How to Draw Hip Hop Graffiti
Hip-hop graffiti is a truly American art form. The key to this type of graffiti is developing your own recognizable style. Every artist has a unique tag and style to their work. The more you sketch, the more you'll develop your own personal style.
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Things You'll Need
- Sketch Book
- Markers
- Wall (First check with local laws and building's owner for legality and permission)
- Spray Paint
Instructions
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Pick A Name
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In the hip-hop graffiti world, your name is your identity. While consideration should be given to how the name sounds, the most important thing is how the name looks in writing. It's common practice to take your own name and drop a few letters, depending on how it looks on paper. The tag is the second half of your name; it's your signature, and it's always going to be consistent. Tags can be broken down to four basic elements: letter text, arrows (promote a sense of direction), flourishes (swirls or appendages built off of the letter structure) and symbols (separate marks and expressions).
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Sketching is the key to nailing the style. Grab a marker and your sketch book. Start your first letter slowly, then follow through with fluid movement. Finally, add flourishes such as symbols and extra marks to wrap it up. Many letters might occur in your head, but you must work on your visualization skills to create them on paper. Colors should also be considered, and primary colors are a good place to start because your first purpose should be to create a distinctive style that will energize your work.
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Pick your wall carefully---and check with the owners first; remember, this is illegal in many places. You can practice your artwork at home, using safe methods and the same quality of materials. The best type of surface is a primered cinderblock or brick wall. Primer is especially important if painting on wood. A common mistake is picking a wall that is too slick, causing the paint to drip. A slightly rough surface prevents dripping because the paint can settle in the nooks and crannies. Once you begin to paint, you don't stop until complete, so any exposed plumbing or open-air vents end up being painted over.
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Start practicing with the spray can. There are two important points in can control: wrist motion and index finger pressure. Practice is mandatory. Always begin by shaking the can. Never press the spray can continuously, work on short bursts and strokes. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches from the wall and work in a steady direction. Practice using your thumb for fill-in spaces, to save your index for outlines.
Creating Your Piece
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Lay down three grid lines by walking with your arms outstretched---at shoulder height and then with your arms outstretched at their highest and then lowest.
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Once the grid lines are in place, trace your sketch to capture the space and zero in the areas of the letters. In your next layer, fill in the letters completely using three distinct colors. Correct errors and add details.
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Next, add 3-D details in a simple color, such as white. This will make the piece "pop."
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The final layer is the outline. Begin with the upper right area and keep interior lines a single stroke thickness. The outline is the most important part of the piece; it is crucial to the artist's style. It's not uncommon for the graffiti artist to take a break before outlining.
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Tips & Warnings
Step back to admire the entire piece. It's your last chance to correct any mistakes or go over areas that need attention.
Add statements. Generally, these are inspired by the moment and may not have anything to do with the original pattern.
Many artists add "shines," the bits of light on the corner of letters, keeping consistent where the light source would be coming from.
While exploring this worldwide art form, please remember to keep it legal. Ask around; build relationships with store owners, for example. Look for out-of-the-way or unused warehouses, or other walls out of public view and contact the owners to get permission (in writing, preferably).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit graffiti image by rachid amrous-spleen from Fotolia.com
