Hot Graffiti & Urban Art How-Tos

How To: Draw a gangsta character

Graffiti master Wizard spit some more knowledge at us with only his hands, drawing a gangsta figure for a viewer named HQ in his signature style, working quickly in sharpie on graph paper to create something that the more clumsy-handed among us couldn't produce with a lifetime of effort. If you think you're up to the challenge though, copying Wizard's techniques on paper will greatly improve your skills before you take them to the streets, so that when you really want to leave your mark you w...

How To: Paint Bedroom Walls like a pro

To prepare a bedroom for walls to be painted, remove as much furniture and objects from the room. You can leave the larger furniture in the center of the room, covered. Fill in any holes or cracks in the wall with a patch. Also, remove any hardware or outlet plates from the wall. Next, place masking tape at the base boards so you can paint below the carpet level. Tim suggests using a drop cloth rather than a plastic cloth to cover the floor. Drop cloths last much longer and are more convenien...

How To: Make a long stem rose out of duct tape

Learn how to put that roll of duct tape to use with help from this tutorial! In this video, learn how to make a long stemmed rose out of duct tape... Perfect to surprise a girlfriend or boyfriend with to show them how much you care. Make unique duct tape gifts and hone your duct tape skills with guidance from this instructional!

How To: Get more out of spray paint cans

In this how-to video, you will learn how to get more out of your spray cans. This is useful if you want to make the most out of the money spent on these purchases. These spray cans are very useful for painting objects that would be harder with the traditional bus. First, follow the directions on the spray can. It should say to turn it upside down and spray it until it runs clear. This keeps the tips clear. If the can is old, you can carefully remove the tip from the can and drop it in paint t...

How To: Draw the graffiti alphabet

To some, graffiti is an art form that can only be expressed on the streets to share with everyone around there. To others, it's nothing more than a stupid way to deface property and cause the city to spend thousands of dollars to clean up. Either way, it take a certain skill set to come up with some great looking graffiti. This tutorial will give those aspiring taggers or artists an idea of how to draw the alphabet graffiti style. Enjoy!

How To: Get better at graffiti letter writing

Wherever you sit on the debate of graffiti, one thing is certain: it takes someone with a great sense of skill. There are so many different variations when it comes to graffiti or tagging there isn't right or wrong way. But people can tell when it comes off as sloppy and lazy so making sure it looks nice and clean is pretty important. This tutorial shows you how to get better at writing graffiti letters. Enjoy!

How To: Spray paint properly

Try to use the same brand of spray paint throughout the project, read the instructions, follow them. Different brands may have different instructions, this is why we advise against mixing brands. Begin by lightly sanding your project with 600 grit sand paper, anything lower can potentially scratch your project. Use a sturdy tape to cover the parts you want to leave unpainted. Use a very light coating of primer, sand it with 600 grit sand paper (lightly). To add 'special effects' to the job, u...

How To: Throw up when doing graffiti (paint on a wall)

This is your basis step by step on how to do graffiti on walls - in your house for decoration, of course, not on the streets for vandalism! The best spray paint is made with krypotnite added into the paint. While you will want to paint directly on the surface, you don't want to be exposed to excessive winds or temperature when doing your graffiti, so you may be somewhat at the mercy of mother nature. Start by sketching your design with pencil, making sure that it takes the maximum amount of s...

How To: Make a graffiti paint marker

In this tutorial, learn how to make paint for a graffiti style paint marker. This can be done with paint you have left over in your house and a bit of rubbing alcohol. Using a paint marker allows you to draw much more accurate and detailed graffiti. Throw a little ink into the mix and make your own custom colors so you can leave your mark all over town.

How To: Draw a graffiti character

This video illustrate us how to draw a graffiti character. Here are the following steps:Step 1: First of all take a paper and start drawing a semi circle and then from this semi circle draw another semicircle bigger then the previous one.Step 2: Now draw two oval within the semicircle and one small square showing the face and the belly of the character.Step 3:Now draw two lines sideways to the character and draw a small circle on these lines showing a tree.Step 4: Now write free hand letters ...

How To: Build your own set of graffiti lettering

Drawing graffiti letters can be done in hundreds of different ways, but drawing on graph paper helps the letters stay to scale, and using a brush pen creates a flared effect. Draw a few different types of graffiti letters with a demonstration from an experienced artist and art supply store employee in this free video on drawing. This video will demonstrate exactly how to build your own set of graffiti lettering. Build your own set of graffiti lettering.

How To: Make a stencil with a manila folder

This video gives instructions on how to make a stencil from a manila folder and a number of additional supplies. Supplies required aside from the manila folder include an X-acto knife, a pencil, an eraser, and a cutting board, the cutting board and manila folder are recommended. First step to producing the stencil is to draw an image to serve as the stencil pattern. After making the design, cuts must be placed in the design known as 'Bridges', bridges are links in the design which holds the p...

