12 Playful Hand-Lettering Styles. Learn and create twelve fabulous hand-lettering styles throughout the year!
Learn 12 Playful Hand-Lettering Styles
As a lettering artist, creating new lettering styles is one of my favorite things. I just finished submitting the content for my third book with Better Day Books (an imprint of Schiffer Books), and part of that included creating over twenty new styles.
I decided it would be fun to focus on teaching how to create new styles this year! Here’s an overview of how it will work.
How to Learn and Create Along with Me
I’ve planned out all twelve styles for the year. One new style every month!
- The Monthly Lettering Challenges: In my monthly newsletters, I’ll provide an overview of the style and challenge you to create a complete alphabet based on a single letter. You’ll also receive a free mini-workbook to download. This is a fabulous way to grow your lettering skills and expand your arsenal of styles, whether you’re already into lettering or a newbie up for the challenge.
- Trace-to-Learn Lettering: I’ll create an entire alphabet in the style and offer it as an affordable $10 workbook in my shop. The workbook will include a printable PDF and optional Procreate-format worksheets. A copy of the challenge from the newsletter is included in case you missed that month’s email.
- Video Tutorials: I will share a free video tutorial on my YouTube channel each month, and a sample letter will be demonstrated in that style.
By the end of the year, you’ll have created twelve original hand-lettering styles you can use in your future projects.
Check out The Lettering Shop →
Lettering Style Challenge Videos (YouTube) →
Style Overview
- January: Optimist – a Beveled Colorblock Serif
- February: Pinky Promise – a Maximalist San Serif Style
- March: Joie de Vivre – an Ornate Flower Garden Inspired Decorative Serif
- April: Rainy Day – a unique Serif with Teardrop Terminals
- May: Cover Girl – a Magazine Cover inspired Script + Serif Mashup Lettering Style
- June: Milk Pop – a Playful, Bubbly Style with Retro Vibes
- July: Rockabilly – a Victorian-Inspired Serif Style with Vintage Flair with a Rebellious Spirit
- August: Magical Realism – a Swashy Sans Serif inspired by Romantasy Books
- September: Afterglow – a Playfully Sweet Ribbon-Inspired Script
- October: Midnight – a Bewitching Mixed Serif with Gothic Vibes
- November: Apricity – a Blackletter with Modern Edge
- December: Holly Jolly – a Slab Serif with Festive Flair
Style No. 1: Optimist – A Beveled Colorblock Serif
Style No. 2: Pinky Promise – A Playful Decorative Display Style
Pinky Promise Style Workbook →
Style No. 3: Joie de Vivre – A Decorative Gothic Tuscan Serif Style
Inspired by French Flower Gardens
JOIE DE VIVRE STYLE WORKBOOK →
Style No. 4: Rainy Day – A Rounded Serif with Teardrop Terminals
Inspired by the rainy days of Spring
Style No. 5: Cover Girl – A Super Fun Script + Serif Mashup
Inspired by the 90s & Magazine Cutout Letters
Style No. 6: Milk Pop – A Playfully Dimensional Take on Bubble Letters
Style No. 6: Milk Pop – A Playfully Dimensional Take on Bubble LettersInspired by Milk / Boba Tea
Style No. 7: Rockabilly – A Vintage Serif with Edge
Inspired by Rockabilly Music & Fashion and the Victorian Lettering Style
Style No. 8: Magical Realism – A Swashy Sans Serif
Inspired by Magical Realism & Fantasy Book Genres
Style No. 9: AfterGlow – A Sweet, Ribbony Script
Inspired by cottagecore vibes with a hint of Romance and Charm
Style No. 10: Midnight – A Bewitching Mixed Serif
Draws its magic from the starry night sky.
With high-contrast strokes and subtle gothic elements, it feels both mysterious and elegant.
Style No. 11: Apricity – A Blackletter with Modern Edge
Apricity is a modern twist on classic gothic penmanship, blending the bold strokes of the Pilot Parallel pen with a softer, more playful touch that reimagines old-world calligraphy for today’s creative work.
Style No. 12: Holly Jolly – A Slab Serif with Festive Flair
Holly Jolly is a slab serif lettering style that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and playfulness. Its bold, blocky serifs give it a classic foundation, while subtle curves and decorative details add a cheerful, festive flair.
LEARN EVEN MORE LETTERING STYLES IN MY BOOKS!
In addition to learning a basic Sans Serif, Serif, and Script lettering style, you can learn all ten styles (shown below) in my book, The Art of Playful Lettering. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to lettering, want to develop your skills, or are still defining your style.
Book two, my Modern Folk Art Coloring Book, is now available. Although it’s a coloring book, the designs feature a variety of fun lettering styles to inspire you!
Book three, The Bibliophile’s Coloring & Lettering Book, was released on October 15 and features ten fun book-themed lettering styles.
Happy Lettering!
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