When most people think of graffiti, they think of vandalism. Sometimes it’s gang-related and other times it’s just blatant disrespect of other peoples’ property. However, not all graffiti is bad. Sometimes it can truly be a work of art – or even inspiring and touching messages!
Here are 50 examples of some very polite, encouraging, and considerate graffiti around the world.
We wish all graffiti was this nice and kind.
1) Show some pride
Someone first spraypainted that this mailbox should be re-painted, it was looking a bit lackluster. Then it looks like it was, but not to the person’s high standards. Then finally? A job done right, and a thank you!
2) Save the arts!
Sure, an expanded airport would be nice and all but really, we should focus on the important things in life. Like art!
3) Spreading the love
This little message spreads joy and encouragement everytime someone walks by. We like that.
4) Call your mom
Instead of your typical “booty call” number in the bathroom, this one suggests you give your mom a call and say hello.
5) Then, it’s okay
Maybe if you just ask politely, they’ll let you block those doors for just a second.
6) Awww
This person loves their cat so much they had to share it with the world. Although Hollywood Bowl probably didn’t like that.
7) Deep words
These words of wisdom really give us all something to think about. Chin up, everyone!
8) That’s all you can do
We all get nervous sometimes but all you can do? Is try your best. Way to go, whoever this person is.
9) Not a good look
Don’t litter. It’s not a good look and our planet deserves way better than that. Don’t be ugly.
10) This funny compliment
The temptation to vandalize was there. But they were just so impressed by the washroom, they couldn’t bring themselves to do it.
11) Insert F-bomb here
This person put swear words on the wall. Quite literally. Gotta love innocent humor like this.
12) That means you
Just because you can be anonymous on the internet, doesn’t mean you should be mean. Be nice to people.
13) Getting called out
Someone was very bothered by this mismatching paint job. So, they called them out on it.
14) Correction
Life sucks? I don’t think so! Life is glorious! Life is precious! And life is beautiful! Stay positive out there, everyone!
15) Nobody’s perfect
There isn’t one person who doesn’t make mistakes. And that’s okay. You do you, boo. You do you.
16) You’re cool
Don’t you love when nice graffiti is answered by more nice graffiti? This is the type of bathroom wall writing we can get behind.
17) Dang it
You might not like the police, but you don’t have to use nasty swear words to show your discontent. Just take the anger out politely, like this person did.
18) They’re really quite yummy
Give peace a chance? Always! Give peas a chance? Maybe. Unless you have texture issues, then you might not like them.
19) Yes, you!
You’re gorgeous! You’re beautiful! You’re valued and you’re loved! Stay happy and spread the love to everyone you see.
20) Stay safe out there
Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs out there. And someone knew that, so they reminded them to be cautious.
21) Good luck on finals!
Finals are always stressful. So some words of encouragement from strangers are always nice. Thanks, friend!
22) Get it, girl!
We love how bright and vivid this considerate graffiti is. How did they do it so perfectly from the roof? We’re all-around impressed.
23) Moms are all-around great
No matter the mom, they’re all amazing. Thanks for all that you do, moms out there! You’re incredible.
24) It’s not that hard
It’s so much easier and requires so much less energy to be considerate to others. So…turn that frown upside down.
25) Grandmas are great too!
We all know how great moms are. But grandmas?! Now we’re talking next-level greatness.
26) A cute little character
Sometimes, when you’re sitting down for a pee, it’s nice to see some random positivity. We love the reply too! Thanks, mate!
27) Love, love, and more love
It doesn’t matter who’s loving who. All love is good and no one should be judged for it. No one.
28) All of the above
Just a friendly reminder that you’re loved. And incredible. And worthy. And so much more than that too.
29) Very blatant
This considerate graffiti is nice and all but they really took the liberty to take up the entire wall. Maybe tone it down a bit?
30) Why, thank you!
A little compliment can go a long way. Even when it’s anonymous. We all need positive vibes in our lives!
31) It’s the only one we got
You have to love our earth. Why? Because it’s the only one we got and the generations after us need to know how valued it is and was.
32) Call your mom!
If you haven’t done it yet, call your mom! What are you waiting for? Ask her how her day was and tell her you love her.
33) Hate is a strong word
Impolite people are the worst. But do you really need to hate them? Give them a high-five instead and tell them they’re awesome. Watch their attitude change.
34) Well, that’s nice
We’ve seen some nasty graffiti targeted toward the police. But this one? We’re loving it. Hugs for everyone!
35) Keep on keepin’ on
Having a good day so far? Awesome! Lets keep those positive and happy vibes going. Smile and be nice to everyone.
36) Happiness is wonderful
Whoever you are, you make us happy! And you’re lovely. They’ve even copyrighted it.
37) Not the best
Toy Story was great. Toy Story 2? It was just okay. And this person wanted to share their thoughts with the neighborhood.
38) Hopefully not like trash
This person is checking in with everyone. But hopefully no one is feeling like garbage. The irony would be too real.
39) Or don’t
“Skate or die” is usually the type of graffiti you would find. But this person? They’re giving you a much better option.
40) Totally cool
You are cool. Period. Don’t argue with us.
41) The polite burn
This person took the traditional mama burn and turned it into something kinda nice. Glad they had a good time.
42) You too!
Imagine if everyone in the world was this nice face-to-face. The world would truly be a wonderful place.
43) Tennis is cool
When you love tennis, apparently, you really love tennis. So much that they had to tell all of Oxford Street.
44) Thank you!
Whatever it is they received help for, they’re thankful. And that’s all you can ask.
45) Not so sure about him
People should always be a little skeptical about politicians. Like this person. They’re just not so sure about Stephen Harper.
46) Apologies
The Phantom is so sorry. Whatever it is that they did, at least they’re apologetic about it.
47) Don’t worry
Don’t worry, be happy. We’ve been singing and saying that for a long time. Let’s practice what we preach!
48) Sorry, not sorry
This person really loved the look of this bathroom wall. So, it was only natural to deface it. *face palm*
49) Thanks?
Nice fence! Or…at least it was. And now it’s just a fence with complimentary vandalism.
50) Yeah, but…
This is pretty frustrating, we gotta say. We’d be pretty upset if this was our wall. Don’t be a jerk.
See? Not all graffiti is bad. Well, vandalism is bad. But at least the messages were nice!
H/T: BoredPanda