The collective's name is a play on words between Lápiz and Pistola, referring to a graphic weapon. Lapiztola was formed as a collective in 2006, during which time a political uprising took place in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. This uprising gave rise to a social graphic movement in the city, where locals and outsiders contributed street artwork. They approach their interventions as Urban Graphics, seeking to establish a visual dialogue with society, often using stencils and screen printing as technical supports, attempting to give the image a personal touch to a space.