If you’re considering adding a mural to your home or business or simply seeking inspiration, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start or what you want to depict. With countless creative possibilities available, we’ve narrowed them down into 10 style categories to kickstart your imagination for your upcoming mural project. Additionally, don’t forget to check out our helpful guide on the 10 steps to hiring a graffiti artist.
1. Graffiti
Graffiti, as we know it today, traces its origins back to the early ’60s and ’70s when individuals started tagging their names and messages on buildings and trains. A lot has changed since then, and graffiti now encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional lettering to innovative and unique approaches.
2. Typography
While graffiti and typography both involve lettering, they differ aesthetically. Typography typically draws inspiration from brushwork, calligraphy, or specific font styles, allowing for distortion and experimentation to create fresh designs.
3. Abstract
In the abstract style, you won’t find explicit names or messages. Instead, it embraces open ideas open to interpretation. Abstract art focuses on the overall ambiance rather than legibility, allowing artists to express themselves freely through color, shape, and lines, resulting in dynamic and balanced pieces.
4. Stencil
Stencil art has gained popularity in recent years, with renowned artists like Blek le Rat and Banksy utilizing this technique. It involves cutting out shapes from materials like cardboard or paper and using them to reproduce images using spray or roll-on paint on various surfaces.
5. Comic and Pop Art
This style draws inspiration from cartoon characters, comic book superheroes, and striking pop culture imagery. Expect bold colors, clean lines, and stylized characters that capture attention.
6. Graphic/Illustration
This style embraces a looser, more stylistic approach to imagery, utilizing color and shape to create striking compositions. It allows for artistic freedom while maintaining a recognizable form, striking a balance between abstraction and representational art.
7. Interactive Art
Interactive art cleverly interacts with its surroundings, going beyond a surface painting. This style creates an engaging experience for viewers, often resulting in viral-worthy photo opportunities.
8. Eco
The eco style focuses on creating environmentally conscious artwork. It may involve incorporating green walls, landscaping, recycled or upcycled materials, or even using paint made with living moss. This approach aims to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
9. Portrait
Portrait art showcases the precise drawing skills of an artist. It can range from photorealistic depictions that closely resemble photographs to stylized compositions, such as cubist-inspired arrangements. Portraits begin with a common starting point but can result in vastly different interpretations based on individual preferences.
10. Optical Illusion
Prepare to be amazed by optical illusion artwork. At first glance, these pieces may appear odd, but when viewed from the right angle, they magically transform into three-dimensional figures. Leveraging various techniques, artists create an illusion of depth with their 2D drawings.
11. Augmented Reality
Taking art to the next level, augmented reality art brings street art to life. By using a dedicated app, viewers can experience augmented reality where 3D models of the art interact with the environment, incorporating sound, motion, and other elements. It revolutionizes the way we engage with artwork.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to selecting a style. Choose what resonates with your personal aesthetic and complements your environment. We hope this article has provided you with inspiration for your mural project or personal art piece. If you’d like to consult with a professional artist or create a custom design and mural, feel free to reach out to us here.
