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 THE BEGINNINER’S GUIDE TO

BRUSH LETTERING
AN INTERACTIVE WORKBOOK FOR CREATING
BEAUTIFUL ART

Amy Latta

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 Begin Reading

Table of Contents

About the Author

Copyright Page

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 DEDICATION

For you, dear reader. You have taken the step of opening this
book in
the hopes of learning a new creative skill. Whether you are
confident or
completely unsure of your success, you are stepping out and
beginning a
journey with me. For that, I am grateful. Thank you for trusting
me to teach
you that you (yes, you!) can brush-letter beautiful things. Let’s get
started!

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 Introduction
If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one
thing with me … it wouldn’t be a brush pen. It would be a private
jet so I could go home! However, if I were to find myself with some
spare time, whether in a cabana by the pool, in a boring meeting or
at the airport waiting on a delayed flight, a brush pen would be my
art supply of choice to occupy my time. In the seven years since I
first learned to use a brush pen, I have created art in all of those
places–and just about everywhere else you can imagine. I’ve lettered
at 10,000 feet in the air, as well as halfway around the world on a
trip to China. Wherever I am, as long as I have some paper and a
brush pen, I can make art … and so can you!

Hand lettering is the process of turning your handwritten words into

art. One of the primary tools we use to make that happen is the
brush pen. While “hand lettering” encompasses a variety of font
styles and embellishments, the most popular style of writing is
known as “brush script”. What makes brush script unique is that
each individual letter contains a combination of thick parts and
thinner parts. This contrast is quite aesthetically pleasing, which has
made this type of lettering very popular over the last decade. Brush
script is what we usually mean when we talk about “brush
lettering.”

Creating true brush script/brush lettering is indeed an art form. It

involves applying and releasing pressure on your brush pen as you
write, and it takes practice and repetition to master. The great news,
though, is that it’s not nearly as difficult to learn as it seems! We’re
going to start at the very beginning, learning the basic brushstrokes
and practicing the building block shapes that we’ll combine to
create all the letters of the alphabet. Then, we’ll move on to
connecting our letters and adding fun effects like bounce to take our
lettering to the next level.

In this workbook, you’ll find instruction, practice space and tons of

traceable pages you can use to help you along your lettering
journey. Join me as we learn to master the brush pen and discover
what it can do.

WHAT IS A BRUSH PEN?

So, what exactly is this magical tool? A brush pen is simply a
marker or pen with a flexible tip that is meant to mimic a
paintbrush. Unlike an actual brush, where the head is made up of
many individual bristles, a brush pen has a solid but flexible tip that
moves as a unit. When you apply pressure to it, it bends, causing a
larger portion of the tip to make contact with your paper. This, in
turn, creates a dark, thick line. If you release that pressure, less of
the tip touches the paper, and your markings will be lighter and
thinner.

TYPES OF INKS
Brush pens (also known as brush markers) come in a variety of sizes
and colors, and they can contain one of several types of ink.
Understanding the ink types and how they work will help you
choose the best tools for your art projects. Basically, ink is
composed of two important parts: color and solvent (a carrier
medium that the color is mixed with). Color can come from either
dyes or pigments, and the solvent will be either water or alcohol.
The way these parts are combined gives us several different types of
brush pens, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Water is obviously a great choice as a solvent. It is very absorbent

and it’s nontoxic. Typically, water-based markers are washable and
easy to clean up if they get on your hands, clothing or work area.
This type of ink works well on porous surfaces, especially paper.
Alcohol acts very differently than water when the ink is applied to a
surface. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving just the color
behind. This makes it very easy to apply multiple layers of color on
top of each other without tearing or causing damage to your paper.
It is also permanent and works on both porous and nonporous
surfaces, making it a great choice for artwork on wood, plastic,
metal, fabric and more.

One thing to note about alcohol-based ink is that, because the

alcohol evaporates, the color of the ink may look one way when you
apply it and change as it dries. For this reason, I always recommend
“swatching” your markers. Create a page full of small squares and
color in each box with a different marker. Above the box, write the
color number or name of the specific marker you used. This way,
you will have a reference for what each color looks like when dry so
you can choose a palette you love.

Here is a quick reference chart showing the different features of

these two types of ink:

WATER-BASED INK ALCOHOL-BASED INK

Washable with soap and water Permanent
Works on porous surfaces only Works on both porous and
(paper) nonporous surfaces
Contains chemicals that can be
Nontoxic
toxic
Less expensive More expensive
Great for layering and blending
Layering can tear/pill paper
without damaging paper
THE THREE MOST COMMON BRUSH PENS
Now, let’s look at the three main types of brush pens/markers. If
you’re wondering which type your favorite markers are, a quick
look at the barrel and/or the packaging should help you identify it
quickly.

PIGMENT/WATER-BASED
My favorite lettering pen, the Tombow® Fudenosuke, falls into this
category. The word “fudenosuke” (FOO-DEN-OH-SOO-KAY) is a
Japanese term meaning “a brush that helps.” Whether you prefer
the soft or hard tip (both are still quite flexible), this is a great pen
for small- to medium-size lettering projects. Because the ink is
pigment-based, it is mostly waterproof and will not bleed. This
attribute will be important for projects like lettering on a watercolor
background or using a watercolor effect inside a doodle drawn with
this pen. However, it is not permanent and is best suited for paper
projects only.

DYE/WATER-BASED
There are many brands and styles of this type of marker on the
market, but my favorites are Tombow Dual Brush Pens. Available in
108 colors, these markers have a large brush tip on one end and a
small bullet tip on the other. Because of the dye and water
combination, when this ink gets wet, you can create all kinds of fun
watercolor effects and basically paint with your markers. These are
great for lettering, doodling, watercolor and more on paper surfaces.

DYE/ALCOHOL-BASED
These are a favorite choice for many professional artists because of
their permanence and the ability to create projects on many kinds of
surfaces. Copic®, Spectrum Noir™, Caliart® and Prismacolor® are a
few well-known alcohol marker brands. Personally, I like using
Tombow ABT PRO Alcohol-Based Markers. One end is, of course, a
brush tip and the other end has a chisel tip that’s great for drawing
lines and creating patterns. These waterproof markers are amazing
for blending, for coloring and for projects that need to dry quickly.

BRUSH PEN CARE AND STORAGE

Like any tool, brush pens need to be well cared for in order to
continually produce optimal results. Of course, over time, they will
experience normal wear and tear from being used, but there are two
main things you can do to help keep your brush pens in great
condition.

SURFACES
First, protect the tips by using the correct types of papers and
surfaces. Using low-quality printer paper for practice is the fastest
way to ruin a marker because it will soak up a lot of ink and can
even cause the tip to fray. Instead, for water-based markers, opt for
high-quality laser printer paper or a smooth, medium-weight
sketchbook. For projects, look for something a little heavier and
very smooth, like Bristol board. If you’d like to work with
watercolor paper, make sure it’s hot press, which is smooth to the
touch, rather than the textured cold press paper we typically
associate with watercolor painting.

Alcohol-based markers work best on Bristol board, hot press

watercolor paper or a marker pad. While they can be used on other
types of surfaces, make sure those surfaces are smooth to the touch.
For example, if you are drawing on a wood slice, sand it as well as
possible first or it will do some serious damage to your pens.

STORAGE
One of the most important ways to protect our markers happens
when we aren’t using them! The way we store a pen actually makes
a huge difference. Because many brush pens are dual-tipped– with a
brush tip on one end and a bullet or chisel tip on the other–the best
way to store them is horizontally. This keeps the ink from pooling at
either end and leaving the other one dried out.

Personally, I have a tool cubby similar to what you’d see as a

marker display in the craft store and I’ve arranged my markers
inside it by color. Some other options are to store them horizontally
in drawers and even to keep them in their original packaging, with
one pack stacked on top of another.

Single-tip markers should be stored either upside down or

horizontally. When you treat your markers well, they will return the
favor and last longer, giving you better quality results.

DIGITAL BRUSH LETTERING

In addition to using physical brush pens, you can also use the
techniques in this book to letter digitally. In this case, the Apple®
Pencil becomes a substitute for the brush pen, and although the tip
doesn’t actually flex, it responds to the amount of pressure you
apply to it just like a brush pen would. In order to create high-
quality digital brush lettering, you’ll need an Apple Pencil, any
version of iPad® that is compatible with it and an inexpensive app
called Procreate®. While there may be other tablets, digital pencils
and apps available, Procreate, the Apple Pencil and an iPad are–in
my experience and research–the best for digital lettering.

Now that we’ve covered the basics about brush pens, it’s time to put
these wonderful little tools to work and start creating some lettering
and artwork.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 1
 Brush Technique
The quality that makes a brush pen so unique is its ability to
respond to the amount of pressure we apply to the tip. When we
press on it, the tip flexes and a large portion of it touches the paper,
creating a thick line. When we use a light touch, the line becomes
thinner, as less of the marker comes in contact with the page. With
that in mind, the key to proper brush technique is knowing when to
apply pressure and when to release it.

