1. Manual
Street art
as a tool
for
expression

3. Introduction
The manual on street art is an outcome of a youth exchange project Street art as a tool for telling
social messages made within EU Youth in Action programme and taking place in Tukums county and
Riga, Latvia, during August 4–13, 2012.
In eight days of active work during the exchange young-
sters discovered and discussed different types of street
art and tried to use them in practice for expressing social
messages. Insight into poster, grassroots comics, stencil,
graffiti and sticker art was provided, as well as
workshop on formulating messages has taken place.
Youngsters participated and led their own workshops in
Riga and in open air workshop festival Give&Get in Krape
old manor park.
On whole in the project there were 25 participants from five countries
– Bulgaria, Latvia, Malta, Poland and Slovakia. The whole learning
process was non-formal with a space for creativity. The living during the
youth exchange was like in a commune with its creative ambience and
with preparing everyday meals by participants themselves. The last
played a substantial role for intercultural learning dimension – another
goal of the project.
As outcome of the project this handbook about street art as tool for
communicating social issues is published. We offer here to have an
insight what we have done and how to do it in step-by-step guide, as
well as we have added extra visual information and hopeful tips. Also we
encourage you to search for step-by-step guide videos online as it
helped us so much. Be creative!
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4. Street art as a tool
for expression or
Is there such a thing
as street art
Looking for an answer what is street art requires speaking about both art and street. That requires having a plenty
of time and space. We may try to keep it reasonably short, almost bullet-point short.
It may seem that we step in new topics too fast, but let’s take it as granted that art itself is a way to tell messages.
It is a way of expression. However, sometimes there is art for art’s sake (l'art pour l'art – a principle formulated
by Theophile Gautier); sometimes – and more often so – art is a way in which to communicate some idea. Through
times the last purpose had had the dominant role, and nowadays more than ever art tells its stories and shares
different meanings.
With no will to step deep in postmodernism theory there can still be added that piece of art after its development
or creation more likely lives its own independent life and acquires new meanings. Each new meaning actually is each
interpretation – each very specific way how viewer interprets the particular piece of art.
If art is a tool for telling social messages it is important that the signs (the message) are understandable and
readable for viewers. The success would be dependent on how well-considered the visual appearance of the
message is. Although art is open for diverse interpretations there are cases when misinterpreted visual units can
give distinct or even opposite message. Again it should be taken into consideration and decided by artist – whether
the idea or form is more important in particular case.
As stated before in the context of street art the form is what embodies visual appearance and it can consist of
images, symbols, words or mix of these elements. Presumably images give the widest space for different interpreta-
tions, while words have a potential to be better understandable (if chosen according to idea which desirably should
be communicated; choice of language understandable for viewers is also important). Symbols would fall in category
in between as they tend to be unambiguous but different contexts or nuances can change their meaning and give
place for new interpretations.
So let’s leave art aside and have a look on what the street in context of
street art is. It definitely is an urban environment. Street in little village
where everyone knows each other doesn’t fit there, the aspect of strange
people, many passers-by and alienation from most of people around is
important. It is kind of widened notion of street as if it daily is only constant
element around; thus meaning familiar streets, buildings, infrastructure in
opposition of familiar people.
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5. Tell the difference! New interpretation of Stop sign and some sticker art in Vienna, Austria
Although street art can appear in any space apart the street, too, and still be art – a tool for communicating
some message; there are some important aspects missing for instance conditional anonymity of an artist,
unexpectedness, wide and diverse audience. The last two aspects put in other words means that not the viewer
chooses it, rather piece of street art chooses to be viewed in particular place and time (of course, initially it is
choice of an author, although later it is not one’s choice anymore – the unit of art is to stay). Street art is public
phenomenon; its appearance is common for everyone passing by, it is actually impossible just to go by it. That
means that also message is communicated. Even if the idea is not perceived by viewer, message’s form more
likely would be noticed and the fact of some message given recognized.
Contribution of many. Some slogan and a lot of random texts in Pristina, Kosovo
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6. Kind of inevitability of street art brings us to the next issue which is its legal status. Although lately street art is
acknowledged in art world and even brought to art galleries, it is used as part or whole commercial campaign of
different companies there are still many who would disagree. It is understandable as the quality of street art
matters and usually it appears on the street unpermitted. Although some municipalities sometimes assign some
block or buildings for street art it often doesn’t seem appropriate enough for an artist to express the message.
It restricts the initial idea as what is around also matters, there can be too little audience or even some guidelines
given.
