CREATE: Handlettering
::Create::
hand lettering
Hand lettering is something that has long interested me. I'm a word girl- and I love a beautifully handwritten card or sign. I remember trying to learn calligraphy as a teen (without a lot of success) but I mostly thought of hand lettering as something best left for the experts- until recently.
I'm still a newbie, and certainly not an expert, but I'm here to tell you that hand lettering is not only a lot of fun, but is also not as hard as you might think. I'm going to teach you a faux calligraphy trick that will instantly improve your game when it comes to hand lettering. With a little practice, you'll be creating custom lettering art in no time!
Before we get to that, you might want to gather a few supplies: paper, pencil, pen (Micron and/or Sharpies are great for this), colored pencils, markers, watercolors, or chalk. It's really up to you, but trying different mediums is a great way to make it interesting.
I used a workbook when I first started practicing. I would trace the example letters first, then I practiced on lined paper. You can do the same. HERE is some lined paper you can print-out and use for practice and HERE is a print-out you can use as an example of some beautiful script to copy.
Here's the secret to beautiful calligraphy: thick down strokes and thin up strokes. That's it. You can fake this look, easy peasy, by simply writing your words then thickening up your down strokes.
Some other things to know:
Mix it up! Try mixing a script font with a serif font or all caps with no caps.
Practice a little everyday- the more you practice, the more natural it will start to feel. You muscle memory will kick in.
Create your own unique style- get inspiration from what you see around you and then experiment to make you style better and better.
Why do I include a day on hand lettering in an online retreat called, Renew?
A creative pursuit like hand lettering can serve several purposes:
First, art for art's sake is always a good thing.
"Art is an imaginative activity, and in the act of creating, we reflect the mind of our maker." - Philip Graham Lyken, Art for Art's Sake
Secondly, the repetitive gesture of practicing hand lettering is meditative. It's a way of quieting the mind- which will help you to listen. Is God trying to tell you something? Sometimes it's hard to hear amongst all the noise.
Finally, one of my favorite ways to practice hand lettering is to use it to write Scriptural truths. You can do this, too. It's an excellent way to slow down and really focus on God's words.
When I'm feeling overwhelmed, sometimes I like to retreat to my desk, get out my pens and paper, put on some great music, and practice hand lettering. I feel renewed afterward, and ready to get back to work.
I've created a playlist for you, 15 songs that will remind you how amazing it is to be a child of God. This is, for the most part, an upbeat and lively list, something I find just right for those times when I'm playing around and being creative. Maybe it will inspire you, too.
1. Ever Be- Kalley Heiligenthal
2. Hello, My Name Is- Matthew West
3. Good Morning- Mandisa
4. It is Well, Lauren Daigle
5. Flawless, Mercy Me
6. He Knows My Name- Francesca Battistelli
7. Eye of the Storm- Ryan Stevenson
8. Oceans- Hillsong United
9. Grace Wins- Matthew West
10. Alone- Hollyn
11. For All You Are- Casting Crowns
12. Greater- Mercy Me
13. Me Without You- Toby Mac
14. Loyal- Lauren Daigle
15. Christ in Me- Jeremy Camp
*If you are an Amazon Prime member, you may also access and listen to the playlist HERE (minus the Lauren Daigle songs, which are only available w/purchase)
PDF download: HERE
One more bonus to learning how to do hand lettering is that you can make things for people! I made a sign for my daughter's graduation party by spray-painting the inside board of an old picture frame I had with chalk paint. I still have a ways to go on perfecting my lettering skills, but I'm enjoying the process of learning. I hope, if you give it a try, you'll enjoy it, too!
