4 Tips for New Urban Artists to Try

If you ever wanted to try your hand at art, but do not really fit into a mold, urban art might be perfect for you. Many urban artists started out as street artists, doing simple graffiti and using that to make a name for themselves. Urban art is perfect for anyone who likes to be creative and take risks in their artwork. Anyone who wants to make a statement for the public to see can easily use urban art as a way to express themselves. Urban artists also can use more than just spray paint, so if you like to use mixed media, urban art may be right up your alley.

Take Inspiration from Your Childhood

If you really want to try urban art, but are having a hard time getting started, a tip is to take an idea from your childhood. Anything people can relate to is likely to become instantly popular. For example, you could do some kind of sudoku or word search game, and in this way people could even interact with it. You could, instead, make a reference to a favorite toy or article of clothing from your youth. Anything that you know other people will be able to relate to and instantly recognize is sure to create a stir. Just be careful that you do not mess with any registered trademarks. If you do, it is likely that you will have their legal team contacting you.

Do Something You Are Passionate About

If you still are having a hard time thinking about where to start, take inspiration from where you are currently. What do you love to do? What are you truly passionate about? If you love the way people's eyes can show depth and individuality, then maybe you should try painting some giant eyes, staring down at the public. Alternatively, maybe you are passionate about a movement or a political stance. Use your artistic ability to express how you feel about those things. The only thing to be careful of is where you do your artwork. For example, it would be unwise to put a graphic piece of art next to an elementary school. However, it could be great to put a more graphic piece in another, public place, farther from large groups of children.

Use a Different Medium

Sometimes artists can get stuck using one type of media their whole careers. The great thing about urban art is that you can use literally anything. From trash to signs, from paint to chalk, anything can be put together and combined to create something beautiful or inspiring. If you have always used spray paint, challenge yourself to use paint for a day. Or, if you really want to try something different, challenge yourself to use trash you find near your site. Sometimes amazing, meaningful things can come from a piece of trash. It is your job, as the artists, to see the potential in items and create something different. Use an item in a way that it was never meant to be used. This is your chance to really take a leap and be creative.

Put Something in an Unexpected Place

Finally, the last tip is to put something in a place no one would expect. This can help leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. So, if you are creating a sculpture, afix it so it is coming out of a building facade. Or, if you are creating an optical illusion piece, place it on a sidewalk or extremely visible area where people will have to interact with it. Urban artists have the freedom to put their artwork anywhere (with permission) and use almost anything as their canvas. Use that as a base for your inspiration.

Urban art has become increasingly popular in the last few years. The public loves seeing new artwork that they can interact with and enjoy, particularly in places that they may have formerly viewed as ugly eye sores. Above all, get out, be creative, and be safe.