How to Graffiti Gallery

Graffiti is often associated with gangs, guns and crime. But it’s important to understand why. Graffiti is used by gangs in Mexico, L.A. and other large cities the world over. It’s used to mark gang territory in specific areas. Often gangs will spray their tags over an enemies tag to provoke violence and retaliation. As such, graffiti has built up a bad reputation and has come to be associated with the more negative aspects of culture and society.

It doesn’t have to be so. In my town, for example, one primary school started a small, low-budget project and allowed all the children ‘Graffiti’ over the walls of the school and neighbouring park. Not only did this create an amazing piece of art at virtually no cost, but the children felt proud of their work. Instead of vandalizing the school they now wished to protect and preserve their creation and as such a small sense of community was built up. This is the inverse of what most people generally conceive graffiti to be about. Instead of being destructive vandalism and degradative to the community, in this case it did the complete opposite.

That said, I hope I have opened your mind up enough to warrant your interest of how to graffiti. This article isn’t about the arguements concerning vandalism, nor to highlight its many comical, religious and often political uses, nor the controversies. No, this article is to urge you to learn how to graffiti. In doing so you open your mind up to the world of graffiti and its many branches and history (Yes, graffiti has a history!) Here are some simple steps to get you to begin learning just how to graffiti.

How to graffiti step 1 – Observation

In learning how to graffiti as in learning any new concept is all about observation. Find existing graffiti and copy it somehow. The best and most fun way to do this is take a walk around your city. If you live in a small town or village, take a trip into a city and spend the day hunting for street art. You’re guaranteed to find some in most larger towns. Take photos and draw sketches while you’re there. This will give you some basic hands on, up-close experience.
You can also obtain some great resources while learning how to graffiti online. Google images and other sites have large lists of some of the larger and cooler looking works as well as the basic stuff.

How to graffiti step 2 – Experimentation and Creativity

The next step is experimentation. 9 out of 10 graffiti artists started out with their tag. A tag is just a way of identifying yourself amongst the vast array of other artists out there. Usually it’ll be your nickname or a variation of it. Using the photos/sketches and downloaded images you’ve collected, experiment with applying those styles to your tag. Use marker or pencil on paper at first until you’ve got the hang of it. Once you have some basic sketches you feel comfortable repeating, you can think about taking it further.

Types Of Graffiti Art

Modern day Graffiti art is closely associated with the Hip Hop Culture. It started out with names like TAKI 183 and JULIO 204 who wrote their tag names all over New York to more accomplished artists that have shown their work in respected art galleries. But, for those loyal to the art of graffiti, it is the pieces found on the streets and public walls that remain as the purest form of the art. Street Graffiti have various well known styles. The styles may be a result of time constraints or as a way of marking territory. The style of the artwork itself greatly affects the look and feel of the piece, these include styles like: Wildstyle, Blockbuster, Throw-ups and Fill-Ins and Pieces.

A “Piece” is a form of Graffiti art that has a very elaborate design. These pieces tend to take time, therefore there are fewer pieces created illegally in public places because the artist runs the risk of being caught in the act of making it. Most graffiti art “pieces” can now be found in dedicated galleries. Of course, there are always the brave few that still plaster their work on public and private walls. Graffiti tributes are also known as “pieces”. Tributes pay homage to ‘greats’ who have passed away. In the past we have seen tributes to the Big L, Tupac, Mother Teresa and others all over New York when they died.

Throw-Ups and Fill- In are graffiti that are done quickly, sacrificing detailed style for time. This is the most common form of graffiti that can be found. It is often made in only one or three contrasting colors and the letterings are in bubble or block form. The letters are often outlined with the boldest color available to the artists. Compared to Wildstyle, throw-ups and fill-ins are often easier to read because the designs are less complex.

Wildstyle is a form of graffiti art that sports all sorts of arrows, interlocking letters and points. For the untrained graffiti eye, Wildstyle pieces are often hard to read because the letters tend to blend in into one another and result in what looks like a jumble and wordless mix. Wildstyle Graffiti art is often found in various places around bustling cities like New York, New Jersey and San Francisco.

“Blockbusters” are large graffiti pieces that have been created to cover entire walls with the intention of blocking other artists from using the same wall. The design is often simple and done quickly. Another form of Graffiti that is similar to Blockbuster is “Rollers”. Rollers are Graffiti styles that involve blocking out an entire wall with a single color. This is considered to be lazy graffiti writing. “Stickers” are also used in creating graffiti and is one of the quickest ways to post graffiti on the wall. Like “rollers”, “stickers” are also considered to be a form of laziness on the part of the artist. But, more and more artists are coming up with elaborately designed stickers that combat even the most detailed pieces designed. Stencils are also commonly used in graffiti art. They provide the artist with a way to create presentable pieces without compromising time.

How Can You Prevent Vandalism and Graffiti

In many urban areas, and increasingly in suburban neighborhoods, graffiti and vandalism are a growing nuisance, damaging property and creating an eyesore for community members. Although vandalism, like many crimes, cannot be completely prevented, there are some steps that individuals and communities can take to limit the amount of vandalism that takes place in a particular area.

Keeping an area well lit and free of garbage can help decrease the possibility of graffiti. Most graffiti is done away from areas where vandals might be seen or caught, such as the dark sides of retail buildings as night. Making sure that such areas are readily visible helps decrease the likelihood that potential vandals might target a specific area. Use security lighting in areas that are particularly vulnerable to the threat of vandalism.

Likewise, keeping an area well maintained indicates that someone cares for the property. Keep areas free of graffiti by painting over or eliminating graffiti as soon as possible. Once an area has been targeted by one vandal it increases the likelihood that others may see the area as a “safe place” to add their own graffiti. Criminologists often refer to this as the “Broken Window Theory.” If a building or location has broken windows vandals and graffiti, artists may see this as a place where they can continue what someone else has started. Other graffiti artists may target the area to paint over competing graffiti signs. Repairing any damage as soon as it’s discovered reduces this possibility.

Many areas benefit from “neighborhood watch” organizations – which may be as simple as creating awareness among local businesses and homeowners. Organized neighborhood watch groups may take the time to organize “patrols” that walk or drive through areas as a way to deter individuals from destroying or harming private property. At its most basic level, such a group indicates a commitment to watch out for each others’ property, and to report suspicious behaviors to the police. Many communities with neighborhood watch groups put up signs advertising the existence of such a program. The ultimate effect of community watch groups is similar to increasing lighting and visibility, to show that community members will take notice if someone commits vandalism.

Other preventative measures can include installing security cameras or other security devices. Most graffiti artists use what they call a “tag” which is similar to a signature and is intended to identify the artist responsible. You can combine the information from the tag and security cameras to help authorities locate responsible individuals. If you’ve tried a variety of these techniques and vandals and graffiti artists are still damaging your property you may want to seek help from the local authorities. Taking pictures of the damage and keeping a record of when and where the damage occurred may help you narrow down a potential list of suspects.

There are other ways to limit unwanted painting. Keep in mind that some graffiti artists simply want a place to make their “mark” – and a community sponsored graffiti wall may provide an opportunity to turn potential property damage into a community-building activity.