SEATTLE — For years, the name “Eager” has been a familiar — and unwelcome — sight across walls, signs, and buildings throughout Seattle. The man behind the prolific graffiti tag, Casey Cain, now says he’s ready to make amends.
Cain, 38, recalls flipping through a dictionary years ago and stopping on the word “Eager” — a spontaneous moment that sparked years of graffiti across the city. Prosecutors allege his work has caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and have charged him with multiple felonies over the past two years.
Now, Cain says he’s turning the page. Teaming up with fellow former graffiti tagger Jay Volkman, he’s helping launch a graffiti removal business aptly named “The Buffman.”
“When the graffiti disappears, that’s the Buffman at work,” said Volkman. “We’ve been on the other side, so we understand how to clean it better. Let people doubt — we’ll show them with our work.”
Also Read – Boy Arrested in Auburn Store Robbery Had 3 Illegal Automatic Guns
On Thursday, Cain and Volkman were spotted scrubbing down a large graffiti piece in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District — part of their commitment to change.
Cain, who recently survived a life-threatening accident and coma in 2024, said the experience gave him new perspective.
“I didn’t realize how big of an issue it really was,” he said. “Now that I know, I want to be part of the solution.”
As part of a plea deal in a felony malicious mischief case, Cain was ordered to complete 80 hours of graffiti removal. But he’s choosing to go even further by helping clean up the same type of damage he once created.
Seattle has spent millions over the past few years combatting graffiti, especially since Mayor Bruce Harrell launched a citywide crackdown in 2022. Officials received over 29,000 cleanup requests in 2024 alone, according to city data.
“Graffiti not only makes our city look neglected, it can carry hate speech and affect small businesses and residents who rely on clear signage,” Harrell said when announcing the city’s anti-graffiti efforts.
Prosecutors have also increased pressure on taggers, filing numerous felony cases in King County over the last year.
But Cain and Volkman believe change is possible — not just for individuals, but for the city’s approach to graffiti.
“Instead of pushing people out, maybe offer space for it,” Volkman said. “Other cities do it — we could too. It’s about giving second chances.”
Cain echoed that sentiment. “Instead of tagging someone’s shop, why not work with them to paint something meaningful? They might even pay you for it.”
Together, the pair hopes their story of redemption will inspire others — and maybe even help reshape how Seattle views graffiti and the people behind it.
