To help refine and prepare hand-lettering pieces for digital editing, it is important to sketch each design on paper first. This helps with spacing and layout.
Try different pens, pencils and markers to discover which tools suit your style. Also consider tracing fonts to learn spacing and shape as well as emulating unique lettering styles and designs.
Pencil
A pencil is the most basic tool in your lettering kit. It is a writing utensil that contains a solid graphite core encased in a protective layer of wood or composite material. Pencils leave marks on paper by depositing part of the core pigment at the paper surface. This is why it’s important to choose the right pencil for your creative lettering: pencils come in various degrees of hardness, and different grades offer a variety of characteristics.
For instance, a pencil with an HB or 2H grade creates very fine lines, ideal for pre-drawing individual letters, auxiliary lines and decorative elements before you trace them over with the pen of your choice. This way, you can easily erase the pencil line afterwards to start fresh with your ink drawing.
Another option is a brush pen, which has a similar structure to the regular pen but with a softer tip. Suitable for many styles of lettering, these pens produce fine, even strokes and are great for beginners to practise with. STAEDTLER offers a range of different double-ended brush pens, such as the Design Journey 3001 or the ProArte Soft Tip Watercolour Brush Pens.
Another essential item is a ruler, which helps keep your lettering work straight and ensures that all your guidelines are properly positioned on the paper. The ruler also helps when you’re tracing your rougher pencil sketches so that you can use them as guides for your final ink compositions. Finally, a compass is essential for anyone who wants to take their lettering art to the next level. This is a tool that you may not have used much since your school days but is incredibly helpful when it comes to drawing your lettering curves precisely.
Eraser
The eraser is one of the most important tools for hand lettering because we’re all bound to make mistakes. Whether you’re just starting out, or an experienced artist, having the right eraser can make all the difference.
A good quality eraser will remove pencil marks quickly and cleanly without tearing or leaving any smudges. There are many types of erasers to choose from, and each has its own unique properties that affect how it works.
Rubber erasers are the most common type of eraser and can be found in most stores that sell stationery. These erasers are made of a soft, absorbent material that can remove graphite markings from paper without damaging it. When you rub a rubber eraser over a pencil mark, the friction and heat created loosens the graphite particles from the paper. Then, when you run your finger over the eraser, those particles are picked up and removed.
Another type of eraser that can be used for lettering is a kneaded eraser. These are often found in artists’ toolkits because they can be molded into precise points to erase very small marks or to create a smooth, blended look. They are also less abrasive than traditional erasers and won’t leave smudges or debris.
You can even use a plastic eraser shield to protect your work when erasing! These handy little tools are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you are working on a piece of tracing paper or a thin sheet of drawing paper and don’t want to risk creases or tears in your work, simply line up the shape of the eraser shield over the area you need to erase and rub away.
Ruler
When you’re first starting out, you may find yourself relying on rulers and grids to help you get your letters straight and consistent. Whether you’re using dot grid paper, graph paper, or simply lined paper, a ruler can be an absolute lifesaver in terms of keeping your lettering looking professional and having a consistent baseline.
Using a ruler can also be helpful when you’re adding extra details to your work, such as doodles, flourishes, or banners. While it’s not essential to have these extra embellishments, they can add a lot of interest to your art and help elevate your pieces.
Another great thing about rulers is their ability to help you get your composition right. For example, if you’re drawing a shape and you want to make sure it’s centered on your page, simply move the Composition Ruler down so that it lines up with the vertical center line guide. Then, use your pencil to trace a circle around the top of the shape, and you’ll have a perfectly centered layout!
A ruler is a simple tool that’s invaluable to any creative. I recommend getting a few different types so that you can experiment with how they work, as well as finding one that’s the most comfortable for you to hold and draw on.
Having proper technique is more important than fancy tools in the beginning stages, but once you’re ready to start elevating your work, there are many ways to do so! Be sure to check out other methods as well, for reference, or as an example, rub on transfers are pricy but work the best. We hope you’re inspired to create some amazing works of art!
Straight Edge
Using a straight edge is one of the most important tools for hand lettering beginners and it’s not just for keeping your lines straight! Whether you’re practicing on lined paper, dot grid, or graph paper, having a straight line to work off of is a huge help in mapping out your baseline and in maintaining consistency across different pieces. Especially if you’re working on block lettering styles which are easier to map out than cursive or script.
As you progress in your skill set, it’s essential to practice proper pen manipulation techniques to ensure your lettering has that polished, professional look. To begin, focus on mastering straight downstrokes and the corresponding spacing. This will enable you to create designs that captivate the eye and effectively communicate your message.
In order to achieve a consistent width for each stroke, consider adjusting the amount of pressure you apply to your nib at the end of a downstroke. This technique is called “finishing release” and it’s a critical aspect of learning to control your writing utensil.
To further hone your lettering skills, invest in some practice sheets and guides that can help you develop your style and improve your consistency. A favorite of mine is the Julisha Kim Letter Builder pack, which includes guidelines for a variety of popular hand lettering styles. You can also find dedicated worksheets that focus on establishing typography fundamentals like kerning, leading, and spacing.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try out some different pens and pencils to see what works best for your unique style. But remember, even though superior supplies can make your work better, it’s the dedication to mastering proper technique that will allow you to take your art to the next level!
Compass
A compass may be a tool you haven’t thought about since high school geometry, but it’s an essential lettering accessory for drawing on curves. You can find a variety of different types of compasses, from traditional models with magnetized needles to those with lenses for sighting on objects and taking a bearing. If you’re going to be using a compass for drawing on curves, invest in a professional model that will provide you with accuracy and precision, rather than a cheap hobbyist one.
A light box is another great tool for tracing your rough pencil sketches over with ink. A good light box will allow you to see your lines clearly and will give you a cleaner result than just relying on your natural lighting. This can help you to fine-tune your ink application and create more precise circles.
Hand lettering is an art form that requires patience and consistent practice to master. Be sure to set aside dedicated time each day for practice, and don’t be afraid to try new styles and techniques. By consistently honing your skills, you’ll be able to elevate your hand-lettered creations and turn them into beautiful pieces of art.
If you want to get more creative with your hand-lettering, consider adding some embellishments such as florals and banners to your designs. These can add a splash of color and personality to your work, making them stand out from the rest. Adding some embellishments to your lettering can also be a fun way to learn about new styles and techniques and expand your artistic capabilities.
There are many generous artists and designers who offer free lettering exercises on their blogs and social media channels. Take advantage of these opportunities to improve your skills while supporting the creative community of hand letterers.
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