Anytime we write or draw, our pen is moving across the paper in

one of three basic directions. It’s either moving up away from us (an
upstroke), down toward us (a downstroke) or
horizontally/diagonally across the page (a horizontal stroke).

The basic “rule” for proper brush technique is that downstrokes are
thick, while everything else remains thin. So, as we write, we apply
pressure on every downstroke and release the pressure as soon as
our pen begins moving in a different direction. This is what gives
brush lettering its characteristic look; within every letter, there is a
combination of thick and thin lines.

Now that we know the rule, it’s time to start practicing the different
types of strokes. Grab any brush pen and some smooth practice
paper or, even better, you can practice right here on the page with
me. First, we’ll start with some downstrokes. Each time you pull the
pen toward yourself, apply some pressure to create a dark, thick
line. Don’t be afraid to press–this is what your pen is made to do!
You won’t break the tip, I promise.

Next, let’s try a series of upstrokes. For this, we’re going to release
the pressure and just let the pen glide on the surface very lightly.
You should see a noticeable difference between the thickness of
these upstrokes and the downstrokes you created in the previous
step.
Feel free to do as many practice strokes as you’d like to get
comfortable with this technique. Then, we are going to move on to
the next step, which is alternating them. Since you’ll be changing
the amount of pressure you apply every time your pen changes
directions, we’re going to practice getting your hand to switch
between the two strokes. Make a downstroke, followed by an
upstroke and repeat to get a feel for applying and releasing pressure
as you go.

Take your time practicing in the space provided and use the
traceable practice sheet on the next page. There’s no rush to move
on until you feel comfortable with this part, but I think you’ll find
that you’re getting the hang of it pretty quickly. Remember, it
doesn’t have to be perfect!
Pro tip: If you feel like your strokes are shaky, try making them faster
and smaller. The larger you write, the more time your hand has to move
where you don’t want it to go. In the same way, if you’re concentrating
hard and taking your time, that just gives your hand more time to shake.

See? Brush technique isn’t impossible! It just takes practice and

repetition to master. Like biking, driving or anything else our bodies
do, it will eventually become muscle memory.

Once you’ve mastered upstrokes and downstrokes, it’s time for the
next step. Our goal is to create a brush script alphabet, but of course
we can’t do that with only straight lines. In order to write the
letters, we need to apply brush technique to the eight basic shapes
that compose them. Once we do, we can put those shapes together
to form everything from A to Z.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 2
 The 8 Basic Brushstrokes
The most common reason I hear from people about why they don’t
think they can hand letter or brush letter is “I have terrible
handwriting.” Maybe you fall into that category and your writing is
usually not so legible, but don’t worry, I have great news! The way
we approach hand lettering is not the same as regular handwriting
at all. Instead of thinking in terms of whole letters, we’re going to
break each letter down into a combination of simple strokes. For
example, the letter “a” is composed of an oval and an underturn,
both of which we’ll be learning in this chapter. Once you have
practiced the eight basic brushstrokes, you’ll be able to combine
them to form letters, which then come together to form beautiful
brush-lettered words. Grab your favorite brush pen and join me as
we tackle these shapes.

UPSTROKE AND DOWNSTROKE

Congratulations! You’ve already learned two of the eight basic
brushstrokes! In the previous chapter, you practiced them
individually and alternating. This is the foundation of everything we
do with a brush pen, so it’s important to feel comfortable with these
two strokes. Now, we’re going to do something similar, but without
lifting our pen in between!

OVERTURN
An overturn is a combination of an upstroke and a downstroke that
you draw without lifting your pen from the paper. It resembles an
upside-down “u” and I like to think of it as a little hill or mountain.
To draw it, you’ll move your pen up, over with a curving motion,
then down. Just like before, keep the pressure light at first, then
press harder as soon as your pen starts moving down toward you.
Use the space below to practice. Remember, practice makes
progress, so the more you repeat this stroke, the better you’ll get at
creating it. Then, we’ll take a look at the opposite of the overturn:
the underturn.

UNDERTURN
An underturn is basically a horseshoe shape. If an overturn is a
mountain, the underturn is a valley. It’s formed by making a
downstroke followed by an upstroke without picking up your pen.
As your pen moves down, you’ll apply pressure, then as soon as
your pen starts moving to the side, you’ll release that pressure,
moving the pen over and up.

The trickiest part of this shape is the transition at the bottom. Take
a look at the examples below. You’ll see that if you release the
pressure too soon or too late, the shape won’t look quite right. Try
releasing the pressure gradually rather than suddenly for a smooth
transition.

Take some time in the space below to practice making underturns.

Sometimes, when we use this shape in a letter, the right side (the
upstroke) doesn’t go all the way back up to the top. Try making
some underturns where the right side only goes up about halfway as
high as the downstroke. Then, when you feel ready, go ahead and
move on to the next brushstroke.

COMPOUND CURVE
When we combine the overturn and the underturn, we get
something called a compound curve. Basically, this is the technical
term for a squiggle. To form this shape, you’ll begin with an
upstroke, then switch to a downstroke and finally back to an
upstroke. Practicing this compound curve will help you get the hang
of repeatedly changing how much pressure you apply to the pen as
you write.
Use the space below to practice some of these compound curves.
They may feel (and look) a little awkward at first, but, like
everything, you’ll find that they improve with practice. You can also
try making several compound curves to form a longer squiggle
before lifting your pen.

OVAL
The oval is a very useful shape for building commonly used letters
like “a,” “d,” “g” and “o.” Starting at the top, make a curving
downstroke, then, at the bottom, switch to a curving upstroke that
meets your starting point. I often think of it like an underturn that’s
closed at the top. Remember to gradually increase and decrease
your pressure as you make the switch.

Practice some ovals in the space below.

ASCENDER LOOP
This type of loop is much like an overturn, it just turns in the
opposite direction! Start by drawing an upstroke, but when you get
to the top, move your pen to the left instead of the right. Curve the
line back down on itself, forming a loop, then let the line go straight
down for your downstroke. We will go into more detail about
ascenders and descenders in the chapter on flourishes.

Letters like “b,” “d,” “h” and “k” use this ascender loop and, all by
itself, this loop makes the lowercase letter “l.” Use the space below
to practice forming some loops. Try making them different sizes and
widths for some extra variety.
DESCENDER LOOP
Some letters have descender loops that go down below the rest of
the word, like “g,” “j,” “p” and “y.” This shape starts with a
downstroke, then curves back up to the left like a backward
underturn. Then, it continues to curve around to the right, crossing
over the downstroke and forming a loop. As you practice this shape
in the space below, you’ll notice that if you add a dot on top, you’re
forming a lowercase “j.”

Way to go! You’ve officially learned the eight basic brushstrokes.

Now, the key to mastering them is repetition. When I started
lettering, I filled entire sketchbooks practicing these shapes. The
next few tracing pages are designed to help you do some practice of
your own. Feel free to look at my examples, trace over the provided
strokes, then do some by yourself on the remainder of the lines. You
can write directly on these pages right now or you can make copies
of them first if you want some extra practice pages on hand. As we
continue learning new skills, you may want to come back to
practicing these drills from time to time, since they’re the
foundation of everything else.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 3
 The Brush Script Alphabet
The letters of the brush script alphabet are formed by combining the
eight brushstrokes in different ways. Here are a few examples–take a
look at these letters and try them with me.

a
A lowercase “a” is an oval plus an underturn. Remember that the
underturn doesn’t always go up to the full height of the letter; in
this case, we want to stop it about halfway.

g
To form a “g,” first make an oval, then add a descender loop on the
right side.

h
An “h” is just an ascender loop and a compound curve!
n/m
Draw a downstroke plus a compound curve to form the letter “n.”
Add a second compound curve and it becomes an “m”!

u
Our underturn, plus a second partial underturn, forms a “u.” Make it
a full second underturn and you have a “w.”

y
An underturn with a descender loop on the right side is our letter
“y.”

As you work on each letter, feel free to pick up your pen in between
the various strokes. Unlike cursive handwriting–where we are
supposed to keep the pen on the paper at all times until the end of a
word–hand lettering allows us to lift the pen anytime to achieve the
look we want. Cursive writing sometimes involves retracing certain
lines in a letter, but lettering does not. As you practice more, you
can try flowing directly from one stroke into the next for some of
your letters when it feels comfortable, but there’s no rule saying you
have to.

