How about a fresh look with a whole new way of expressing yourself? Imagine nails that seem like they've been tagged by a street artist. Graffiti nail art is shaking up the manicure scene with edgy and often indecipherable writing. These miniature masterpieces feature everything you see on city walls, from bubble letters to dripping paint. If you’re curious about how to pull it off, we'll break down techniques to help you get that graffiti vibe, no spray cans required.
A Beginner's Guide to Graffiti Nail Art
Neon Writing on the Wall
Graffiti has existed for about as long as humans have been writing. In fact, the term comes from ancient Greek and Italian words for “writing” and “scratching.” Archaeologically speaking, graffiti refers to inscriptions and figure drawings on the walls of ancient ruins, like Pompeii. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius preserved the graffiti there.
Modern graffiti started in the 1960s in Philadelphia. Gangs used it to mark their territories and activists to spread political messages. And let’s be honest: the average person struggles to understand this writing on the wall. That’s perfectly fine because it’s not there to impress you or me. Instead, graffiti exists to amaze other graffiti writers. Just like when you see a beautiful manicure that needs a high level of skill, those in the know recognize graffiti feats.
Don’t worry that your nail art graffiti won’t be good enough. Everyone starts somewhere. Plus, you won’t have to worry about someone tagging over your hard work. Choose black plus three vibrant colors and sketch a design. Other nail art skills, like gradients, will come in handy.
LX4 Urban Lightning Collection
Street Art Banksy Nails
Although we’ll include both street art nails and graffiti nails in this article, there’s a significant difference between them. Graffiti is word-based and street art is image-based. Also, graffiti has a touch of the forbidden while street artists often have permission to work an area. Street artists try to engage everyone while graffiti artists are often interested in communicating with a specific group, like another gang.
Banksy is possibly the most well-known street artist of our era. They are anonymous although likely based in Bristol, England. Banksy is famous for stencil art with political and anti-war themes. You’re likely to find nail stickers featuring their art. Since the images are straightforward, you might enjoy copying them by hand. Explore using acrylic nail markers or line art gel with precision brushes.
Simple Street Art Nails
Have you ever used spray paint for any purpose? Then you know it’s tricky. Imagine the skill needed to control the application to make recognizable designs. When you’re starting out with graffiti nail art, it might feel difficult, too. It’s weirdly challenging to make “paint splatters” that look authentic or get the right shape for the letters. Try masking off the skin around your nails with liquid latex for easier cleanup. Use a stamper or stencil for repeating shapes.
Usher Concert Nails
Why might someone request graffiti nails at a salon? One reason might be for a concert. This manicure has the singer’s name spelled out across the fingertips.
If you think about it, nails are not an easy place to tag graffiti. It’s pretty cramped even with extensions. But that fact is likely to earn the admiration of other graffiti writers. After all, think of all those times you saw writing in hard to reach places like high on an overpass. Those are called “Heaven spots” for reasons we’re sure you can understand.
Valentine’s Day Tagged Nails
Here’s a simple graffiti nails design that’s fun to do. The only lettering is the hugs and kisses. Like most graffiti nail art, you’ll need to with layers. First, the blush pink base, followed by lightly darker lines to resemble a brick wall. Then the magenta hearts topped by black lettering and more Xs and hearts in white. The drips are the clue to which layers go on top. Since white is the last color to add, it needs to be a highly pigmented polish. Finish with a matte top coat.
Soft Gel Tips
Personalized Message
There’s nothing like graffiti nail art to perfectly express what you’re thinking. If you want to perfect this style, pay close attention to how the black and white highlights and shadowing look.
Political Nails
It’s election season. Why not follow in the footsteps of early modern graffiti writers and use your nails to spread the word? Pass on the political messages most important to you. Your unique nail art will attract attention and start conversations.
Mix and Match Graffiti Nails
We don’t know what these nails say, but Hello Kitty is a cute accent among the flames and scribbles. Since there are no rules when it comes to tagging nails, you’re free to be as creative as you like. This includes the length and shape that can magnify your message.
LDS Rubber Base Gel Polish Collection
Graffitied Street Art Mashup
Bubble letters and marbled tips mixed with printed text, smiley faces, and dollar bills. It’s like the two-dimensional version of junk nails.
Skater Nails
Visit any skatepark and you’ll see graffiti with musical roots. The edgy, colorful street art is influenced by hip-hop and punk styles as well as social movements and politics. Banksy and famed artist Shepard Fairey (who created Obama’s HOPE art) have skater roots.
Tips for Creating Graffiti Nail Art
The best tip for learning to do graffiti nail art is to study graffiti. Take photos, save screenshots. Trace designs you like to get the feel of how to write like that.
As for colors, your canvas has a skin tone. That can make choosing a vibrant palette more complicated. However, you can always go with a monochrome style for an easy match.
It helps immensely to have thin nail art brushes. Tagging with a toothpick just doesn’t flow the same.
Graffiti nail art also depends on layers, so plan those before beginning the manicure.
Have fun and expect to have breakthrough moments where your nail art will shine!
Conclusion
Graffiti nail art is very customizable, colorful, and creative. It’s ideal for personal and political expression. Plus, it’s fun!
We hope you found inspiration for your next manicure adventure here today. Drop by our home page to see what’s on sale and how you can get free shipping!
Source:
https://www.thefactsite.com/graffiti-facts/