The largest part of street art by most of people nowadays seems to be treated as vandalism though. Put together
with inevitability of happened fact of street art it raises a question what is more unacceptable for society: the form
or the idea. Most of art in some way challenge one’s values and so does street art, but it is not viewers choice to
have their values challenged as street is public space. It is kind of art which is forced on, so it can be summed up
that street art sometimes display clash of public space and private values.
Stencil drawing in Valmiera, Latvia
Of course there are also street art with very little artistic value (form) and with no clear or with unimportant
message (idea) behind it which is more a way to show off rather that communicate idea to audience. However
artists cannot be stereotyped in any way. Among people who create street art there are people who work in field
of art daily, there are hooligans, losers and unattended youngsters and there are people who just have something
to say and there is no way how to put them in some frames. Each one can create valuable and thought-out piece
of street art and usually the author remains anonymous to most of people who are actual audience.
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7. Different forms of Street Art Riga, Latvia
In the context of particular project we speak about street art as visual art, but for sure street art also can be
combined media art; and it could be (and it is) discussed if performing arts also can be street art. Although
opinions are divided, for sure visual art in urban setting is considered as street art including spray paint and
marker pen graffiti, stencils, posters (wheat-pasting), sticker art, wood-blocking, yarn bombing, mosaic tiling, as
well as street installations and video projections.
Basically street art affects not only a viewer but also makes changes in setting, in urban landscape. Even though
street art primary makes physical changes it also influences opinions of viewers.
In this project street art is a tool for telling messages and source for inspiration, aid, something what attracts
attention. We don’t really claim to create art; we even don’t demand street. The main aim is to tell what is
important to us and street art is a tool which we use to fulfil this aim; and it may happen wherever we could find
somebody who hears and sees what we are about to express.
Liene Rozenburga, project coordinator
Beat Generation, Brno, Czech Republic
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8. StENCILS
Stencils are used quite a lot as street art technique. It may
take some time to prepare one, however technique allows
to be transformed easily thus making it exciting beginning
in street art. Also one template can be used many times.
For stencil preparation drawing skill is optional necessity
because foremost patience and skill of visualisation of the
final product is needed. However stencils also have many
different templates available online, so it can be printed
and used adding just some original text to express the Stencils can be used as a part of interior design, as
message. well as they are often sprayed on different walls
and fences. Stencil can be easily used for t-shirt
design or be sprayed on canvas bags and other
Workshop textile surfaces.
Time of workshop:
2 to 4 hours. Time depends of age and difficulty level of the stencil – text or drawing, original or borrow-
ing, how many colours are planned, how many details.
Materials:
A4 papers Remember workshop participants may want to use
Pencils glows and face masks for safety reasons when
Permanent markers (different density) working with spray paint.
OHP film or any other transparent plastic sheet
Utility knife
Working surface which cannot be destroyed by
cutting (some thick cardboard also can be useful)
Spray-paints
Paper tape or duct tape
Cardboard or plenty of old newspapers
Plastic folder can be used instead of OHP film, just be sure
plastic should be quite firm. Also cardboard is an option, but
it will absorb paint, so it will not be durable for many
paintings in a row.
Stencil – Trash the TV!
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9. Step by step
Step I - Create a message –
what you want to say.
We can’t
capitalismdo anything to c
all go sh crumbles. In th hange the world
opping to e meantim until
co e
— Bank nsole ourselves. we should
Bansky sy
, Wall an
d Piece
Step II - Decide how you will transfer the message into stencil – would
you use text only, could it be expressed using symbols, or mix of the later,
is drawing necessary (as it makes process more difficult, nevertheless
looks nice when done accurately). Try to sketch different options.
Avenue Van Horne, Montreal, Canada
By Domke in Germany www.streetartutopia.com
www.streetartutopia.com
Step III - Draw a final version of the stencil design in original size on A4 paper (or directly on cardboard if you do
not use plastic). Remember that stencil needs connection points from different elements of image to rest of sheet or
simply remember that you cannot cut out just silhouettes. [For example, when you cut out letter “A” made the design
that the inner triangle shape connects with rest of sheet; if you have face in the image and you should cut out eyes,
more likely you will cut out pupil and eyeball, and leave some connection of iris to the rest of the image.] Colour in the
parts which will be cut out and remember that exactly these parts would be final spray painted image.
Step IV - Put an OHP film or plastic on the drawing and using permanent marker redraw contours of parts which
should be cut out.
Step V - Take your time to cut
out stencil using utility knife. You
template should be finished after
this step.
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10. Step VI - To spray paint the stencil be sure that template is close fitting to surface. You can use adhesive tape
to fix it.
