Although graffiti is often associated with vandalism on other people's properties, it has slowly evolved into an art form. Now graffiti signed by the most talented artists can make a lot of money and are often sold at auction. And you, do you have what it takes to become a graffiti artist?
Steps
Step 1. Get out of the house and buy a sketchbook
This will become your Bible, always use it before trying anything. Secondly, find a nice name, nothing stupid like Ghost, Anger etc. and try to make it unique. Alternatively, buy some papers and always carry them with you.
Pick a name and stick to that. Remember to look around to see if anyone uses the same name as you (words like face, ghost, king, demon, flame, extra, etc. are all common names). If you really want to be original, find a longer word that is both intelligent and possibly related to you or your work.
Step 1. Look for inspiration in your city and on the internet, but don't directly copy anything you see; or you will be stigmatized as a kid (meaning a new artist who doesn't deserve respect) for a long time
This practice is also called "biting", and is a slang term for someone copying someone else's work. Biting is fine for your first graffiti until you take credit for it.
Step 2. Perfect your style
Many want to go directly to the wildstyle and the murals. It does not work like that. Start with the round letters and then move on.
Step 3. After weeks or months of practicing and sketching, buy permanent markers or make your own, and start tagging
Step 4. Work your way up to stickers, stencils or throw ups (a form of graffiti)
Step 5. Meet other artists of your level or higher
In this subculture you can learn from the most experienced and help your peers.
Step 6. Do your homework
Try researching people like the UTI CREW of Los Angeles. Style research can help you understand the history of graffiti and the different styles.
Advice
- If you happen to be arrested, ask for a lawyer and use the right not to answer. All you need to provide is your name, address and date of birth. Don't miss out on any more information about your crew or anything you write, even though you've just sprayed paint and know what you've written on the wall. Remember that if a cop says "you're only going to make your position worse" it's bad enough and they just want a confession to close the case.
- In general have fun, be creative, original and imaginative. Once you understand the construction of the letters you can start inventing new styles. Don't be afraid to go too far, you never know where you might go.
- Ask yourself why you want to enter the world of graffiti. For some it's just fun, yet other people get into it for the wrong reasons. Tagging to make yourself cool in front of your friends is not a good motivation.
- Really invest in your art. Buy some good material, or alternatively make your own ink or markers. You can also buy common and inexpensive spray paint.
- You can't always graffiti your property, there may be a city ordinance banning it.
- Practice on large stones. You can always cover them with wall paint later.
- Remember, when choosing a place for your graffiti, be smart, follow a moral and be respectful. Mural artists create, they don't destroy.
- Never paint or tag over a better piece than you might be able to do. When you cover someone make sure you cover the whole piece. To avoid problems, you could show your appreciation next to your piece.
- Few signs for graffiti, do not tag financial buildings, places of worship (churches), schools or important buildings (especially for surveillance).
- Do your graffiti in legal places, like skate parks.
- Respect and don't bother artists who are more talented than you.
- Respiratory masks are useful when painting indoors or in confined spaces where you can breathe in the fumes.
- Generally be yourself with your art. Pure and simple.
- Never include your first or last name in your art.
- Wear a bandana to hide your identity from hidden cameras.
- Look on Amazon and search DVDs on “Learning to Graffiti”, as it will help you a lot, search for DVDs with point-by-point sections on how to draw and paint your project.
- Always make sure you don't make the fact that you are tagging easily recognizable.
Warnings
- There is a difference between scribbling on a wall and making art. Make sure you have some artistic value.
- Stay yourself, don't copy others.
- Never carry your sketchbook when you splash.
- Try to hide your identity.
- Graffiti is illegal unless you have permission from the owner, and if they catch you there is a big chance that you will have to pay a fine.
- Tagging religious places, cars, public, financial and private property is a crime and illegal.
- Graffiti is highly illegal in many areas. If they find you with a sketchbook and a utility knife, they may confiscate them.
- The fumes from spray paint are very dangerous and can be lethal or cause severe damage. Always wear a face mask.
- Never tell anyone your name or the name of your crew.