Are you ready to tackle the whole alphabet? The following pages
are resources to help you do just that. I’ve given you a sample of
each letter, along with a few examples to trace, then space to try it
on your own. You can make copies of these pages for personal use if
you want to have extras on hand for more practice.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 4
 Brush Script Lettering
Now you know your abcs … with a brush pen! Creating a hand-
lettered project is just one step away. All that’s left to do is take
these beautiful letters and connect them to each other to form
words. As I mentioned in the previous chapter, this works a little
differently in hand lettering than it does in cursive handwriting.
When we write in cursive, there are places where, in order to
connect our letters, we have to retrace a line we already wrote. Take
a look at the example below of the word “mat.”

In normal script writing, there are two places in this word where
your pen goes back over a line you’ve already drawn. Write it for
yourself on a piece of scrap paper or in the space below and you’ll
see what I mean. First, your pen goes up after the “m” to form the
top of the “a,” then retraces part of that line as the “a” loops
around. Then, you form the tall line of the “t” and retrace it coming
back down. The dashed lines below indicate the retraced spots.

However, in brush script, we handle these areas differently. A basic

rule of thumb you can follow is to lift your pen anytime you would
have to retrace an existing line. Let’s look at how this works using
our sample word. When we write “mat” in brush script, first we’ll
write the “m,” then pick up our pen before beginning the “a.” We’ll
write the “a” and stop before beginning the downstroke of the “t.”
In the example below, I left a bit of space between the letters to
show each separate pen movement, but, ideally, we want the letters
to touch each other to give the appearance of being connected.

Here’s how the word looks when everything is properly spaced.

In this particular example, following the rule meant lifting the pen
at the end of each letter; however, that won’t always be the case for
every word. For example, when writing the word “love” in cursive,
the only retracing we do is at the top of the letter “o.”

That means we pick up the pen after the first letter, “l,” but we can
easily connect the remaining three letters together without having
to retrace any of our lines. Take a look:
This time, we only have to lift our pen twice: once after the first
letter, then again at the end of the word.

Here are a few more sample words broken down into pen strokes to
help you get a feel for following this pattern. On the left, you’ll see
each lift of the pen indicated by a dot. Notice that each word is
different based on which letters are next to each other. Over time,
you’ll begin to have a feel for where the pen needs to lift in order to
avoid retracing your lines.
You’ll start to know what feels natural and do it without even
thinking. In the meantime, feel free to use these practice words as
you get the hang of things. Remember, it’s not a matter of “right” or
“wrong,” just a general guideline that should help make your
lettering look and feel cohesive.
Take some time to practice writing a few words in the provided
practice space. You can try the ones illustrated above or any other
words that are meaningful to you. It may feel strange at first to lift
the pen mid-word, but I promise it will become part of your muscle
memory just like the rest of the brush technique.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 5
 Flourishes
Once you’ve gotten the hang of the basic alphabet, adding flourishes
is a great way to elevate your brush lettering. There are several
parts of letters that lend themselves perfectly to being embellished:
ascenders, descenders and crossbars. So, what in the world are they?
An ascender is a line that goes up higher than the rest of the letter
and the neighboring letters. A descender is a line that extends down
below the letter’s baseline. A crossbar is when you use a horizontal
line to intersect part of a letter, like when you cross a “t” or draw a
horizontal line through the capital “A” or “H.”

ASCENDER FLOURISHES
First, let’s take a look at some easy ascender flourishes. These can be
used for letters that have an ascender, like “b,” “d,” “h” or “k.” Here
are a few of my favorite ways to make those ascenders look extra
special. One is simply to make the ascender into an extra-large loop.
Another is to begin the loop with a counterclockwise swirl, or you
can begin the loop with a flourish that resembles the number “2.”
Now, it’s your turn! Let’s practice those ascender flourishes, keeping
in mind that, just like in the rest of our lettering, anytime your pen
is moving downward, you’ll want to apply more pressure. As
always, downstrokes are the thickest part of our letters, even the
swirly flourished ones.
DESCENDER FLOURISHES
Now, let’s take a look at how we can flourish our descenders; for
example, in the letters “y,” “j” and “g.” Here are a few fun and fancy
ways to jazz them up. First, we can continue our loop around into a
curling line that crosses back over the descender itself. Another
option is to add a smaller loop inside the large one, or to make that
small loop, then continue out to the left. Finally, we can create that
small loop, then cross our line back through it and out the other side
of the letter.
Take some time to practice these embellishments by tracing mine,
then try them on your own. Feel free to experiment, too, and play
around with your own ideas for flourishing!
CROSSBAR FLOURISHES
The letter “t” gives us a unique opportunity to add a flourish every
time we write it by playing around with the crossbar. We can extend
it on one or both sides, curl it, swirl it and use it to fill in empty
space. Take a look at a few of my favorite methods for crossing a
“t.”

Now, use the practice pages to try these different variations

yourself! As you begin creating projects, you’ll find that the letter
“t” appears fairly often and you’ll have lots of opportunities to make
it look fabulous with your favorite form of embellishment.

These aren’t the only flourishes you can add to your brush script–
there are tons of other ways to embellish parts of letters and even
combine pieces of letters together. As you continue to learn and
create, you’ll expand your repertoire. I like to think of learning
lettering like having a toolbox that you continue to fill with more
and more options as you learn new techniques. Then, when it’s time
to create something, you can open up that toolbox and choose what
you want to use for that particular project.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 6
 Extended Brush Script
Once you’ve learned how to connect your script letters, there are
lots of variations you can try that will give your brush lettering the
look of an entirely different font. For example, simply by increasing
the amount of space between a letter and the one that follows it,
you’ll create an elegant, elongated effect. Take a look at the word
below, written with normal spacing, then written in this extended
style. The brushstrokes are still the same; we form the letters the
same way and lift our pen following the same rules, but we space
the letters farther apart. While any brush pen can create this style, I
personally prefer the look of a pen with a small tip, like the
Tombow Fudenosuke. I recommend using a Fudenosuke–or
something of a similar brush size–for completing the exercises in
this chapter.

To try this variation, let’s start with some practice forming each
letter with a long horizontal line before and after it to create that
extra space. Remember, horizontal lines are not downstrokes, so we
don’t apply much pressure, and those lines should remain light and
thin. On the next page you can see the whole alphabet written in
this style. I’ve only included the lowercase alphabet letters, because
I find that using capitals in this style throws off the visual balance of
the effect. If you’d like to use capitals, though, you can certainly
give it a try in your own practice and projects!
Now, it’s your turn. Use the practice pages provided to trace, then
create your own elongated brush letters. Don’t forget to always
apply pressure when you get to a downstroke! The technique and
the basic letter formations are still the same.
After all that practice, it’s time to put our letters together to form a
few words. Let’s start by trying some short and sweet ones, like
“love,” “joy” and “fun.” Look at the examples, then try them for
yourself in the space provided. Also, feel free to try other words,
like your name, or anything else that comes to mind.
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 7
 Outlined Brush Script
Do you want your lettering to really stand out? Another fun way to
take your brush script skills to the next level is by using color and
adding an outline to your word after it’s written. So far, we’ve been
working exclusively with black brush pens for our practice and
projects, but now we’re going to use colorful brush markers to show
the range of effects you can achieve with your brush lettering skills!
For this lettering style, you’ll need a colorful brush pen with a
medium to large tip, plus a fine-tip black marker. I like to use
drawing markers in the 3-5mm size range, like the Tombow MONO
Drawing Pen 05. The larger the pen tip, the thicker your outline will
be, so you can play around with different sizes and see what look
you love most. Grab those supplies and let’s get started!

First, we’re going to choose a word and write it using our brush
script technique. Remember to keep those downstrokes thick by
applying pressure!

Now, we take the fine-tip marker and go back to our word, tracing
all the outside edges. Don’t worry if your lines aren’t perfect; that’s
part of the beauty of handmade things.
Next, go inside of any open letters and trace around the white space.
This will create a complete outline of your word.

The final step is to go back and make touch-ups. Often, I’ll have
areas where my outline goes slightly outside the colored area,
leaving a little bit of white space. To fx this, just take your colored
marker and fill in any of those spaces you see.

Isn’t it amazing how a little black line can make such a big
difference? Another variation to try is writing in black and outlining
with a colored marker. I do this far less frequently, but it definitely
creates an interesting effect.
Use the space below to try this style. You can practice any words
you like: Just write them with your brush pen as usual, then use the
fine-tip marker to outline. This is a great way to create colorful
lettering that practically pops off the page.

OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 8
 Adding Bounce
One of my favorite things about creating is that we get to learn the
rules, then break some of them on purpose because we’re artists! A
great example of this is taking our lettering and adding what we call
“bounce.” Basically, all this means is that instead of keeping our
letters all neatly lined up in a row along a straight baseline, we
allow them to freely move around on the page.

Some letters will be higher than others and they can even tilt in
different directions. There are three main ways to achieve a
“bounce” effect that’s pleasing to the eye. Let’s take a look at all
three, then you can use one, two or all of them together in your
projects as you begin to develop your own personal style.

