How to Write Graffiti Style

If you can write your name with a pen or pencil, you can learn how to write graffiti style. The guiding principle of graffiti is self-expression. You create yourself with graffiti art, right down to the name by which you are known. This name is called a tag. Get a pencil and some paper, and you can start creating your tag.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paint
• Paper

Instructions

1. Choose a tag. This is the graffiti name that you will be known by. Short tags are more common, as are numbers, for example: BEAT 23.

2. Select a style of graffiti letters. Do you want fat letters that look like balloons, or skinny, angular letters that have hooks and barbs?

3. Do a sketch of your tag with pencil and paper. Use this sketch to plan out how your characters will touch or intertwine.

4. Determine where the shadows of the letters will fall and fill them in.

5. Clean up your paper, erasing any hesitation marks you might have made.

6. Outline your finished tag in ink, and create a border around the entire tag. The border can be anything you want--crackles of electricity or radiating lines of color are popular choices.

7. Fill in the tag with color. Use paint or markers.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your tag again and again. Let the tag evolve, as you are looking for a balance between the impact of the look and the ease of creation.

• Most cities have ordinances against graffiti, which levy fines and possible jail time for would-be graffiti artists.

• Art materials can be hazardous to your health if improperly used. Read and follow all safety directions on art materials.