Cornbread makes the claim that he started graffiti and spread it worldwide back in 1965, but what if I told you it was all a lie. Cornbread begins the story off with a lie, as he used to claim he began in 1967. These claims were made when he was first coming into his fame and back when it was commonly thought that New York started graffiti in the early 70s. This would put him as the first, but there’s an issue. There were writers in Philly that even Cornbread knows personally, who started years before him. Not to mention, Johnny Cool in New York started even before, back as early as 61. Now that’s just graffiti as we know it today, but what about before then?

When we talk about graffiti history, it’s impossible to ignore the role of the tools that shaped the art form—from the earliest graffiti markers in New York City's subway system to the highly specialized graffiti paint we use today. In this post, we’re taking a time-traveling look at how graffiti tools and supplies evolved over the decades, the innovations that defined each era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic brands in the scene.