How to Sketch Graffiti Art

Assign a dimension to each grid on the graph paper before beginning a graffiti design.

Learning to sketch graffiti begins with learning the fundamentals of sketching graffiti letters. The letters are drawn in a fashion so they are wide or thick. The letters overlap to help create a 3-D effect of a graffiti drawing. Begin the sketching process by filling a piece of graph paper with large letters to create a word. The addition of shapes and forms are added after the basic technique is learned.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Determine the finished size of the graffiti art if the design will be transferred to another piece of paper or a larger flat surface. Assign a dimension to each grid box. For example, the sketch paper is 8 1/2- by 11-inches. The larger area is 34- by 44-inches. Each gridded box represents 4 square inches.

2. Place a piece of graph paper on a smooth stable work surface. Position the paper so two parallel sides are on the horizontal plain. The short or the long edge of the paper may be used as the bottom for the graffiti sketch. This is dependent on the design and the artist.

3. Determine the font or lettering for the graffiti sketch. For example, common fonts used in graffiti art are Roman, Gothic, pointed, bubble, scribble, puffy, cursive or scary lettering. The type of font or lettering used depends on the design and the personality of the artist. Unique lettering styles will become the signature of the graffiti artist.

4. Determine the word or grouping of letters for the graffiti sketch. Sketch the design on the graph paper using overlapping letters. Sketch the letters at a 3-to-1 ratio. This means for every three graph lines in height, the letter will be at least one graph line wide.

5. Determine if there is room to add a shape or an object in the background. If so, sketch the element in the desired location. Re-evaluate the sketch by walking away for five minutes. Come back to the sketch and look at the drawing. Erase any areas that do not look good together. Repeat the process until you are happy with the overall design.

Tips & Warnings

• Add color to the graffiti sketch to determine if more items should be added to the drawing.