a jump-start guide t0

Small & large brush

by winterbird PAGE 2

hi there!

If you are reading this then it can only mean one thing – you are ready to get a jump start into the wonderful world of ! This Brush Lettering starter manual contains instructions on how to get started right away. Introduction to each of your new tools, how to use brush pens, basic strokes, alphabet for small brush pens, alphabet for big brush pens and more

tip: The only way to become really good at calligraphy is through a lot of practice – preferably every single day.

A Jump-Start Guide to Brush Lettering © 2018 by Winterbird. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permis- sion. All photos, illustrations and designs by Winterbird, unless otherwise specified. PAGE 3

tools

Before you start, you will need some tools to work with! You might already have some or you might be looking for some good supplies, fear not, I have you covered.

On the next pages I will go through some basic supplies that will get you started – or you can of course use any brush pens that you have already.

You can find my current recommended supplies here:

WINTERBIRD.COM/SUPPLIES PAGE 4

small brush pens

Small brush pens are often called “fude” brush pens. Most small brush pens are strong and sturdy and can be used on a wide variety of types. As opposed to big brushes, the small tips allows more writing per line on paper.

Some of my favorite small brush pens are: ­FUDENOSUKE BRUSH TWIN TIP and BRUSH TIP SIGN PEN

TOMBOW FUDENOSUKE BRUSH PEN TWIN TIP PENTEL BRUSH TIP SIGN PENS The Tombow Fudenosuke (or fude) Brush These wonderful Pentel Brush Tip Sign Pens Pen Twin Tip is quite possibly my favorite have the same features as a fude-pen, like the brush pen. What makes it my favorite is Tombow Fudenosuke – but they come in that it has both a black and a gray tip in beautiful colors! These colors should give one! The gray tip has a perfect shade that you quite a few possibilities to start exploring can add shadows to any lettering. Shadows with coloring techniques such as blending. can add a lot of dimension to your letters. Try blending the pens with each other, liquid It’s so handy and so practical. I use this pen water­colors or other watercolor-based pens. a lot! PAGE 5

large brush pens

The large brush pens have a much larger brush tip, meaning you can create big and gorgeous letters. Many people prefer starting out with larger pens to get used to the brush pen techniques.

Some of my favorite large brush pens are: ECOLINE BRUSH PENS and CEDAR MARKERS DUAL BRUSH PENS

ECOLINE BRUSH PENS The magical Ecoline Brush Pens from are the most vibrant and moist brush pens I have ever tried, and I absolutely love them! These pens have a wide variety of colors available and they are amazing to blend with Ecoline Liquid Watercolors. PAGE 6

other pens

Some other pens I would not want to be without are: SAKURA GELLY ROLLS and SAKURA PIGMA MICRON

SAKURA GELLY ROLL: WHITE SAKURA PIGMA MICRON With their Ice Cream Smooth-, the Gel- Another must-have pen is the Sakura Pig- ly Roll pens are lovely companions to your ma ­Micron! These fineliners are made for brush pens. By using the Gelly Roll pen precision and performance and are avail- you will be able to add details, highlights able in many sizes. I love using the Micron or glitter to your lettering to make your pens for outlining, shading, and illustra- work stand out and add more life. Make tions to go with my lettering. sure your lettering is dried before adding the details. PAGE 7

paper

Paper is a really importent part of your experience and in keeping your precious pens in top shape the longest.

To see my paper suggestions for different kinds of pens and usages, please visit:

WINTERBIRD.COM/PAPER PAGE 8

how to use the brush pen

A Brush Pen is unlike most everyday pens. The right grip is of high importance to achieve the correct stroke effects.

On the next pages we will go through the basics of how to use the brush pen.

tip: Brush Pens are made to bend, you should be able to bend it so that the thick stroke is at least three times the size of the thin stroke. PAGE 9

grip and pressure-Video

I made a video showing you how I use the brush pen:

GOO.GL/7KUHUJ PAGE 10

pen angle ≈ 40 degrees

paper

Brush Pens are made to be flexible in order to provide that beautiful contrast between the thick and the thin strokes that is so recognizable when it comes to Brush Lettering. When holding the Brush Pen you should keep your pen at an angle. The angle is the key and the link between those heavy downstrokes and feather light upstrokes. I usually hold my Brush Pen somewhere around a 40 degree angle. I rest the brush pen on my middle finger, while I keep it in position between my pointer finger and thumb. PAGE 11

tip: Try to consistently maintain the same angle and grip position on the Brush Pen while you letter.

