Graffiti is more than just painting your name on a wall, it’s about finding the right spots and connecting with the community of writers around you. For many new graffiti artists, one of the biggest struggles is figuring out where to paint and how to meet other graffiti artists. In this guide, we’ll break down the most reliable ways to discover graffiti walls in your area, whether you live in a city or a small town, and share proven tips for meeting graffiti writers and becoming part of the culture.

Why Finding Graffiti Spots Feels Difficult

Many new graffiti artists believe they need an experienced writer to show them the ropes and point them toward local graffiti walls. While this can certainly help, it’s not a reliable or realistic to find such a writer so early on. The truth is, you can absolutely find spots on your own, it just takes time, effort, and a little bit of exploration. The main reason beginners struggle is that too many stay behind the screen, relying only on social media or Google searches instead of actually going out and looking. Graffiti requires movement, risk, and discovery, and that process starts with getting outside and searching. All that said, we dont in any way promote going into dangerous areas, breaking the law or risking your life for graffiti. However, these are the risks you’ll have to face should you decide to go down that path.

1. Train Tracks: The Gold Mine of Graffiti

One of the best ways to find graffiti walls is to follow the train tracks. Train lines have always been tied to graffiti culture, even in rural areas. Train tracks often lead to hidden spots, bridges, and abandoned buildings covered in graffiti. If you can find train tracks in your town or city, there’s a strong chance you’ll eventually discover quality graffiti walls along them.

2. Abandoned Buildings and Warehouses

Abandoned buildings are another classic graffiti location. While they’re rarely legal, these spaces often become hidden galleries where graffiti artists practice their craft. In rural areas, these spots are sometimes forgotten about and left unchecked, giving artists a space to experiment. Always keep in mind that these locations may not be safe, and you should never enter somewhere that puts you at risk. You may have to go looking a little harder for these gems, but they’re all over. You can find them in cities, and you can find a decent amount in rural areas too.

3. Underpasses and Overpasses

Graffiti and underpasses go hand in hand. Bridges, highway underpasses, and tunnels are prime areas where writers leave their marks. Some of these walls are technically illegal, but in some cities or towns, some underpasses are tolerated or even legal. Before painting, take time to scout the spot, study the surface, and understand whether it’s safe or allowed. Once again, train trax lead to these pretty frequently, but some perfer highway spots where their work will be seen by more people.

4. Train Yards and Freight Spots

If you’re looking for the heart of graffiti, train yards are a historic place where writers have always painted. Freight graffiti is its own tradition, and painting trains allows your name to travel across cities and states. That said, train yards are dangerous, often patrolled, and can come with serious consequences if you’re caught. If you’re new to graffiti, this isn’t the first place you should start.

5. Google Maps and Hidden Spots

Today’s graffiti artists have a powerful tool older generations didn’t: Google Maps. You can explore train tracks, spot abandoned buildings, or even discover legal mural spaces without leaving your home. By combining online searching with real-world exploring, you’ll quickly build a list of potential walls in your area.

Why New Graffiti Artists Struggle to Find Walls

The biggest difference between old-school graffiti writers and new writers is effort. In the past, writers would walk for hours along train tracks or through city streets to find new walls. Today, many beginners don’t put in that time. If you’re serious about graffiti, you need to get out there, spend hours exploring, walk through your city, and treat the search as part of the culture. The journey is what makes finding that perfect wall so rewarding.

How to Meet Other Graffiti Artists

Graffiti is a community-based art form. Meeting other writers is how you learn, grow, and find your place in the culture. Here are some proven ways to connect with graffiti artists:

Visit graffiti walls regularly: Whether legal or illegal, if you return to the same wall often, you’ll eventually cross paths with other writers.
Time your visits: If you see fresh pieces, try coming back the following weekend at the same time, chances are, you’ll run into people painting.
Check out graffiti events and jams: In bigger cities, there are graffiti events, blackbook sessions, and legal graffiti jams where you can meet dozens of writers at once.
Network through murals: Many muralists include their Instagram handles on walls. Reach out respectfully, and you may build connections with graffiti artists in your area.
Start your own legal wall: Contact small businesses and property owners about painting their walls. Even if most say no, eventually someone will say yes, and that wall can attract other writers, too.

Avoiding Drama in the Graffiti Community

One of the most important tips when meeting other graffiti artists is simple: avoid the drama. The graffiti community can sometimes be filled with beefs, petty rivalries, and unnecessary conflict. If you’re respectful, focus on your own growth, and stay out of drama, you’ll build stronger relationships and be taken more seriously as a writer.

If you're unsure where to start or how to avoid common mistakes, check out our graffiti fundamentals book available online; it’s packed with real lessons and photos to guide your development as an artist.

Grab a digital copy here: Ultimate Graffiti Guide Book Part 1: Fundamentals

How To Meet Graffiti Artists and Find Walls!