How I Started Hand Lettering

Have you been mesmerized by lettering videos on Instagram? Maybe you saw some hand-lettered goods and thought “I want to learn to do that!” 

My Story:

This was me exactly! A little over two years ago, as a new stay at home mom, I found myself missing my career as a teacher. I longed for the creative aspect that I didn’t realize was one of the best parts of the job. I remember creating beautifully written posters in my classroom always helped brighten up the wall space and hand lettering seemed very similar! 

At Christmas, my sister gifted me a book and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I started right away (literally while still sitting next to the tree). Now honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. Looking back I have to laugh because I used the WRONG type of pens while completing this book (but hey that’s part of my journey right?!) 😂 

I devoured that book. I LOVED it,  finished it in two days. And then… my lettering stopped. I didn’t know where to go from there and I didn’t intentionally set time aside for a hobby. After a few months after this, looking through my filled out hand lettering book I realized how much I enjoyed it so I began again. I found free resources online and watched youtube videos. I started an Instagram account to share my lettering after throwing the idea out there to my sisters. They cheered me on and lifted me up.

So whether you are looking for a hobby, or you already found lettering but are kinda stuck, I’m here to help! I have compiled a quick list of what I used to learn the art of modern calligraphy and hand lettering. You can easily start yourself. I learned from THE BEST and you can too. Let’s cheer each other on and I can’t wait to see what you can create! 

3 Ways to Start Hand Lettering

1. Purchase (or download free) Lettering Practice Worksheets

Cost: $

Hand lettering artists typically offer a few free resources to help you practice lettering (mine are here!) However, to get the really solid practice I recommend purchasing a set of the alphabet. This will help you fundamentally. A huge pro to this: they are reusable and Etsy is a great place to start. They are created by lettering artists WHO KNOW what they’re doing! Find some with GOOD reviews. I recommend starting HERE and HERE. A few more with great reviews are HERE and HERE. 

2. Buy a book

Cost: $$

Books on lettering are comprehensive and concise. They are usually written by a lettering artist who has put their heart and soul into it. You can follow these authors/artists on Instagram and see for yourself! Books will include information on specific materials. They will teach you fundamentals and have blank areas for practice. Click on the image or link below to see the books I highly recommend. 

Click here for recommended hand lettering books! 

3. Take an online lettering course

Cost: $$$

Yes! They ARE out there. A few incredibly talented lettering artists have taken their passion to the next level and are now teaching! I recommend this if you are serious about learning to letter and plan on sticking with it. Do you want to create things for yourself or to sell in the future? Then learn from the best:

1. Amanda Arneill
2. HowtoHandletter
3. HandletteredDesign
4. Ensign Insights 

Happy lettering! I hope reading my quick story helps you with your own journey. Don’t forget to send me a note with any questions you may have. And share this post with a friend who you think would like to start lettering!