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Harnessing Graffiti Art as a Career Tool in India

Last updated on August 14, 2023

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Photo by Mateo Krössler on Unsplash

If you like art and tattoos, then graffiti art could just be the perfect career for you. With it comes the perfect opportunity to explore your artistic talent and create amazing art pieces for people to appreciate. This blog is about harnessing graffiti art as a career tool in India. Here's all you need to know about making a transition into the field.

History of Graffiti Art

Graffiti is one of the oldest forms of art that has existed in ancient societies for thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to the ancient graffiti of Pompeii, this form of art has been used to convey messages, tell stories, and to create political and social commentary.

Graffiti art as we know it today has its roots in the late 1960s, when it was popularized in the United States by artists like Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Banksy. From there, graffiti art slowly spread across the world, eventually taking a foothold in the Indian market in the early 2000s.

Turning Your Passion into a Profession

The great thing about graffiti art is that it offers a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity and express yourself without the restrictions or pressures imposed by traditional forms of art. If you are passionate about this style of art and want to make a career out of it, now is the time to do it.

But first, it's important to understand the basics of graffiti art and hone your skills. A great way to do this is to start by practicing on paper. Get to grips with the basics like lettering, colour mixing, and composition. Once you are comfortable with these, you can start to experiment with different styles and techniques.

You should also take some time to familiarise yourself with the local graffiti scene as this will help you to build connections with other artists and start to make a name for yourself. If you’re serious about this as a career path, it’s also worth considering taking a course in graffiti art to hone your skills and gain some professional accreditation.

Salary Insights and Challenges

Graffiti art as a career is relatively new in India and there are very few reliable sources of information about the salary levels and job opportunities for graffiti artists. That said, it's fair to say that the average salary for graffiti artists in India is still relatively low.This may be due to a lack of awareness or the fact that graffiti art is yet to be accepted broadly as a legitimate art form, or a combination of both.

One of the biggest challenges for graffiti artists is finding enough clients to make a living. As a result, many graffiti artists are starting to explore alternative revenue streams, such as creating clothing designs, launching online stores, or offering workshops and private tutoring.

In any case, the best way to increase your earning potential is to build a good reputation and portfolio, and the only way to do this is by creating quality artwork that stands out. You should also focus on networking and building relationships with local agencies and businesses who might have a need for your art.

Real-Life Inspiration

To finish, here are a few real-life examples of graffiti artists in India who have found success in the field. One of the brightest stars on the graffiti scene is Delhi-based artist Daku, who has become renowned for his large-scale murals and vibrant designs. Then there's the renowned Bengaluru-based artist Shilo Shiv Suleman, who has crafted a successful career out of her 3D street art.

These are just a few examples of people who have successfully transitioned into a graffiti art career in India. They demonstrate that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to make a success of a graffiti art career in India.

Actionable Steps

The best way to start your career as a graffiti artist is by honing your skills and building a portfolio. Here are a few actionable steps you can take to make this transition:

  • Practice your art on paper before trying it out on walls
  • Understand the basics of graffiti art and explore different styles
  • Experiment with different techniques and styles
  • Familiarise yourself with the local graffiti scene
  • Consider taking a course to gain professional accreditation
  • Start by creating smaller-scale projects and build your portfolio
  • Network with local agencies and businesses who may need your services
  • Focus on creating quality artwork that stands out
  • Explore alternative revenue streams, such as selling clothing designs or offering online services/tutoring

Conclusion

Harnessing graffiti art as a career tool in India is possible, provided you have the right skills and dedication. While the career path comes with its own set of challenges and obstacles, with the right approach it is possible to make a success of it.

As we have seen, there are a number of inspiring stories from India of people who have successfully transitioned into the field. From Daku to Shilo Shiv Suleman, graffiti art is an exciting and lucrative career choice for those looking to express themselves.