Step VII - You may need and want to cover the surrounding surface. Use the tape to stick covering newspapers
or cardboards. Newspapers are getting wet soon, so do not reuse them for other stencils and use multiple layers
of them.
Step VIII - Remember to shake spray-paint can before using, spray it from a distance (usually around 20 cm)
and press atomizer rather for several short periods than one long, as there would be too much of the paint otherwise.
Too much paint will drain and bleed damaging the image. You can also practice spraying on some papers to feel how
much you should press atomizer and how quick to move the can.
Step IX - Carefully remove covers and stencil from the surface. You can do it as soon as you have finished
spraying.
Step X - Leave the stencil to dry and do not put papers on it as the stencil is sticky. Use a plastic bag if you have
to carry it soon after.
You can make stencil poster or stencil sticker
as well. Just spray the stencil on paper or
sticker label.
You can use multiple colours to spray the stencil by layering paints. After
one layer wait some time for first layer to dry (at least 10 minutes) and
check it before spraying new layer. You can also combine stencils –
pictures can be combined or some text added to the picture.
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11. Graffiti
By Mau Mau
Good quality graffiti is very spectacular and beautiful, but it takes a lot of time of practice (and a lot of
spray), so graffiti can be challenging and pretty expensive. Some drawing skills are needed as well as practice
on spray drawings. They are usually sprayed on vertical surface which feels way more different from drawing
in sketchbook.
Graffiti also can be used in interior design as well as outdoors on different walls and fences.
There are many different drawing techniques and all of them are graffiti. One can draw a picture, even very
realistic one; others would prefer some text (usually up to three words) and there are endless possibilities in
letter design. There are bubble like letters and sharp edgy letters, and everything in between.
Workshop
Time of workshop:
At least 5 hours. The time of drawing process
depends on size of the group as graffiti may be a
group project, interconnections between group
members, previous skills and size of the drawing.
Materials: www.streetartutopia.com
A4 papers
Pencils
Eraser
Remember workshop participants should use glows and
Markers (different density)
face masks for safety reasons when working with
Colour pencils or markers
spray paint.
Spray-paints
Different size atomizers
The step-by-step guide is provided for text graffiti. However we encourage
you to explore different kinds of graffiti online in advance.
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12. Step by step
Step I - Create a message –
what you want to say. www.streetartutopia.com
Step II - ecide how you will transfer the message into graffiti.
Remember the graffiti text usually is short (up to three words), so the
context and the placement of the graffiti may add some extra meaning,
as well as sudden topicality of the issue. [For example, graffiti with
text No to violence would have deeper meaning in a place where some
assault recently would have happened.]. Consider the place where
graffiti would be painted – space, surface, colours around. [If surface
is uneven you may need to even it out in advance; also wooden surface
would absorb colour quickly, so it is better to prepare it covering it with
coat of non-absorbent varnish.]
by Alexey Menschikov
Step III - Make different sketches of the chosen text using different fonts. You can start the sketch with
simple letters and during sketching make them bolder (first you write, then you draw). Apply some specific
style or create one. Vary the line thickness, add shadows, add dimension like details or any other elements.
You will have to erase a lot during the sketching – it is part of the process.
Step IV - When you have finished sketch, draw over the lines
with marker.
Step V - If you want to be sure about your sketch you can
make a backup copy before adding colours. Just palace the
empty A4 paper on the original and draw over the lines. In
good lightning using regular paper lines must be visible.
Step VI - Add colour to your design. Better use colours
similar to spray-paint colours, thus it would be closer to reality.
Also remember that often less is more and gradient colouring
and layering may not be that easy in reality.
www.streetartutopia.com
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13. Step VII - When you have finished the idea the work can start. On the prepared surface start with outlining
the sketch so that you will get sure that there will be enough space. For outlining it is better to use the lightest
colour from the ones you are going to have in the image and work with light hand. Remember to shake
spray-paint can before using and spray it from a distance (usually around 20 to 25 cm). Make it as simple
as possible.
Step VIII - If more
people are working
on the image it is
time to divide the
space and the tasks
(in what area what
should be painted).
Revolutionary street art in Tunisia
Step IX - Start recreating the sketch design on the surface. Change different atomizers for different areas
as there are atomizers which would make it easier to cover large and plain areas and atomizers which would
be essential for finer details. Press atomizer for several shorter periods rather than one longer as there
would be too much of the paint otherwise. You can also practice spraying simply on some papers to feel
how much you should hold atomizer and how quick to move the can. Too much paint will drain and damage
the image. Do not layer on freshly applied paint.
