3 Tips I Wish I Knew
Embarking on your journey into the vibrant world of graffiti? Whether you're captivated by the allure of street art or seeking to create your own graffiti tag, these valuable insights will shape your path to success. In an era where information flows freely, let's uncover the tips I wish I had known when I first began my graffiti journey. From progressing in graffiti art, to building the right connections and understanding your goals in graffiti, these lessons are important for people who are new to graffiti.
Tip 1: Simplicity is the ONLY way to practice:
In the beginning, my passion for graffiti was like most new graffiti artists, all encompassing. I let graffiti take over my life back then, excited to , and my eagerness led me to add style to everything I did.. The lesson I learned? Simplicity is an artist's best friend. Adding style to your work prevents you from learning anything and prolongs even the most basic of lessons. Im not exaggerating when I say, every day I see graffiti artists who’ve been in graffiti for 20+ years mess up fundamentals that take five minute to learn. However, because they’ve been adding style, they turned a 5 minute less and turned it into a multi decade lesson. To jumpstart your learning process check out our graffiti online store for our Beginners Bundle Masters Guide.
Im guilty of this too! I spent 6 years adding style to my graffiti art work and over those 6 years I only got worse and worse. I didnt start getting better until I kept it simple and practiced the basics. Understanding of the fundamentals is what will later form the backbone of your unique style.
Tip 2: Choose Your Graffiti Partners/Friends Wisely:
Graffiti is not just about painting walls and letters; it's about the connections you forge. As technology revolutionizes our world, it's easier to connect with fellow graffiti artists. However, back in the day, finding like-minded artists was no walk in the park. I wish I'd known the importance of choosing my graffiti companions wisely. Eager to make your mark, you might be tempted to hit the streets with anyone who shares your enthusiasm. Beware! While we never advise breaking the law here at The Artist Block, we do advise keeping safe. Always prioritize your safety and align yourself with artists who share that in common. That doesnt mean go with paranoid people but rather, be cautious. Dont go catching spots with reckless people who have nothing to lose as you’re more likely to find yourself in cuffs. Since it’s so easy to meet new writers with the online connection we all share, it’s easy to find yourself with untrustworthy people in your circle. Dont overshare.
Tip 3: Define Your Artistic Path - Progress or Fun?:
What do you seek? Is it artistic growth or sheer enjoyment? This question is essential to answer, and the answer shapes your graffiti journey. Understand that your choice between progress and pleasure directly impacts your dedication to practice. If progression is your goal, be prepared to immerse yourself in the nitty-gritty of graffiti—studying techniques, practicing fundamentals, and delving into the world of art theory. Conversely, if creating graffiti is a form of enjoyment for you, don't be disheartened by a lack of rapid progress. Prioritize the joy of the process over the pursuit of perfection. With that said obviously there are some who enjoy practicing the fundamentals and studying and however lucky these people are, they are far and few between.
Bonus Tip: The Dynamics of Graffiti Friendships: In the realm of graffiti, not all who tag alongside you are your friends or partners. It's a nuanced world, and relationships can be fleeting. Remember, not every shared wall translates to a lasting bond. Particularly for those who have some notoriety in their area, the fact that you carry some recognition might attract aspiring artists seeking to make a name for themselves. Choose your friends in graffiti carefully, nurturing connections with those who share your passion and respect for the craft. Trust your instincts and build a tight-knit circle you can trust.
