Introduction to Script Lettering

18 lessons & 10 downloads

As a brief introduction to the course, Ximena talks a little bit about her background, sharing a few of her key projects and how she got started in lettering. She also explains more about her process, what inspires her, and what her artistic references are beyond the world of letters.

Next, explore the difference between calligraphy, lettering, and typography, seeing what unites these 3 essentially different techniques. Now dive into the world of italics, exploring the most predominant styles and taking a tour of modern italics and its variations.

Ximena talks about her drawing process and the tools she uses at each stage, before explaining more about the brush pen and the various types on the market as well as how to write with one. Do some exercises to tackle concepts such as pressure along with thick, thin, straight, and curved strokes.

There's no better way to learn than by practicing, so, start with the “x box” (a concept that your teacher explains) and then move onto the alphabet. After practicing with straight letters and symbols, try some that contain curved strokes, and finally, those that require longer and more complex strokes.

Take a look at the design process from scratch, starting with composition, then the embellishments and the finishing touches.

Learn to digitize your letters and import them to Photoshop for adjustment and cleaning of any possible noise in the composition. Then export your composition to Illustrator and vectorize it, change the colors, and add textures with all the tools at your disposal to polish it off for unique results.

Once you're happy with your lettering piece, Ximena shows you a range of exciting applications for it. She also tells you about production, distribution, and sale of merchandise on social networks as well as low-cost stores and websites where you can upload your designs without having to worry about the sale yourself.

You now have all the skills, plus some handy tips and tricks, to illustrate a script lettering piece by bringing it to life on a physical plane and applying it to everyday garments.

Design the illustration of a short phrase, either in script or italics, to print on a T-shirt or other garment.

Anyone wanting to take their first steps in the world of lettering and calligraphy or those who have some prior knowledge and want to boost their italics technique.

No previous knowledge of calligraphy, lettering, or drawing is required, although some basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is recommended for the final phase of the project.