Graffiti School: A Student Guide and Teacher Manual - The Ultimate Book for Graffiti Lovers and Educators
Graffiti School: A Student Guide And Teacher Manual Christoph Ganter
Graffiti is one of the most popular and expressive forms of art in the world. It can be seen on walls, trains, bridges, and other public spaces, conveying messages, emotions, and identities. Graffiti can also be a challenging and rewarding art form to learn and master, requiring creativity, skill, and courage. But how can you learn graffiti? And how can you teach it to others?
Graffiti School: A Student Guide And Teacher Manual Christoph Ganter
In this article, we will introduce you to Graffiti School: A Student Guide And Teacher Manual Christoph Ganter, a book that aims to provide a comprehensive and practical guide to learning and teaching graffiti art. We will explore what graffiti is, why you should learn it, and what Graffiti School can offer you. We will also cover the history and culture of graffiti, the basics of graffiti art, and the projects and exercises of Graffiti School. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of graffiti as an art form and a learning resource.
Introduction
What is graffiti?
Graffiti is a type of visual art that involves writing or drawing on surfaces in public places, usually without permission. The word graffiti comes from the Italian word graffito, which means "scratched". Graffiti can take various forms, such as tags, throw-ups, pieces, murals, stickers, stencils, posters, and installations. Graffiti can also use different media, such as spray paint, markers, chalk, brushes, or digital tools.
Why learn graffiti?
Graffiti is more than just vandalism or defacement. It is a way of expressing yourself, communicating with others, and making your mark on the world. Graffiti can also help you develop various skills and abilities, such as:
Creativity: Graffiti can stimulate your imagination and originality, as you create your own style, symbols, and messages.
Artistry: Graffiti can enhance your aesthetic sense and artistic taste, as you learn about colors, shapes, fonts, and compositions.
Technique: Graffiti can improve your manual dexterity and coordination, as you master the use of different tools and materials.
Culture: Graffiti can expose you to different cultures and subcultures, as you learn about the history, influences, and values of graffiti artists.
Social: Graffiti can connect you with other people who share your passion and interest in graffiti art.
What is Graffiti School?
Graffiti School: A Student Guide And Teacher Manual Christoph Ganter is a book that was published in 2013 by Thames & Hudson. It is written by Christoph Ganter (also known as Jeroo), a German graffiti artist who has been active since 1993. He has painted over 1000 walls in more than 25 countries around the world. He is also an experienced teacher who has taught graffiti workshops in schools, universities, museums, and prisons.
Graffiti School is designed to be both a student guide and a teacher manual for learning and teaching graffiti art. It covers the theory and practice of graffiti, from the basics to the advanced. It also provides a variety of projects and exercises that can be adapted to different levels of difficulty and learning objectives. Graffiti School is illustrated with hundreds of photos and drawings, showing examples and inspirations from Jeroo and other professional graffiti artists.
The History and Culture of Graffiti
The origins of graffiti
Graffiti is not a new phenomenon. It has been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. Graffiti was used for various purposes, such as political propaganda, religious devotion, personal expression, or simply fun. Graffiti was also a way of leaving a trace of one's existence and identity in a changing and hostile world.
The evolution of graffiti styles
Graffiti as we know it today emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s in New York City, where young people from marginalized communities started to write their names or nicknames (also known as tags) on walls, trains, and other surfaces. Graffiti soon became a competitive and creative activity, as writers developed their own styles, techniques, and signatures. Graffiti also evolved into different forms, such as:
Throw-ups: quick and simple graffiti that consist of one or two colors and bubble letters.
Pieces: short for masterpieces, elaborate and colorful graffiti that often include 3D effects, shadows, and backgrounds.
Murals: large-scale and complex graffiti that cover entire walls or buildings, often with a theme or a message.
The social and political aspects of graffiti
Graffiti is not only an art form, but also a culture and a movement. Graffiti reflects the values, beliefs, and experiences of the writers and their communities. Graffiti can also be a form of resistance, protest, or activism, challenging the status quo and expressing alternative views. Graffiti can also be a form of dialogue, collaboration, or solidarity, creating bonds and networks among writers and other groups.
The Basics of Graffiti Art
The tools and materials of graffiti
Graffiti can be done with various tools and materials, depending on the preferences, availability, and budget of the writers. Some of the most common tools and materials are:
Spray paint: the most popular and versatile medium for graffiti, which comes in different colors, brands, and qualities.
Markers: pens or markers that can be used for sketching, outlining, or filling in graffiti.
Chalk: a cheap and easy-to-use medium that can be used for temporary or legal graffiti.
Brushes: brushes that can be used for painting with acrylics or other types of paint.
Stencils: templates that can be used to create repeated or complex shapes or images.
Stickers: adhesive labels that can be used to quickly and easily apply tags or designs.
Digital tools: software or apps that can be used to create or edit graffiti on computers or mobile devices.
The techniques and skills of graffiti
Graffiti requires various techniques and skills that can be learned and improved with practice. Some of the most important techniques and skills are:
Sketching: drawing or planning your graffiti on paper or other surfaces before painting it.
Outlining: drawing the contours or borders of your letters or shapes with a thin line.
Filling: coloring the inside of your letters or shapes with a solid color or a gradient.
Shading: adding shadows or highlights to your letters or shapes to create depth or contrast.
Detailing: adding details or effects to your letters or shapes to enhance their appearance or meaning.
Cleaning: removing excess paint or correcting mistakes with a different color or a rag.
The elements and principles of graffiti design
Graffiti is not only about technique, but also about design. Graffiti involves various elements and principles that can help you create effective and attractive graffiti. Some of the most important elements and principles are:
Lettering: the style, shape, size, and arrangement of your letters.
