Marcus_Walters_
10th June 2014, 05:56 AM
Welcome to my 'Roleplaying a graffiti artist' guide
Few words before we begin:
Basically I'm developing my character as a graffiti artist, or a tagger.I'm going to share my IRL experience with you guys.
I believe this is the first guide about this on SARP, so here we go.
What is graffiti?
http://i.imgur.com/M40ps0m.png
Graffiti is writing or drawings that have been scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface, often in a public place.
Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and it has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.
In modern times, paint (particularly spray paint) and marker pens have become the most commonly used graffiti materials.
In most countries, marking or painting property without the property owner's consent is considered defacement and vandalism, which is a punishable crime.
You will need the following:
1) Spray paint (obviously).
2) Caps.
3) Your blackbook.
4) Respirator mask
You could also bring stencil that you made, markers or any other equipment that can help you.You will also need something to carry your spray cans in, like a backpack or a customized hoodie (can be bought in various graffiti shops).
1) Spray paint!
http://i.imgur.com/gvw234K.png
You gotta know what you need.
Is either a low or a high pressure spray can?
-Low Pressure or cans allow very high control on the paint output which allows to work accurately.
-High Pressure cans are rather the on/off kind of cans with higher and faster output.
You can choose between different sizes too!
600ml - Contains huge amount of paint, but it feels heavy and you'll lack aim with it.
Not recommended.
400ml - Contains average amount of paint, amazing feeling and you can control the aim pretty well.
Most recommended.
150ml - Contains small amount of paint, it can fit almost anywhere but it's almost useless.
Not recommended unless you plan to write few words with it.
There are many different manufactures.
Montana (Gold and Black recommended)
Nitro 2G
Molotow
Ironlak
I've tried many different cans and so far Montana Black worked the best for me.
It has medium pressure and doesn't ruin your caps, but it may drip now and then so work carefully.
Some artists may say that the Belton Molotow Premium is the best one out there, but I can't vouch it because I've never tried it.
Not every can is the same, so choose wisely.
2) Caps!
http://i.imgur.com/M9Dd54D.png
Always, ALWAYS bring your caps with you, many of them.
Never use standard caps (the ones you get when you buy a spray can) unless it made by Montana, they know what they're doing.
But even then not every cap is the same!
You need to know what you're going to do and bring a proper cap with you.Oh wait, bring more than just one.
I've made that mistake many times, went to do a piece without proper caps and just cursed and cursed, because my cap got stuffed and ruined my piece.
So here we go.
There are different types of caps: Thin cap, Standard cap, Fat cap, Soft caps and Special cap.
THIN CAPS - These thin or skinny caps produce fine lines and are mainly made for detail work.
The disadvantage is that they clog quicker that fatter caps.
http://i.imgur.com/GiFuESO.png
STANDARD CAPS - Most caps have a medium line width.
They're generally used for for filling and outlining.
http://i.imgur.com/80UJChn.png
FAT CAPS - Ideal for filling large areas.
Mostly used for filling in the piece.
http://i.imgur.com/G36GrBj.png
SOFT CAPS - Ideal for stencils, highlights, and other effects.
http://i.imgur.com/yQCuCOQ.png
SPECIAL CAPS - They produce a pattern that is much higher than wide – like a calligraphy pen.
http://i.imgur.com/qHlkQRf.png
3) Blackbook!
http://i.imgur.com/uAJzi56.png
Graffiti Artist's must! That's your pride.There are all your best pieces, all your best artworks.
Graffiti artist carries it around all the time, it is risky but it's worth it.
4) Respirator mask!
http://i.imgur.com/MqBT7fQ.png
This spray paint respirator is designed to help protect against the harmful vapors caused by spray paint.
Many respirator masks available at hardware stores are NOT suitable for spray paint vapors and will actually trap the harmful fumes in.
5) Graffiti styles!
TAG
Tagging is the simplest type of graffiti, consisting of the writer’s street name in one color.
http://i.imgur.com/yL2deYl.png
WILDSTYLE
The wild style graffiti is a form of graffiti involving, interlocking letters, arrows, and connecting points.
These pieces are often harder to read by non-graffiti artists as the letters merge into one another in an often undecipherable manner.
It may include arrows, spikes, and other decorative elements depending on the technique used.
http://i.imgur.com/YBIR7Wd.png
BUBBLE
A style of graffiti letters often used for throwup letters because of their rounded shape, which allows for quick formation.
It's about bubble, and circular letters.
http://i.imgur.com/Uqr9k87.png
OLDSCHOOL
Oldschool graffiti from the 70's to the 80's. One word - respect
http://i.imgur.com/FEpMYFb.png
3D
3D style in graffiti is about reality, illusion, shadow… and magic.
