If you’re a wannabe Bansky, but you’re still struggling to spray the letter “G” – seriously, this is a hard letter for street artists – then it might be time to get your head into the game and start improving.
Street art – if done as a hobby – can be difficult to master. If you want to get good, then it takes time, persistence and focus, just like any other form of art.
The streets are a blank canvas, but they’re anyone’s blank canvas, and you don’t have to walk very far to see just how much competition is out there.
If you want to improve your craft and become a renowned street artist, you have to match that competition and go beyond it. With this in mind, here are seven key ways in which you can take your art to the next level:
Sketch At Every Opportunity
Any writer will tell you that, in order to be good, you have to always be either writing or reading. It’s the same with street art. If you want to be properly successful, you need to carry a stencil kit and a notebook everywhere you go. Jot down ideas. Sketch whilst you’re waiting for your friend in the coffee shop. Whenever you get a free moment, your pencil should be on the pad.
Get Out Onto The Streets
You also need to recognise your competition. Don’t think you can sit back and scroll social media to get a good idea of what’s out there. You need to know your local street art and work out how you can add quality to the canvas.
But Social Media Is Your Friend
Having said that, social media can be an additional tool. Make sure that you follow a number of street art accounts and keep up to date with what’s on trend.
Investigate New Forms Of Art
A good way to become a truly great artist is to broaden your horizons and try multiple forms of art. There are so many ways to get creative with art, whether that’s 3d paintings on glass – take a look at the Nadav Art Website for examples – or creating models with matchsticks. Try out something new and quirky, it is sure to teach you some valuable lessons which you can then bring to the streets.
Stop Watching Tutorials
One of the most important things about elevating your art game is resisting the urge to copy people you admire. Say, for instance, you search “how to spray paint the letter G” on Youtube. Sure, you’ll learn how to spray paint the letter, but you will do it their way. You need to find your own way and keep to your own unique style.
Partner Up With A Friend
If you’re feeling a bit isolated with your art – and that isolation is leading to a lack of inspiration – then hook up with a friend and spray paint together. Either that or message street artists you follow on social media and see if they’re up for a collaboration. The worst that can happen is they say no. But if they say yes, you can gain some valuable insight and have the joy of combining your styles to create something beautiful.
Get Out There And Paint
Lastly, get out there! Seriously, it’s easy enough to think about how you’re going to elevate your street art game, but the important thing is that you’re visiting your blank canvas and constantly practicing. Have fun with it. The more fun you have, the better your art will be.