Resources for Starting Hand-Lettering
Lettering, the art of creating beautiful, hand-drawn typography, has captured the hearts of many creatives and artists. Whether you're a seasoned lettering enthusiast or just starting your lettering journey, there are countless resources available to inspire, educate, and equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in this expressive craft. In this blog, we'll explore some fantastic books, podcasts, online resources, and essential supplies that will take your lettering skills to new heights. From renowned lettering artists to digital tools and traditional methods, there's something here for everyone. Let's dive in!
Books:
For aspiring hand-lettering enthusiasts seeking guidance and inspiration, consider the following books:
"In Progress" by Jessica Hische: Jessica Hische is a leader in the hand-lettering industry. Her book offers a helpful step-by-step guide on how to start, explaining the differences between letterforms, how to structure your pieces, and how to vectorize your work.
"Goodtype - The Art of Lettering": This book is a fantastic collection of lettering pieces from professional artists, perfect for getting inspired.
"Freelance and Business and Stuff" by Amy Hood and Jennifer Hood: If you are interested in turning lettering into a business, this book is a must-have. It's a complete guidebook on how to get your business started right and how to get clients. Geared towards creatives, it stands out from standard business books and boasts beautiful design.
Podcasts:
For those seeking inspiration and motivation, explore the following lettering-focused podcasts:
Side Hustler's Perspective: This podcast takes on the role of a creative coach with host Scotty Russell. It's not specifically about lettering but inspires you to put yourself in a position to get paid in a creative freelance career.
Creative Pep Talk: Hosted by Andy J Pizza, this podcast also isn't solely about lettering but offers valuable inspiration and encouragement throughout your creative journey.
Where to Find Brushes and Tools:
To bring your lettering to life, you need the right tools. Check out the following resources:
Creative Market: This platform offers lots of resources for any area of design, including brushes, textures, stamps, and guides specifically tailored for lettering. The added bonus is that they provide 4 free goods a week.
Mr Mockup: If you want to see what your work would look like in the real world, mockups are the way to go. Mr Mockup provides many great free mockups, although you'll need Photoshop to use them.
Retro Supply Co: This website is a favorite for purchasing brushes, especially if you love working with Procreate. They often have great deals and offer a wide variety of retro and texture-heavy brushes.
Design Cuts: Another resource-rich website, Design Cuts, offers various brushes, freebies, and tutorials for any area of design, including plenty of options for lettering enthusiasts.
Stefan Kunz - Grid Brushes and Letter Builder: Stefan Kunz, a professional lettering artist, offers a range of valuable resources for sale on his website. Two of his most popular resources are grid and letter builders. Grid builders are brushes compatible with Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator that help you easily build a layout of anything that you are lettering. Letter builders, also compatible with Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator, are structured to include any letter in one grid, helping keep your lettering uniform and learn the structure of serif and san serif letter forms.
Online Resources:
To enhance your lettering skills, explore the following online resources:
Skillshare: Skillshare offers many valuable courses for lettering enthusiasts. While some courses are free, a membership is recommended for diving deep into the world of lettering. There are ways to save on the membership cost, such as free trials, discounts from podcasts and YouTubers, and scholarship opportunities for students.
Goodtype: Instagram's "Goodtype" features many talented lettering artists to get inspiration from. They also send out newsletters with helpful resources and offer both free and paid courses on their website.
Supplies:
Now, let's talk about the essential tools for creating stunning lettering:
iPad & Apple Pencil: While not necessary to learn and practice hand-lettering, an iPad can take your lettering to new heights. Being able to make digital hand-lettered designs with a tool that feels as natural as a real pen or pencil is a game-changer. Just be sure to check compatibility, as different generations of iPads and Apple Pencils may have different compatibilities.
Paper Screen Protector: This accessory makes all the difference when drawing on your iPad. It gives you a more natural feeling, as if you were drawing on paper. There are many options out there, but I have linked the one I have and enjoy.
Procreate: The most popular drawing app for Apple devices, Procreate is an industry standard and a perfect blend of analog and digital lettering. Constantly updated, it offers endless possibilities for beginners and professionals alike.
Notebook & Pencil: Going old-school with a notebook and pencil can be incredibly beneficial for practicing lettering. It allows you to sketch out and explore numerous ideas without the pressure of digital tools.
Conclusion:
Lettering is a captivating art form that allows you to express yourself creatively and artistically. The resources mentioned in this blog, including insightful books, inspirational podcasts, and valuable online platforms, will undoubtedly propel your lettering journey to new heights. With the right tools and a passion for the craft, you can unlock your full potential as a lettering artist. So, whether you're an experienced pro or just starting, don't hesitate to explore these resources and embark on a beautiful lettering adventure! Happy lettering!