How to Become Good at Graffiti

Last Updated: April 8, 2022

Graffiti art is a life of learning. There are no details on whether what or what will happen to you, but if you take these steps into consideration, you will get better as you practice and show respect.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Practicing the Graffiti

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Find a spare room or space to do all your graffiti in. This will be your own personal space to express your feelings and things.
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Get supplies together. You'll need old clothes, paper, spray paint or markers and a space to work in.^{[1]
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- Find an old tray or box that can fit loads of the paper most of your graffiti will be on. This will be where you put all of your graffiti work (even if you don't like them, it is important to keep them to find out how much you have improved later on.)
- Don't think expensive markers will make your drawings better. If you only have some cheap markers, you can still make great graffiti with them.
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Practice often. If you think your work is not yet sufficiently formed in both style and technique, no amount of positive thinking will improve it. You have to work hard at it, practicing often and not simply bloating your ego with crazy affirmations. Practice, destroy, practice again, destroy again, practice some more. Remember your work is like a masterpiece that can only improve with repeated attempts.^{[2]
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- Learn tags, learn throw ups or quick bubble letters and learn pieces.
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Continue to practice. If you don't practice, you may never improve.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Honing the Graffiti Artist Attitude

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Have respect. Respect is a huge part of the graffiti culture. You need to be courteous to other graffiti artists and expect respect in return.^{[3]
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- Never use someone else's name. Any name not taken is fair game and don't paint random or the same stuff every time; be creative, as that how this way of life was started.
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Have respect for where you do the graffiti. There are places that you do not graffiti because it lacks respect. These are:^{[4]
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- Places of worship such as churches, synagogues, mosques and graveyards. This includes shrines, temples and natural areas of worship. Wherever people practice and display their worship and beliefs, do not do graffiti art.
- Places of learning and education, such as schools, universities and mobile schooling vans. Education is important for raising the standards of humanity and since part of the art of graffiti is to inform, don't override other people's reasonable attempts to inform. Moreover, you will likely be caught and shamed for this.
- Places of residence such as lived-in houses, holiday houses, apartments, etc. Also, do not place graffiti on personal property such as cars, mailboxes, garage doors and the like. It is yet another form of disrespect to graffiti any of these items and gives graffiti a bad name.
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Plan to the last detail where you are going to graffiti. Know where or what time it is good to spray paint. This includes considering the weather.
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Enjoy the graffiti art. Have fun, learn and don't make it serious. Be loose and stealthy. Get in shape and most of all, plan well. Don't follow every little rule––you can find be yourself, take risks or be careful, no matter what don't let people bring you down by calling you a toy.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Is it bad to copy other people's pieces?

Spookyneighbour

Community Answer

Admiring and appreciating other people's work makes us better at what we do - we learn from them. But to copy someone's work shows no imagination and isn't nearly as fun as creating your own. Be inspired, but don't copy!
Question

How long does it take to get good at graffiti?

Community Answer

It can take up to 15 years to master the art. After all, it is art, not mess making.
Question

Where am I allowed to do graffiti?

Community Answer

There are many options for this. You can ask a private property owner for permission to do graffiti. Some people like this because it is seen as art. Most cities have a place, like a public wall/bridge/building where graffiti is allowed. If you are wanting to do something big that is more like a mural, you can get this commissioned or possibly get a permit for your art.

Warnings

Don't bite off more than you can chew.

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Doing graffiti art on walls, trains, and state property can be illegal. There are a few places that are legal for graffiti art. Even where it is not illegal, be respectful and considerate.

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