It is worth to practice on cardboard boxes or just to create the first graffiti on
cardboard. Also the wall like structure can be built from the boxes as working
on vertical surface is different and it is good to get used to it.
You can combine graffiti with stencils or just prepare
a background for the stencil drawing using
spray-paints. Remember the base layer to dry before
adding stencil.
by David Zinn
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14. Stickers
Stickers often organically interflow into city setting, however can be used
for expressing thoughtful messages. Sticking is easy and quick which
makes stickers perfect for distributing messages all around the town.
Mostly stickers appear on electrical enclosures, gutters, traffic signs, posts as metallic surfaces are smooth
enough. However some people like stickers on their notebooks, dairies, paper coffee cups, mobile phones,
and laptops, as well as on other private items.
Making sticker can be challenging as some computer skills may be needed, as well as graphic design applica-
tion. The strength of the technique is the same reason – digital format allows printing and multiplying
stickers as much as wanted.
Workshop
Time of workshop:
1.5 to 3 hours. The time of sticker preparing process depends of chosen motif of the sticker and
computer skills of the participant.
Materials:
A4 sticker paper
Transparent adhesive paper
Access to a computer with picture editing application (Adobe
Photoshop, Paint, DeviantArt Muro, Splashup etc.)
Access to a printer (the one with colour ink is preferable)
Scissors
Pencils
Photo camera
Step by step
Step I - Create a message – what you want to say.
Step II - Decide if sticker would be text only (would it be some
slogan, pun or question, or something else and how it communicates
the message), would the sticker include graphic shapes only or it would
be based on drawing or photo editing. It defines next step.
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15. Step III
–If you rely on text or simple graphic shapes you can start to design the sticker on computer. Consider what
the text you are going to use. Be sure that the text font is readable and consider language – what languages
know the target audience to which you approach. Use as little text as possible.
–If you want to draw and feel better doing it by hand, you will need A4 paper, pencils and scanner. Make a
sketch of your sticker design. If you also add text it can be designed in sketch version or just typed on
computer. Just be sure what text you want and be short. After finishing scan the sketch.
–If you want photo based sticker you may need photo camera to take a photo yourself or you may need
internet to find appropriate picture online. Be specific how you want your sticker to look like and take only
photo you need. Make it clear how you want to edit it. Plain photo in sticker looks pale and obscure; perhaps
higher contrast and brighter colours would be needed. Consider text you may want to add. Upload photo to
computer.
Step V - Copy picture to print more
Step IV - Edit sticker sketch on computer according to
stickers at one time. Consider if you use full
your idea. Feel free to play around a bit to see how it looks
sheet label or sheet with multiple sticker
the best. Change brightness, contrast, colour depth, add
labels. For later you may need to use text
shadowing, try different fonts and backgrounds etc.
editing programme (e. g. in MS Office Word
Mailings/Labels) to place sticker image into
the each label.
Step VI - Save and print.
Step VII - Cover the sticker sheet with
transparent adhesive paper. It would make
design more durable.
Step VIII - Cut out the stickers.
You can make stencil sticker also. Spray the
motif on sticker paper and use it as a
sticker.
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16. Wall poster comics
A bit less known but nevertheless interesting street art technique is grassroots comics or comics who are
distributed on streets as posters. Grassroots comics are special because they are made by people in
community rather than by campaign or art professionals. The drawing skills are not important but the
message is! Grassroots comics not only allow distributing certain message but also involve local society in
the process of making them.
The wall poster comic is a story which is told
visually in four parts, so it is a compact format.
Workshop
Time of workshop:
2 to 5 hours. The time of drawing process
depends of age and involvement or partici-
pants. Before drawing the posters, partici-
pants should have knowledge about the topic
posters will be made (like HIV/AIDS,
recycling, intercultural dialogue etc.)
Materials:
A4 papers
Pencils
Pens (different density)
access to a copying machine
Step by step
Step I - Create a message - what you want to say with your story!
The message should be written in one sentence and should be specif-
ic. Note that message is not the same as slogan.
Step II - Create a story. Story should be four or five sentences long.
Read the story to your fellow activists and ask their feedback.
Note that story shouldn’t have too many characters and/or
complicated action.
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17. Step III - Make a visual manuscript – draw small sketch how the comic will look, what will be in each
of for quadrant.
Remember this should be a sketch only, there is no
need to overwork the drawing.
Never explain in the text what can
be seen in the drawing.
Use as little text as possible.
