Graffiti Style Writing

Graffiti style writing, as an art form and a means to impress a social or political message, has been used since a long time. The word, 'graffiti' has its origin in the Italian language and literally means 'scratched'. Graffiti style writing was a popular form of expression in the ancient times which is evident from the ruins, sepulchers, caves, drawings and pictographs depicting various components of human life. In fact, some languages such as the Safaitic language, which is an old Arabic dialect, has its origins in the graffiti work prevailing during those times in the Middle-East. The first modern graffiti style writing were found in an ancient Greek city, Ephesus, which is present day Turkey. Similar sites having vivid works, have been found all throughout the world, from Guatemala in the American continent to Ireland in Europe.

While many believe that graffiti is nothing, but a waste of time and corruption of the conventional art form, the fact remains that it has depicted and helped understand the contemporary lifestyle and language. The writings of an era, especially depict the social conditions of a particular time in history. This style, quite graphically brings out the mood of a period in history. Modern graffiti style writing, as we see today in graffiti street art, is rich and has a huge store of potential. Many unwanted paintings on walls, improper use of graffiti in public places for various objectives, political campaigns and so on, also feature graffiti work, and this is a punishable offense and must not be indulged in.

The Art of Graffiti Style Writing

While graffiti writing can be done in an elaborate way using spray paint, chalks, pastels, sparkles and many such articles, a simple yet beautiful graffiti work can be made as follows.

• Write the text in a free manner without much regard for uniformity or spacing between letters.
• The letters can be thickened up, using a highlighted form through double lining or creating blocks. They can even overlap in an artistic way, such that the letters should be legible but not separate from each other.
• You can add many patterns to the writing, like serifs or simple tail lines to lend a 'funky' look.
• Shadow lines can really enhance the written matter. It depends on how well you sketch the effect. It could be a simple shadow one side of the letters or alternate shadows on either sides of the letters or the bottom and the top.
• You can learn to draw graffiti letters and incorporate some geometrical shapes and sizes, such that there are small sections made in the text.
• Next choose a color scheme to highlight the text with similar patterns representing one section of the drawing.
• Add some more effects using sparkle pens and enjoy the effect of a stylish work.

In order to get fresh ideas and increase your own scope for creativity, look out for existing graffiti and study their styles, use of various designs and sketch work.

Different styles of graffiti writing has been commonly used for the spread of radical and political viewpoints. Vandalism is a big problem in some of the major metros in America. There are severe laws for severe curtailment in the sale of graffiti material and heavy fines or punishment for any illegal graffiti work. Similarly, forms of advertisements which incorporate graffiti work in public place to sell the product are also deemed illegal. Major brands in the market like Coca Cola, McDonalds or Toyota, all have a sizable investment in legal graffiti style writing advertisements. Graffiti has become an integral part of the modern lifestyle and all of its characteristics.