Everything You Need to Start Hand-Lettering

I have gotten questions about how one might get into hand-lettering many-a-time. Should I get a fancy calligraphy kit? What tools do you suggest for a beginner?

Well, my friends, here it is. Everything you need to start your hand at lettering (see what I did there?).

If I could give a short answer, I would say all you need is a pencil, paper, and some time. BUT, assuming you want a few tools to play with- I will give you some recommendations on my favorite hand-lettering staples!

1.) A decent pencil and eraser.

My favorite pencils are Derwent Graphic and my all time favorite is a 2B because it is soft and easy to erase. If you have the budget, get a pack of 12 and see which you like best for yourself. But to be completely honest, you are probably going to prefer 1 or 2, and those will whittle away while the others stay pristinely in their case.

Buy a good quality eraser that doesn't smudge! chances are you are using your pencil for a first draft and will want to erase it once the ink has been placed. My favorite eraser is the General's TRI-42 Factis. It is a triangle shape, so it has flat sides for large area and pointy edges for small details.

2.) Good quality paper (I prefer a spiral sketch book)

Depending on the media you are using, you might need different types of paper. I use Canson XL Mixed Media spiral sketch book. It is 98 lb and I find it is pretty smooth and thick enough to hold the ink, markers, pens, etc. that I use.

3.) Tombow Dual Brush Pens

Ask any hand-letterer that has been around the block a time or two- there is just something about tombows that makes the heart pitter-patter. They have a smooth stroke, and two tips- brush and fine point. They come in lots of fun colors, so I recommend finding a 10 pack that gives ya heart eyes.

4.) Tombow Fudenosuke Soft Tip

This. Is. My. Fav. Pen. Of. All. TIme. And that is saying A LOT considering what a pen hoarder I am! This pen is everything. It is just a classy, smooth, simple pen and is great for sub lettering and details. Trust me. Get this pen.

5.) 15 mins everyday.

I have been hand-lettering for almost 4 years and I can now say that I am proud of my work. In the beginning, I definitely couldn't say that! I would write the same word or phrase 8 times before I deemed it non-crappy enough for instagram. I compare my lettering from 3 years ago to my lettering now and I am truly shocked. Honing in on having beautiful writing requires practice- you wont have control over your strokes on the first shot! Practice for 15 mins everyday. Do it for 3 months before you give up! (*As long as you are still enjoying the practice!)

I really hope that you found these tips helpful! I am so excited for your hand-lettering journey! Mine has been a relaxing, fun, challenging, and rewarding one. I hope you have a similar experience.