How to organise a graffiti workshop from start to finish

A graffiti workshop needs more than paint and a wall. Start by securing a suitable venue and date, then build the participant list before ordering materials and planning the session. Allow time for stencil preparation, delivery checks and a clear workshop programme. On the day, protect the floors, arrange workstations, prepare safety equipment and leave enough space for artwork to dry.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Confirm the workshop date
3
Send invitations
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Update participant list
7
Order paint and materials
8
Determine catering quantities
9
Develop the workshop program
10
Select techniques
11
Prepare stencil designs
2 people
12
Check deliveries
2 people
13
Send participant information
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Chill drinks
16
Sort materials
2 people
17
Prepare the workspace
3 people
18
Cover the floors
3 people
19
Set up tables
3 people
20
Set up chairs
2 people
21
Prepare paint supplies
3 people
22
Lay out protective clothing
2 people
23
Set up catering
2 people
24
Conduct a safety check
2 people
25
Set up instruction table

Event

26
Receive participants
2 people
27
Give safety instructions
2 people
28
Demonstrate graffiti techniques
2 people
29
Distribute practice materials
2 people
30
Guide participants
3 people
31
Refill drinks
32
Serve break snacks
2 people
33
Let creations dry
2 people
34
Serve dinner
3 people
35
Finish the final projects
3 people
36
Photograph the projects
37
Hand out the projects
2 people
38
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

39
Store paint materials safely
2 people
40
Collect waste
3 people
41
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
42
Clean work area
3 people
43
Wash dishes
2 people
44
Inventory materials
45
Dispose of empty spray cans
46
Return borrowed items
2 people
47
Store remaining catering

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Drying racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Bluetooth speaker
Work lightsqty 4

Graffiti supplies

Aerosol paint cansqty 120
Paint markersqty 24
Canvas clothsqty 24
Practice cardqty 30
Stencil sheetsqty 30
Painter's tapeqty 12
Pencilsqty 30
Eraserqty 24
Scissorsqty 12
Cutting matsqty 6
Putty knivesqty 12
Mixing bowlsqty 24
Brushesqty 30
Water tubsqty 12

Protection

Spray masksqty 24
Safety gogglesqty 24
Nitrile glovesqty 100
Disposable coverallsqty 24
Earplugsqty 24
First aid kit
Safety tapeqty 2
Warning signsqty 4

Setup

Tarpsqty 12
Plastic tableclothsqty 6
Drying labelsqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the participant limit before sending invitations. It determines how many work tables, chairs, protective outfits, spray masks, goggles and pairs of gloves you need, as well as the amount of paint and catering to order.
Plan the workshop in sections: introduction, technique practice, stencil work and final pieces. Prepare stencil designs and practice cards in advance so participants are not waiting while materials are cut.
Prepare the workspace before participants arrive. Cover the floors, mark unsafe areas with safety tape, display warning signs and keep waste bins and a first aid kit easy to reach.
Check deliveries at least 48 hours before the workshop. Count aerosol cans, markers, canvas cloths and protective supplies, and test extension cords, power strips and work lights before setup begins.
Send participant information no later than 3 days before the event. Include the start time, expected end time, clothing guidance, safety requirements and a deadline for dietary requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a graffiti workshop?: Book the venue and confirm the date at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Send invitations once the date, location and participant limit are fixed, then order specialist materials early enough to check deliveries at least 48 hours before the workshop.
How much time do I need to set up a graffiti workshop?: Allow 2 to 3 hours for setup, depending on the number of participants and workstations. Floor protection, tables, chairs, paint supplies, protective clothing, safety signs and the instruction table should be ready before anyone starts painting.
What safety equipment is needed for a graffiti workshop?: Provide spray masks, safety goggles, nitrile gloves and disposable coveralls for each participant, with spares available. Add warning signs, safety tape, a first aid kit and suitable ventilation, and complete a safety check before the session begins.
When should I collect dietary requirements for the workshop?: Ask for dietary requirements when processing registrations, then set a clear deadline at least 7 days before the event. Use the final participant list to determine catering quantities and prepare the catering area before the workshop starts.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.