Brush Lettering Basics
Published on September 11, 2025
Introduction
Brush lettering combines the fluidity of calligraphy with the expressive freedom of hand‑drawn typography. Whether you’re a designer, illustrator, or hobbyist, mastering the basic strokes will open up a world of creative possibilities.
Essential Tools
- Brush pen (e.g., Tombow Dual Brush Pen, Pentel Brush Pen)
- Sketchbook or smooth watercolor paper
- Pencil and eraser for guidelines
- Ruler (optional for baseline)
- Ink or watercolor for color experiments
Basic Strokes
- Upstroke – Light pressure, thin line.
- Downstroke – Firm pressure, thick line.
- Entrance/Exit – Small curves at the start and end of a letter.
- Loop – Circular motion for letters like “o” and “e”.
Practice each stroke repeatedly on a separate sheet before forming letters.
Practice Tips
- Start with the alphabet in lowercase, then uppercase.
- Maintain consistent baseline and x‑height.
- Experiment with spacing and tilt for style variation.
- Use a light pencil guide; erase once you’re satisfied with the strokes.
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