Hand Lettering 

Session 1: Introduction to Hand Lettering & Basic Strokes (2 Hours) 

Objective: Introduce members to the art of hand lettering, essential tools, basic terminology, and fundamental strokes.

Materials: Various pens (brush pens, fine-liners, markers), different types of paper (smooth, bristol), pencils, erasers, rulers, handouts on basic strokes and anatomy of letters.

Agenda:

• Welcome and Icebreaker. Project overview and goals for the hand lettering journey.

• Tools of the Trade: Discuss different types of pens and paper suitable for hand lettering, and how to care for them.

• Basic Strokes & Drills: Practice fundamental strokes (upstrokes, downstrokes, ovals, loops) that form the basis of all lettering. Focus on consistent pressure and control.

• Introduction to Lettering Styles & Terminology: Briefly introduce common styles (e.g., sans-serif, serif, script) and key terms like baseline, x-height, ascender, descender.

Session 2: Letterforms & Styles (2 Hours) 

Objective: Deepen understanding of individual letterforms, practice constructing different alphabets, and explore various lettering styles.

Materials: Practice worksheets for different alphabets, tracing paper, examples of various lettering styles.

Agenda:

• Review of Meeting 1 topics. Q&A and sharing of practice work.

• Anatomy of Letters & Alphabet Practice: Focus on constructing full alphabets in a chosen style (e.g., a simple sans-serif or a basic brush script). Emphasize consistency in letter height, width, and slant.

• Exploring Different Styles: Introduce and practice elements of other popular styles like faux calligraphy, bounce lettering, or decorative elements. Discuss how to vary weight and pressure.

• Spacing and Kerning Basics: Understand the importance of consistent spacing between letters and words for readability and aesthetic appeal. Simple exercises in adjusting letter spacing.

Session 3: Composition & Project Application (2 Hours) 

Objective: Learn principles of layout and composition, and apply accumulated skills to create finished hand-lettered pieces.

Materials: Layout paper, rulers, lightboxes (optional), project examples (quotes, cards, small signs), inspiration images.

Agenda:

• Review of Meeting 2 topics. Q&A and sharing of alphabet practice.

• Layout and Composition: Discuss principles like balance, hierarchy, flow, and focal points in hand lettering. Practice sketching out different layouts for short phrases or quotes.

• Embellishments & Flourishing: Introduce simple decorative elements, banners, and basic flourishing techniques to enhance lettering designs. Practice integrating these into layouts.

• Project Brainstorm & Planning: Members choose a final project (e.g., a hand-lettered quote, a greeting card, a small decorative sign) and begin sketching their final design, applying all learned techniques.

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