The big challenge when it comes to the grip of the pen, is how far up or down you hold it. Most beginners will grip really far down, close to the tip. While this may give you a feeling of control and comfort – a high grip is immensely more rewarding when brush lettering. This will become more clear as you progress and begin to add swirls and flourishes to your letters. It is far easier to achieve more beautiful and natural-looking curves and strokes with a higher grip.

If you are left handed I have an article ready to help you:

WINTERBIRD.COM/LEFTIE PAGE 12

learning the strokes

It is time to really get started now! Are you ready?

The following strokes are great for practice, warming up and getting used to your new pens! I recommend that you do them as often as you’d like. You can never get enough practice!

tip: Start out simple, no one can perform the most advanced strokes when just starting out. Enjoy the journey! PAGE 13

practice the basic strokes

Open the practice pdf-file and print the basic strokes practice sheets on quality paper (see winterbird.com/paper for recommendations), or use blank paper and practice on your own!

For small brush pens, print page 1–2 For large brush pens, print page 3–4

tip: Remember to apply heavy pressure to make thick downstrokes and light pressure to make thin upstrokes! PAGE 14

practicing the alphabet

After you feel you’ve gotten the hang of the heavy and light strokes, you’re ready to start making letters! This next practice contain a full alphabet in upper and lowercase letters for small and big brush pens.

The letters are organized in order of difficulty, so we’ll begin with the letters that have more basic strokes and then continue with more complicated ones.

tip: It’s a great idea to keep repeating to yourself “heavy downstroke, light upstroke” as you practice brush lettering! PAGE 15

practice the alphabet

Open the practice pdf-file and print the alphabet practice sheets on quality paper (see winterbird.com/paper for recommendations), or use blank paper and practice on your own!

For small brush pens, print page 5–11 For large brush pens, print page 12–22 PAGE 16

changing up your letters

One of the most exciting things about the alphabet is how flexible it can be. There are so many possibilities with how you can design each letter. This is where you can be really creative!

tip: Change up your letters! Explore – but remember to try to keep them readable.

You can find a lot of inspiration for letters everywhere you go, just keep your eyes open! I also have a library of letters on my website:­

WINTERBIRD.COM/LETTER-LIBRARY PAGE 17

Sharp uppercase letter A Rounded uppercase letter A

Uppercase letter A with Round lowercase some decorative swirls letter A

Open lowercase “Double story” Open and decorative letter A lowercase letter A lowercase letter A PAGE 18

creating words and phrases

Now that you have practiced the letters of the alphabet, you can try creating words! How you letter is up to you! Some people prefer to connect their letters while others prefer to keep them seperate. Regardless of what you choose, try to keep the spacing between your letters and words consistent.

tip: Join a lettering challenge to practice your calligraphy every day. It’s fun, encouraging and you may even make new calligrafriends! Check out for example: HAPPYLETTERING.COM PAGE 19

Letters unconnected

Letters connected with Letters connected with wider “normal” space between spacing between

Letters connected with “normal” space between

Letters connected with wider spacing between PAGE 20

tip: Don’t be afraid to play around with letters, words, spacing, colors … all of it! Explore and have fun!

practice on your own

Open the practice pdf-file and print the blank practice sheets on quality paper (see winterbird.com/paper for recommendations), or use blank paper and practice on your own!

For small brush pens, print page 27 For large brush pens, print page 28 PAGE 21 make your own projects!

It’s time to really put your new skills into action by making some of your own fun stuff! Use your calligraphy on gift tags, cards, envelopes, posters and more. The possibilities are endless, here are some ideas to get you started.

Use your lettering to make unique envelope designs!

Brighten up any table with Surprise your friends and your own lettered tablecards! family with a hand made, ­lettered greeting card!

Make invitations for weddings or festivities!

Create your own lettering and get it printed on mugs! Get organized at home with charming and beautiful labels! Frame your favorite lettered quotes or mottos as a beautiful reminder and deco- ration for your home.