Color: the choice, combination, and harmony of your colors.
Balancing: the distribution of visual weight or interest in your graffiti.
Emphasis: the creation of focal points or areas of attention in your graffiti.
The Projects and Exercises of Graffiti School
How to use the book as a student or a teacher
Graffiti School is divided into four chapters, each corresponding to a level of difficulty and a set of learning objectives. The chapters are:
Chapter 1: Beginner - Learn the basics of graffiti art, such as lettering, coloring, and outlining.
Chapter 2: Intermediate - Improve your graffiti skills, such as shading, detailing, and cleaning.
Chapter 3: Advanced - Explore different graffiti styles, such as wildstyle, 3D, and abstract.
Chapter 4: Expert - Create your own graffiti projects, such as murals, stickers, and digital graffiti.
Each chapter contains a series of projects and exercises that can help you practice and apply what you have learned. The projects and exercises are designed to be fun, challenging, and educational. They also include tips, tricks, and examples from Jeroo and other graffiti artists.
You can use Graffiti School as a student or a teacher, depending on your goals and needs. You can follow the book from start to finish, or you can choose the chapters or topics that interest you the most. You can also adapt the projects and exercises to your own preferences, resources, and situations. Graffiti School is a flexible and versatile book that can suit different levels and styles of learning and teaching.
The four levels of difficulty and the learning objectives
Graffiti School uses a four-level system to indicate the difficulty and the learning objectives of each project and exercise. The levels are:
Level 1: Easy - The project or exercise is simple and straightforward. The learning objective is to understand and apply the basic concepts and techniques of graffiti art.
Level 2: Medium - The project or exercise is moderately complex and challenging. The learning objective is to develop and improve your graffiti skills and abilities.
Level 3: Hard - The project or exercise is difficult and demanding. The learning objective is to explore and experiment with different graffiti styles and forms.
Level 4: Expert - The project or exercise is very difficult and requires a high level of skill and creativity. The learning objective is to create your own original and professional graffiti art.
The levels are indicated by stars in the book. For example, a project or exercise with one star is level 1 (easy), while a project or exercise with four stars is level 4 (expert). You can use the levels as a guide to choose the projects and exercises that match your level of experience and confidence.
The examples and inspirations from professional graffiti artists
Graffiti School is not only a book by Jeroo, but also a book by many other professional graffiti artists who have contributed their work and insights to the book. Graffiti School features over 200 photos and drawings from more than 50 graffiti artists from around the world. These include:
Aroe: A British graffiti artist who is known for his realistic portraits and characters.
Bates: A Danish graffiti artist who is known for his classic New York style pieces.
Daim: A German graffiti artist who is known for his 3D style pieces.
Faith47: A South African graffiti artist who is known for her social and political murals.
Mode2: A French graffiti artist who is known for his dynamic figures and movements.
Roid: A British graffiti artist who is known for his abstract and futuristic pieces.
T-Kid: A American graffiti artist who is known for his colorful and wildstyle pieces.
Zedz: A Dutch graffiti artist who is known for his geometric and architectural pieces.
The examples and inspirations from these artists can help you learn from their techniques, styles, and experiences. They can also motivate you to discover your own voice and vision as a graffiti artist.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
and teach graffiti art. We have covered the following topics:
What is graffiti and why you should learn it.
What is Graffiti School and what it can offer you.
The history and culture of graffiti.
The basics of graffiti art.
The projects and exercises of Graffiti School.
Recommendations for further learning and practice
Graffiti School is a great book to start or advance your graffiti journey, but it is not the only one. There are many other resources and opportunities that can help you learn and practice graffiti art. Here are some recommendations:
Read other books or magazines about graffiti, such as Subway Art by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant, Graffiti World by Nicholas Ganz, or Stylefile Magazine.
Watch documentaries or videos about graffiti, such as Style Wars by Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant, Bomb It by Jon Reiss, or Graffiti TV on YouTube.
Visit graffiti websites or blogs, such as Art Crimes, 12ozProphet, or FatCap.
Join graffiti forums or social media platforms, such as Graffiti.org, Reddit Graffiti, or Instagram Graffiti.
Attend graffiti events or festivals, such as Meeting of Styles, Write4Gold, or Pow! Wow!.
Take graffiti classes or workshops, such as those offered by Jeroo or other graffiti artists or organizations.
Practice graffiti legally and safely, such as on canvas, paper, or legal walls.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Graffiti School and graffiti art:
Q: Where can I buy Graffiti School?
A: You can buy Graffiti School online from Amazon, Book Depository, or Thames & Hudson. You can also find it in some bookstores or libraries.
Q: How much does Graffiti School cost?
A: Graffiti School costs around $25 USD for the paperback edition and around $15 USD for the Kindle edition.
Q: Is Graffiti School suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, Graffiti School is suitable for beginners, as it covers the basics of graffiti art and provides easy projects and exercises. However, Graffiti School is also suitable for intermediate and advanced students, as it covers different styles and forms of graffiti art and provides challenging projects and exercises.
Q: Is Graffiti School suitable for teachers?
A: Yes, Graffiti School is suitable for teachers, as it provides a teacher manual that explains how to use the book as a teaching resource. The teacher manual also provides tips on how to organize and conduct graffiti classes or workshops.
Q: Is graffiti illegal?
A: Graffiti is illegal in most places if you do it without permission from the owner of the property or the authorities. Graffiti can be considered vandalism or trespassing, and you can face fines or jail time if you get caught. However, there are some places where graffiti is legal or tolerated, such as designated walls or areas. You should always check the local laws and regulations before doing graffiti.
71b2f0854b