Beginner Lettering Series- 5 Tips for Hand Lettering Beginners

Hey there! Are you a beginner?

Or maybe you’ve been hand lettering for a while now but you still feel stuck. Let me share a secret with you right off the bat… it takes time! Everyone was a beginner once. However, there are a few things I wish I had known when I starting out … so today I’m sharing them with you.

1. Slow down

One of the biggest mistakes made when lettering can be speed. When I first started I rushed everything. On Instagram, most lettering videos are sped up creating the illusion that you can actually letter quickly and neatly.  I was so used to watching these and it led me to believe hand lettering was fast. Quite the opposite is true! It takes a long time to letter a word, especially when you are a beginner. To help you with this I suggest following the real-time lettering hashtag on Instagram. What a difference you will see! Hand lettering is not handwriting. This is such an important thought to keep in mind when you begin. People will look at your work and say “wow you have such beautiful handwriting!” While this is very encouraging and is a sincere compliment; your lettering is not your handwriting. You are drawing each letter individually (each stroke actually) making it a form of art.

2. Keep your eyes on your own paper

Remember elementary school? I admit I said this myself as a teacher. Comparing your work to others will only hurt and make you believe the lie that you’re not good enough. Lettering is a skill that comes with practice. I compare learning hand lettering to learning to play an instrument. It just takes time! Keeping your eyes on your own paper will help. Take some time away from social media if you need to. And remember….everyone was a beginner once– even me! We all improve with time and you will too.

3. Drills are your friend

When I don’t know what to write, I work on drills. When I am watching TV at night I work on drills. I have been lettering for over three years and I still do drills. Why? They help tremendously! I am teaching myself muscle memory and perfecting my craft. Don’t get to the place where you are “above” drills and alphabet practice. There are so many benefits! Fewer shakes and building muscle are just to name a few. You never need to worry about not having a quote to write because drills are always there for you!

*Head over to my freebies page and download the brushstroke freebie! (It’s a perfect example of some basic drills)

4. Choose products wisely

Check out my favorites page to see everything I use for lettering!

Pens- I highly recommend starting with small tip brush pens for better control. When I started I used Tombow Dual Brush Pens because I saw everyone else using them. I became frustrated quickly because this is not a beginner pen. You could also start with Crayola markers as well. These are inexpensive and will help you master your thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes.

Paper- I recommend using tracing paper to practice with. It is inexpensive and will protect the investment you’ve put into your pens. You can also purchase HP Premium Paper which is another alternative. This is a super smooth paper that also protects. No copy paper! I ruined my first pack of pens this way. Tears!

5. Practice, practice, practice

Nothing else will ultimately improve your lettering. No fancy brush pen collection, beautiful desk area, nothing truly makes you better at lettering except time and practice. Put on some music, watch your favorite show and letter away. You will be amazed at how quickly you improve with just 10 minutes a day.

Remember these tips, be kind to yourself and have fun! Comment below and share with me which one of these tips inspired you today? Share this post with another lettering friend and let’s cheer each other on! Yay!