Tap into Your Inner Graffiti Artist with These Art Techniques

What is known as graffiti in today’s society began in Philadelphia in the late 60s? At that time, it was viewed in a bad light because it was associated with vandalism, used to mark gang territories, and in making political statements.

Because of the bad publicity, anti-graffiti organizations were initiated to fight its spread.

Over time, it has evolved a graffiti artist can make a fortune out of his/her talent. They are paid to create murals, and their works are auctioned off sometimes. The public has changed its perception because graffiti is beneficial in several ways.

First, it brings art to the people advancing an interest in artwork among the people. Second, it is a medium of self-expression. Third, good graffiti is colorful and creative hence brightens up an area. Fourth, it educates members of society.

If you’re thinking of painting on the walls, you should master the following art techniques:

1. Learn About Graffiti

Do a lot of research to learn about the history and how it has evolved over time. Educate yourself about the graffiti industry of your particular state or nation. It is also good to understand all the misconceptions about graffiti and the reasons why society has embraced it.

Learn about all the rules and terms commonly used in the art as well as the types of graffiti. Also, research on all the laws on graffiti in your jurisdiction. It is illegal to paint graffiti on private property and cars. Familiarizing yourself with the laws will keep you from a lot of trouble.

Research is critical in identifying the opportunities and risks associated with writing on walls. This knowledge will help you avoid potential risks and maximize on the available opportunities.

2 Keep a Sketchbook

A sketchbook plays a critical role in your creative process. Keeping a sketchbook is critical in various ways. First, it helps you in growing old ideas and developing new ones.

Second, practice makes perfect. You can build on your drawing ability by constantly practising on your sketch pad. Third, you can easily carry it around to the studio and any other place. It is a good source of inspiration whenever you run dry of ideas.

Sketchbooks are also good places to sample new materials and try out new techniques. You can make all the mistakes on your drawing pad and perfect your skills before writing on the wall. If you want to learn how to draw hands step by step for example, a sketchbook is a great place to start. You could use it for pretty much everything you imagine!

3. A Graffiti Artist Tags his/her Work

Select and use a unique name in all of your works. Your name will separate you and your work from all of the artists in the streets.

Tagging is essential in signing the work of street artists. They anonymously tag their work, and they use symbols or random words. For example, Cornbread is among the first street artists in Philadelphia.

Do your research before selecting your name to avoid having a similar tag with another artist. I recommend longer words that represent your work and avoid common names like a master, king, ghost, or demon.

Also, select a tag that is appealing and easy to remember. Your fans should not struggle to remember your name.

4. Search for Inspiration

Inspiration is essential in getting the best of you and overcoming obstacles that would hinder you from performing your work.

When you’re out of ideas, the search for inspiration from another artist around you or the internet. Some people consider this as copying another artist’s work, and it is referred to as biting.

Need is not weak! Get inspiration from other artists when you’re out of ideas. But, if you copy another artist’s work, don’t take full credit for it.

5. Art is a Gradual Process

You can’t start drawing today and jump straight into murals. Art is a process, and it takes time to identify and nurture your style.

Not all artists were born talented. But, some of the notable artists took a lot of time to identify a style that represents them and develop it.

Even when you’re looking for inspiration from other artists, make sure that you don’t lose your identity. You can only be a better representation of yourself.

Developing a unique style is part of building your brand. Besides your tag, other artists and enthusiasts recognize you through your work. Your work is the best tool to market yourself.

Once you develop your style, some artists will copy you. This should not discourage, a good artist is one that stays ahead of the competition. Always reinvest your style but retain your tag to stand out from the competition.

6. Try Various Materials

As an artist, you should be comfortable with various materials and surfaces. Don’t limit yourself.

Trying different materials will expose you to various challenges and improve your skill as an artist. Challenges are significant for bringing the best out of you

You’ll also discover that certain materials work for you while some don’t. Select and use more of the materials that best represent your work.

Also, expose yourself to graffiti made to suit particular individuals or tasks. These custom selections give customers some sense of exclusiveness.

7. Teamwork

Group work is crucial in developing your skills and improving your performance. In a group, different artists come together to achieve a common goal. The artists bring their different skills, ideas, and experiences in achieving the goal.

Teamwork promotes engagement among the different group members leading to bouncing off of ideas and experiences that are essential for brainstorming. Brainstorming facilitates the creation of new ideas and attaining the goal within a short period or even in the first place.

How to Do Graffiti

Mastering the discussed art techniques will make you a good graffiti artist. We have summarized the techniques into the following simple steps;

1.    Learn about graffiti, i.e., history, terms, and laws
2.    Keep a sketchbook
3.    Create a unique tag
4.    Look for inspiration
5.    Nurture your talent
6.    Try various materials
7.    Collaboration

These are all it takes to become a graffiti artist. Start today!

Please visit our blog for more insightful information on how to do graffiti.  Describe your ideas to us and we will be able to come up with the perfect custom design for you. If you can think it, we can put it on paper!