12 Levels of Graffiti: Easy to Complex | WIRED

Artist Carlos Mare (aka Mare 139) explains graffiti in 12 levels of difficulty, from easy to complex. Carlos explains everything from the simple tags and throwies to how he crafts a masterpiece using a variety of advanced spraying techniques.
Still haven’t subscribed to WIRED on KZbin? ►► wrd.cm/15fP7B7
Listen to the Get WIRED podcast ►► link.chtbl.com/wired-ytc-desc
Want more WIRED? Get the magazine ►► subscribe.wired.com/subscribe...
Follow WIRED:
Instagram ►► / wired
Twitter ►► / wired
Facebook ►► / wired
Get more incredible stories on science and tech with our daily newsletter: wrd.cm/DailyYT
Also, check out the free WIRED channel on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.
ABOUT WIRED
WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture.

[@pastense]

Back in high school, I used to be my friend’s driver while he bombed walls and train yards. He was always extremely talented, not only in graffiti, but in all types of visual art. Today, he is one of the top animators working for Pixar.

[@pastense]

@B G lol which part don’t you believe?

[@Eradicatetheobvious]

Top animator at Pixar… yet you didn’t drop the name. Always that one guy on the internet embellishing stories.

[@pastense]

@@Eradicatetheobvious well graffiti isn’t exactly a legal art form and so out of respect for my own friend I prefer not to disclose that. Even if you didn’t believe me (which I could give one sh!t about) the whole point of it is that a supremely talented street artist is making major moves in movies/animation. He’s the set art director for Brave, Finding Dora, and the head Art Director for Soul. You can look him up yourself. Please do.

[@thederpderp7758]

@@pastense that's so cool!! this really shows that people just enjoy being creative they aren't trying to be bad and that we should express ourselves even if others don't understand

[@Spaghetti742]

​@@pastense Bro Soul and Finding Dory had -different art directors- ... edit: set art directors* my bad

[@EDCReviewz]

Growing up in NY, Mare is an absolute legend. Not only is he a legend in graffiti circles, but he was/is able to make a living doing the stuff we did as kids. Much respect.

[@couchmayne4351]

Got a graff channel myself should prep it out g would be much appreciated it

[@georginagia]

I was never a fan of graffiti but never hated it. After seeing this I have a newfound respect for the art and will pay more attention when I see it.

[@akankshatrivedi2168]

Same 🙏🏼

[@jarule275]

There's an entire culture behind this type of art. Growing up we identified with our graf's. We called each other by graf name. A "Crew" is usually a tight knit group of people who grew up together while local police called it "gang markings". Perception! Young people with no guidance finding eachother and expressing thier artistic nature as a family. If most cities would allow areas that green light "art" I think less and less people would have thier walls destroyed.

[@akankshatrivedi2168]

@@jarule275 shaq got you internet connection huh?

[@miguici03]

@@jarule275 thats really true man

[@jeffm3283]

There's a few legendary artists like Jean-Michael Basquiat you should learn about

[@katieeckler7543]

You should make videos like this in all different art forms-printmaking, oil painting, ceramics, welding

[@Ddub1083]

There is a whole series of these... even pumpkin carving.

[@Blemonade1]

welding isn't an art form

[@A_Lemon_Party]

@@Blemonade1 It sure can be.

[@Blemonade1]

@@A_Lemon_Party It's a craft, and it's difficult an takes years to master, but the pure act of welding doesn't express anything

[@A_Lemon_Party]

@@Blemonade1 One can create art with a welding electrode just as one can create art with a paintbrush, so yes a form of welding can be art. A perfectly completed weld can also be seen as art. It is a difficult skill to perfect, I was a structural welder and commercial diver for over a decade.

[@grapefruitboys6877]

Big ups to WIRED for covering an important and often overlooked part of today's street art culture.

[@vixxxenfoxxx3660]

Probably would have been a bit better to actually explain how in some places graffiti is acceptable. There's reasons a lot of people don't respect it, mainly because of the punks that do it illegally with no care about how it hurts businesses. I'm all for graffiti, but only when it's done be respectful artist, not just a punk with a spray can of paint.

[@vixxxenfoxxx3660]

@@MO_Disk most the graffiti we see was indeed illegal, like all the train cars & the on a lot of businesses. Yes, there is a difference but this video nor the artist featured did anything to explain that. It just looks like they are encouraging vandalism.

[@LanceBeckman]

Get a job libtard

[@TheChupacabra]

@@vixxxenfoxxx3660 I think trains and highways look better in color. Most of America never thought of any other way than having them be mind numbingly gray. Thanks to the vandals of the 70s and 80s street art is now in the mainstream and public murals are common and introduce many people to elements of art that would’ve been otherwise hidden behind gallery gates.

