Getting Started With Hand-Lettering
I get SO many messages from my followers on Instagram asking me questions about how to get started with hand-lettering. I decided it was time to create a post you guys can reference at any time with ALL of the information you need to learn hand-lettering! I have this blog post broken down by question type to make it easier to find what you’re looking for! If you have any other questions, send me a dm on Instagram!
“How did you get started with hand-lettering?”
I’ve been lettering my entire life! I always hand-drew birthday cards for friends, made banners for holidays, and doodled in all of my notebooks during class! The best way to get started is…to start! Practicing your lettering is the best way to improve your lettering. Start with simple letters first (block or bubble style letters are a good way to start) There are lots of different styles of lettering, so I recommend searching the hashtag #handlettering to get some ideas and inspiration! You can also check out my Lettering Live tutorials I filmed this past summer for step by step tutorials!
“What tools do you use for lettering?”
True Life: I’m a pen, marker, art supplies hoarder 😂 I love to use different supplies depending on the project or material I am lettering on! I’ve listed some of my all-time favorites below:
Sharpies- Sharpies are a great go-to marker for lettering! I like the fine-line Sharpie in black best, but there are so many sizes to choose from! Keep in mind the smaller the project, the smaller you want your marker to be to avoid bleeding or running out of space.
Classic Crayola Markers- If you are a teacher, you most likely already own these markers, but maybe you never thought to use them for lettering! What I love about these markers is that you can use the tip to create thinner lettering and the side of the marker to create a thicker line! Try practicing making a mark from thin to thick. This will help you to create “brush-style” hand-lettering!
Sketchbook- Remember when I said the best way to learn is to practice? Having your own sketchbook will give you the perfect place to practice your skills! Learning lettering on paper is extremely helpful before trying anything digital. Practice alphabet drills, or writing each letter of the alphabet over and over, until you are happy with your lettering style!
Chalk Markers- Once you’ve practiced your lettering drills, you are ready for your first project! I recommend getting a small chalkboard (the Target Bullseye’s Playground always has cute seasonal ones for under $5) and lettering a short phrase! These markers are washable, which means you can “erase” any mistakes with a wet cloth. I used these markers to create the chalkboard for my DIY Pencil Bottle Brush Trees!
“Do you have any book recommendations for how to learn hand-lettering?”
Hands down, my favorite books to learn lettering are from Sarah aka ChalkfullofLove. She has two lettering books: Hand Lettering 101 and Hand Lettering 201. I own both books and love them! If you only have the funds to purchase one, I would get the Hand Lettering 201 book. The Hand Lettering 201 book is Sarah’s second book and includes the same drills + EVEN MORE alphabets and drills! I also love illustrator Jessica Hische! She is my design girl-crush. Jessica has a book called “In Progress: See Inside a Lettering Artist's Sketchbook and Process, from Pencil to Vector”. This book would be better suited for someone wanting to create their own lettering, instead of following pre-made drills. Jessica also goes over how to vectorize your work for digital projects.
how do you letter on the iPad?
Lettering on the Ipad is SO much fun! You have access to so many different textures and styles without making a mess or ruining your mani 😂 Below are the tools I use for lettering on the Ipad:
12” iPad Pro- It doesn’t really matter which iPad you choose to purchase, as long as it is Apple Pencil compatible. The Pro versions will give you more storage space AND a bigger screen size. If you plan to use a lot of layers for your work or plan on creating A LOT, I would definitely splurge on the most storage available!
Apple Pencil (2nd gen)- I love love love the Apple Pencil! Make sure you check the specs of your iPad to see which pencil is compatible. I had to upgrade my Apple Pencil this year when I upgraded my iPad because the 1st gen Apple Pencil wouldn’t work with my newer model. There are other styluses out there- but I highly recommend the Apple Pencil.
Paperlike Screen Protector- The name says it all- this screen protector makes it feel like you are drawing on paper!
Procreate App- Procreate is my go-to app for all of my digital art! I create my hand-lettered quotes, t-shirt designs, and stickers in the Procreate app!
Callie Danielle Apple Pencil Skin- Not a necessity, but I LOVE my Callie Danielle Apple Pencil skin!
My Favorite Brushes For Procreate
Whew! Did you make it this far? If you did, you are the real MVP! I hope this blog post helped you learn a little more about hand-lettering and how to get started! As I mentioned earlier in the post, I have a bunch of videos posted to my IGTV from my Lettering Live series I did over the summer! There are also lettering guides available for purchase in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Happy Lettering!
-Chelsey
