Although spray paint is usually thought of as the ink of choice for graffiti, markers actually have several advantages over them. They are easier to control, less likely to get on your hands, and can be neatly stashed in a pocket when you are done with your tag. For epic murals and the like, spray cans are still the way to go, but for smaller designs, graffiti markers make a lot of sense.
Instructions
1. Get good graffiti markers. Sharpie pens are quite permanent and work well, but dedicated graffiti or "industrial" markers are a better choice. Many of them have a refillable squeeze bottle design that allows you to get that dripping ink effect if you want it, and lets you save money by replacing the ink without junking the marker. See the link below for some popular graffiti markers.
2. Decide on what sort of graffiti you want to do. Many taggers simply sign their names or nicknames in stylized letters or tag some word that they feel expresses something about themselves. Other graffiti artists come up with a design incorporating simple, cartoon-like images.
3. Stylize your drawing. If you are tagging a word, write it in permanent marker on a piece of paper using large, loose strokes. Then, trace around the the boundaries to get large letters that overlap. You can make them as angular, puffy or squiggly looking as you choose. If you are making a design, modify it so it stands out and is easy to draw. For example, if you were making a cartoon wolf, you could make the tail disproportionately large or give it a funny expression.
4. Practice your tag until it is second nature. You should be able to make your tag in less than a minute, and have it look more or less the same every time.
5. Go out and do it. Hold your pen at a slight down angle and write on a smooth, even wall. Squeeze the pen if you want the ink to drip down.