Though it’s a complicated graffiti technique, it has an amazing visual effect.
http://i.imgur.com/4ETlf3Y.png
BRUSH
Brush and paint roller painting.
http://i.imgur.com/BuX4tLG.png
ABSTRACT
Abstract graffiti. The readability of the piece is not the main goal.
It's abstract urban art.
http://i.imgur.com/Y3xlLBI.png
BLOCK
This graffiti style is all about square and rectangular letters, like a solid rock.
This style makes the letters heavy and strong.
http://i.imgur.com/i1EwWxg.png
WHOLECAR
Obviously a graffiti covering a whole train car.
From the right to the left, from top to bottom.
http://i.imgur.com/wocFbne.png
STENCIL
Not much to say about this.Stencil paintings.
http://i.imgur.com/cP7XYHd.png
BILLBOARD
Wheatpastes, posters and any kind of art on paper put on a urban support.
http://i.imgur.com/1bsfjl0.png
STICKERS
Stickers are a quick and easy (some say lazy) way to throw up a tag quickly.
http://i.imgur.com/G4Lpu1W.png
HEAVEN
A heaven is a piece that’s put up in a very hard-to-reach location, often near or on the tops of tall buildings or on freeway signs.
http://i.imgur.com/rgVQ40x.png
6) Rolepaly
Now that you've learned few words about graffiti art, it's time to test your knowledge.
First of all, you're doing something illegal.
Even if you're a 220cm tall super muscular gang banger you still need to be careful and afraid of getting caught.
You need to roleplay being nervous and actually a bit afraid.
Even if you get caught don't pull your goddamn pistols and start a shootout, try to roleplay and to squeeze out of there.
I remember when I was doing a piece on a factory building in Banja Luka, Serb Republic, two workers actually spotted me and asked me what the hell do I think I'm doing.
I just stood there, like frozen, it's that fear and conscience when you know you're doing something illegal.
When I eventually talked to them and explained why am I there and all that, they simply let me walk away and actually gave me a compliment for my skills :D.
So yeah, roleplay being nervous because you know that if you get fined - it'll be large.
7) Few tips
1. Buy yourself a customized hoodie or a backpack to carry your stuff in, you can't just walk on the streets with spray cans in your hands.
2. Always bring spare caps, always. They're a huge pain in the ass.
3. Shake your can well, for at least two minutes before you start working.
But again, it's loud and you need to shake it carefully to avoid getting any attention.
4. Plan. You always need to plan everything you do. Plan your strategy, take a good look of the area and make yourself few escape routes.
You never know when you'll need em.
Few words before we begin:
Basically I'm developing my character as a graffiti artist, or a tagger.I'm going to share my IRL experience with you guys.
I believe this is the first guide about this on SARP, so here we go.
What is graffiti?
http://i.imgur.com/M40ps0m.png
Graffiti is writing or drawings that have been scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface, often in a public place.
Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and it has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire.
In modern times, paint (particularly spray paint) and marker pens have become the most commonly used graffiti materials.
In most countries, marking or painting property without the property owner's consent is considered defacement and vandalism, which is a punishable crime.
You will need the following:
1) Spray paint (obviously).
2) Caps.
3) Your blackbook.
4) Respirator mask
You could also bring stencil that you made, markers or any other equipment that can help you.You will also need something to carry your spray cans in, like a backpack or a customized hoodie (can be bought in various graffiti shops).
1) Spray paint!
http://i.imgur.com/gvw234K.png
You gotta know what you need.
Is either a low or a high pressure spray can?
-Low Pressure or cans allow very high control on the paint output which allows to work accurately.
-High Pressure cans are rather the on/off kind of cans with higher and faster output.
You can choose between different sizes too!
600ml - Contains huge amount of paint, but it feels heavy and you'll lack aim with it.
Not recommended.
400ml - Contains average amount of paint, amazing feeling and you can control the aim pretty well.
Most recommended.
150ml - Contains small amount of paint, it can fit almost anywhere but it's almost useless.
Not recommended unless you plan to write few words with it.
There are many different manufactures.
Montana (Gold and Black recommended)
Nitro 2G
Molotow
Ironlak
I've tried many different cans and so far Montana Black worked the best for me.
It has medium pressure and doesn't ruin your caps, but it may drip now and then so work carefully.
Some artists may say that the Belton Molotow Premium is the best one out there, but I can't vouch it because I've never tried it.
Not every can is the same, so choose wisely.
2) Caps!
http://i.imgur.com/M9Dd54D.png
Always, ALWAYS bring your caps with you, many of them.
Never use standard caps (the ones you get when you buy a spray can) unless it made by Montana, they know what they're doing.
But even then not every cap is the same!
You need to know what you're going to do and bring a proper cap with you.Oh wait, bring more than just one.
I've made that mistake many times, went to do a piece without proper caps and just cursed and cursed, because my cap got stuffed and ruined my piece.
