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methods
1Drawing Simple Graffiti
2Creating Complex Graffiti Design
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Reviewed byJeanine Hattas Wilson
Last Updated: June 24, 2024Fact Checked
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Though the style you choose for your graffiti letters is ultimately up to you, there are a few standards that go for all graphics. Method one outlines a simple, foolproof way of creating vivid, stylized graffiti letters; method two takes on the same task in a more complex, skillful manner. Pencil at the ready!
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Drawing Simple Graffiti
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1
Draw the outline sketch for the letters in pencil.[1]
2
Add actual lines for the graffiti designs on the letters. Most graffiti designs are connected, intersecting or on top of one part of the other.[2]
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3
Fill in the basic colors.[3]
4
Add darker tone on the graffiti colors.
5
Add more details by drawing a design on the graffiti. You can choose any design that you want. Metallic, balloon, fluffy, gummy, and so on. I chose drawing cracked lines on the sample.
6
Add the cast shadow to complete the graffiti.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Creating Complex Graffiti Design
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1
Draw the outline sketches for the letters.
2
Add the actual lines for the graffiti designs on the letters. Draw pointed lines intersecting the others.[4]
3
Erase the unnecessary lines.
4
Fill in the basic color.
5
Add the highlights and shadows.[5]
6
Instead of adding shadows, choose a bright color that is contrasting the colors of the letters. Graffiti colors almost always have contrasting colors. However, you can also use colors that complement each other.
7
Add more designs on the background to finish the graffiti.
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Community Q&A
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Question
Can I draw a transparent graffiti with just a 2b pencil, hb, and 2h pencil?
Phishtacheo
Community Answer
Of course you can, just use some creativity and you can make it with pretty much any medium, even paint programs.
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Question
Are there any other ways to add color to my graffiti?
Community Answer
Sure there are, just use the pencils, pens, or any other coloring utensils that you think would look good on your drawing.
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If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowNot Helpful 74Helpful 82
Question
How do I draw the word "JohNde"?
Phishtacheo
Community Answer
If you're new to graffiti and can't think of a way to write it, just go on Google Images and search for a graffiti alphabet and write your word like that.
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Reader Videos
Tips
You should look in comics or on the web for help on these things because they have really expressive words and backgrounds.[6]
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Never trace and say it's yours.
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You can learn from others but never copy someone else's work. That's the number one rule of tagging.
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Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Consider doing graffiti letters on paper, canvas, or legally designated walls instead of unauthorized public spaces.
- Practice drawing the letters smoothly without going over the lines to build confidence in your abilities.
- Use bright colors for letters so they stand out, especially if painting a public mural.
- Start with simple bubble letters and build complexity over time. Master basics first.
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Warnings
If your teacher or some snitch sees your tag on a wall, fence etc., and on your binder than you can get in a lot of trouble. Only graffiti where it is permissible on school grounds etc. If there is nowhere to do so, lobby the principal and school board for a place. It's a good exercise in asking for community projects.
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If anyone starts copying your exact copy, ask them to draw it while you watch them.
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Be careful if you draw these in class.
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Ask permission first, if you are thinking of drawing graffiti on someone else's property or possessions.
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You Might Also Like
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References
- ↑ https://artincontext.org/how-to-draw-graffiti-bubble-letters/
- ↑ https://artincontext.org/how-to-draw-graffiti-bubble-letters/
- ↑ https://artincontext.org/how-to-draw-graffiti-bubble-letters/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/UYr4CmV7r2w?t=515
- ↑ https://artincontext.org/how-to-draw-graffiti-bubble-letters/
- ↑ https://www.theartstory.org/movement/street-art/
About This Article
Reviewed by:
Jeanine Hattas Wilson
Professional Painter
This article was reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces. This article has been viewed 930,064 times.
451 votes - 73%
Co-authors: 104
Updated: June 24, 2024
Views:930,064
Categories: Graffiti
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Reader Success Stories
Angi Duffy
Feb 5, 2018
"I thought this was easy, and happy to see more than one design! Although I just picked a few ideas, I was still..." more
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