Next, you’ll need graph paper to practice drawing your
letters. This will help you maintain consistency. Pro-tip: You can find free
graph paper on the Printable Paper site.
Once you have the right tools, see the tips below on the
lettering process. For more advanced lettering instruction, check out the Hand-Lettering Power Course where you will find guidance on basic letterforms
design.
Basic Hand-Lettering Tips:
Lettering is not the same thing
as handwriting. When you are lettering, you are actually
drawing the letterforms.
Create a library of
inspiration. We included our lettering library below
to give you ideas on what to include in your library. Also browse Pinterest and
YouTube as lettering artists frequently publish their work on those sites. We
recommend following Denise Bosler, Jeremy Pruitt, and Jessica Hische’s Pinterest boards as they always post
fantastic resources for inspiration.
Look to typographic design for
inspiration. Denise Bosler advises that “the best way to
start [lettering] is by copying from existing typefaces to get to know the feel
of the letterforms.” Trace popular typefaces, such as Helvetica, using the grid
paper. Pay attention to the spacing, line heights and widths.
Remember to follow the rules of
typography. (If you’re new to typography, here’s a handy
list of typography terms. Denise
Bosler also produced this affordable typography crash course.)
Refine, refine, refine. Once
you have sketches of your lettering, refine until the letters follow the
typographic rules. Refining might take several tries. This is why you need an
eraser nearby as you’ll use it often.
Good Luck
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