- 1). Decide on the image or message you want to paint. Most graffiti art involves large lettering swelled up so each letter touches its neighbor. The lettering also is three-dimensional and heightened in impact with dark shadowing and bright, white highlights. Sketch the central image first and then fill in the positioning of the lettering. Draw these on 1-inch graph paper with pencil.
- 2). Ink in your letter shapes with a fat-tipped marker. This allows you to see how the shapes fit together in a more realistic way. To create a three-dimensional effect, imagine a strong light shining from one direction. Draw lines from the outside edges of the letters along one side and the bottom of the letter and then repeat the shape of the letter. In the area between the outline of the letter and the 3-D section, color the area a darker shade of the same color you want to use when you fill in the original letter.
- 3). Add further definition by increasing the thickness of the outline along the three-dimensional area to create shadows. In the opposite direction, add highlights using a bright color or white. You can even add star-like effects along the outline edges that are at the top or opposite to your 3-D. Fill in the body of your lettering with a bright color.
- 4). Go to the wall or surface where you will create your painting. Convert the 1-inch scale of your drawing to your wall size. You might convert 1-inch equal to 12-inches. Tape off your edges. Draw your graph grid at your new scale directly on the wall using chalk. Use this grid to transfer your image and letters from the paper to the wall.
- 5). Paint your graffiti by filling in the background first with a neutral, light color such as beige. Wait until the paint dries to continue. Touch up your sketch if you painted over any chalk lines. Paint your colors from light to dark, leaving your dark and detail painting for last. After your painting is finished, you can protect it with a clear finish spray.
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