So here we go.
There are different types of caps: Thin cap, Standard cap, Fat cap, Soft caps and Special cap.
THIN CAPS - These thin or skinny caps produce fine lines and are mainly made for detail work.
The disadvantage is that they clog quicker that fatter caps.
http://i.imgur.com/GiFuESO.png
STANDARD CAPS - Most caps have a medium line width.
They're generally used for for filling and outlining.
http://i.imgur.com/80UJChn.png
FAT CAPS - Ideal for filling large areas.
Mostly used for filling in the piece.
http://i.imgur.com/G36GrBj.png
SOFT CAPS - Ideal for stencils, highlights, and other effects.
http://i.imgur.com/yQCuCOQ.png
SPECIAL CAPS - They produce a pattern that is much higher than wide – like a calligraphy pen.
http://i.imgur.com/qHlkQRf.png
3) Blackbook!
http://i.imgur.com/uAJzi56.png
Graffiti Artist's must! That's your pride.There are all your best pieces, all your best artworks.
Graffiti artist carries it around all the time, it is risky but it's worth it.
4) Respirator mask!
http://i.imgur.com/MqBT7fQ.png
This spray paint respirator is designed to help protect against the harmful vapors caused by spray paint.
Many respirator masks available at hardware stores are NOT suitable for spray paint vapors and will actually trap the harmful fumes in.
5) Graffiti styles!
TAG
Tagging is the simplest type of graffiti, consisting of the writer’s street name in one color.
http://i.imgur.com/yL2deYl.png
WILDSTYLE
The wild style graffiti is a form of graffiti involving, interlocking letters, arrows, and connecting points.
These pieces are often harder to read by non-graffiti artists as the letters merge into one another in an often undecipherable manner.
It may include arrows, spikes, and other decorative elements depending on the technique used.
http://i.imgur.com/YBIR7Wd.png
BUBBLE
A style of graffiti letters often used for throwup letters because of their rounded shape, which allows for quick formation.
It's about bubble, and circular letters.
http://i.imgur.com/Uqr9k87.png
OLDSCHOOL
Oldschool graffiti from the 70's to the 80's. One word - respect
http://i.imgur.com/FEpMYFb.png
3D
3D style in graffiti is about reality, illusion, shadow… and magic.
Though it’s a complicated graffiti technique, it has an amazing visual effect.
http://i.imgur.com/4ETlf3Y.png
BRUSH
Brush and paint roller painting.
http://i.imgur.com/BuX4tLG.png
ABSTRACT
Abstract graffiti. The readability of the piece is not the main goal.
It's abstract urban art.
http://i.imgur.com/Y3xlLBI.png
BLOCK
This graffiti style is all about square and rectangular letters, like a solid rock.
This style makes the letters heavy and strong.
http://i.imgur.com/i1EwWxg.png
WHOLECAR
Obviously a graffiti covering a whole train car.
From the right to the left, from top to bottom.
http://i.imgur.com/wocFbne.png
STENCIL
Not much to say about this.Stencil paintings.
http://i.imgur.com/cP7XYHd.png
BILLBOARD
Wheatpastes, posters and any kind of art on paper put on a urban support.
http://i.imgur.com/1bsfjl0.png
STICKERS
Stickers are a quick and easy (some say lazy) way to throw up a tag quickly.
http://i.imgur.com/G4Lpu1W.png
HEAVEN
A heaven is a piece that’s put up in a very hard-to-reach location, often near or on the tops of tall buildings or on freeway signs.
http://i.imgur.com/rgVQ40x.png
6) Rolepaly
Now that you've learned few words about graffiti art, it's time to test your knowledge.
First of all, you're doing something illegal.
Even if you're a 220cm tall super muscular gang banger you still need to be careful and afraid of getting caught.
You need to roleplay being nervous and actually a bit afraid.
Even if you get caught don't pull your goddamn pistols and start a shootout, try to roleplay and to squeeze out of there.
I remember when I was doing a piece on a factory building in Banja Luka, Serb Republic, two workers actually spotted me and asked me what the hell do I think I'm doing.
I just stood there, like frozen, it's that fear and conscience when you know you're doing something illegal.
When I eventually talked to them and explained why am I there and all that, they simply let me walk away and actually gave me a compliment for my skills :D.
So yeah, roleplay being nervous because you know that if you get fined - it'll be large.
7) Few tips
1. Buy yourself a customized hoodie or a backpack to carry your stuff in, you can't just walk on the streets with spray cans in your hands.
2. Always bring spare caps, always. They're a huge pain in the ass.
3. Shake your can well, for at least two minutes before you start working.
But again, it's loud and you need to shake it carefully to avoid getting any attention.
4. Plan. You always need to plan everything you do. Plan your strategy, take a good look of the area and make yourself few escape routes.
You never know when you'll need em.