IN-LETTER BOUNCE
Sometimes bounce can happen inside of a single letter if that letter
has multiple parts; specifically, this works for “m” and “w.” Instead
of making the entire letter the same height, we can allow one side of
the letter to drift higher than the other. In the examples below, you
can see how these letters look when written normally, as well as
with bounce on the left and the right sides. Not only do the different
levels add visual interest, they also make these letters easier to read.
DOWNSTROKE DRIFT
When it comes to adding bounce within a word, it can be tricky
figuring out which letters should be lower and which should float a
little higher. The basic rule I use is that letters ending in a strong
downstroke before connecting to the next letter are good spots to
dip below the baseline. Some examples of letters like this are: “d,”
“h,” “k,” “l,” “m,” “n,” “r” and “t.” I let the final downstroke of these
letters drift down and keep other letters higher up in the word.

TILT TECHNIQUE
In addition to letting your letters go above and below the baseline,
you can also let them bounce from side to side a bit. Giving parts of
a letter a gentle tilt to the left or the right can add a whimsical feel
that’s full of movement. Some letters lend themselves more to this
than others, like letters with ascenders (“b,” “d,” “h,” “k”) and
letters with multiple parts (“m” and “w”).

Each of these techniques can stand alone or you can combine them
for maximum bounce. There’s no right or wrong amount of any of
these to add to your lettered designs–it’s all about your preference
and how you want your project to look. We’ll be attempting all
three in the project section of this book to give you a feel for these
different options. First, take some time to use the traceable practice
pages and try out in-letter bounce, downstroke drift and tilt
technique yourself. I have a feeling you’re going to find bounce
lettering addictive!
OceanofPDF.com
BEYOND THE BASICS
 Bonus Ideas
One of my favorite things about hand lettering is that there’s always
something new to learn. Even after you’ve mastered brush technique
and are a pro at things like flourishes and bounce, there are other
skills you can explore to take your lettering to the next level. In this
book, we are focusing on brush lettering for beginners, but here are
a few additional ideas you can start exploring on your own as you
continue your lettering journey.

SHADOWS
Adding a drop shadow is a great way to make your lettering appear
three-dimensional. To do this, I typically use a gray brush pen, like
the gray Tombow Fudenosuke. I imagine a light source in the upper
left corner of the page and draw gray shadows where they would
naturally fall, as shown in the example below.

HIGHLIGHTS
Another technique that can enhance the appearance of your brush
lettering is adding highlights. My favorite tool for this is a white gel
pen (I use Uniball® Signo™). Just add a white line inside each
downstroke and you’ll get the effect of light shining on your letters
and causing parts of them to glow.
DOTS
Using dots is a great way to add some texture to your lettering. In
the example below, I’ve used white dots (once again, a gel pen is a
great choice) in the bottom section of each downstroke. This adds
visual interest and an interesting effect. If your letters are written in
a different color, you can use any color dots you like. You can also
choose to fill the entire downstroke rather than just a portion of it.
Try a few variations and see what you like best.

BLENDING
If you’re using colored markers for your brush lettering, blending
two or more shades together can really make your words pop. I like
to write an entire word in one color first, then go back and retrace
over just the bottom half using a darker pen. This creates a fun
ombré effect and also gives your letters some dimension.

These are just a few of the many ways you can experiment with
brush lettering. I haven’t included any of them in the projects we
will be completing because I wanted to keep those somewhat
simple, but feel free to add them into the designs yourself if you
choose!
OceanofPDF.com
 PROJECTS
Congratulations! You’ve learned and practiced your way through the
first section of this workbook, which means you have a basic
understanding of how brush lettering works. Now, you’re ready to
create all kinds of fun and fabulous projects! To help you get
started, I’ve included twenty original brush-lettered designs for you
to create using your new skills. Each project will include a pencil
sketch, an in-process image, a finished example, a traceable image
and a blank bordered page for you to make your own. Feel free to
use these as you wish.

My pencil sketches are very rough, just as yours can be. Their
purpose is to give the general shape and layout of the design and to
give basic word placement. They aren’t beautiful and I don’t keep
redoing the sketch until it looks amazing. Instead, they let me know
that the design is going to work the way I have it laid out, so I can
move on to the next step. The in-process image will show you where
I went over the sketch with my brush pens and other markers. You’ll
notice that I don’t trace the sketch exactly; instead, I use it as a
rough guideline for positioning.

The finished example is my own finished project. Don’t worry if

yours isn’t identical–no two artists’ work is exactly the same! Mine
is meant to inspire you and give guidance as you create your own
lettered art; however, if you do want the extra practice of tracing
my lettering, the traceable image will allow you to do just that.

You can follow the steps and instructions to create your own
projects here in the book or in a separate sketchbook. All you’ll need
to complete these projects is a pencil, an eraser, a brush pen and, at
times, a fine-tip black marker. Some of the projects also have areas
you can fill with color using your favorite markers, colored pencils
or watercolors for a finishing touch. Ready? Let’s start creating!
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 1
For our first project, we’re going to start nice and simple with the
quote “live a life you love.” After all, we only get one life, so we
might as well enjoy it, right? Pursue those passions, do what you
love and spend time with the people who mean the most to you. We
can’t control everything, but when we do have decisions to make,
building a life we actually enjoy is a great direction to take. As we
go further in our workbook, we’ll be working with shaped images,
embellishments and other more advanced skills, but, for now, let’s
focus on just the lettering itself and making it look great! Let’s get
started.

The first step in lettering our project is that we’re going to split this
phrase into three straight lines of text. Our finished image will be a
rectangular shape, so this is perfect for creating on a canvas or on a
piece of Bristol board for framing. First, you’ll want to use a pencil
to sketch the positions of the three main words: “live,” “life” and
“love.” Start with “live” slightly to the left of the rectangle, then let
each of the other words drift slightly to the right. Then, print the
other words in pencil. I made these smaller than the words I wanted
to emphasize. Combining brush script with a simple print adds
visual interest. It also gives the artist a way to make the most
important words (the ones in script) stand out, while the others fade
into the background a bit. Finally, sketch a heart in the top right
corner of the design.

Now, it’s time to bring out the brush pen. If you’re working on
canvas, I recommend something permanent like the Tombow ABT
PRO Alcohol-Based Markers. If you’re using paper or Bristol board,
any brush marker will do. Trace over your penciled letters,
remembering to apply pressure to every downstroke in the script
words.
When you’re finished, allow the ink to dry completely, then erase
any pencil marks you can still see. Fill in your heart with color and
your design will be complete!
Here’s a traceable version you can use to practice; then it’s your
turn to create your own.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 2
Here’s another beginner-level project that uses three lines of text,
but this time we’re incorporating a fun decorative element: the
banner! The quote we’re lettering, “practice makes progress,” is a
personal favorite of mine; in fact, if you’ve ever met me in person,
taken one of my online classes or read another of my books, you
know that it’s my main motto. In lettering (and in life), we are never
going to be perfect, so, when that’s our expectation, we’re setting
ourselves up for frustration and disappointment. But, the great
reality is that the more we practice something, the better we’ll
become. If we put in time and effort, we’ll always see progress–and
that’s something to celebrate!

To letter this quote, we’re going to use our brush script to

emphasize the words “practice” and “progress,” then join them
together with the printed word “MAKES” inside our doodle. The
first step is to use a pencil to sketch three horizontal lines. Then,
sketch the positions of the first and last words. In the center, you’ll
draw a banner. To do this, draw a rounded “z” shape, then use the
example below (and in the traceable design) to help you create the
rest of the shape. Print the word “MAKES” inside the banner.

Now, use your brush pen to letter the words “practice” and
“progress” over the top of your sketches. Remember to apply
pressure anytime your pen is moving down on the page. Trace over
the banner and the final word using a pigment-based brush pen or a
fine-line drawing pen. If you use a water-based marker for this last
step, it will bleed if you try to color the banner later.
Once the ink is dry, it’s time to erase the pencil lines. This is a great
time to add embellishments like detail lines on the banner and in
the fold.
To take your project to the next level, now you can color in the
banner. I recommend using a light color so that your lettering is still
easy to read.

Ready to try it? Here’s a traceable image to help you master the
banner (and the lettering). Then, it’s your turn to create your own
version of this design on the provided bordered page.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 3
One of the most challenging things about creating a lettered project
is figuring out how you want to lay out the design. The easiest
method is splitting the text into several straight lines, as we did in
our first two projects together. For the quote “this is us,” we’re
going to do that again, but instead of stopping there, we’ll take this
design up a notch by placing it inside a larger shape: a house! It’s
the perfect choice for a shape because the phrase is so often used in
home décor. It’s a sweet sentiment to hang on the wall, which you
can easily do if you frame your completed project. You can also
practice the design, then re-create it with fabric markers on a pillow
or paint pens on a wooden sign.

