How to Draw Graffiti

Although graffiti is often looked at as vandalism, it actually takes artistic talent to create. Graffiti has been around since ancient times, and the word actually means "artistic writing." Although it is not suggested that an artist put it on the side of buildings or train cars, drawing graffiti can be a fun and simple and a good way to decorate or personalize notebooks or folders. This article is intended to teach you how to draw graffiti letters.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Eraser
• Markers or colored pencil

1. Write a name or word to begin with. Space the letters out, leaving plenty of room for expansion of the letter.

2. Start experimenting by sketching different lines and shapes to represent the letters. Angles may be sharp and jagged; letters may be soft and rounded. It helps to have a little knowledge of different styles before beginning. A personal style will develop, and let your style reflect your personality. Remember that learning how to draw graffiti letters involves appreciating graffiti as an art form. Taking some art lessons or reading on different artistic mediums can't hurt.

3. Once satisfying shapes are set, strengthen the lines and outlines a bit. Use varying line thickness, some lines thick and some thin. By keeping the thick lines on one side of the letters and the thin lines on the other, it gives a three-dimensional illusion to the letters.

4. Add details with pencil. This is the time to really personalize the letters. Be imaginative. Use a smiley face to dot an i, or make the tail of a y look like a cat's tail and trail beneath the whole name.

5. Outline the letters and make them permanent with a black marker, pen or even paint or colored pencil. Work carefully, but remember that small mistakes can be covered up.

6. Add color to the graffiti. While most graffiti is done with aerosol spray-paints, markers or colored pencils work best on paper. Make the letters colorful. For more interest, add texture to the letters such as cracks or crumbling edges.

Tips & Warnings

• It's not easy to learn how to draw graffiti letters, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't come perfect in the beginning.