How to Make Graffiti Letters
Graffiti is a glorious art form that should be quick, fun and really stand out. After all, you may be competing with dozens of other artists who have already tagged the bridge down the block. One way to stand out above the rest is to make graffiti letters that are bold and beautiful.
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Instructions
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Pick your paints. You can use as many colors as you want when creating letters, but they look best with a dark outline and lighter shading in the interior. A stark black outline will always stand out best, as long as your background is light. Flip the paint selection, using a light or white outline, for instance, if you are working on a dark wall.
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Pick your place. You want to create graffiti in a place where you won't get arrested or a fine. Graffiti is considered vandalism unless you have been specifically commissioned or asked to create it. Find a friend or business with a cement wall and get permission or create your masterpiece in your own backyard. Never deface public or private property .
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Pick your placement. Make sure you have enough room to write what you want. Your letters should not overlap any existing artwork nor should it be squished at the end because you ran out of room. Count the number of letters you are using and expect the middle letters to be in the center of the space.
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Gauge the proper distance and speed. If you are too close to your painting surface, your spray paint is going to drip and look like a mess. Try to be at least 4 inches away from the wall and move at a constant speed. Staying too long in one place will also create messy drips.
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Start with the outline. Once you have the basics down, start with your first letter’s outline. Graffiti letters should be big enough to read from a distance. You can make them all rounded bubble letters or with sharp, pointy edges. Be consistent whatever style you choose.
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Leave enough space between letters. After completing your first letter, make sure the second letter does not overlap, fall beneath or appear way out proportion with the first. To make sure everything fits, you may want to create your last letter at the end right after you make your first letter. This way you'll know how much room you have for the other letters in between.
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Fill them in. Once all your outlines are done, take your lighter color and quickly fill the letters in. Leave some white space where the light would hit it for a shaded effect. Do not paint over your outlines.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice, practice, practice. Get some old boards or foam core and practice your spray painting techniques and different letter styles until you find one that works for you.
Once you get really good at creating graffiti letters, you may find it easier to paint the filled-in portion of the letters first, followed by the outlines.
Don't sprawl swear words all over. That's uncouth, ugly and just makes you look stupid.
- Photo Credit Photo and graffiti by Ryn Gargulinski