The first step is to sketch the word placement in pencil. The words
“this” and “us” will be in brush script, with the printed word “IS” in
between. We’re going to use a different style of banner around the
center word: a simple rectangle with a sideways “v” on each side.
Once we have the word placement, it’s time to sketch a simple
house shape around the phrase. I added a little chimney on the top
right just for fun.

The next step in our project is to use a brush pen to letter the script
words. You’ll notice that in my example, I let the “t” drift a little
lower and the “h” sits a little higher for just a bit of bounce (see for
details on bounce technique). I also used the crossbar of the “t” to
go right into the loop of the “h,” creating a fun little flourish. Next,
use a fine-tip marker (I use a Tombow MONO Drawing Pen) to trace
the banner and the third word.
With the same fine-tip marker, use a ruler or straight-edge tool to
trace the outline of the house and the chimney.
Now, it’s time to erase any remaining pencil marks to reveal our
beautiful design! Make sure you allow the ink enough time to dry so
that there are no smudges to mar your work.
The final step for this project is to add a bit of color. I colored in my
banner and the chimney just to make the design pop. You can also
color in the entire house shape if you like.
This is a simple way to dive into the world of shaped designs, which
we’ll be exploring in more of our coming projects. But first, here’s a
traceable image to get you ready to try this one on your own. Once
you’re feeling confident, go ahead and create your own project on
any surface you like! Remember, if you’re lettering on a non-paper
surface, you’ll want to use alcohol-based markers so your work is
permanent.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 4
This next project gives us a chance to experiment with using all
three types of bounce, as well as a fun flourish–an arrow. We’ll be
lettering “Embrace THE Journey” using a simple layout with one
word per line. Although the quote is simple, it’s a great reminder
that even when we’re not quite where we want to be, it’s important
to be present right where we are. Whether it’s in work, in a
relationship or in some other aspect of life, we learn far more along
the journey than we would if we just ended up at our desired
destination right away! This quote can be an encouragement for
anyone and would be a great addition to an office or a kids’ room.

First, use a pencil to sketch the positions of the words, writing

“Embrace” and “Journey” in script for the top and bottom lines. In
between, print “THE” and draw half an arrow on either side.
Once you have a sketch, it’s time to trace over your words. Use a
brush pen to letter “Embrace” and “Journey,” making sure to apply
pressure to the downstrokes. I used some in-letter bounce, as well as
a bit of tilt, to make the words feel whimsical. Then, trace “THE”
along with the arrow using a fine-tip black marker. You may want
to use a straight edge to help you keep the lines of the arrow
straight.
To make your design pop, you can color the arrow with any marker
you like. I chose purple, but you can personalize yours with your
own favorite color. Erase any remaining pencil lines that are visible
and your project will be complete.

If you’d like to practice by tracing my sample design, you can do so

using the image below. Then, turn to the page bordered with arrows
and give it a try on your own!
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 5
Now that you’ve got a few projects under your belt, it’s time to try
lettering a slightly longer phrase. We’re also going to incorporate
the outlining technique we learned in Chapter 7. Ready? Grab your
pencil and let’s get started. First, sketch the position of your words. I
stacked mine in four lines. I printed the small connecting
words–“THE,” “IS” and “TO”–while the rest are written in brush
script.
Next, it’s time to do our lettering using a colorful marker. Choose
any color brush pen you like and use the brush technique to write
the words “best,” “yet” and “come,” making sure to apply pressure
on every downstroke. Remember, you want to use a pen with a
medium or large tip so you have plenty of colored area to outline
later. Then, use a fine-tip black marker to write the rest of the
words.
Using the same fine-tip black marker, carefully trace the outer edges
of the brush-lettered words, as well as any open spaces on the
insides of letters like “b” and “e.” Add a few accent lines on either
side of “best” to draw the viewer’s eye, then erase any pencil marks
to finish your project.
Feel free to trace the design below to get yourself warmed up, then
try lettering it on your own! The page with daisies on the sides is a
perfect spot to create your finished project.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 6
This next project gives us a chance to bring in some botanicals and
nature elements, by framing our phrase with some leafy vines.
Flowers and leaves are great embellishments to learn because
they’re appropriate to use with just about any phrase you might
want to letter. Natural elements bring color and life to a design, as
well as beauty. For our project, I chose the quote “IT IS Well WITH
MY Soul,” which reminds us that even in circumstances that are less
than ideal, we can still find peace and joy.

First, sketch your word placement in pencil. I started with the word
“Well” in large script, then wrote “Soul” below it, making sure there
was a little bit of space in between the two words. Then, I filled in
the remaining words with smaller printed letters. Once the phrase is
sketched, draw two arching lines around it: one around the top left
portion and one around the bottom right area.
Use your brush pen to letter the script words, making sure to apply
pressure to thicken the downstrokes in each letter. Then, use a fine-
tip black marker to trace the printed words and the arches. The
arches will be the stems of your leafy vines. Now, draw small
teardrop-shaped leaves along the stems, adding a small vein inside
each leaf.

Erase any pencil lines you can still see, then color your leaves to
complete the project. I chose to make mine green, but you can also
use fall leaf colors, too, like red, orange and yellow.

Use the image below to trace the design if you like, then it’s time to
create your own version on the page bordered with more leafy
vines. As always, feel free to change anything about the project to
put an original spin on it.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 7
It’s time to try a new kind of shaped design! We’re going to put our
words inside a circle for this coffee-themed project. I’m personally a
huge fan of all kinds of coffee, particularly when it’s iced and
flavored with mocha or caramel. So, I enjoy lettering lots of coffee
phrases, many of which are on the walls of my kitchen and dining
room; however, if you’re not a big coffee drinker, feel free to
substitute tea or your own beverage of choice into the design. This
project looks adorable framed and displayed on a kitchen shelf, or
you can even use a paint marker to letter on tile coasters.

The first step is to sketch or trace a circle in pencil. I like to use the
lid of a jar or a small bowl for tracing mine. Then, sketch the words
“coffee time” inside. Try to let the letters bounce in a way that fills
up the space (see for details on bounce technique).
Next, use your brush pen to do the lettering, pressing on the
downstrokes and releasing pressure everywhere else.

To border your words, draw a series of small coffee beans (ovals

with a line through the center) all around the original circle. You
can use your brush pen or a small drawing marker for this step. If
you’ve substituted another beverage for coffee, you can swap out
the beans for round polka dots or even the leafy vines from the
previous project.

Erase any visible pencil lines, then color your coffee beans brown to
complete the project.

Feel free to trace the design below for extra practice before trying it
on your own. The page bordered with coffee cups is ready to be
colored and filled in with your unique project.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 8
Let’s try another round design, this time with three words and a
different border. We’ll be lettering the phrase “always give thanks,”
which is an important reminder no matter what time of year it
happens to be. It’s easy to get caught up in complaining about the
things we think are going wrong and to take for granted all of the
good things we have. But if we intentionally focus on gratitude,
rather than on the negative parts of life, we’ll have more joy.
Certainly, this project makes a nice piece of seasonal décor around
the holidays, but consider having it on display at other times, too, to
help you remember to think about all the reasons you have to be
grateful.

Once again, we’ll start this project by sketching or tracing a circle,

then positioning the phrase inside. Remember, we want to try to fill
up as much of the space as possible. You’ll notice that the word
“give” is tucked of to the right side, which gives us some space to
fill with a flourish later.
Add an extra flourish coming out from the top of the “g” and
extending out to the left with a loop. Then, use your brush pen to
trace around parts of the circle to create some leafy vines. Draw
some pointed leaf shapes along the vines, alternating sides.

Next, letter your phrase using brush technique. I used several

flourishes to elevate the design.
Finally, erase any remaining pencil marks to complete your design.

Here is a traceable version you can use as a warm-up before

attempting your own project. When you’re ready to try it yourself,
the next page is a perfect spot for your artwork.
If you like, you can leave this project black and white or you can
color the leaves.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 9
As you’ve seen, fitting your words inside a shape can really take a
design to the next level! This time, we’re going to try a new shape–a
raindrop–because it fits with our quote: “no rain, no flowers.” I
don’t know about you, but I don’t typically love rainy days …
especially since I have two dogs that dislike going outside when it’s
wet. But, like it or not, the rain is necessary; without it, nothing
grows. If every day were pure sunshine, we wouldn’t have the
flowers and plants we enjoy. The same is true in life, and we grow
by going through the times that are more challenging, even if they
aren’t fun at the time. If you know someone who is going through a
tough situation, you might want to consider using this project for
the front of a handmade card to encourage them! Just cut a piece of
Bristol board to 4¼ × 8½ inches (10.75 × 21.5 cm), fold it in half
and letter this design on the front.

