How to Become a Grafitti Artist

While graffiti is associated with vandalizing other people’s property, it has slowly evolved into an art form. Now, graffiti rendered by the most talented artists commands a pretty penny and is sometimes even auctioned off. Do you have what it takes to become a graffiti artist?

Steps

1 Go out and buy a sketchbook. This is your bible, always use this before you try anything. Also come up with a good name, nothing stupid like Ghost, Rage etc and try to make it unique . Alternatively, buy some paper and carry it with you at all times.

2 Choose a name that you would like to write and stick to it. Remember to look around for someone with the same name (words like face, ghost, king, demon, blaze, perk etc. are all common names). If you want to be really original come up with a longer word that is more cunning and perhaps relates to you or your work.

3 Look for inspiration in your city and on the internet, but do not directly copy anything you see; this will brand you as a toy [meaning a new artist who gets no respect] for a long time. This is also called “biting” which is a graffiti term for copying someone else’s work. Biting is okay for your first graffiti piece just as long as you do not take the credit for it.

4 Evolve your style. Most guys want to go straight to wildstyle and murals. It doesn't work out that way. Start with bubble letters an progress forward.

5 After months/weeks of practice and sketching, buy some permanent markers or make your own and begin tagging.

6 Work your way up to stickers, stencils or doing throw ups [a form of graffiti].

7 Meet other artists of your skill and of greater skill. You can learn from your superiors in this subculture and help your equals.

8 Do your homework. Try Researching people such as UTI CREW LOS ANGELES Researching styles can help you to understand the history of graffiti and different style.

NOTE: Learn more tricks here!