[@H-Vox]

Berlin is covered in graffiti, it's dope

[@DanielPangemanan]

Finally... a Grafitti: Easy to Complex. Thank you Wired for acknowledging this truly remarkable art form.

[@madeiskandar999]

Hello. these are my graffiti works, kzbin.info/door/4L9hIZwgssiTNkws53vRcAvideos hope you like it! thanks!

[@ExhaletheRain]

What a simp

[@couchmayne4351]

Got a graff channel myself should prep it out g would be much appreciated it

[@TiJoe6]

I love that he said “don’t get arrested” not “don’t graffiti where you’re not allowed” lol. That’s what’s up.

[@1370802]

I mean I’d rather people not draw on other’s property without their permission.

[@KitKat-ku5ld]

Yeah except for train cars they look sweet all tagged up lol

[@kyleclarke4845]

innit.

[@c-really-h1859]

@@1370802 They don't, personal property like houses and cars are off limits. It's usually on something abandoned, corporation owned, city/town owned, or public.

[@1370802]

@@c-really-h1859 That's not true, I've spent the day cleaning graffitti off of our family buseiness before. Plus even if you're right, public or city property is supposed to be for everybody, not just graffitti artists. Out of everything you said, the only thing that doesn't really matter is the abandoned buildings. And that's only if what you said is true, which it isn't.

[@ermagerhd6140]

I live right next to train tracks, and I love watching the trains go by because of all the graffiti. It’s like a traveling art museum. There’s even a tag I’ve grown to recognize. So “Rail King” whoever you are, I’ve seen your tag over 20 times. I’ve lost count at this point 😅

[@MarvinMonroe]

I bet you see Ich/Ichabod a lot

[@greg_one_izm]

@@MarvinMonroe Ah yes, train tracks only exist in america....

[@ZKETCH42591]

I tried doing graffiti art in high school, when i went to a tech school and saw a guy in my graphic design do graffiti, i tried and failed. Seeing this it gives me hope and that i know i can do it, just gotta take my time and think of it like normal writing.

[@tylerkeenan9925]

watch "The Artist Block" he has the BEST playlist for new graffiti artists

[@ghettorockthehiphoprebel3769]

Take a look at his sculptures before you think him stuck in the "old school" style. I'd also advise taking a look at his paintings before writing his art as low brow. Mare139 does a great job in this video at making the craft of graffiti writing accessible, i'd even say with the intention of making you feel like you can do it too :)

[@Liwaj42]

No one should think that they should just sign a random wall with their name.

[@BJSepuku]

@@Liwaj42 cry about it

[@riadachillada5281]

not only can i 😻😻😻 but i’m onna and i just realized ive had it in me all dis time

[@riadachillada5281]

@@Liwaj42 🤣 it’s 2022 quit hatin enjoy art

[@Liwaj42]

@@riadachillada5281 1. signing a wall is not an art. you sign your art, sure. but make art first. 2. assuming, that you don't damage property and can make art (and then maybe sign it fancy) on this particular wall

[@aurelienyonrac]

The outline did make the painting make sense. Very impressive

[@StyleWarsNYC]

I want to share this thought to help viewers understand the purpose of the video- This is NOT to promote vandalism that is missing the point, this is about artistic empowerment and process as well application, pick and chose your artistic practice or medium the blueprint is the same as is the message. I happened to be a part of a youth culture that was marginalized by society so our methods were unorthodox but ultimately democratized art making and engaged people around the world and ultimately rewriting art history. Put your prejudices aside for a moment and consider this.

[@thecollectorsinged113]

Loved Style Wars, knowing a legend do a segment for WIRED is actually awesome to know👊👊

[@Ph.40Lowks]

@@thecollectorsinged113 forreal a straight OG

[@f.g.9466]

After all these years, do you still expect the general public to get the point and understand graffiti? Outsiders never got it, most never will. And to be honest, it is a selfish act. You reclaim the urban space for yourself (or your crew) but by doing so you also alienate others, whether it's other writers who would like to hit that spot or members of the public who use the space and prefer it grey and boring. There's not much for the public to get or understand. Probably why many believe any talk about it is best kept whithin the underground community. A lot of respect for you though, not just for your relevance in the golden days of subway painting, but for still having so much love for it and giving so much to the community via the museum, the streams, etc.

[@jamez34]

I respect it and always admired it

[@josiahamaze]

Mad love bro.

[@graysongrahamcracker8573]

Shocked to see so many people hating on this kind of art style. I honestly think it’s really cool, even if it is a bit 90s.

