How to Draw Graffiti Cartoons With Spray Cans

Graffiti features a multitude of styles

Spray paint is the leading medium in graffiti styles of painting since the activity rose in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Spray painting graffiti cartoons onto a wall or other similar surface may seem difficult at first, but the key in creating a clean look is understanding how the spray can distributes this paint through the nozzle, or cap. A little practice and patience can quickly improve your can control and any images you desire to paint. Unless you own the property in which you are painting, you should obtain prior written consent before spray painting an image onto any surface. Otherwise, you are committing an act of vandalism.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing pad
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Spray paint cans (multiple colors)
• Spray paint caps (small, medium, fat)

Instructions

1. Sketch out the cartoon you wish to spray paint onto the drawing pad with the pencil. Creating a rough draft of whatever you wish to spray paint gives you a general idea of what type of shapes and lines you will need to draw.

2. Use a medium or fat cap on your spray can to create the outline and filler for the cartoon. Install the cap and test spray before beginning. Shake the can thoroughly and very often when using spray paint, as this mixes the paint inside for a more consistent spray. Use quick lines to ensure the spray paint does not run once it is transferred to a vertical surface.

3. Fill in the outline of the cartoon you have just spray painted with the necessary background color. This technique allows for clean lines and avoids any messiness when detailing the cartoon.

4. Add basic details to the cartoon with the spray paint colors you wish to use for each of these features. For example, use a white spray can with a small cap to create the eyes of a cartoon image of a person, animal or animated object. A small cap allows for a small stream of spray paint to exit the can when pressed, perfect for smaller and more precise details.

5. Outline the cartoon and any details with black spray paint to make your cartoon really stand out on the wall you are painting. Use a medium-sized cap, similar to the ones that come stock on many spray cans, and carefully work your way through each section of the cartoon.

6. Add different effects to your cartoon to provoke a sense of typical graffiti style to the image. If you wish to give your cartoon a three-dimensional look, use the black spray paint to thicken certain areas of your cartoon figure. Painting small quotation marks around the cartoon can give the image a sense of motion, as well. For more simple effects, simply outline the cartoon with a bright color to make the black outline stand out more.

References

• Art Primo: About Spray Paint Pressure
• Culturally-Situated Design Tools: Graffiti History