How to Draw Gangster Graffiti

Create your own gangster graffiti.

Gangster graffiti started in the streets of New York City and has become a global phenomenon. Learning how to draw gangster graffiti starts like anything else, with research. Today graffiti has developed into a cultural and explosive art form. Gangster graffiti stays very much to its roots and to original artists' work. Usually drawn with traditional letters and techniques, gangster graffiti is about adding attitude and territory to your work. Don't copy other people's designs; develop your own and gain respect doing gangster graffiti.

Instructions

1. Research the various types of graffiti. Establish from your research how gangster-style graffiti is different from other bubbly or more modern designs. Gangster graffiti is much more angular and traditional. Once you have enough inspiration, pick a name for drawing your gangster graffiti. Start by using your own name or a nickname.

2. Draw your name in capital letters on a piece of paper. Always draw your designs in pencil and leave plenty of space in-between the letters. Gangster graffiti can be quite technical, so make sure you use a pencil so you can erase the lines easily. Make your capital letters bold with a second line.

3. Add a shadowed inch-line of 3-D on the right-hand side of your letters. Now add the details to make your graffiti really gangster. Gangster graffiti is very structured and pointy. Take each of your letters and stretch and bend each corner of the letters. Include sharp points to the ends of each shape. Intertwine the shapes you are creating. Don't worry about making mistakes. Keep sketching the shapes until you are happy.

4. Add details. Add a line of shine on the opposite side of the 3-D. Trace over all the lines so they follow a symmetrical shape. Add a gangster graffiti crown above a letter to show who is "king." Keep your design simple. Gangster graffiti isn't about including hearts and smiley faces.

5. Color in your gangster graffiti. Try using a bold color and then outline the piece with a black marker and color in your 3-D in black. Add a white shine and then a bright color to outline the piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Drawing gangster graffiti will take time and practice. Keep sketching out your letters until you are happy with them.

• Painting graffiti on any type of structure is usually illegal, so always ask for permission before you do so.

References

• How to draw graffiti