Step IV - Final artwork process
1) Make your pencil sketch
2) Draw the outlines of your sketch
with a thin-line pen
3) Erase all pencil marks from the
drawing
4) Finish the drawing, add solid
black, textures and detail
As a trainer you don’t change the stories of participants but explain different
techniques what can be used to show their story.
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18. Putting up wallposter comics in the community
If you put up the
wallposter in a dry
area, you can tape
them together from
the back, and pin
them on the wall.
If you put up the wallposter on a wall outdoors it is better to
paste the pieces directly to the wall.
Drawing movement, sound
and other effects
music
direction and motion
slight hand movement Drawi
ng exp
ress ions
pain in the thumb
rolling movement
speed lines
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19. The wallposter measurements
The two parts should be glued together with a 0,5-1 cm overlap.
This material had been prepared using manual “Grassroots comics – a develop-
ment communication tool”. Authors Leif Packalen and Sharad Sharma.
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20. PARtners
Youth against AIDS (YAA), Latvia
“Youth against AIDS” (YAA) is a non-governmental youth organization that
involves young people, aged 15-30, as volunteers. The organization’s focus
and primary long-term goals relate to the involvement of young people in work
with their peers, educating them about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases
and other issues which relate to one’s health and one’s lifestyle. YAA seeks to
change lifestyles so as to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in our country.
The organization is working since 1997, organising educational and informational activities such as
workshops in schools and youth centres, discussions, summer camps and street actions, as well as
informational activities in popular night clubs and festivals.
YAA is sending, hosting and coordinating organization in EVS projects.
International Youth Activity Centre-Bulgar-
ia (IYAC Bulgaria), Bulgaria
IYAC Bulgaria is a non-governmental oranization set in Bulgaria. It was
establieshed in the year 2009 by a group of students for the University
for National and World Economy in Sofia. Since then it has been expanding
and now icludes more than 50 members, all of them young people, the
majority of whom are students.
One of their main activities is related to the “Youth in action” program. IYAC Bulgaria has taken part in
more than 2 hundred youth exchanges for the past two and a half years in more than 15 European
countries including UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Turkey etc. IYAC Bulgaria gives
young Bulgarians, especially youngsters with social problems and financial difficulties, the chance to visit
Active Youth (AY), Malta
Organisation AY is a non-profit organisation, non-political and is run on
voluntary basis based on the human resources of its members and on the
support of other resourceful persons. AY Mission Statement – To enhance youth
empowerment, social inclusion and the acceptance of cultural diversity through
intercultural learning.
To empower young people AY work through non formal education by creating a
framework where young people will become aware of their skills and hidden
talents. Then AY encourage young people to develop their ideas and initiatives
into concrete projects. In fact in AY youth policy is “commitment through active
participation” based on learning by doing. Most of the time organization adopt
methods such as open door policy & open space technology.
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21. Mladiinfo Slovensko, Slovakia
“Mladiinfo Slovensko” was established by ex-EVS volunteers in 2010 as the first branch of a Macedonian
NGO Mladiinfo (www.mladiinfo.com). It is a non-profit organization supporting students and young people
with information about scholarships, internships, conferences and voluntary opportunities. All the informa-
tion can be find on the web site www.mladiinfo.sk and in the organization’s office in the student dormitory
in Bratislava. Students can find there all kind of useful information from different organizations and institu-
tions. “Mladiinfo Slovensko” cooperate closely with international student’s organizations such as AEGEE,
AIESEC, BEST, ESN, IAESTE, OIKOS, ŠP etc.
Staromiejski Dom Kultury Twoim Domem,
Poland
Old Town Culture House does not aim at stunning ( but expensive!)
events, but at positivist educational workshops, where apart from
artistic, solid work, a participant is provided with huge dose of
knowledge and skills. Mission of Old Town Culture House is
visualized by our logo: drawing of brain placed in symbolic
building.
Old Town Culture House elaborated own work method based on
harmonious coexistence of professional artists and amateur
movement in various age groups. It leads to smooth transition of
most talented amateurs to professionals.
Despite significant artistic successes , Old Town Culture House is most proud with it’s educational work.
Staromiejski Dom Kultury (Old Town Culture House) also organizes various cultural events like e.g. :
Summer Scene, Korowod – Meetings With Early Dance, Poetic Manifestations, International Jazz Festival
etc.
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22. Youth exchange project
“Street art as a tool for telling social messages”
Šis projekts tika finansēts ar Eiropas Komisijas atbalstu. Šī publikācija
atspoguļo vienīgi autora uzskatus, un Komisijai nevar uzlikt atbildību par
tajā ietvertās informācijas
jebkuru iespējamo izlietojumu.