Scape Martinez - Graff 2: Next Level Graffiti Techniques

GRAFF

next level GRAFFITI techniques

SCAPE MARTINEZ

www.impact-books.com

Graff 2 . Copyright 2011 by Scape Martinez. Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Published by IMPACT Books, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236. (800) 289-0963. First Edition.

Other fine IMPACT Books are available from your local bookstore, art supply store or online supplier. Visit our website at www.fwmedia.com.

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Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Martinez, Scape
Graff 2 : deeper elements of graffiti style / Scape Martinez.
-- 1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-1-4403-0827-7 (alk. paper)
1. Mural painting and decoration--Technique. 2. Graffiti--Technique. I. Title. II. Title: Graff two. III. Title: Deeper elements of graffiti style.
ND2550.M375 2011
751.73--dc22

2010045123

Edited by Christina Richards and Kelly Messerly
Designed by Guy Kelly
Production coordinated by Mark Griffin

CONTENTS

PART 1
DEEPER ELEMENTS OF GRAFFITI STYLE

PART 2
NEXT LEVEL OF STYLES

PART 3
FROM SKETCH TO PIECE

DEDICATIONS

I would like to dedicate this book to my parents, Jose Martinez and Luz Martinez. I learned over time, the value of my thoughts, and the value of my work, by listening to your wisdom.

Also, to four shining mindsDiamond Hawkins, Destin Hawkins, Fabian Pantoja and Drianne Pantoja. You are all so gifted and talented. Keep your mind on your dreams, reach for the stars and dont let go.

WHAT YOU NEED

WHAT IS GRAFFITI ?

When I was a kid, sometimes I would look straight into the sun. Yes, I know that wasnt the smartest thing to do, but I did it anyway. I tilted my face to the sky, and in a test of wills, it was Me vs. The Sun. So, with my retinas on fire, I danced my eyes around the edges of the sun, trying to see what I shouldnt. I didnt really see the sun so much as I felt the sun. I felt its warmth on my face and my skin, and received this sort of affirmation. I breathed deeply and thought, I am HERE.

That same idea fuels graffiti art. I am here . That is the rock, the foundation for the movement, the crews, and individual practitioners. It is that passion to experience all of lifes ups and downs and share those experiences with the world through your own unique prism. That is the soul of graffiti art.

In this modern era, we risk losing our individuality for the sake of being in our anonymous technological bubbles. We use the latest tech tools to connect, yet we are becoming increasingly distant in our humanity. But graffiti artists never lose sight of who we are. We cant, because graffiti art is a call-and-response culture. It was the first blog, the first social network, high tech with no tech.

Graffiti is an art form about people. Its about sharing, communicating. Its a democratic process. Graffiti is not confined to a box, and you are not charged a fee to be a part of it. The conversation goes on and on, day and night. There are no stuffy security guards telling you Dont touch! Graffiti encourages you to touch, to participate. When I do a piece, it is an invitation for you to do an even better one. It is an open invitation to communicate.

Graffiti art is a voice for ordinary people to make extraordinary statements, whether for social emancipation, political change, or simply changing the attitudes of passersby. Your interest in graffiti shows that you are a part of a movement with the power to Graffiti? change the world piece by piece, tag by tag, ink splatter by ink splatter. And with that end result, how can anyone question that it isnt art?

I believe that if you can dream it, you can visualize it. And if you can visualize it, you can acknowledge it. Once you acknowledge it, you can act on it. And once you act on it, you give it life. In the pages of this book, youll find the nuts and bolts of graffiti styles, and secrets on how to elevate those styles and bring them to life. Ill show you the tools and point the way, but you must do the heavy lifting yourself. So sharpen your pencils and get your inks in order. Line up your spray cans and get ready, because its time to roll!

These days I dont look straight at the sun anymore, but I do think of the warmth it gives and remember the validation I received from its radiance. We all have that radiance, that shine inside ourselves. Its called creativity. Look for yours. Tap into it, refine it and use it.

I hope that the ideas in this book will help you get in touch with your creative side and encourage you to grow and push yourself to the next level of your own artistic expression. Let your creative juices flow from your heart, through your veins and into your graffiti artwork. And let that translate into your life. Find your creative voice, and when you do, get out of your own way and let it soar. Put it out there for the world to see, because you are HERE!

There is nothing on earth so curious for beauty, or so absorbent of it, as a soul. For that reason, few mortal souls withstand the leadership of a soul which gives to them beauty.
Maeterlinck

SUPPLIES: WORKING ON PAPER

Graff writers work on paper for two reasons: First, as an exercise, since the sketchbook is a holding place for ideas, a place to experiment, jot down notes and save ideas; and second, to save final concepts on good paper, such as a heavyweight watercolor paper, after your ideas have been fleshed out.

You need very little to get started. You want a blackbook, 8" 11" (22cm 28cm) or larger, and a trusty set of pencils and permanent markers of various widths. Keep everything in a backpack. You will always be sketching and doodling, so you want your tools to be accessible and quick to use. Below are some other things to keep in mind.

Pencils

A softer pencil gives you a darker value; a harder pencil gives you a crisper line. Also, look into charcoal and graphite. Both provide rich and intense blacks, but are easy to smudge. Explore colored pencils too, keeping in mind that they tend not to blend well. Choose what works for you.