[@psychoboo955]

It's the gang culture that is associated with it that gives it the bad rep. Shame really.

[@Liwaj42]

Scribling your name on the wall is vandalism.

[@mac8179]

It’s not the style. It’s that people do this on public property and it’s a blight

[@Liwaj42]

@@mac8179 and the style too a little bit. It's just a fancy signature. Sign your art, not a wall! Make art and then sign it fancy!

[@radry100]

It's not about the art style but the vandalism movement associated with it. Graffiti can also be done in a controlled enviroment, there is no reason to damage foreign property.

[@draege626]

I've always loved seeing tags and see it as a true form of art. May your cans never run dry!

[@richardlopez2932]

I don't know graffiti any more than Leonardo da Vinci knows my middle name, but this was seriously enjoyable. This guy knows his business.

[@lishblm2899]

I went to the graffiti museum in Miami and it gave me a whole new level of appreciation! Highly recommend!

[@JasonKucherawy]

As someone who leads graffiti tours in Toronto, this is a helpful breakdown that will help me explain things writers take for granted.

[@dailyyy_]

Graffiti tour or streetart? Two different things, also: have you seen the RIZLE up in Toronto?

[@jesuslovesyou2616]

Jesus Christ died for your sins please repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 6637834577635499684

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

You earn money doing this? Congratulations!!

[@siinxx7656]

Descriptions are axiomatic, sources are interesting, dude has a video of his younger self settling the basis of who he said he'll become, is still adapting to relevant tendencies, experimenting and has nothing but respect to the community and wish for learn. I never heard of Carlos Mare in my life, but in 12 minutes it has been stablished more than clearly that my man here is an absolute legend.🔥

[@nolesy34]

Word 😎👌

[@bryanchandler3486]

Well said. And a fantastic example of axiomatic I don't think I've really seen used in the wild outside of math!

[@NoGymNeeded]

This just inspired me to get back into my art. Graffiti was where i fit in, through it i unlocked all my other artistic talents as well. Thanks for uploading

[@UntilNextime]

I've always thought graffiti artists had extraordinary talent and wondered how it could best be used. You made those points and shared some verbiage I didn't know. It's good to know it has earned respectable accolades. Shake it Push it Paint it !!!

[@couchmayne4351]

Got a graff channel myself should prep it out g would be much appreciated it

[@6ch6ris6]

still a highly underappreciated art form. if you ever tried it for yourself, you know how difficult it is to spray paint anything decent looking

[@couchmayne4351]

Got a graff channel myself should prep it out g would be much appreciated it

[@AnExPor]

That was fun to listen to. I always loved that style of lettering when I was younger. I especially loved to see a freight train bunch of art on it when taking a long car trip.

[@dtoksgraffworld4028]

I can draw your name if you like

[@ontoya1]

I feel like I learned more here about making any kind of art then I have in a very long time

[@oyibechibundu628]

I would love it if WIRED did something like "Graffiti" support That would be cool

[@vixxxenfoxxx3660]

Support? Like supporting the actual art or support like supporting those that do it illegally?

[@oyibechibundu628]

@@vixxxenfoxxx3660 I mean like he should answer questions viewers throw at him. Since he is an expert

[@ValerieFire]

@@vixxxenfoxxx3660 Its a series where Experts answer questions about their area of expertise.

[@echo6710]

@@oyibechibundu628 talk to one in person, this is the game don't need the internet giving out all the answers

[@bigdaddypiggy]

I was born in DC in 1971 & grew up in the DMV…..in the early 80’s I started to draw graffiti …..in the DC area in the 80’s hip hop wasn’t the most popular form of music among the youth it was Go-Go so hip hop was even more underground than it was in most other places at that time….I’m really good with a pen,marker,colored pencils,etc but never worked with cans enough to get good at it….I turned 51 this year & im still sorta amazed that this music/culture that was born in the projects of NYC (particularly the South Bronx) has taken over the world 🕺🏼🍾💥🎉🖤🥶🎼💣☠️❤️💙

[@benbrigman4091]

AWESOME TUTORIAL MAN, I really like your final outcome, and the style you got

[@shield_your_energy]

Fascinating methodology shout out Carlos Mare for the exquisitely articulate & informative demonstration, shout out to WIRED for hosting the video on their channel. Definitely going to try some of the techniques, & sure they will increase my level of expertise. KUDOS all around !

[@chandrabredel]

Mare139 is MY BROTHER! He taught me so much as a young female artist. We had great times at HS of Art & Design in the 80’s baby!!!

