Like any creative field, text can be dry and boring.
One area in which it shines, however, is inhand lettering.
This is, however, what attracts many people to hand lettering in the first place.
Photo:Colin Tierney
It’s a characteristic to celebrate as you draw.
How does hand lettering differ from calligraphy?
So, how does hand lettering differ fromcalligraphy?
Photo:Emily McDowell
Although they both revolve around text, hand lettering isdrawingthe individual letterforms whilecalligraphyis a style ofwriting.
Hand lettering has more creative freedom than calligraphy.
You don’t have to use a certain tool or make certain strokes.
Photo:Emily McDowell
In fact, you could use just about anything to draw letters.
With hand lettering, the creative possibilities are endless.
Hand lettering can look like calligraphy but goes about getting there in a different way.
Photo:Jen Mussari
Popular Uses for Hand Lettering
Stationeryis one of the most common places youll find hand lettering.
Its also a perfect place to emphasize a letter with illustrative flair.
All of her witty work looks like its written by hand, which makes it feel personalized.
Photo:Jen Mussari
Photo:Jen Mussari
Hand lettering also offers a valuable opportunity to let your voice be heard.
It might look daunting, but have no fearthere are many resources for learning how.
We recommend taking the time to understand the basics and best practices for drawing letterforms.
Photo:Zachary Smith
He’ll show you the basics of hand lettering and how to develop your own style.
He also teaches another valuable skillhow to match the typeface to the mood of your project.
Having a handful of go-to utensils will be more than enough.
Photo: Danison Fronda onMy Modern Met Academy
Better yet, you could use just about anything to letter, from pencil to pens to markers.
So, what makes them so special?
A brush pen is designed to vary in its line weight.
Abbey Sy
Other pens, like ballpoint, for instance, are meant to create one uniform thickness.
Brush pens have flexible natural or synthetic bristles that mimic a paintbrush.
Here are a few beloved options for brush pens.
Abbey Sy
For an even longer list, check out our article featuring more of thebest brush penson the market.
This allows you to get thick, varied lines as well as precise marks all in one pen.
The pack includes one blender pen that will give your drawing a watercolor-like effect.
Tombow| $23.46
Each pen includes India ink that’s smudge-proof and waterproof when dry.
Dexa Muamar
See more fromDexa Muamar.
Dangerdust
See more fromDangerdust.
Tombow| $5.87
Katie Daisy
See more fromKatie Daisy.
Ben Johnston
See more fromBen Johnston.
Timothy Goodman
See more fromTimothy Goodman.
Faber-Castell| $13.49
