Sketching street art and designing graffiti letters
I can design and sketch my own graffiti-style letters, using shape, colour, and shadow to create bold, expressive lettering.
- Year 6
Sketching street art and designing graffiti letters
I can design and sketch my own graffiti-style letters, using shape, colour, and shadow to create bold, expressive lettering.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Graffiti letters use exaggerated shapes and styles to express identity and creativity.
- Structure and sketching help develop balanced, bold graffiti lettering.
- Colour, shadows, shapes and outlines enhance impact and make designs more dynamic.
Keywords
Graffiti - writing or images that have been sprayed, stencilled, painted, scratched or drawn on a public space
Typography - the art and technique of arranging letters and text to make written language visually appealing
Letter style - the overall appearance of a letter such as block, bubble, or wildstyle
Tag - a stylised signature or nickname used by graffiti artists to mark their work
Outline - the bold line that surrounds graffiti letters, making them stand out
Common misconception
Graffiti letters are always supposed to be messy or hard to read.
While some graffiti can be abstract or complex, many styles focus on legibility and clarity, especially in tags and block letters. Graffiti artists often balance style with readability, making their work both creative and accessible.
Equipment
A4 or A3 sketch paper. Pencils and erasers. Coloured pencils or felt-tip pens. Rulers. Graffiti lettering template or alphabet reference sheet.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Street artists often use public spaces to express ideas or messages.
Q2.Which of the following best describes a stencil?
Q3.What is the name for artwork created in public places, often using spray paint or stencils?
Q4.Street art can include ...
Q5.What is a mural?
Q6.Match the keywords to the definition:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Graffiti is often viewed as rebellious.
Q2.What is the main purpose of using shadow in graffiti lettering?
Q3.What do you call the style of lettering used in graffiti art that is bold and creative, often drawn in a unique way to make it stand out?
Q4.Which of these are types of graffiti lettering? Select all that apply:
Q5.Match the key word to its correct definition:
