, and a sure cure for the inner-city blues. If it’s not fun, you’re doing it wrong or have been doing it too long. SO get going, fame awaits the fly among you.
Want a good tip? Don’t be a graffiti writer, just be a guy who writes his name on things. It’s better that way.
- Don’t go up to people and ask “Doooood….don’t you write (insert tag name here)?” I fucking hate that.
- Don’t bomb railroad property or shit near railyards for that matter. It just let’s authorities know “Oh, graffiti writers come here.” You do the math. (UP Editor’s note: One of the best graffiti studios in Nairobi is at the railway museum, go figure!)
- Be like Clark Kent and keep it low pro with a secret identity. To look at some heads you would never think they got up with paint.
- Do not brag on the internet about all the spots you crushed with accompanying flicks. Like it or not, cops come here and they WILL track you.
- When you go out on a mission, dress inconspicuously. Your trucker hat with the KAWS throwie, baggie pants, ECHO shirt and camouflage DALEK jacket not only makes you look like a fucking herb, it makes you stick out. Plain dark clothing does it all. Reflective shit is a big no-no too.
- Always, always have a getaway route planned.
- Keep your eyes and ears open.
Painting Tips:
- Don’t go straight onto the streets and make yourself look like a fool
- Start by practicing at a chill wall that no one will see, if not a chill wall…get plywood or posterboard or cardboard or anything just to practice till you get it down.
Tips on sketching pieces:
- At first, stay simple, that means simple letters, simple colors
- Master block letters on your keyboard at first then progress from there
General Tips:
- Never tell people you don’t trust that your write graffiti
- Don’t ‘tag up’ your backpacks/shoes/hats and other things people will see
- Don’t write on your school
PEACE UP and #LIVEITUP. Share graffiti around Nairobi you’ve spotted with us on @upnairobi.
