How to Tag like a Real Graffiti Artist
Think you've got what it takes to be an urban graffiti artist? Follow these steps to become da 'hood's next da Vinci.
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You Will Need
- Lingo
- Creativity
- Hardcover sketchbook
- Pencils
- Pens
- Markers
- Plywood
- Spray paint
- Spray-can tips
- Latex gloves
- Paint respirator
- Legal wall
- Stickers (optional)
- Fire extinguisher (optional)
Steps
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Do not graffiti public or private property without obtaining permission.
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Step 1
Talk like a writer
Master the lingo. A "writer" is a graffiti artist, a "king" or "queen" is a great writer, a "toy" is inexperienced, and a "crew" is a group who work together. A "tag" is a simple work of graffiti, a "throw-up" is more complicated, and a "piece" is a very complex work of graffiti.
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Step 2
Develop lettering
The foundation for all graffiti art is tagging your nickname on a visible space. Develop a nickname and lettering style that are unique to you. The style you create can be used for your tags, throw-ups, and pieces.
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Use your influences. Look to anything from album covers to comics to consumer products for inspiration.
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Step 3
Start a black book
Start a black book, a hardcover sketchbook where you and other writers can develop ideas. Write tags, throw-ups and pieces in full color with pens, pencils, and markers. Contribute to other writers' black books, too.
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Step 4
Practice spray-can techniques
Practice techniques by painting on a large piece of plywood in a well-ventilated area. Use a variety of spray-can tips to control spray-paint flow. Consider wearing gloves and a respirator anytime you use spray paint.
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Experiment with tagging techniques that don't involve traditional spray paint like putting up stickers, using fire extinguishers filled with paint, and etching on glass.
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Step 5
Join a crew
Learn the ropes from a crew. A crew will admit you based on work they've seen in public or in your black book. Joining one can help improve your work and get you involved in group projects.
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Take time to learn the etiquette of tagging, like which tags can and can't be written over.
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Step 6
Find legal walls
Find places to write on by searching for "legal walls" online. Cities around the world have established legal spots for writers to craft their masterpieces.
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Step 7
Go out and tag
Go out and write! Express yourself as much as legally possible. With hard work and the help of a good crew, you'll go from toy to royalty in no time!
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Tagging was popularized in part by a 1971 New York Times article about the graffiti artist Taki 183.