Start by sketching a large teardrop shape in pencil. Don’t worry if

it’s not perfectly symmetrical. Then, fit your script words inside.
When you’re satisfied with the word positions, go back over your
letters with a brush pen, using that brush technique to create a
contrast between thick and thin lines.
The next step is to emphasize the raindrop shape by adding a floral
border. Rather than drawing in black and adding color as we did in
previous projects, this time we’re going to create a green vine.
Choose a green marker and trace the raindrop shape with it, then
add leaf shapes as well as small stems where you can draw flowers.
Next, add some buds (I just created little three-petal shapes for this)
in any color you like. If you prefer to draw the leaves and flowers in
pencil first, feel free to do so, or you can just draw them with your
markers like I did.
Erase any pencil marks you can still see and you have a beautiful
finished project.
Trace the image below to get an idea of how the elements of this
design work together, then try creating your own version on the
page with the large floral border. Of course, you can also re-create
this project on canvas, Bristol board or in your sketchbook.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 10
So far, we’ve shaped our designs into a house, a circle and a
raindrop. Let’s push ourselves with this next project and create a
triangle shape with our phrase! I chose the quote “do more THAN
just exist” for two reasons. One is that it’s a wonderful reminder that
we only get one life and it’s up to us to make it count. We can
choose just to go through the motions and exist or we can choose to
really live life to the fullest. This message challenges me to think
about the impact I want to make in the lives of others and to take
advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. The other
reason it’s perfect for this project is that the phrase naturally breaks
itself into sections that get longer as the quote goes on, making it
easy to shape into our triangle!

Start by using a pencil to sketch a rough triangle, then position your

words inside. Remember, we want to fill up as much of the center
space as possible, so it’s the perfect time to use all of the kinds of
bounce, as well as some fun flourishes to help us do just that.
Next, use a brush pen to letter “do more” and “just exist.” The same
rules about when to apply pressure to the pen tip work for
flourishes, too. Whenever your pen is moving in a downward
motion, you’ll want to press. Then, use a fine-tip drawing pen to
print the word “than.” We have some extra space on the left and
right of that word, so let’s fill it in with a few little sideways
teardrop shapes and swirls.

Erase your pencil lines, then color the teardrops to make the
embellishments pop. Rather than adding a border around the
triangle, we’re going to let the lettering itself show of the shaping.

Ready to give it a go? Trace the image below to get a sense for the
flourishes I used and how they help fill the space inside the triangle.
Notice how the ascender of the “d” gives the triangle its tip and the
way I crossed my “t”s helps fill in white space between the lines.
Then, it’s time for you to make your own masterpiece on the next
page.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 11
Our next design is based on a circle again, but like we did in the
previous project, we’re going to let the lettering itself suggest the
shape rather than actually drawing or tracing a round border. We’ll
be lettering the quote “every moment matters,” which is something I
try to remind myself as I get caught up in the daily grind. The things
we do can feel monotonous sometimes (I get awfully tired of
unloading the dishwasher every morning), but the reality is that
every moment of our life holds potential. Even in the midst of the
mundane, we can come up with a great idea. In the middle of
something uninspiring, we can find a moment of connection with
someone we love. Every breath, every moment holds possibility.
Perhaps I should display my project with this quote above the
dishwasher. Where will you display yours?

To begin, sketch/trace a circle, then fill in the words “every moment

matters.” I positioned my words on an angle and made use of lots of
bounce to make sure the whole circle was filled (see for details on
bounce technique). Remember, we can tilt our letters and also use
downstroke drift, which allows us to place each letter exactly where
we want it to go. The goal is to fill up as much of the white space in
the circle as possible, so we want to try to position our letters like
puzzle pieces that fit together line by line.

Now, it’s brush pen time. Letter your words, making sure to pay
attention to the direction your pen is moving at all times.

Draw a few curving sideways teardrop shapes to fill in those last

little open spaces and suggest the circular shape. Erase any pencil
lines you can still see from the circle itself, as well as the words.

Finish your project by coloring the teardrop shapes any shade you
like.

Here’s a copy of my design that you can trace to get a little bit of
practice and see how I used bounce to my advantage filling the
circle. Then, try it for yourself on the next page. The circular border
reinforces the shape (and helps you keep on track).
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 12
Before we move on from round designs, let’s add one more type of
embellishment to the mix: florals! We are also going to challenge
ourselves by trying this technique with a slightly longer phrase.

To create this project, sketch or trace a circle in pencil that’s large

enough to fit the quote “you are my favorite person.” Pencil in the
placement of your words, all in script. Don’t forget to use bounce
and flourishing to make your words take up as much of the open
space as possible.
Use your brush pen to brush letter the phrase, making sure to apply
pressure on all the downstrokes so you get the beautiful contrast
between thick and thin lines in every letter.

Erase your pencil lines. Then, in the top right area of the quote, add
a floral doodle. The larger flowers are what I call “messy circle”
blooms. Just draw a circle shape and trace it a few times, then add
dots in the center. I grouped three of these together, with the largest
one in the center. Then, add leaf shapes and a few little petaled
flowers made up of three upside down teardrops.

Finally, color your flowers and leaves to complete the project. This
would make a beautiful greeting card for a special person, don’t you
think?

You can practice both the lettering and the doodles by tracing the
image below, then create your own unique version on the next page.
Of course, you can also create more masterpieces on other surfaces,
too, so that you can share your creation with that special someone.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 13
For our next project, we’re going to incorporate both a banner and a
fun doodle to really make this quote pop. Banners are wonderful
design elements because they give us a fun way to contain some of
the less important words in a phrase. For this project, we’re going to
use a banner to frame the printed word “ALWAYS,” then brush
letter “Be kind” in large brush script. To make it extra fun, we’re
going to add a little bee doodle at the bottom of the design. After
all, what could “bee” better than being kind to everyone always? It
sure makes the world a better place!

The first step is to use a pencil to lightly sketch the banner (see here
for a tutorial on drawing a banner), words and bee shape. The bee is
simply an oval with two teardrops for wings, along with stripes, a
face, a little pair of antennae and a stinger.
Next, use a brush pen to brush letter “Be kind.” Then, use a fine-tip
black drawing marker to create the banner, the bee and the final
word.
Erase your remaining pencil marks, then color the banner and the
bee. This project would be adorable as a lunch box note or even as a
sign for a bedroom or locker.
To get your lettering hand warmed up, take a minute to trace the
copy of my design found below. This will give you a chance to
practice forming the banner shape, as well as the cute little bee.
Then, try your own version on the page with the beehive
illustration!
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 14
The next project we’re going to tackle contains some important
advice: “Life is short, eat dessert first.” As a huge fan of ice cream,
cookies, pie and just about all sweet things, this is the kind of
mantra I can fully support! It’s also an adorable project to display in
the kitchen. Just like the little bee in our previous project, we’ll see
that a well-placed doodle can really bring a hand-lettered phrase to
life. Since we’re talking about eating dessert first, a cupcake doodle
is the perfect accent this time. We’re also going to use a few tiny
banners for the little words “IS” and “eat.”
The first step for this project is to lightly sketch the words, the
banner and the cupcake shape as shown below. The banners are
simply the letter “w” with a line across the top and the cupcake is a
series of swirls on top of a rounded rectangle base. I placed the
cupcake in the center of the two halves of the phrase to help
emphasize the punch line.

Once you are happy with your basic sketch, let’s make it permanent.
Brush letter your script words using a brush pen. Then, use either a
brush pen or a drawing marker to trace the rest of the words and
images.
Erase your pencil lines, then add color to the banners and the
cupcake doodle. Feel free to add sprinkles and any other decorations
you like.
To get some practice with these new doodles, you can trace my
design below. Then, give it a try on your own, either on the
provided page and/or on a canvas to hang in your kitchen!
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 15
I don’t know about you, but I fully relate to the idea that creative
minds are rarely tidy. Just ask my husband or take a tour of my
crafting space when I’m mid-project and you’ll see just what I mean.
Those of us with an artistic bent often tend to be less organized than
some of our more analytical friends … and that’s okay! It means we
can push the limits and think outside of the box. In fact, sometimes
our lettered designs can take on unusual shapes. Rather than a
simple circle, triangle or other basic shape for this project, we’re
going to attempt something a little different. This shape is like a
lightning bolt: a tilted rectangle on top of a second tilted rectangle
that goes out to the left.

