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Writer's picturejohnnyblanco

Terminology: Slap Up

Updated: 19 hours ago

Sticker Art -


Sticker by Smear photographed in Los Angeles in 2006


Sticker art (also known as sticker bombing, sticker slapping, slap tagging, and sticker tagging) is a form of street art in which an image or message is publicly displayed using stickers. These stickers may promote a political agenda, comment on a policy or issue, or comprise a subcategory of graffiti or just aim for fame.


Sticker artists use a variety of label types, including inexpensively purchased and free stickers, such as the United States Postal Service's Label 228 or name tags.


Jaone handstyle on a 228


Label 228s are often used with hand-drawn art, and are quite hard to remove, leaving a white, sticky residue. Sticker artists can design and print thousands of stickers at low cost using a commercial printing service or at home with a computer printer and self-adhesive labels.


Sticker artists also print their designs onto adhesive vinyl, which has a strong, permanent adhesive, is waterproof, and generally fade resistant. A variant type of adhesive vinyl, called "destructible", is used by some artists. Destructible vinyl decals are primarily used as tamper indicators on equipment and shipping containers. The difficult–to–remove nature of this material is attractive to sticker artists, including B.N.E. and Obey Giant. (aka.Shepard Fairey).


Subjects can greatly differ, from a tag all the way up to elaborate social commentary.


Shepard Fairey (center) shown with one of his most recognizable stickers, "Obey", Andre the Giant. (right)



"In my opinion, stickers are the most effective promotional tool possible for the price".

- Shepard Fairey


Shop Dalek at shopdalek.com


Here's what Dalek has to say about stickers. (From an essay on Obey Giant. Link above)

Dalek – Graffiti writer, known for his space monkeys

#1 Stickers are a great way to meet people. #2 I like stickers because they are fun to slap all over the place. #3 It is a great way to get your imagery out all over the world. #4 People love stickers. #5 I like to collect stickers. They are like toys…or trading cards. #6 It’s like getting up. #7 They look good in bathroom stalls. #8 They are easier to carry about than a can of flat black. #9 I just want to be like Shepard Fairey. #10 Beats wheat pasting. #11 They are great for taping up boxes. #12 Can be used to get the lint off of my black shirts.



"I have enjoyed the flexibility that sticker art can offer. I have used them to create anything from a simple Slap Up to a detailed Sculpture made with a Spray Paint Can…”

- Johnny Blanco



Caution: In most cities it is illegal for any person to affix or attach any sticker or decal on a public or private building or structure. There is a rebuttable presumption that the person whose name, telephone number, or any other identifying information appears on any sticker or decal is in violation. Every sticker or decal shall be deemed a separate violation. Anyone found to have violated this provision, in addition to any penalty imposed, shall also be responsible for the cost of the removal of the unauthorized sticker or decal. Please sticker responsibly.




All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement. Thank you for looking, Johnny Blanco

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