In just 13 years, the big blue letters have become one of Houston’s most recognizable (and most tampered with) landmarks. But is ‘Be Someone’ art… or a crime?

In just 13 years, the big blue letters have become one of Houston’s most recognizable (and most tampered with) landmarks.

Houston Police and Union Pacific Railroad Police obtained search warrants earlier this month for user details on two Instagram accounts that posted videos of the repainting as investigators look for evidence in the crime of graffiti.

The 27-year-old woman made multiple posts to showcase her work on social media and was even featured on a podcast to discuss it. Unfortunately, those statements turned into her admission of guilt.

Houston’s iconic “Be Someone” sign has been painted over with a new message in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake will host an art gallery reception for the artist who is behind the “Be Someone” design.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: I always wondered this - who’s the artist of the graffiti work on the “Be Someone” overpass? Answer: The artist behind Houston’s iconic “Be Someone” graffiti has decided to keep his identity a secret. He does, however, go by the name of his renowned street art piece, or in this case, bridge art piece. In several YouTube interviews, “Be Someone” says his decision to remain anonymous stems from graffiti being illegal.

HOUSTON – One of Houston’s most iconic landmarks has a new message: Vote or Die. The train bridge over I-45 near downtown usually says “Be Someone.” However, previously displayed messages included: #SaveOurChildren, Wash Ur Hands, and George Floyd’s name. While the “Be Someone” artwork has been altered and vandalized over the years, the painted mural has become one of the city’s most recognizable signs. The sign is located at the Crockett Street bridge over Interstate 45.

It has been an ongoing battle to preserve Houston’s iconic “Be Someone” sign that stretches over I-45 near downtown. In June, George Floyd’s name was painted over the sign in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests following the Houston native’s death while in police custody. The iconic “Be Someone” sign was recently painted over with George Floyd’s name. (KPRC)Before then, the sign was altered to display “Wash Ur Hands” at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March. From partial cover-ups and a complete blackout to “BE MATTRESS MAC” and more, Houstonians have seen it all.

HOUSTON – The iconic “Be Someone” sign was recently painted over with George Floyd’s name. The train bridge is visible from southbound Interstate 45 into downtown or from the Crockett Street bridge over Interstate 45. The landmark is one of the city’s most recognizable signs, and occasionally, the sign is altered. In March, the artwork was changed to raise awareness about coronavirus. The sign read: “Wash Ur Hands.”

HOUSTON – Houston’s famous “Be Someone” graffiti art over I-45 into downtown has been changed. On Sunday morning, the artwork read: “Wash Ur Hands,” raising health and safety awareness for the coronavirus. While the “Be Someone” artwork has been altered and vandalized over the years, it has become one of the city’s most recognizable signs.