Learn to make stencils in the Banksy style.
Though stencil graffiti began during the Second World War, stenciling as a technique dates back to the beginnings of human art. Along with contemporaries like Shepard Fairey and Random von Nothaus, graffiti artist Banksy has re-popularized the use of stencils for public art. Banksy often combines original drawings and text with re-appropriated works of photojournalism to make political and humorous statements. Follow the steps below to make your own Banksy-inspired stencil.
Instructions
1. Draw or photocopy your image and any text onto an 11- by 17-inch piece of paper.
2. Draw a 17- by 23-inch rectangle on the art board with a yardstick and permanent pen, then cut it out with your craft knife. Place this smaller piece of board on the tarp and spray it with adhesive. Flip your drawing over and spray the back of it with adhesive, then wait 30 seconds for the glue to begin to dry.
3. Place the drawing glue-side-down onto the art board and center it so you have a three inch border on all sides. Press the two pieces together with the palms of your hands. Rub across the drawing with a hard squeegee to flatten it completely and encourage the glue to adhere strongly. Wait for the glue to dry.
4. Cut through the outlines of the black parts of your drawing with the craft knife, pressing hard enough to cut the board below. Leave narrow ligaments to connect independent shapes and ensure the stability of the stencil as a whole.
5. Find an empty pizza box and use it as a folder to carry your stencil. If you don't have a pizza box, disassemble a file box, fold it in half and trim it to the right size with the craft knife.
6. Find a place to apply your stencil and affix it to the surface with gaffer's tape. Shake a can of matte black spray paint repeatedly for 10 seconds, then spritz the inside of your cardboard folder to start the flow of paint.
7. Hold the spray can eight inches away from the stencil and spray back-and-forth across the cut-out areas in sweeping motions. Try not to spray any paint outside the edges of the stencil. Use as little paint as possible to avoid causing drips. Remove the stencil from the wall and place it into its cardboard folder.
