Draw Graffiti
on a Backpack
You've seen graffiti on boxcars skimming along the nation's rail system, and there's still plenty of it decorating buildings in run-down neighborhoods. But what was once viewed as eyesores created by vandals has become a respected art form. These days, creative souls are using paint to create fanciful geometric pictures showcasing the occasional message as fashion statements. There's plenty of skill involved when attempting this unique style of art--find out just how much when you try it yourself.
Instructions
1. Master graffiti technique by studying examples found in books or by photographing walls to get the hang of this brand of design. Your graffiti shapes should always overlap and be sketched out to replicate three-dimensional components. It's not uncommon to outline even the most colorful forms with thick black borders.
2. Practice your technique on newspaper or use drawing pencils, markers or poster paint to render your images on a large sketch pad to loosen up your drawing hand. Be bold in your approach. Spend time creating symbolic images that convey your personal messages by applying the art form's trademark 3D technique.
3. Purchase a solid-color backpack with as little trim as possible as you'll need a blank canvas on which to transfer your graffiti images. Play it safe by measuring off the areas of the backpack you wish to embellish and then create graffiti outlines on tissue paper so they can be transferred to the sections of the backpack you're decorating with chalk or tracing paper.
4. Draw 3D art directly onto your backpack if you're not the type to take the safe route by using the tissue transfer technique. Employ a thick-pointed permanent Sharpie or another brand of permanent marker to outline your shapes onto the fabric. Keep your sketch in close proximity to your work area to guide your hand and eye.
5. Fill in the outlines of your graffiti shapes using brushes with fabric paint or acrylic paints. Alternately, stay with thick-nibbed colored markers to fill in the outlined areas with vivid shades of paint. Allow the backpack art to dry thoroughly. Go back over outlines that may need retouching with your black marker.
6. Take your graffiti art where no street artist has gone: Grab a hot glue gun and attach any combination of embellishments that suit your fancy--faux jewels, glitter, buttons, small beads and other touches. Sew on this trim if you're not confident glue will hold them in place over the long haul. Expect to be given plenty of street cred every time you show up toting your one-of-a-kind backpack.
