One of my favorite creative exercises is handwriting words and phrases. Since last Friday was National Handwriting Day, I decided to create an "art.journal.PLAY" page in my journal.
I've had a love affair with penmanship from as early as I can remember. I would practice my letters on binder paper and had a Speedball Calligraphy set at the age of 7 or 8 and would try to copy the letters in the instruction book. I would spend hours practicing and creating letters that would eventually develop my signature style.
Fast forward to adulthood I still have an affinity for type and letters.
I've never had any formal calligraphy training, but have always loved to "PLAY" with letters. I don't ever plan out my writing, I don't use pencil to sketch, I just go for it. I write and doodle words and phrases in my journal, then embellish them with color, flowers and flourishes.
As a memeber of art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015...you'll have access to this BONUS video, where I teach you how to create this hand lettered page from start to finish. For this page, I used a variety of pens, markers and watercolors from Sakura of America.
- Pigma Micron
- Pigma Sensei
- Koi Coloring Brush Markers
- Koi field sketch travel watercolors
- Koi water color brush
- Strathmore 300 series mixed media paper
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{creative lettering tips}
- all you need is paper, pen, ink, watercolor/acrylic and/or brush
- write the alphabet with a black permanent marker..I LOVE Sakura Pigma Micron and Pigma Sensei pens. Then photocopy of scan the letters, print and create a collage sheet for your art journal.
- add thin lines to add depth to the letters, then fill them in with doodles.
- add a color wash using watercolor markers or paint with watercolor.
- doodle floral shapes, geometric or flourishes around the letters
- practice a letter a day, look up different font styles and try to emulate them, but put your own twist on them.
- write a phrase or a quote each week
- look up hand lettered, calligraphy, dip pen letters in google, pinterest, IG or free font websites...these can provide loads of lettering inspriation
- scribble the alphabet, words or phrases with white out marker over a painted background in your journal.
- as for substrates...you can write on any surface, just make sure to use the appropriate pen/marker. if you are writing over paint, make sure it is completely dry so you don't ruin your pen.
- some of my favorite papers to write on are Strathmore Mixed Media paper, Mohawk Color copy laser paper, Staples 110lb cardstock and Strathmore Bristol paper. For black paper try Strathmore Artagain.
- write letters with white crayon or paint with gesso to create a resist. let dry. then wash watercolor or acrylic over.
- write letters with dip pen and ink, then add watercolor washes over them.
- brush letters on the page with watercolor, then draw over them with black pen
- if you don't have access to all your art supplies, create your lettering on the iPad using apps like Noteshelf, PaperBy 53, Artrage or Procreate. You can learn more about these apps in my digitalCANVAS e-course.
- don't be afraid to make mistakes...lettering is all about practicing. don't get frustrated because your letters don't look "perfect" or like another artist. take time to develop your creative lettering style...most of all have FUN!!
- visit my #treiCletters hashtag on IG to see some of my hand lettered pieces.
- follow my hand lettered pinterest board for more creative lettering inspiration
from the archives...a journal page from january 20, 2011. see it unfold in photos here.
sakura of america #handwritesakura giveway
My good friends at Sakura Color Products of America are hosting Instagram giveaway starting today in celebration of National Handwriting Day. They're asking users to write their favorite quote on a piece of paper (preferably using one of Sakura’s products) and post your images using the hashtag #handwritesakura on Instagram in order to be considered. On 1/30, Sakura will choose 7 winners to receive a prize consisting of the items in the attached image. The giveaway’s only open to residents of the US and Canada, and you must be over 13 to participate. The full rules are listed here: http://www.pigmamicron.com/terms
happy creative lettering...xoxo~Traci
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Join me for more inspiration, creative play and lettering tutorials in art.journal.PLAY LIVE 2015!! mixed media. surface design. digital painting. lettering. book binding LIVE stream workshops + DIY planner kits + art journaling workbooks launch in February. find out details + video preview