[@jesuslovesyou2616]

Jesus Christ died for your sins please repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 6637834577635499684

[@MOSDUBstep]

"Style Wars, Award-winning graffiti documentary, 1983" That documentary is responsible for bringing graffiti to Sweden. Graffiti wasn't really a thing here before they showed Style wars on tv in 1984 and after that writers started popping up left and right.

[@ebscoHOSTpub]

My handwriting is graffiti. Uppercases sprinkled through a sentence, tight nit and uniform. But I've never EVER been able to transfer it to a writing tool if it wasnt a pen or marker. I tried to learn but it never looked like how I write. Now I have time and space to able to embrace it and willing to learn. Wish the wounded warrior project or some schools could allow some funding for combat vets to learn or shadow an artist like Carlos for a few weeks.

[@jeffm3283]

This guy is a good teacher I can tell

[@NickC_222]

I remember seeing this dude in Style Wars waaay back! This is so cool.

[@kathrinenarducci7911]

This is perfect . Thank you

[@Railoffroader2]

Man I miss those old school 80’s & 90’s days, life was much simpler.

[@jordanwade517]

Love the video! Very informative! Thank you Wired

[@jesuslovesyou2616]

Jesus Christ died for your sins please repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 6637834577635499684

[@reesehendricksen1871]

I have to admit graffiti is starting to grow on me, I used to hate it, though after taking up calligraphy I started to appreciate it as being a different take on the same thing.

[@rockytolbert2669]

I've been into graffitti and calligraphy since 1985....I just like art no matter what form it comes

[@kodychesire]

So cool! I remember becoming obsessed with graffiti culture after playing Getting Up on the ps2. Wicked to see a pro break it down

[@TheNetherLord5240]

My part of the city isn't the biggest on graffiti, but I've recognized a few tags that used some of these more advanced techniques. Next time I go down by the train tracks, imma be on the lookout.

[@americanaccents]

YES! Big Mare! Love to see it. -Sean

[@gavinsymes-wizardot]

One of the best quality graffiti tutorial videos I've ever seen on KZbin. Thanks to Wired and Mare 139.

[@dogsandyoga1743]

Mare has some legendary lines in Style Wars!

[@otterdonnelly9959]

Yo MARE? That’s crazy. Man was part of the hit squad to take out CAP (COPE2’s mentor and prolific bomber who crossed everyone he saw out).

[@TroyBanxz]

Amazing explanation

[@Arteist2020]

This was beautiful

[@vespid1709]

Would love coverage of the sticker side of graffiti

[@P.Subaeruginosa]

Personally I think embellishments are to be saved for after you've really gotten good, its better to put your time into structure

[@blindguitarfox]

This man is a legend, that's him in Style Wars!

[@raivismierins3550]

Loved it!

[@soraya184]

Who better to talk about style writing than OG King Mare!!

[@phuongchaungo8968]

Recently graffiti becomes my favourite new thing to learn, love it for the sake of art.

[@rcbreakdown3066]

Bro, I have yet to see graffiti that incorporated depth of feild into it but the illusion of bloom on those white highlights look to me a good place to start

[@RivLoveshine]

I love graffiti so much! I get excited every time I see it.

[@EmLaz]

SO COOL! Def gonna improve on paper with these tips! Thank you, WIRED!! :)

[@dtoksgraffworld4028]

Hey I'm a professional graffiti writer and teacher . Would you lik your name down

[@EmLaz]

@@dtoksgraffworld4028 Ohhhh Yeah!!!

[@EmLaz]

@@dtoksgraffworld4028 But what do you mean by that?

[@Jealod24]

Adding some light line shadow in contrast to your highlights on the letters would really make it pop. Adding gradation and shading to your embellishments would also help to maintain the visual effect you’re going for. But looks amazing regardless

[@MH-lr6ue]

This was awesome👍

[@charlesedwards7770]

A true art form

[@IngeEvenwel]

#respect. What an art. Thanks for sharing

[@allthingsgraffiti]

Dope Info Bro!!!!

[@s1k2y3e4]

Great presentation!

[@Puertoricandaddy]

What is the name of the app he used to draw the sketch on the wall?

[@ndrew5809]

Some good inspo is looking at graphic designers/typographers and how they use space

[@soteroortiz4430]

Well done MARE

[@1dayofmusic748]

i am always surprised how weird some peoples handstyles are compared to their pieces

[@AwakenedAvocado]

Not these kids that have pieces and their handstyles look like the art room at a preschool

[@kdub2229]

Dope piece .

[@jlo9993]

Ought to rename this video to "12 Levels of Tagging"

[@fivr.]

huh??????? only the first 2 levels are tags lmaoo

[@Edfgt]

You don’t know anything

[@blackwarrior4life]

Thanks you !

