Q&A for How to Become a Graffiti Artist

First, get a rough sketch on paper to have an idea of what you'll do and avoid messing up on the actual wall.

Look for something that you think defines you. If you have a general idea for a name that isn't making the cut, look for synonyms. Maybe just make up something weird that sounds cool, like way back in the day.

Graffiti isn't illegal as long as it's not done without consent on someone's property, which is considered vandalism and is a federal crime. You're free to do graffiti on your own property or elsewhere with permission. However, many graffiti artists like the thrill of leaving graffiti in places where they're not supposed to, which is why illegal graffiti is such a common practice.

Any marker brand should be good, but the basics have been tried and tested: Sharpie, Crayola, Copic, or Prisma. Get different sizes too ranging from thick to skinny for variety.

Ideally, get consent from the owner of the property. If you do not have permission, don't do graffiti in a very populated place, do it at night, and NEVER tell people your tag name or what graffiti you did. REMEMBER, if there's no graffiti in an area, then there's probably a good reason why it isn't there.

Use spray paints, preferably in light colors, and use dark-colored permanent markers for shading.

Any kind of sketchbook will do. You may want a smaller one so that you can carry it easily wherever you go, or perhaps you can use a larger one to get used to drawing bigger pieces. If you're using markers, try to go for thicker paper so that it won't bleed through so easily.

A throwie is just a term for simple pieces that are done quickly. They can be outline or infill, so you can do them however you like.

Depends on what inspires you. Quotes and situations inspire me. I usually do protest art.

Use the Internet for inspiration. You can find character sketches or suggestions online. Proceed to practice until you're good at drawing them, but be careful when applying it to an actual wall!

Take pictures of your work and post them on Instagram or Twitter and make sure people know it's your original work so you can get credit. You can also make a montage on a YouTube channel.

Yes, but be aware that you could be arrested and charged with vandalism if someone tells the police what you're doing.

Try just doing a tag. Starting on paper (unless you think you've practiced enough to go on an actual wall), sketch the outline of the name/word and then make it bold when you think it looks right. Then add any details you want.

Ghost EA! He's a great YouTuber for style and skill.

As long as you have the cap securely on the canister, you should be fine.

Yes, but keep in mind it's not healthy for you to breathe in the fumes. This is why a respirator should be worn when painting, especially in confined spaces, so wear one if you do this.

It depends on where you live.

It's okay to get inspiration from other people's characters, but make sure what you come up with is still original, otherwise you could get in trouble for copyright infringement.

Don't use stencils. If you want to evolve your style, stencils won't help you.

Practice, but follow the rules. Don't go over the work of other people, and keep at it.

Many people use white chalk for the outline, but whatever works for you is fine.

Progressing in graffiti can take years. Sometimes you just have to wait and keep practicing to be good and original.

That is not something that happens overnight, all who start off are toys, and that must be accepted. Just practice, and learn the basics, and you will improve. Experiment with new styles and elements, try to analyze your work, and make improvements. It takes many years to master graffiti, so be patient, and work for what you want.

Practice is key. Get to know the spray paint, or buy a new one. Get a new cap, maybe that's the issue.

It still may be considered trespassing if you are caught; however, depending on the relaxedness of the law enforcement and people around, most won't really care, especially if there is already many paintings inside and around.

No but you can try different ways to spell it, like replace a vowel with a number. For example, pose could be something like p0s3. Remember you can misspell the if you want to make it look more edgy or secretive.

You tend to use both as you get better! It really depends what kind of wall it is. If it’s mostly smooth and sleek, then markers work better, if it’s a brick wall or something, then definitely sprays. However, since markers are cheaper and easier to obtain, you might want to start with those.

Scan around town for existing graffiti with the tag name. Look under bridges, in alleyways, or general spots that graffiti is found in. If you've looked in many or all places and still can't find graffiti with the tag name, it's most likely open and not being used. Like it says in the article, use a unique name instead of a common name.

Yes but it would be better to do it on a smoother wall or surface (like a painted surface) rather than something like brick or textured façades.

You can be as creative as you want. It's your name. It is best to try to keep it simple so that it's easier to spray or draw, but if you want it to be and creative and fun, then go for it!