# Hand Drawn Street Art IEMZA Uses a Graffiti Sketch Style for a Surreal Effect By Gil Cohen | Published 2013-02-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-sketch References: [unknowneditors.tumblr](http://unknowneditors.tumblr.com/post/43557158872/street-art) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/IEMZA) For a stylistic effect, graffiti artist IEMZA developed an intriguing graffiti sketch style that turns walls into sketchpads. Instead of using [bold solid outlines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simple-drawing-ideas) that are common to most graffiti artists, this artist uses purposefully thin lines that are layered on top of each other in a cross-hatch way, much like the method an artist would use to begin a drawing. Straying from the colorful cartoon aesthetic, this [street art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hubbabubbabuilding) has a dark and surreal look, like something Tim Burton might imagine. The graffiti sketch lines done by IEMZA appear to be drawn on with a black inky pen and then filled in with dripping watercolors, although these murals are done entirely with spray paint. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Graffiti Sketch Style:** Opportunity for artists to explore a new style of street art that combines the aesthetics of sketching and graffiti. - **Thin Line Layering:** Innovative technique that allows for intricate and detailed designs in street art, creating a unique visual impact. - **Dark and Surreal Street Art:** Growing demand for street art that challenges traditional cartoon aesthetics and embraces a darker, surreal style. ### Where This Applies - **Street Art:** Artists and muralists can incorporate the graffiti sketch style to create unique and visually captivating street art pieces. - **Urban Revitalization:** Cities and communities can leverage the appeal of dark and surreal street art to enhance urban spaces and attract visitors. - **Art Supplies:** With the popularity of thin line layering in street art, art supply companies can develop and market new tools and materials to cater to artists' needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Evolved Vibrant Graffiti Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jan-kalb.md) - [Digital AI-Generated Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picsart-1.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md) - [Realistic Sketch-Reflective Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series.md) - [Graffiti Ski Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elho-x-andr-saraiva.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Mural Design Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-by-squares.md) - [Graffiti-Inspired Marker Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffitiinspired-marker-set.md) - [Playful Doodle-Emblazoned Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-cox.md)