Lettering for Beginners: Everything I Wish I Knew When I Started

And there’s a lot.

I started pursuing lettering seriously again at the start of the quarantine. Even though sometimes that feels like it has been eons ago, it has really only been since late March/early April.

Since then, I’ve learned a few things that I wish I had known when I started. Now, keep in mind, I get super-serious about things that I want to learn. So, if you’re kind of like that, this post might be helpful.

“How to Letter” lettering classes are almost all created equally.
This is the one that’s closest to my heart, so I’m starting with it…and I am prefacing this one with the fact that this is my opinion. The majority of lettering classes are advertised for beginners and advanced and can be upwards of $100+. If you know the basics (how to form letters, the basic types of letter styles, basic terminology, and how to digitize it), there are precious few that are worth the ching. Although the one I’m taking now is not in that category (thankfully), I’ve kicked myself with some of the larger-ticketed classes because, after seeing them, I realized I had already learned those lessons elsewhere for wayyyy less and I could’ve purchased a class that was geared to what I want to do with my lettering skills rather than another how-to-letter, had I figured it out sooner.
If I were you, and I already knew the basics of lettering, I’d hold onto my money and wait for the classes that offer a unique twist or something more advanced than the average, how-to-start-lettering lettering class. If you need to learn the basics, pick your favorite of the favorites, take that class, and then resist the urge to take any more classes on learning to letter. No matter how they market it, it’s usually the same class and same principles you can get in any decent, basic, lettering class. Instead, after you’re confident you have basic lettering down, invest in classes that help you learn where to take your lettering next rather than more how-to-letter classes. Most often, it’s only practicing the basics and pushing yourself creatively that are going to get you any progress with your technique (see #3).
You don’t have to buy ALL the things to get started.
I believe I had shiny object syndrome when it came to buying supplies. While I love having options, and I make it a point to use all of my tools, I use a mechanical pencil and an iPad to complete most of what I do now. I am also interested in chalk lettering and brush calligraphy/crayligraphy. Three mediums, tops. To me, that means I might not master many of the other tools…and that’s okay. Developing a unique workflow and a personal toolbox is not a bad thing. But, just know that in the beginning, you could just invest in a few tools and a notebook and call it a day. Swap tools out only when they don’t fit the way you want to work.
It takes time and practice to see progress…and lots of discipline.
It’s not going to be a tool. It’s not going to be a book. It’s not going to be a class, per se. It’s nice to have access to those things. But, it’s only going to be practicing over time to get better results. You just have to do the work.
The messages you letter matter more than how you lettered it.
You don’t want to post in a vacuum. You want someone to see your work. But, unless your posts are relevant to some extent, they’ll never get seen. I’m still working on this part, actually. But, I’ve come to believe that 90% of getting your work seen and possibly some feedback on it is based on how relevant the words are and how impactful the message is-not just the style and technique. I do believe in craftsmanship (I have an arts background, after all). But, if people can’t relate to what you’re saying or aren’t moved by it, all the craftsmanship in the world won’t get your artwork seen. Sharing your voice counts for a lot in lettering.
Don’t forget why you started your journey.
Even while it can take time and feedback to grow, constantly counting days on the calendar until you’ve arrived at your groove and over-relying on feedback can cause disappointment, if you’re not careful. While you may not have found your thing with lettering yet, don’t forget that the whole reason you started learning lettering is because you wanted to do it for YOU. Besides that, it’s fun and a way to indulge your creative side! Enjoy the journey! And remember, getting feedback is just a bonus to pursuing a craft that excites you. Don’t get hung up on it.
This is a bonus for working moms like me…
Unless you’re stuck inside due to a quarantine (and sometimes, that won’t matter either), you will always have something else to do. Lettering on-the-go isn’t always ideal. But, you have to make time for your budding practice. That might mean looking for small opportunities throughout the day that you can maximize…Letter while taking a phone call, stay up another twenty minutes if you can, practice even on the job, if possible. For instance, I assign my students lettering projects that I get to demo (of course, it’s in the job description). I am also finding ways to create lettering pieces for our school newsletter (see below) and my virtual classroom. Whatever small bit of time you can steal away for yourself to devote to your practice, do it. You’ll thank yourself later.