Graffiti Consumer Insights

Implications - In the past, graffiti has typically been associated with public vandalism and disrespect. Today, graffitists are recognized for artistic talent, some even being commissioned to design art for public spaces, selling their personal books or being hired by advertising agencies.

Implications - Offbeat exhibits and collections have taken over prototypical museum displays as a result of the growing interest in eccentric, non-traditional topics. For museums and galleries, a unique opportunity is arising to display not only what has been classically relevant, such as history or science, but showcase more deviant themes to engage the audience.

Implications - Urban art forms draw controversy due to their methods of display; however, graffiti is now being used as a form of personalization for private property. It is transcending the subversive and entering the accepted mainstream, decorating everything from bikes to pottery and inspiring other forms of art and design.

Implications - Graffiti artists and their work have typically been associated with acts of public vandalism and seen as signs of disrespect. Today, "graffitists" are being recognized for their artistic talents. Some are selling their own books, being hired for marketing endeavors and even being paid to create their work in public spaces.

Implications - As a channel of communication that tends to draw instant attention and viewer engagement, guerrilla street art is affecting various forms of marketing. Unique urban art is becoming an avenue for all areas of promotion, including artist self-marketing, social awareness campaigns and corporate brand building.

Implications - Through the incorporation of doodles and scribbles that hark back to grade school, the art and design industry is producing personalized art that convey a free-spirited form of self-expression. Despite their chaotic appearance, doodles and scribbles provide for a comforting and therapeutic outlet.

Implications - Traditional outdoor graffiti murals intended for the general public are making their way into home decor and design concepts, a reaction to the consumer demand for larger-than-life—literally—pieces of bewitching art. For both the community and interior design, mega murals make the most of the materials that are readily available by having paint applied directly onto flat surfaces.

Implications - Defacing public property is a taboo act that most of the population would never dream of doing. Consumers now, however, can indulge in products that were made intentionally for destruction through doodling. Some of the most practical, humdrum products now bear surfaces to draw on, which permits any rule-abiding consumer to delight in a little bad behavior.

Implications - The negative connotation behind street art is being alleviated with the development of semi-permanent alternatives. Though graffiti is a respected art form among many consumer groups, some still view it as vandalism, and alternative methods of urban marking serve as a more “polite” way to create graffiti. As such, this far-reaching urban subculture needs not to change, but to adapt.

Implications - Graffiti used to be a form of self-expression and commentary; now, it may be a commercial force to be reckoned with. Recognizing the cultural phenomenon of graffiti, major brands—especially footwear brands—are collaborating with popular and infamous street artists on designs, providing customers with items that speak to rebellion, individualism and expression. The purpose of graffiti may never have been to sell products, but that is exactly what it’s doing.