Where to start!

Where to start if you want to learn lettering? In this blog, I will be sharing a few things that might be helpful to you especially if you are just starting on lettering!

1. Understanding the basics.

To start learning calligraphy/lettering I would suggest you to first look at how letter formation is done before diving into it. I'm suggesting this because understanding how to write, before actually writing will give you an overall idea on how it's done. It will also help you a lot if you have some form of guidance before writing.

2. Use something that is available at home.

If you don't want to invest on brush pens/want to know more about lettering before spending on brush pens, you can practice strokes and letters using a pencil which is easily available. It is also easy to practice using pencils because the tips aren't flexible and also produces a small variation in thickness when you vary the pressure while writing. You can start with pencils and see if you are comfortable with it and if you want to continue, you can get started with the brush pens. I've shared a YouTube tutorial on pencil calligraphy below. Go ahead and check it out if you are interested!

3. Learn how to hold your brush pen.

Before starting to use the brush pens to write letters, it is very VERY important to learn to hold your brush pen correctly, else you won't get the proper thick and thin lines that you desire to get. The correct way to hold your brush pen is perpendicular to the stroke you are going to make (first image/top view) and about 45 degrees with the paper (second image/side view). By holding the pen in this way, the thick strokes will be of maximum thickness (yayy!). This part might take a while to get used to because it may not be the same way we usually hold a regular pen. I've attached some photos for a quick look and also shared a YouTube video for detailed understanding.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice.

Practicing strokes and letters might feel a bit repetitive but (believe me!) it pays off well. Sit daily for at least 5 minutes and practice. You can make the process a bit more fun by playing a song in the background and start practicing the strokes and letters because it doesn't need much of a brainwork (but make sure you hold your pen right and vary the pressure properly).

Wrapping up.

Finally, I want to tell you something. Getting perfect up strokes and down strokes does take time. Don't feel disappointed if you don't get perfect strokes in the beginning. Everyone was a beginner at some point and even I didn't get perfect lines in the beginning. It is a learning process. You will get perfect strokes eventually if you practice consistently.

Happy lettering!