Graffiti Lesson 1 - Sketching & Prep

Teck gets up, makes his sketch, buys his caps & cans then goes to find his wall...

This article is about getting started as a graffiti artist.

Everyone has to start somewhere so don't be put off or
discouraged by others who take pleasure in 'toy bashing'
or running down inexperienced writers.

Just remember that graffiti is a way of life to be respected so you should always bear in mind that your tag and pieces and where you put them reflect you and your attitude.

Don't go over other writer's work nor spray in inappropriate areas. To build a reputation you must keep things sweet.

You can't do anything without a tag so think of one if you don't
already have one. Make sure it's fairly short, easily recognizable
and is not similar to anyone else's.

If possible try to attend graffiti events and get to know some
artists.

Check graffiti.org for events and try to get along, show an interest, hang out and get known.
You should also sign up for various newsletters on graff websites
to keep up to date with the scene and what's going on.

The best way to start writing is get yourself a mentor - an
established writer who can help you create a style and give you
tips. This is how many writers begin with writers such as Seen and
Tracy 168 having many 'proteges'.

In return the protege helps the mentor with his paint and maybe
simple tasks such as filling.

Getting a mentor is pretty difficult for most however so you'll
probably have to get started by yourself in most cases.

Get acquainted with all the different styles of graffiti first.
Look online, around town, anywhere you can find graffiti. Then you
must start to develop your own style - no biting directly from
others is tolerated, you must be original.

Everyone has different handwriting so you can begin just by elaborating on that...