What is hand lettering and how do I get started with it?

Helpful tips and tricks for beginners and advanced hand lettering artists

Hand lettering is not as new as many people think. The art of beautiful writing has its origin in calligraphy. Even back then, the line between writing and drawing was blurred.

Especially in the digital world, handmade products are becoming popular again – a new revolution. People want to express their own individuality again and are not satisfied with something mass produced off the assembly line. This is why, in addition to the DIY (do-it-yourself) trend, hand lettering is also playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Today we can find many postcards, bags, and advertising signs with handwritten elements.

Hand lettering is also about slowing down in our fast-paced world. It takes time and practice. You have to fully concentrate on your artwork and forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The written word becomes a work of art, the writing itself becomes art. You can only achieve your own personal perfection with calm, patience, and focus.

Since there are endless variations and styles, the search for your own style is also a form of self-discovery. The advantage? – There is no right or wrong. Without firm rules, perfection lies in the eye of the beholder. Hand lettering is suitable for everyone and anyone can learn it. And you don’t need to have fine penmanship! As is the case in many other fields, practice is the key to success. Line by line, you work your way to perfection.

Hand lettering material – What do I need?

You can essentially use any pen for hand lettering. Depending on the style, different pen types are more suitable than others. A pencil, an eraser and a ruler are also good tools to have. You can use them to draw guide lines or entire phrases and correct small mistakes.

For brush lettering, you mostly use brush pens, which are also called brush markers. They have a flexible tip that allows you to vary the thickness of your lines by applying different amounts of pressure, creating a dynamic look. Brush pens are available with brush tips of different lengths and hardnesses. If you want to learn more about brush pens, you can find additional information here. You can also use felt-tip pens and fineliners to achieve a calligraphy effect by using faux calligraphy techniques.

Can’t decide? Then simply start with a brush pen with two tips, like our ABT Dual Brush Pen. You can use it to combine different lettering styles and you only need a single pen. Otherwise the Fudenosuke Brush Pen is suitable for beginners because its small hard tip is easy to control.

If you already have some practice and would like to continue to expand your hand-lettering skills, you can use more materials such as glue and glitter powder to add highlights, or try different materials with permanent markers like the MONO twin Faux Calligraphy.

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MONO plastic eraser

Eraser

MONO plastic eraser

The truely classic eraser from Japan - launched in 1969 in the Japanese market. MONO eraser is available in the three sizes XS, M and L.

Size selectable

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€1.30

To the product
MONO XS set of 10

Eraser

MONO XS set of 10

Value pack of eraser MONO XS - 10 piece.

€10.00

Tokubetsu box handlettering for beginners

Webshop products

Tokubetsu box handlettering for beginners

It is never too late to be creative. Start now with hand lettering, the art of beautiful writing. Everything you need to get started is included in the Tokubetsu box at an attractive introductory price.

€29.00

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen 6 pieces set

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen 6 pieces set

ABT Dual Brush Pen with two tips (brush tip + fine tip): Fruity colors for handlettering, watercoloring and illustrations. Now available in 2 new sets of 6

Available in various colours

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€21.00

To the product
Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen 6er Set Customized

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen 6er Set Customized

Personalize your own Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Set of 6!

Available in various colours

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€25.20

To the product
Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Galaxy Colors

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Galaxy Colors

Set of 10 water-based colors to create infinite galaxies

from

€42.00

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen marker case

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen marker case

All 107 ABT Dual Brush pens + blender pen in handy marker case

€450.00

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Marker Desktop Organizer with 107 colors + blender

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Marker Desktop Organizer with 107 colors + blender

With the Tombow Desktop Organizer your desk will finally look organized again!

€450.00

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Pink Edition set of 6

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen Pink Edition set of 6

Just Pinktastic!

€25.20

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen set of 10

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen set of 10

ABT Dual Brush Pen with two tips for maximum creativity. Water-based colours for colouring your mangas. Two different sets available.

Available in various colours

from

€42.00

To the product
Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen set of 12

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen set of 12

With two tips (brush tip + fine tip) for maximum creativity. Water-based colours for handlettering, watercoloring and illustrations. 4 different sets of 12 available.

Available in various colours

from

€50.40

To the product
Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen set of 18

Brush Pen & Fineliner

Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen set of 18

With two tips (brush tip + fine tip) for maximum creativity. Water-based colors for handlettering, watercoloring and illustrations. 4 different sets of 18 available.

Available in various colours

from

€75.60

To the product