Graffiti art has long been celebrated for its bold, expressive styles and its ability to transform urban landscapes into dynamic visual statements. One of the most captivating elements of graffiti is 3D lettering, where words seem to leap off the surface, filled with depth, colour, and character.

While traditional graffiti may often be associated with spray paint on street walls, the same vibrant energy can be captured using markers and pens on canvas pads – a perfect medium for those looking to bring the essence of street art into a more controlled, personal environment.

In this blog post, we will explore three distinct techniques for creating graffiti-style 3D lettering: Block 3D Lettering, Shadow or Drop Shadow 3D Lettering and Wildstyle 3D Lettering.

Each style offers its unique challenges and opportunities for creative expression, from the bold simplicity of block lettering to the intricate, chaotic flow of Wildstyle.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to experiment with new artistic styles or an experienced artist seeking fresh inspiration, these techniques will help you capture the vibrancy of graffiti on canvas, all with just markers and pens.

Block or Solid 3D Lettering

Block or solid 3D lettering is a foundational style in graffiti art. It involves creating bold, boxy letters that appear to pop off the canvas. This style is great for beginners because it relies on basic shapes and straightforward techniques to create depth. It’s versatile, allowing for a wide range of creative customisation, from different fills to various shading techniques.

Try it for yourself

• Start with the Basic Outline: Use a pencil to lightly sketch the outline of your letters in a block or bubble style. Keep the letters thick and rounded or angular, depending on your preference. You want them to be big and bold to fill the canvas.
• Create the 3D Effect: Decide on the direction you want the 3D effect to go (usually downwards, to the left or right). Draw parallel lines extending from the edges of each letter in that direction. These lines should be uniform in length to maintain a consistent depth effect. Connect the ends of these lines to the edges of your letters.
• Shading and Colouring: Use a darker shade of your base colour or a complementary colour to fill in the 3D shadow areas. To create a more realistic effect, blend the colours from dark to light within the shadow using alcohol-based markers or blending pens. Add highlights to the edges of the letters where the light would naturally hit to enhance the depth.
• Add Details and Embellishments: Incorporate patterns, textures, or graphic elements like dots, stripes, or fades to give the lettering more character and a street-art feel. This style works well with effects like cracks or drips for added visual interest.

Shadow or Drop Shadow 3D Lettering

Shadow or Drop Shadow 3D Lettering gives the illusion that the letters are hovering or raised above the canvas surface by creating a shadow effect behind them. It’s a subtle but effective way to add depth without overwhelming the viewer with complexity. It can be simple to execute yet still visually impactful. It’s perfect for beginners or for artists looking to add a clean, contemporary look to their graffiti-style lettering.

Try it for yourself

• Draw Your Base Letters: Begin with a basic form of your chosen letters. You could use block, bubble, or even script-style letters, depending on the look you want. Make sure the lines are clean and bold enough to stand out.
• Create the Drop Shadow: Decide on the direction of the shadow (e.g. to the right and downwards). Draw the shadow by outlining a duplicate of your lettering slightly offset in that direction. Use a darker shade of the base colour or a neutral tone like grey or black to fill in the shadow.
• Add Gradients and Blending: To make the shadow look more realistic, use a gradient technique. Start with a darker tone close to the letters and blend it out to a lighter shade further away from the letters. Alcohol-based markers are particularly effective for achieving smooth gradients.
• Enhance with Highlights: To create a three-dimensional feel, add highlights on the opposite side of where the shadow falls. This contrast will enhance the floating effect, making the letters pop off the canvas.

Wildstyle 3D Lettering

Wildstyle is a more complex and abstract form of graffiti lettering, characterised by its interlocking letters, arrows, and organic shapes. This style pushes creativity to the max and challenges artists to think beyond traditional letterforms. It’s perfect for those looking to challenge themselves and move beyond basic letterforms.

Try it for yourself

• Sketch the Base Structure: Start with a simple outline of the letters, leaving enough space between each letter for extensions and overlapping lines. Lightly sketch the interlocking elements, such as arrows, swirls, and connections between letters. Wildstyle is all about flow and movement, so experiment with different shapes and angles.
• Add 3D Depth: Once your basic layout is complete, determine where the light source is coming from to decide which parts of the letters and elements should be in shadow. Add lines extending from the edges of each component to create a 3D effect, varying the length and angle to give a sense of perspective and movement.
• Layering and Colour Techniques: Use a variety of colours and gradients to differentiate the overlapping elements. Blend multiple colours together to create a sense of chaos and dynamism. Apply lighter shades to the areas where light would naturally hit and darker tones in the shadowed parts. Markers with fineliner pens are great for adding intricate details and defining edges.
• Highlighting and Outlining: Use a white gel pen or a very light-coloured marker to add highlights where the light would naturally reflect. A thick black marker can be used to outline the entire piece, which helps the letters stand out against the background.

Additional Tips for Working with Markers and Pens on Canvas

1. Choose the Right Markers: Use alcohol-based markers for smooth blending and vibrant colours. Paint markers or acrylic pens are also good for adding solid colours and fine details. Permanent markers work well for outlines.
2. Prepare the Canvas: To get the best results, consider applying a layer of gesso to prime the canvas. This provides a smoother surface for your markers and prevents bleeding.
3. Practice Your Strokes: Practice drawing straight lines, curves, and simple shapes to get comfortable with the feel of the markers or pens. Consistency in line work is key for professional-looking graffiti.
4. Use a Light Touch: Markers and pens can sometimes bleed or smudge on canvas, so use a light touch, especially when outlining or adding details.
5. Experiment with Colour Combinations: Graffiti is all about vibrant, bold colours. Experiment with complementary and contrasting colours to find combinations that make your letters stand out.

Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with your creations! Tag is in your graffiti street art style pieces on social media.