Ever wanted to make your words look artistic and distinctly you? Well, this is the blog for you! Lettering is the art of turning ordinary words into eye-catching designs. In this article, we'll explore 8 hand lettering techniques to help you level up your lettering game using various mediums and styles. Let's get started!
1. Dip Pen Lettering
Dip pen lettering is a more traditional writing style perfect for calligraphy! It's all about making your writing look elegant using a dip pen and ink. With every stroke, you can add unique swirls and lines to turn your words into a work of art. The trick to most traditional calligraphy styles is applying pressure on downward strokes and reducing pressure on upward strokes. This will create thicker down lines and lighter up lines for that classical lettering flair. You can find loads of style guides online as well as some essential tips in our How to Do Calligraphy video.
2. Hand lettering with paint brush
Brush lettering is all about using big, bold strokes to make your words stand out. Grab a brush and paints and have fun experimenting with different strokes and pressure. It's like painting with words – ideal for making cool headlines or quotes that catch everyone's eye. Don't be afraid to play with different colours, brushes mediums, and art surfaces to see different results. Flat brushes will create clean, harsh lines, while round brushes are great for softer, curved lettering.
3. Calligraphy writing with brush pen
Brush Pens are a great midpoint between a dip pen and brush. You can create letters with fluid, expressive movements using one product! Experiment with different pen tips, sizes, colours, and pressure to create different effects. You can try traditional calligraphy lettering or branch out with your own unique style. Whether you're crafting quotes, cards, or just doodling, Brush Pens offer an inky colour payoff with smooth flow.
4. 3D writing style
Add an extra dimension to your lettering with captivating 3D effects! Unlike traditional flat lettering, using a 3D style will make your words pop off the page, creating a sense of depth. Start by outlining your letters, adding additional lines to make each letter a dimensional prism shape. Make sure the prisms are drawn in the same direction, emphasising the same corner on each letter.
Add shading and highlights to bolster the 3D illusion. The flat face of your letters will likely be highlighted, while the 3D edges will be shadowed to create depth. Experiment with different perspectives and layering techniques to give your letters that extra wow factor. Whether you're designing titles, signs, or just experimenting with a new look, 3D writing brings depth to your words.
5. Watercolour calligraphy
Watercolour lettering is a great way to bring soft but vibrant colour to your words. Use Watercolour Paints or Markers to fill in your letters with transparent colours and designs. Try using water to map out your letters before gently dropping watercolour into the outlines for a blooming lettering effect. You can also use a mixture of watercolour and pens, outlining your colour placement with bold lines to add clarity. Play with different watercolour techniques, such as gradients or ombre effects, to make your lettering feel artistic.
6. Outline Lettering
Outline lettering adds a bold and contemporary edge to your words. Using Dual Line Lettering Pens, you can instantly create letters that have shimmering metallic inner lines and bright outlines. They’re easy to use – just like an ordinary pen – and they help give your writing a special edge, so they pop against the background. It's a simple yet effective technique great for journalling, scrapbooking, labelling, card making, and more!
7. Stamp a word
DIY a stamp to recreate your lettering style over and over again. You can mould a word or phrase from Creative Clay, cut one from an eraser, or carve one from foam to make the foundation of your stamp. We can show you how to use Creative Clay to make one at home in a few easy steps; just watch our tutorial to find out more. Once you settle on a design, you can use paint to stamp your word or phrase across loads of different surfaces and projects!
8. Graffiti alphabet
Graffiti lettering adds a street art vibe to your words. Try using Acrylic Paint Pens to add edgy designs to your homewares and stationery, and experiment with drawing interconnected letters for eye-catching designs. Play with different colours, shapes, and layering to express your personality through the style of urban graffiti art and lettering. You can make your own designs from scratch or take inspo from the city streets!
There you have it – 8 lettering techniques that bring words to life using various mediums and styles! Remember, there's no right or wrong way to do it. Just grab your favourite tools, try out these techniques, and let your creativity shine.
You may want to stock up on Calligraphy Sets, Brush Pens, Watercolour, or Paint Pens to explore lettering at home. If you feel inspired to make something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!
Check out our tips and techniques page for loads more ideas and inspo. To stay up to date with our latest products, art lessons, how-tos, hacks, and more, subscribe to Creative Connection by entering your email down below.