[@jascha9033]

What type of pen would you all recommend for practicing tagging on a piece of paper or in a sketchbook?

[@leszz]

I have a cousin that’s so good at it, also at drawing. He made a cool design on a plastic chair but it went missing.

[@trickpeso]

Kinda humble this guy

[@yn_sekai]

Bro! The 80's slang. ❤️

[@stephanodixon619]

Mare still lookin for Cap

[@cincabello2649]

primer mundo y sus ideas de graffitis 3d puede evolucionar y todo pero los rayados en muros tienen siempre su propia historia y verdadera contingencia

[@daniellebron2291]

Doesn't matter where you live, graffiti is all around. Gotta love it

[@dustinr.8615]

This just introduced me to a whole new world..

[@GeoffreyColon]

Mare 139 is a legend.

[@incasolja1]

Dawg that 3d M is dope put that in everything create a multifaceted collection with just that like fashion line sneakers knickknacks whatever thats your jumpman!

[@malayoindonesianmapping]

While graffiti is controversial, it can be considered as a form of art, and it is a masterpiece in its own way.

[@RemiliaVampire]

*11 levels of graffiti, I ain't 3D printing my tag lmao

[@lkmcclelland3218]

Very interesting, the presenter is so knowledgeable. I learned so much.

[@josiahamaze]

Graffiti gave me an identity which in turn gave me a life.

[@bruvybruv8477]

The stylewars legend

[@M_Usagi_Y]

4:18 can you tell me the name of one of these apps?

[@grahamlrc2305]

Love this

[@hokozebren]

I thought the 12 levels were school books to wholecars.

[@eburonson]

SICK!

[@l.o.3214]

I'm new to graffiti and wanted to know which colours and caps I should buy first. Can anyone help me with this question?

[@seiner0ne]

Hey mate I recommend getting some cheap paint if your new to Graff, you don't want to waste money on good cans yet. As for caps I would start off with trying them all out and see which ones you like. Also take your time and start sketching simple letters, find which letters you like and make up a word you feel comfortable doing. Remember not to cap anyone either, you don't want beef with anyone and don't worry if some that is better goes over you it's just part of the culture. Take your time and have fun which is the most important thing✌️

[@croxgraffiti]

id also reccomend starting developing your tag

[@headlights-go-up]

Oh man…Style Wars is the best.

[@kiddgamer2940]

05:11 that has to be the most used background music on youtube omfg

[@BugHwi]

we learned graffiti in hs art class (on paper) I never finished mine, but I still have my sketch

[@sirpoppinchuck]

Mare explains it the best!!! Let go Mare139! I’m glad he gave me props 1997 a piece I did on canvas! Big ups to the Graffiti Museum!!! Everyone should go n check it out it’s our graffiti history n legacy

[@faceman9507]

Level 13, hopping a spike fence into a yard and dodging security and live rails

[@dtoksgraffworld4028]

Woow nice to meet mare

[@DavidGeePCDJ]

Legend.

[@alejohernandez75]

"I ain't running the system. Im bombing the system." DEZ

[@cerinashippey]

The masterpiece one is my fave

[@jesuslovesyou2616]

Jesus Christ died for your sins please repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 6637834577635499684

[@etoinedevries7583]

This might be the first "x levels of y" video that I understand all the levels xD

[@user-gg3cd4gg7e]

when do the next 11 levels come out

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

More and more and more and more it's so dope

[@MattMcConaha]

I feel like the "12 levels" premise was shoehorned into this video. It feels more like a general "this is graffiti" video. To actual show levels I think he could have gone more into different styles rather than 7 levels just being different steps of one piece. Perhaps mention straight letters, wildstyles, advanced handstyles or techniques (flairs, etc), 3d art (I don't necessarily mean 3d models, I mean that most graffiti is 2d lettering or perhaps 2.5d with drop shadows and depth, but certain artists draw legit 3d elements), sketchbooks, markers/mops/grease pens, stickers. So many different levels that could have been included instead of saying that a piece is 7 different levels.

[@bongsnhell]

I wish maybe too he would have talked about the different styles to different cities. Like how practically philly is on its own level, his come ups in NYC, the bus tags/hallows of sf, the vatos locos style of LA’s calligraphy, washingtons wacky style, Renos simple styles, Orlando, Minneapolis, ect. I dunno this video was cool just wish it talk more on other things like you said/style.

[@MrMahem210]

Awesome video

[@nonamemcgee1295]

i got tired of reading other people's negative mindset on graffiti, really shows how people can have opinion without ACTUALLY looking up or understanding the significance this culture.

[@jesuslovesyou2616]

Jesus Christ died for your sins please repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 6637834577635499684