Most prolific writers type away on keyboards, only a few still use pens. What is written is much more personal when you do it yourself. Let’s be honest: a physical invitation in the mailbox is more appreciative than a new, unread email in the inbox or a WhatsApp message that pops up. In addition, creative cards are far more attractive than black letters on glowing displays. Especially since the highest level of creativity is already achieved with serif fonts. So: If you’re serious, grab a pen and paper – or something like that.
With a little skill and a few utensils you can create pretty lettering with a personal expression. A method that is very trendy is called hand lettering. With this method, many people who don’t like crafts discover an artistic talent within themselves. Hand lettering is essentially the art of beautiful writing. It differs from conventional writing through unusually designed letters. Unlike typical calligraphy, which involves precise writing with a special quill, hand lettering offers more scope for creativity and personal expression. Helpful tools are special hand lettering pens. These are available in a number of sizes, colors and thicknesses. The following article will help you gain an overview when making your selection.
One more piece of information in advance: Anyone can learn hand lettering, even without prior knowledge. All you need is a pen, paper and the willingness to get involved in the art of letters. However, before attempting more complex fonts, it is advisable to master the basics: the correct pen position, the strokes and an understanding of the proportions of the letters. Beginners should take time to practice.
Hand lettering artists are happy to share their tips and techniques to help beginners get started. Some can be found on social networks or forums. But there are also books that help with practice. Many of them show particularly pretty alphabets that you can copy or you can find helpful instructions in them. For newbies, buying a book like this is worth it. When it comes to buying hand lettering pens, you should know a few basics in advance.
Brushes, fineliners, marker pens – the market offers a wide range of tools. This can be overwhelming for some beginners. Questions quickly arise such as: Which pen is suitable for which shape? How thick should the tip be? And and and. Here is a differentiation.
Paint brush
Brush pens are arguably the most popular tools in a hand lettering artist’s arsenal. They are particularly suitable for dynamic lines. Brush pens allow for flexible lines, thick curves and delicate strokes, which is particularly advantageous when writing calligraphy or brush lettering. Some brush pens are filled with water-soluble ink, allowing you to create a watercolor effect. By adding water you can blend the colors and create different shades and gradients.
Fineliner
Fineliners are particularly suitable for precise lines and accurate letters. With their thin tip, they allow for a clean outline and are ideal for details and decorations. Fineliners are available in different thicknesses, which offers the user a number of design options.
chalk
Chalk pens are suitable if hand lettering is not to be done on paper, but on boards, windows or other surfaces. You probably know chalk hand lettering from written boards in front of restaurant entrances that use curved letters to draw attention to delicious dishes. The pens offer clearly visible, opaque writing and are easy to wipe off. Practical!
If you have found suitable pens, you are already in a good position. However, you should also pay attention to details when using another utensil.
In addition to the variety of pens, choosing the right paper also plays an important role. A smooth paper allows the pen to move smoothly, while a textured paper can give handlettering a rough charm. Many people like to experiment with different pens and papers to achieve a special effect. Have fun! With a little practice you will eventually find your own style.
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