A sharp craft knife will give you more control and precision when you cut out your designs.
Stencil graffiti art has gained popularity in recent years with the rise of well-known guerilla artists like Banksy. Graffiti stencils bring a divided public reaction with some individuals arguing that it is a legitimate art form, while others argue that it is a menace to public spaces. You can create your own stencils to legally spray paint your household items, walls and even your vehicle.
Instructions
1. Draw a picture of the image you want to use for your graffiti stencil. If you are creating your stencil entirely by hand, draw the image on plain paper and cut it out using a sharp craft knife. If you are digitally creating the stencil, draw an image first and scan the image onto the computer using a scanner. Alternatively, you can use a digital image or digital picture as the base for the stencil. Be sure to choose a royalty free image and do not use a copyrighted image.
2. Open the digital file of the design in Photoshop by clicking on "File" and then "Open." Find the file and click "Open."
3. Click on "Filter" then "Blur" and "Gaussian Blur." This will subtly blur the edges of the image.
4. Alter the brightness and contrast of the photo by clicking "Image" then "Adjustments" and "Brightness/Contrast." You can adjust the brightness and contrast to your liking. Try to adjust the levels until the image is in black and white and the main features are clearly defined.
5. Print out the image on printer paper. Alternatively, you can trace the image from the computer screen with a pencil and piece of paper if you do not have a printer.
6. Tape a piece of paper to a flat surface and cut out the image using a sharp craft knife.
7. Tape or lay the stencil flat on the surface you want to decorate and cover the gaps in the stencil with spray paint.
