A few friends have asked how to sketch graffiti. I started sketching graffiti in Junior High School to keep occupied (I usually sat in the back of the class). So here is a quick overview on how I sketch graffiti when wanting to pass some time; the reason I mention that is to let you know that this is a more time consuming approach. Also, this type of sketching is for when you don’t have anything but a pen and a “whatever type” of paper (printer paper, napkin, math assignment, etc.) handy. I’ll only be using a ball point pen and and my sketch book(Sometimes I feel that using color in a sketch is a waste of time; markers, pastels and colored pencils never look as good as paint…this is just my opinion).

Now as a point, you should know this is how I do it. This is NOT the way I would sketch if you’re looking to develop a “line by line” lettering structure for your graffiti. I used to just draw any word that came to mind, in the past few years I’ve been sketching books of the Bible and reference verses. This one will be a quick sketch of Hosea 10:v12.

Alrighty boys and girls!!! And away we go!

I’ve put down my word with a quick single line of the pen, the red arrow is to highlight that with my style I try to keep the bottom of my double based letters (A, H, K, M, N, R, W, and X) curved and fluid. Also, I like to connect my letters as much as possible, it’s definitely not as complex and awesome looking as “wildstyle” but it’s not square and rigid as “blockbuster” either…

Next, I begin to thicken my perimeter lines.

Once done with that, I figure out which way I want my shadowing to go. On this one, I’ll put it coming off to the right. Some of my favorite shadowing is when the shadows are coming from both left and right and then meet up in the middle. It’s usually done in a wildstyle piece. It’s Cool stuff.

Then you can fill in your shadow…this time I’ll just go all black. Bare bones people. That’s whats on the menu today.

And finally, the finished product! Your labor of love, and quick graffiti sketch with no frills.

Well, that’s it for this week. I hope you enjoyed learning a new way to get through algebra class. Along with these graffiti word sketches, you can always add some backgrounds and characters. It’s hours worth of coolness. And good practice for your next endeavor in the art of graffin’. If would be pretty rad if you had any sketches, comments or advice on how to sketch graffiti. I’ll take any worthwhile advice on the matter! Alright, the Lord bless you and keep you.

-Weese

(It rhymes with geese…haha)