There are several forms of graffiti found in the Northwest. The two most common types are "gang graffiti" and "tagger graffiti". In large metropolitan cities like Seattle, Portland, Eugene or Boise, tagger graffiti is most commonly seen. Tagger-related graffiti represents about 75% of U.S. graffiti.
In certain cities and neighborhoods like Yakima Valley, East Tacoma, Gresham, Seattle neighborhoods (South Park, White Center and Rainier Valley) all have a large gang graffiti problem. Gang-related graffiti represents only about 20% or less of U.S. graffiti.
Below I will show examples and explain the differences between "gang" and "tagger" graffiti.
GANG GRAFFITI: This type of graffiti is usually found in low to middle class residential neighborhoods. Gangs use graffiti to mark gang territories or to warn rival gangs to stay away. Not always, but usually gang graffiti is done in either blue, red, black or brown paint. Another way to identify gang graffiti is they cross out letters used in rival gang names, use street numbers, write letters upside down, use symbols such as pitchforks, crowns or stars. Gangs also favor "Old English" style of lettering. Hispanic gangs seem to tag way more than any other race. Hispanic gangs favor the numbers 13, 14, 18, 21 or roman numerals XIII, XIV, XVIII, XXI, X3, X4 and XV3.
TAGGER GRAFFITI: This type of graffiti can be found in all parts of a city, but is most commonly found in downtown neighborhoods, business, industrial or warehouse districts and near train yards. Many people that do this kind of graffiti call themselves "writers" and are usually part of a non-violent "crew" of peers. An estimated half of the graffiti writers come from white middle and upper middle-class families. The reason why people create graffiti vary widely. For some the driving motivation is to achieve fame and admiration from peers. Graffiti is a way for them to boost their self esteem, and is usually done for fun without any political reasons. For others, more experienced writers, graffiti is a lifestyle, a way of life. Tagger graffiti is sometimes very colorful, done in bubble letters or artistic murals. Sometimes is it sloppy looking with arrows and swirls.