While the style you choose for graffiti lettering is up to you, there are some standards that apply to all types of graffiti. The first way shows a simple outline, and it's very easy to create stylish and clear graffiti letters; while the second method creates the same result with more advanced and complex steps. Get your pencils ready!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Draw Simple Graffiti
Step 1. Draw outline sketches for the letters, with a pencil
Step 2. Add actual lines for the graffiti design to the letters
Most graffiti designs have sections that connect, intersect or overlap on top of each other.
Step 3. Fill the outline with the base color
Step 4. Add a darker color to the graffiti color
Step 5. Add more design details to the graffiti
You can choose any design you like. Metallic, balloon, smooth, gummy look or whatever. In the example above, the motifs are cracked lines.
Step 6. Add shadows to complete the graffiti look
Method 2 of 2: Designing More Complex Graffiti
Step 1. Sketch the outline of the letters
Step 2. Add actual lines for the graffiti design to the letters
Draw sharp lines that intersect with each other.
Step 3. Erase unnecessary lines
Step 4. Fill the outline with the base color
Step 5. Add lighting and shadows
Step 6. Apart from adding shadows, you can also choose a light color that contrasts with the color of the letters
Graffiti colors almost always have contrasting colors. However, you can also use complementary colors, namely those that match the base color.
Step 7. Add more designs to the background, to finish the graffiti
Tips
- You may learn from others, but never copy or plagiarize the work of others. This is the main rule in creating works of art, including graffiti.
- Create original work and think about what message you want to convey.
- Never plagiarize someone else's work and say it is yours.
- You can also use the stencil method for practice.
- You can also try adding joints to your letters, to make them look cooler. Understanding proper joint position and direction and looking good takes time.
- You can browse comics or websites, as these two mediums usually feature highly expressive wording and background designs.
- You can plagiarize graffiti from magazines to try out the taste when writing it, but never plagiarize and acknowledge it as your own, because that is cheating.
Warning
- Be careful if you draw graffiti in class.
- If your teacher or a complainant sees your work on walls, fences, or on your books, you could be in trouble. Make graffiti only in places that are allowed at school. If there is no place to do so, persuade the principal and school board to provide one. This is a good exercise so that you are ready to do it as a project in the midst of the community later.
- Ask permission first if you want to draw graffiti on other people's property or objects.
