Want to create amazing graffiti art that turns heads and leaves a lasting impression? In this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks you need to make super cool graffiti letters like a pro. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and transform any blank wall into a stunning masterpiece!
What’s Inside?
Intro
Graffiti letters are the heart of street art. They are how artists show off their skills and make their mark on the city. Learning to make awesome graffiti letters is a must if you want to be a respected street artist.
Colorful graffiti letters on a brick wall
Key Points
- Graffiti letters are the most important part of street art.
- To make great letters, you need to know their basic parts.
- There are 10 key letter styles every artist should learn.
- Finding your own style takes practice and trying new things.
- Graffiti letters are a big part of street art culture and history.
Why Graffiti Letters Matter ?
Graffiti letters are not just pretty pictures on a wall. They are a way for artists to share their thoughts, connect with others, and express themselves. Learning to make graffiti letters is like learning a new language – it opens up a whole new world of creativity and communication. As legendary writer SEEN says in this interview, « Graffiti is a way to communicate with other writers and the public. »
The Building Blocks of Graffiti Letters
To make great graffiti letters, you need to understand their basic structure. Graffiti letters have three main parts:
- The fill: This is the main color or pattern inside the letter.
- The outline: This is the line that goes around the edge of the letter, making it stand out.
- The background: This is the area around the letter, which can be filled with another color or design.
By playing with these three parts, you can create so many cool styles and designs. Check out this example piece that shows the fill, outline, and background in action:
Graffiti Letters composition
In this piece, you can see:
- The teal and gret dot pattern used as the fill inside the letters
- The black outline that defines the letter shapes
- The yellow and red background pattern
The artist also incorporated some other slick details, like:
- 3D shadows to give the letters depth
- Thin white « keylines » to emphasize the letter structure
- Highlights, bright colors to make it eye-catching
These extra touches take the basic building blocks to the next level and make the piece look pro. Keep an eye out for creative ways to elevate your letters as you experiment with different styles. Want to dive deeper into letter structure? Graffiti Know How has a great guide on letter anatomy.
10 Must-Know Graffiti Letter Styles
There are tons of graffiti letter styles out there, but here are 10 that every artist should know:
1.Old School
Where it all started. It uses simple, bold letters that are easy to read. This style is great for beginners because it teaches you the basics of letter structure and shape.
2.Bubble Letters
Round, puffy letters that look like balloons or bubbles. They are fun and playful, making them a favorite for artists of all skill levels.
3.Throw-Ups
Quick, simple pieces that are usually done in one or two colors. They are a step up from tags and are often used to cover large areas quickly.
4.Blockbusters
Large and bold letters that are made to be seen from far away. They are often used to make a big statement or claim territory.
5.Wildstyle
Complex style that features heavily styled and interconnected letters. It is one of the hardest styles to master but also one of the most impressive.
6.Calligraffiti
A style that mixes calligraphy and graffiti. It features elegant, flowing letters that are often inspired by traditional calligraphy styles.
7.Pixação
A unique style from Brazil. It features tall, thin letters that are often written in a cryptic, angular style.
8.Gothic
Inspired by medieval calligraphy and features fancy, decorative letters. It is a stylish choice for artists who want to stand out.
9.Script
Mimics cursive handwriting and features fluid, connected letters. It can add a touch of elegance and personality to your pieces.
10. 3D Letters
In addition to the graffiti letters mentioned above, 3D letters use shading and perspective to create the illusion of depth. They can make your pieces pop off the wall and grab people’s attention. There are no specific rules for drawing 3D letters—you can pick a style from the list above and tweak it to add depth and volume, giving it that 3D look.
If you’re ready to start learning graffiti today, you can follow our easy guide here. It will show you all the steps to draw your first graffiti letters.
5 Pro Tips for Finding Your Own Style
While it’s important to learn the basics and study different styles, the ultimate goal is to develop your own unique voice as an artist. Here are some tips for finding your graffiti lettering style:
- Practice, practice, practice. The more you write, the more you’ll develop your skills and find what works for you.
- Study other artists’ styles for inspiration, but don’t copy them directly. Use them as a starting point to create something new and original.
- Experiment with different tools, techniques, and color combos. Don’t be afraid to try something new and see what happens.
- Get feedback from other artists and be open to helpful criticism. It can help you grow and improve your skills.
- Stay true to yourself and write what feels right to you. Your style should show your personality and experiences.
For more style development advice, check out this Graffiti storm article on finding your unique style.
How Graffiti Letters Fit into Street Art ?
Graffiti letters are a key part of the bigger world of street art. From the early days of tagging to the rise of detailed murals and installations, graffiti lettering has always been at the center of street art. It is a way for artists to share ideas with each other, claim space, and express their creativity in a public setting.
Today, graffiti lettering keeps evolving and inspiring new generations of street artists. It has also gained recognition in the mainstream art world, with many writers and street artists achieving worldwide fame and success.
A colorful street art mural featuring graffiti lettering
Common Questions
1. What is the best way to start learning graffiti lettering?
The best way to start is by studying the basics and practicing simple styles like Old School and Bubble Letters. Focus on developing your can control and learning how to create clean, crisp lines.
2. Do I need special tools to create graffiti letters?
While you can start with basic tools like markers and paper, to create graffiti letters on walls, you’ll need spray paint and caps. Different caps can create different effects, so it’s good to experiment with a variety.
3. Is it legal to create graffiti letters on walls?
In most cases, creating graffiti on public or private property without permission is illegal and can result in fines or arrests. If you want to practice graffiti lettering legally, you can use designated graffiti walls, participate in graffiti events or festivals, or create your art on canvas or other legal surfaces.
Wrapping Up
Graffiti lettering is a powerful and expressive art form that takes dedication and practice to master. By learning the basics, studying different styles, and developing your own unique voice, you can become a respected and influential artist in the street art community. Remember, graffiti is not just about making cool designs – it’s about using your art to communicate, connect, and make a difference.
So get out there, start writing, and let your creativity flow. The streets are waiting for your mark.