How To Create Graffiti Letters

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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!

1

Draw the outline sketch for the letters in pencil.
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.
3

Fill in the basic colors.
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.

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.
3

Erase the unnecessary lines.
4

Fill in the basic color.
5

Add the highlights and shadows.
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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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.
Question

Are there any other ways to add color to my graffiti?

Sure there are, just use the pencils, pens, or any other coloring utensils that you think would look good on your drawing.
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.
Question

How should I draw graffiti for the word 'sharon?'

You could do an internet image search for the word, play with different fonts on a computer or just play around with your own designs.
Question

How do I draw the shadows in the right spots?

Like with realistic drawings, you have to think about where the light is coming from. If the sun was on the top left, you'd have shadows on the bottom right where the light can't reach. You could always research how to draw shadows and highlights for more information.
Question

How do I make 3D graffiti letters?
Question

Can I draw graffiti letters with just a pencil?

Sure! All you need to do is shade a little darker and a little lighter to make it seem real.
Question

What types of pens will I need to draw graffiti letters?

Any pens are fine, ballpoints are easy because the tips are just right. Colored pens are also ideal.
Question

How do I improve my graffiti letters?

You just have to practice writing every single day if you want to get good at it.
Question

How do I know where to put highlights and shadows when drawing graffiti letters?

Decide where the light source is. For example, if the light source is one from the top right, then the shadows will be bottom right where the light will probably not reach. The highlights will be in the letter very close to the light source, which means top left in this example. Look at images online to find the light source and spot where the shadows fall.

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You can learn from others but never copy someone else's work. That's the number one rule of tagging.
Never trace and say it's yours.
Be original and have in mind what the message is you want to get through.
You can also try adding extensions to your letters to make them look cooler. This takes time to get a feel for where they can go to still look good.
You can also use a stencil to practice.
You should look in comics or on the web for help on these things because they have really expressive words and backgrounds.
You could trace graffiti out of magazines just to get the feel of writing it, but don't trace it then say it's yours because that's cheating.
One way you can start is to write the letter normal then add details.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Be careful if you draw these in class.
Ask permission first, if you are thinking of drawing graffiti on someone else's property or possessions.
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.
If anyone starts copying your exact copy, ask them to draw it while you watch them.

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Article SummaryX

If you want to draw simple graffiti letters, draw the outline sketch for the letters in pencil. Next, draw the outline for your graffiti letters, letting the larger outlines touch or overlap. Fill in the outlines with basic colors, then add darker tones to accent the letters. If you like, you can also add more details, like metallic glints or cracked lines. Add the cast shadow to complete the graffiti. Keep reading for tips on making your graffiti design more complex, like adding a design to the background!

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