Two letters, round and fat, filled silver, outlined black, done in less time than it takes to read this page. You have seen hundreds of them on walls, shutters and trains without knowing what they are called.
They are called throw-ups, or throwies. A throw-up sits between a tag and a full piece: larger and bolder than a signature, but finished in a few minutes rather than hours. Usually it is two or three letters, round or simple, filled with one colour and outlined with another.
Why writers do throw-ups
A throw-up is about presence. It is the way to get a name seen, big, in the time it takes to paint a tag twice. Writers develop one throw-up and repeat it hundreds of times until it becomes as recognisable as their handwriting. A good throwie is instantly readable, has a strong silhouette and can be painted with the eyes half closed.
Tag vs throw-up vs piece
- Tag: one colour, seconds, the signature.
- Throw-up: one or two colours plus outline, minutes, big simple letters.
- Piece: full colour, fills, 3D and details, hours.
Throw-up letters: the typical look
Most throw-ups use bubble letters: soft, round shapes that overlap and can be filled in a few sweeps of the can. Others use simple, slightly angular letters. Silver or chrome fills with a black outline are a classic combination because they cover fast and stand out on almost any wall. In London such a silver throw-up is often called a dub.
How to draw a throw-up step by step
- Choose two or three letters. Many writers use a shortened version of their name. Fewer letters means bigger letters in the same time.
- Sketch the skeleton. Simple single lines, letters close together.
- Draw round bodies. Wrap each letter in a fat, soft shape. Let them overlap so the word becomes one form.
- Keep the silhouette strong. Look at the outer shape only. It should read clearly, like a logo.
- Fill fast. On a wall, the fill goes first with a fat cap, in quick, loose strokes. It does not have to be perfect: the outline will clean it.
- Outline. One confident line around everything, then the inner lines where letters overlap. This is where a throw-up becomes good or stays toy.
- Optional extras: a few white shines, a tag next to it, a simple drop shadow.
If you are starting from zero, begin on paper with our beginner's guide to drawing graffiti.
The throwie alphabet
A "throwie alphabet" is a good study tool: it shows how each letter can be made round and fat. But the letters you use most are the ones in your own name, so spend most of your time on those. A throw-up is practised as one shape, not as separate letters.
Common throw-up mistakes
- Too many letters, so everything gets small and thin.
- A shaky outline. Speed comes from practice, not from rushing.
- Letters drifting apart. A throw-up should look like one solid object.
- Changing the design every time. Repetition is the point.
Throw-ups and respect
In graffiti there is a hierarchy: a throw-up over a piece is a sign of disrespect, a piece over a throw-up is generally accepted. The unwritten rules are explained in graffiti rules: going over, toys and kings.
One strong shape
The lesson of a good throw-up works far from any wall: one clear silhouette that reads from across the room beats a lot of small detail. It is the same reason a single large painting usually beats three small ones above a sofa.
FAQ
Why is it called a throw-up?
Because it is "thrown up" on a wall quickly. Speed is the defining feature.
How many colours does a throw-up have?
Usually two: a fill and an outline. Sometimes a third for shines or a shadow.
Is a throw-up the same as bubble letters?
Not exactly. Bubble letters are a lettering style. A throw-up is a type of graffiti, which very often uses bubble letters.
How long does a throw-up take?
An experienced writer can paint one in a few minutes.
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