To get started, use your pencil to sketch a shape similar to the one
shown below and position the words inside.
We are going to use the outline technique for this phrase, so choose
two of your favorite colored brush pens with medium to large tips.
Use one to letter the words “creative minds” and the other for the
words “rarely tidy.” Use a third color or a black marker to print
“ARE” in between the two

Erase your pencil lines, then outline your lettering with a fine-tip
black marker (see for details on outline technique). Finally, use that
fine-tip marker to add some simple embellishments-diamonds, dots
and asterisks–in the open space around your words.
As always, you can use the traceable image below to practice the
shape, the lettering and the embellishments before trying the design
on your own. Then, create your own masterpiece on the bordered
page.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 16
When it comes to creating a design layout, we’ve looked at lettering
on several straight(ish) lines and lettering inside a shape. This next
project will allow us to try something new: fitting our words
together like puzzle pieces. To do this, we take into account the
ascenders and descenders in our words and create a layout that lets
them work together to create a compact design. We’re going to try
this using the phrase “Alexa, fold the laundry.” Although I don’t
personally have a robot assistant, I can definitely relate to the wish
that someone else would do my least favorite chores for me! I mean,
why does laundry never ever end? Just when I think I’m finished, I
look around and my family has the nerve to be wearing clothes and
making them dirty! Someone send help! This project is a perfect
choice for a sign on the laundry room door, don’t you think?

We’ll start by penciling the first word, then fitting the next
underneath, letting the letters bounce around to their best spots (see
for details on bounce technique). Continue until all the words are
sketched. Then, where there’s some empty space on the right side,
sketch a pair of shorts, which is really just two rectangles that
overlap in the middle.

Next, use your brush pen to complete the actual brush script
lettering. Trace the shorts as well and add any details you want, like
a button, pockets and a waistband. Feel free to color them any
shade you prefer.
Erase your pencil lines, and you have a whimsical finished project.

This quote on a canvas or a wooden sign would make a great sign

for the laundry room! To practice the letter positioning, as well as
the shorts doodle, feel free to trace the copy of my design found
below. Then, try your hand at re-creating it on your own. There’s a
blank page with a full laundry basket at the bottom that’s just
waiting for your masterpiece.
OceanofPDF.com
 PROJECT 17

Each of us has our own “happy place.” It’s the space where we feel
the most joy or peace, where we feel the most like ourselves. For
me, it’s definitely the beach. Others find their happy place in the
mountains, at home, on a boat or in a favorite chair. Maybe for you,
the place has less to do with location and more to do with the
people who are sharing it with you. For this next quote, we’re going
to letter “this is my happy place” as we practice fitting our words
together and using the bounce technique. I chose to illustrate my
project with a little starfish to represent the beach, but you can
substitute another doodle to signify your own favorite spot. When
your project is finished, I think you’ll know exactly where to display
it.

Start by sketching “this is,” then use the bounce technique to fit the
word “my” underneath. Finish drawing your word positions in
pencil, playing around with the letters until you’re happy with how
they look.

Then, use your brush pen to letter the entire phrase in brush script.
Don’t forget those thick downstrokes!
Below the phrase, there’s a great opportunity to anchor the design
with a little doodle that represents your happy place. Since mine is
the beach, I drew a little starfish, then added a few tiny bubbles for
more embellishment. You can do the same or draw anything else
that’s meaningful to a place you love. Erase your pencil lines and
you’ve got a finished project. I chose not to color mine, but you can
certainly add color to your doodle if you like.
Trace the design below for some practice, then hop over to the next
page and try your hand at it. This quote would also make a great
sign for a beach house or wherever your happy place happens to be.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 18
The more words a quote has, the more challenging it can be to find
ways to fit them all together in a design you love. Let’s try a seven-
word phrase that also happens to be special to a lot of people: “love
you to the moon and back.” This phrase is a favorite in our family–
something my son Noah and I have said to each other since he was
very small. In this design, besides our lettering itself, we’ll be
making use of the ampersand sign, as well as a moon and a few stars
for embellishments. When your project is complete, it makes a
priceless gift for a special person in your life. Frame it or create it as
a handmade card you can share!

Just like we did in the previous project, we’ll begin by sketching

word positions. I split the phrase into five lines, which I wrote on a
slight angle. Using all of the forms of bounce will help you fit the
letters together so that there’s very little open space in between (see
for details on bounce technique). Once your words are in place, you
can also sketch a little moon and stars.

Now, it’s time to break out the brush pen and letter the quote,
making sure to apply pressure on every downstroke. This same
technique applies to the ampersand: You’ll want to treat it just like
your letters. Use a black marker to trace your moon and stars or, if
you prefer, you can draw the stars with a colored marker instead.
Erase your pencil marks, color the moon and your project is ready
to display or give as a gift.
You can practice by tracing the sample below, then create your own
masterpiece.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 19
At the end of the day, all I really want are two things: to be fed and
told I’m pretty. I absolutely hate cooking, so things worked out
nicely when my husband decided he didn’t mind it at all. We have a
deal where I prepare dinner Monday through Wednesday and he
cooks Thursday through Sunday. I find myself feeling so much more
cheerful now on the afternoons when I know he’s going to be the
chef! Give me that dinner I didn’t have to cook, throw a compliment
on top and I’m a happy girl. This quote is fun to letter and gives us
an opportunity for a cute ice cream doodle as well (which you can,
of course, replace with another favorite food).

To create this whimsical design, we’ll begin once again by sketching

our word positions so that the quote fits together like a puzzle.
Using the tilt technique and downstroke drift as you bounce your
letters will help you fill all the open spaces (see for details on
bounce). On the left-hand side, sketch what will be your ice cream
cone: a triangle with circles on top.

Use a brush pen to letter the phrase, always paying attention to the
direction your pen is moving and applying pressure on the
downstrokes. Trace your ice cream cone, adding a checkered pattern
to the triangle.
Erase your pencil marks, then color the ice cream cone, scoops and
the cherry on top! Add any other details, like sprinkles or chips into
the ice cream.
If you’d like to practice before creating your own project, trace my
design below. Then, give it a try on the page with the ice cream
cone along the side. As always, feel free to alter the project to make
it your own.
OceanofPDF.com
PROJECT 20
For our final project together in this book, we’re going to letter a
nine-word quote: “A group of people is called a no thanks.” I know
those of you who are fellow introverts will appreciate this one as
much as I do. Extroverted readers, bear with me and create this one
as a gift for an introvert you know and love. We find large groups
completely draining and would rather pass up that crowded party to
enjoy a quiet evening at home with our pets and a good book.

The more words we have to work with, the trickier it can be to

make them all fit together well, but we’re going to do it! Sketch
your word positions using mine as a guide. Pay attention to what
letters are shorter and longer and think about trying to fit the lines
together like pieces of a puzzle. Tuck letters into the empty spaces
and try to be aware of what spots would work best for letters with
big ascender or descender lines.
To emphasize the words “no thanks,” we’re going to use our outline
technique, making them pop off the page more than the rest of the
phrase. Use a black brush pen to letter the other words in brush
script, then choose a bright colored brush pen for the “no thanks”
part.
Trace the design below for a bit of practice, then create your own
version on the bordered page.

Erase the pencil lines, then carefully outline the colored lettering
with a fine-tip marker (see for detail on outline technique) and then
add quotation marks around “no thanks.” Draw a few teardrop
embellishments on either side of the design and color them to
coordinate with your colored words.
OceanofPDF.com
 Afterword
Congratulations! You’ve completed twenty brush-lettering projects.
Each time you traced a design or tried the lettering on your own,
you embedded the technique a little more into your muscle
memory. Like any skill, brush lettering becomes easier the more you
do it, and you’ll be able to see a lot of improvement over time if you
practice regularly.

The best part is that now you can use your lettering for all kinds of
creative projects, not only on paper but on all kinds of other
surfaces. There’s no limit to what you can create!

For more lettering instruction and inspiration, be sure to stop by

amylattacreations.com. If you share images of your projects online,
I’d love for you to tag me at @amylattacreations so I can celebrate
with you.
OceanofPDF.com
 About the Author

Amy Latta is passionate about helping every person she meets learn
to create beautiful things. On her award-winning blog
amylattacreations.com, you’ll find easy-to-follow hand lettering
tutorials, along with all kinds of craft and DIY projects. Amy also
loves teaching in-person and virtual workshops all across the United
States through Michaels Community Classroom, Pinners Conference
and other venues. Another of Amy’s favorite avenues for sharing
creative tips is doing segments on lifestyle television shows and
Pinterest TV. And, of course, you can learn from Amy by reading
one or all of her five books on hand lettering, including Hand
Lettering for Relaxation, which has sold nearly 150,000 copies as of
this printing. She has also written a guided creativity journal,
Practice Makes Progress, and a book called Doodle Everything, which
teaches readers to draw over 400 adorable images. Amy is happiest
when crafting, and when she’s not covered in paint, you can find
her working on hand-lettered art and professional design
collaborations. Amy is a Maryland girl who runs on iced coffee and
loves spending time with her husband, their two sons and their furry
friends.
OceanofPDF.com
 Acknowledgments
Will and the Page Street Team–It is a joy to partner with you. I
absolutely love all that we’ve been able to create together. Thank
you for always being willing to ask, “What do we want to do next?”

