Lettering Tips

[Don't let the length of this link overwhelm you! LOL. I promise it's worth the read and there isn't much "extra" in here.]

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When starting your own lettering, you need to look for tons of inspiration. And yes, I mean look up other artists’ work, notice the differences between each artist and take mental note about what you like and what you do not.

“Copying” another artists’ work is not recommended. Begin lettering with the mindset of developing your own style and niche. Lettering is a form of art, and everyone's lettering style is different!

When beginning, please, do not invest in a bunch of pens, brushes, markers, and supplies. Just start with a pencil, a basic pen, & some notebook paper. You need to get the basic steps down first. When I started, I was using a common, “draw the letter as normal, and then make a line on the downstrokes and fill it in” way. & that’s a good way to start. I was overwhelmed at first with trying to figure out what an upstroke and downstroke was. Mentally, “how would I even keep tabs on those when I’m trying to write all fancy”? But after 2 years of practice, I think of each stroke I make with my pens as I go. [it sounds way scarier than it is].

After practicing just on exactly HOW to do it, then practice your style. Add flair, curls, flourishes & just keep doodling. Look up your favorite bible verses and quotes from authors that inspire you and just keep creating.

Some REALLY great, common supplies that I found in my own house were, Crayola Supertips, Crayola fat tip markers [classic], Ticonderoga pencils [I’m old school], & a grading marker/pen.

If you think you are ready to move up and out of the beginner stage, Tombow Fudenosuke pens are the -best-. I also own a Tombow Monotwin and it’s perfect for larger letters and small details! Pentel Touch Pens are much like the Tombow Fudenosuke pen but they are in different colors so you’re not strapped down for just black lettering; however, Tombow just started making color Fudenosuke pens! 

Michael’s Arts & Crafts store sells Canson Marker paper, which is perfect for free lettering, no lines, but a premium softness. Tracing paper is great for lettering sheets that you want to use more than once. NEVER USE computer paper. It wears your premium pens and markers down. Use smooth paper, like the Canson Marker paper [it’s a purple paper pad] or another premium paper!

I had lettering sheets uploaded a while back, but since then, so much has changed! I am going to remake them and have them uploaded soon! ♥