Arts >> Art >> Other Art

How to Make My Own Graffiti Art

Graffiti art started as alternative street art and is now accepted as mainstream art in museums and popular culture. This art form started in Philadelphia in the early 1960s, with artists named Cornbread and Cool Earl, according to "New York Magazine". In 1971 the "New York Times" published an interview with TAKI 183, who spray painted his name on subway cars. To make your own graffiti art, first come up with a street name for yourself. This name will become your graffiti artist name, and you will display it every time you make your art.

Things You'll Need

  • Sketch pad
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Computer
  • Internet access
  • Printer
  • Paper
  • Black spray paint
  • Artist's knife
  • Masking tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice drawing your street name in different graffiti styles in your sketch pad with a pencil. Try bold three-dimesional lettering that overlaps and connects like cursive writing. Experiment. There is no one way to write your name in a graffiti style. Play with a few different variations in pencil and use your eraser when needed. Add arrows or other images to your graffiti name.

    • 2

      Input your street artist name into a graffiti creator program found on websites such as Graffiti Creator and Graff Writer. These free websites will help you draw your personal graffiti street name.

    • 3

      Print out the graffiti name once you customize the colors and font size with your printer. Use this sample as a guide to invent your own style. Draw your final graffiti name in your sketchpad.

    • 4

      Spray your tag or graffiti name outside on a wall with black spray paint to start with. Practice working with spray paint as a medium. Write your tag everywhere you can. Start with your own exterior walls or go elsewhere if you have permission.

    • 5

      Photocopy your favorite graffiti drawing to turn it into a stencil at a copy center. Graffiti and other street artists such as Shepard Fairey, who is known for his Andre the GIant art, use stencils to spray their work on walls.

    • 6

      Cut out the letters and other artwork with an artist's knife or blade. Tape up the stencil with masking tape on a wall. Be sure to tape only the corners of the paper and do not block areas where you will be spraying paint. Spray paint over the stencil. Remove the stencil to reveal your graffiti art.

Other Art

Related Categories