How To: Draw a simple spraycan character

Cholowiz13 demonstrates how to draw an anamorphic spray can character, which can inspire your own cartoon characters for any artistic purpose. Without using any words, Cholowiz13 demonstrates the creation of a cartoon spray can character by starting with the eyes and mouth. He keeps the face simple and adjusts the body of the spray can to show action while fitting the face. A few simple curves form the hands and fingers. But for the best expression, add shading (especially inside the mouth, a...

How To: Draw a graffiti version of Slimer from Ghostbusters

In this video you will learn how to draw a graffiti version of "Slimer" from the movie "Ghostbusters". The materials you will need are a writing utensil (the artist in the video uses a permanent marker) and some paper to write on. The artist begins by drawing the eyes and the pupils (the pupils appear cross-eyed). Then you draw the nose, the mouth and start outlining the area around the top of the eyes. Then draw the outline of the ghosts body then continuing around the left arm to the hand. ...

How To: Draw wild style graffiti

Street artist wackojacko54321 teaches you how to draw "wild style" graffiti. There is no definite technique or way of drawing wild style. Wackojacko54321's interpretation involves starting with a simple piece with connecting letters (of which he provides an example) and possibly arrows. Add more basic arrows and connections to unify the piece more. Connection points of the arrows are important. Attach them to the ends/corners of letters or other letters/connections. Spice it up with more adva...

How To: Draw graffiti with color

Have you always looked at graffiti and wondered how they got such perfect lines and great color with just a spray can? Watch this video tutorial set to funky music and learn how to create a sketch of the finished product. Draw it on paper first and, with this easy to follow guide, learn how to make the finished product "Exode" with just a set of markers. Each picture shows the progression of the piece, from just a simple sketch to the fully colored product. In almost no time you will be makin...

How To: Draw graffiti, step by step

If you want to learn how to be a real graffiti artist, it can be a challenge to know where to get started. This tutorial video walks you through some of the beginning steps. Presented as a text slideshow, it's very basic but contains some sound information for aspiring graffiti artists.

How To: Use spray paint safely

Whether you're a graffiti artist or a home crafter who uses a lot of spray paint for various backyard projects, it's important to use your spray paint safely. This short, basic but useful video introduces you to a few of the air filter masks on the market. It also teaches you a bit about how to use them and how to keep them operating correctly. Use spray paint safely.

How To: Make decorative graffiti letters from duct tape

This is a tutorial on creating graffiti letters from duct tape to decorate and stick anywhere you like. Not your everyday graffiti, but if you have a lot of duct tape lying around the house, this project's an interesting way to spend an afternoon and stay out of trouble. Starting with graffiti letters from GraffitiGen and GraffitiCreator, this tutorial takes you through the steps to make your own graffiti duct tape letters to decorate just about anything.

How To: Make a slap tag

Slap tags, or sticker tags, are faster, and less risky, than freestyle graffiti or stencil tags. You can design your slap tag, and put them up inconspicuously wherever you go. This how-to video shows an easy method for designing your slap tag, and even offers a tip on getting stickers on the cheap.

How To: Draw graffiti style people

This video drawing tutorial shows a technique for sketching out people in a style reminiscent of graffiti. This video lesson will provide inspiration from street art into your own artwork. Follow along with the demonstrator, experiment with the new ideas, and learn how to draw graffiti style people in a way you like.

How To: Make linoleum asphalt mosaics with Craftzine

Linoleum asphalt mosaics, also called Toynbee Tiles, are artworks permanently embedded in pavement. In this video I'll show you how to construct your own from inexpensive materials. You can get real linoleum (don't use vinyl flooring) for this project by ordering free samples online. By cutting out a mosaic design in the linoleum and sandwiching it between layers of paper, wood glue, and asphalt crack filler, you can affix the mosaic very permanently to an asphalt surface, such as your drivew...

How To: Wheat paste, poster, or flypost

While it's debatable that this video will teach you to subvert consumerism and make people think for themselves, it is a handy guide to learn how to flypost, wheat paste, put up posters, or whatever you want to call it. Get your message, be it political, artistic, or anything else worth sharing with others, by pasting posters out on the town where people will see them and maybe even think about them. These guys might be anarchists, but you don't need to be. Watch this video urban art tutorial...

How To: Make a graffiti type airbrush

This tutorial video should help you make a "graffiti pen" with: a felt tip marker (not dried out), pliers, a hollowed out pen, and some paper. This is a great makeshift idea if you're trapped in school and don't have any sort of graffiti implement but you still want to fight the man.