Students will learn about graffiti as a kind of typography that uses elements and principles of design like line, shape, color, contrast, form, and variety. They will learn about the history of graffiti in Pompeii and contemporary forms of graffiti. There will be a connection to linguistics with an explanation of the etymology of the words graffiti and mural and how they stem from Latin.
National Visual Arts Standards:
VA:Cr1.1.5a Combine ideas to generate an innovative idea for art-making.
VA: Re.7.1.6a Identify and interpret works of art of design that reveal how people live around the world and what they value.
VA:Cr2.3.7a Apply visual organizational strategies to design and produce a work of art, design, or media that clearly communicates information or ideas.
VA:Re.7.1.8a Explain how a person’s aesthetic choices are influenced by culture and environment and impact the visual image that one conveys to others.

I taught this lesson virtually to eight different classes (18-24 students in a class) while working at a private school as a full-time art teacher. The students enjoyed learning about graffiti past and present and loved being able to write their names in a new style. I have taught drawing to PK-12 students and multiple times in higher education.

No experience necessary!