Sarah–You are not only the best editor there is, but also a kind and
beautiful person inside and out. I am grateful to have you in my life.

Meg–Thank you for taking my manuscripts and illustrations and

working your magic to weave them into beautiful books.

Tombow USA–Thank you for inviting me to be part of your Creator

Crew and for producing brush pens and art supplies of the highest
quality. It’s truly my pleasure to create with your products.

Dan–I love never having to doubt that you are in my corner. Thank
you for your consistent love and support and for understanding
when I need to go into deadline mode. I love you more today than
yesterday …

Noah–Yay! The book is finished, so now we have more time to play

Stardew Valley! I love you, best buddy.

Nathan–Thank you for understanding when I needed to spend time

working instead of playing. Now, let’s get some celebratory
chocolate balls and you can give me a hard time. I hear that’s what
best friends do.

Mom and Dad–Your support and love mean the world to me and I
am so grateful for both of you. Thank you for helping me to become
the person I am today and for always believing I can do and achieve
anything.

Erin–Thank you for keeping the everyday tasks under control for
Amy Latta Creations so that I can write more books, and for
protecting me from gray sweatpants. Love you, Mocha.

Bill and Chrissy–For your friendship, enthusiasm, dog snuggles,

fabulous memes and Chrissy’s top-notch grilled cheeses, I am
eternally grateful.
OceanofPDF.com
 Index
The index that appeared in the print version of this title does not
match the pages in your eBook. Please use the search function on
your eReading device to search for terms of interest. For your
reference, the terms that appear in the print index are listed below.

A
“A group of people is called a no thanks” project
Alcohol-based ink/markers
“Alexa, fold the laundry” project
Alphabet
brush script, in lowercase
brush script, uppercase
extended brush script
“ALWAYS Be kind” project
“always give thanks” project
Ampersand sign
Apple® Pencil
Arrow
Ascender flourishes
Ascender loop
Ascenders, definition

B
Banners
 in “ALWAYS Be kind” project
in “life IS short, eat dessert first” project
in “practice MAKES progress” project
in “this IS us” project
Bee doodle
Blending
Botanical border
Botanicals. See Floral embellishments
Bounce technique
“Alexa, fold the laundry” project using
“coffee time” project using
“do more THAN just exist” project using
“Embrace THE Journey” project using
“every moment matters” project using
explained
“feed me & tell me i’m pretty” project using
“love you to the moon & back” project using
methods for achieving
practice
“this is my happy place” project using
“this IS us” project using
Bristol board
Brush pens (markers)
about
care of
colorful
ink types in
lifting, when writing words
pressure applied to
storage of
three main types of
Brush script alphabet. See Alphabet
Brushstrokes
ascender loop
compound curve
descender loop
downstrokes
horizontal strokes
oval
overturn
underturn
upstrokes
Brush technique

C
Caliart® brush pens
Capital letters
brush script alphabet
extended brush script and
Circle design. See Round designs “coffee time” project
Color(s) and colored pens/markers
Compound curve
Copic® brush pens
“creative minds ARE rarely tidy” project
Crossbar, defined
Crossbar flourishes
Cupcake doodle
Cursive handwriting

D
Descender flourishes
Descender loop
Descenders
Digital brush lettering
“do more THAN just exist” project
Doodles. See also Banners
bee
cupcake
ice cream
shorts
starfish
stars and moon
Dots
Downstroke
Downstroke drift
Drop shadows
Dye/water-based brush pens

E
Embellishments. See also Doodles
flowers and leaves
teardrop
“Embrace THE Journey” project
“every moment matters” project
Extended brush script
alphabet
explained
practice
words

F
“feed me & tell me i’m pretty” project
Finished examples
Floral border
Floral embellishments
in “IT IS Well With MY Soul” project
in “you are my favorite person” project
Flourishes
ascender
crossbar
descender
projects using
Fudenosuke brush pens

H
Highlights
Horizontal lines/strokes
Hot press watercolor paper
House image, “this is us” lettering inside

I
Ice cream cone doodle
Inks
alcohol-based
water-based
In-letter bounce
iPad®
“IT IS Well WITH MY Soul” project

J
“joy,” 73–74
L
Laser printed paper
Layering, with water-based versus alcohol-based inks
Leaves
Letters
bounce added within
connecting
creating the amount of space between
extended brush
lowercase brush script
uppercase brush script
“life IS short, eat dessert first” project
“live a life you love” project
“love you to the moon & back”
project
Lowercase letters
brush script alphabet
extended brush script

N
“no rain, no flowers” project
Numbers

O
Outlined brush script
“A group of people is called ‘no thanks’” project using
“creative minds ARE rarely tidy” project using
explained
“THE best IS yet TO come” project using
Oval shape, creating letters from
Overturn

P
Papers
brush pen protection and
water-based ink for
Pencil sketches
Permanent (alcohol-based) ink
Pigment-based brush pens
Pigment/water-based brush pens
Practice
adding bounce
ascender flourishes
brush script alphabet, lower case
brush script alphabet, upper case
connecting letters
crossbar flourishes
descender flourishes
eight basic brushstrokes
extended brush script
“practice MAKES progress” project
Printer paper
Prismacolor® brush pens
Procreate®
Projects
“A group of people is called a no thanks,”
“Alexa, fold the laundry,”
“ALWAYS Be kind,”
“always give thanks,”
“coffee time,”
 “creative minds ARE rarely tidy,”
“do more THAN just exist,”
“Embrace THE Journey,”
“every moment matters,”
“feed me & tell me i’m pretty,”
“IT IS Well WITH MY Soul,”
“life IS short, eat dessert first,”
“live a life you love,”
“love you to the moon & back,”
“no rain, no flowers,”
“practice MAKES progress,”
“THE best IS yet TO come,”
“this is my happy place,”
“this IS us,”
“you are my favorite person,”

R
Raindrop shape, “no rain, no flowers” lettering within
Rectangle shape
“creative minds are rarely tidy” lettering in
“live a life you love” lettering in
Retracing lines
Round designs
“always give thanks” project using
“coffee time” project using
“every moment matters” project using
“you are my favorite person” project using

S
Shadows
Shorts doodle
Spectrum Noir™ brush pens
Starfish doodle
Stars and moon doodle
Storage, of brush pens
Surfaces, brush pen protection and

T
Teardrop embellishments
Teardrop shape, “no rain, no flowers” lettering in
Texture, adding dots to letters for
“t” flourishes
“THE best IS yet TO come” project
Thick lines
Thin lines
“this is my happy place” project
“this IS us” project
Tilt technique
Tombow ABT PRO Alcohol-Based Markers
Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Tombow® Fudenosuke pens
Tombow MONO Drawing Pen
Traceable images
Triangle shape, “do more THAN just exist” lettering in

U
Underturn
Upstrokes

W
Washable inks
Water-based pens/markers
Watercolor paper
Watercolor, pens/markers that are best for
White gel pen
Words
adding bounce within
extended brush script
lifting the pen while writing
outlined
retracing lines while writing

Y
“you are my favorite person” project
OceanofPDF.com
 Thank you for buying this
Page Street Publishing Co. ebook.

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 Contents

Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication

Introduction

Chapter 1
Brush Technique

Chapter 2
The 8 Basic Brushstrokes

Chapter 3
The Brush Script Alphabet

Chapter 4
Brush Script Lettering

Chapter 5
Flourishes

Chapter 6
Extended Brush Script

Chapter 7
Outlined Brush Script
Chapter 8
Adding Bounce

Beyond the Basics

Bonus Ideas

PROJECTS
1: Live a Life You Love
2: Practice Makes Progress
3: This Is Us
4: Embrace the Journey
5: The Best Is Yet to Come
6: It Is Well With My Soul
7: Coffee Time
8: Always Give Thanks
9: No Rain, No Flowers
10: Do More Than Just Exist
11: Every Moment Matters
12: You Are My Favorite Person
13: Always Be Kind
14: Life Is Short, Eat Dessert First
15: Creative Minds Are Rarely Tidy
16: Alexa, Fold the Laundry
17: This Is My Happy Place
18: Love You to the Moon & Back
19: Feed Me & Tell Me I’m Pretty
20: A Group of People Is Called a “No Thanks”
Afterword
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Index
Copyright

OceanofPDF.com
Copyright © 2023 Amy Latta

First published in 2023 by

Page Street Publishing Co.
27 Congress Street, Suite 1511
Salem, MA 01970
www.pagestreetpublishing.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be

reproduced or used, in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from
the publisher.

Distributed by Macmillan, sales in Canada by The Canadian Manda

Group.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64567-772-7

Our eBooks may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational,

or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and
Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, extension. 5442, or
by e-mail at [email protected].

Cover and book design by Amy Latta and Meg Baskis for Page Street
Publishing Co. Illustrations by Amy Latta
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