Free Resources on Lettering and Calligraphy

Computers and mobile devices have become a major part of our daily lives. Tasks and hobbies such as writing, are now easier than ever. Thnak yu spelchek, am i rite? However, technology can only do so much, and with it is the possibly to lose touch with traditional arts. The good news is, traditional methods of creating art and lettering are rising in popularity. For the sake of learning and keeping these traditions alive, we’ve gathered some free resources to improve your lettering and calligraphy.

30 Days To Better Brush Calligraphy

Dawn Nicole—who has a bunch of lettering tutorials and assets—also created a free 30 Day Challenge to help see strides in your lettering skills. Along with some suggestions for supplies, Dawn has supplied 30 worksheets to download and practice. Each day also has a video showing how the worksheet should be filled out. Also, check out these worksheets on “Fun with Flourishes“.

Check it out here.

Learning to Letter

The folks at Retrosupply recently released a lettering mega bundle with curator Jason Carne. It features over 125 historical books on lettering, and perfect for those who really want to get into hand-lettering and calligraphy. While the bundle is for sale, they were kind enough to supply a free book entitled “Learning to Letter”, a textbook on lettering 60 styles of letters.

Check it out here.

Brush Lettering Practice Sheets

Along with teaching brush lettering and calligraphy, Jessica Kaela also offers some free lettering practice sheets, focusing on Olivia Upright Style. The great thing about these sheets is that they show which direction you should be moving your pen. The pdf contains 23 pages of daily warmups, alphabets, and and step-by-step guides for brush pen and watercolor brush lettering.

Check it out here.

Lettering Practice Worksheets by Tombow

Makers of the very cool, water-based dual brush pen, also has some free hand-lettering practice worksheets designed specifically for Tombow pens. The great thing about these pens, is that they are not only affordable, but come in a wide variety of colors. You can also use them to create watercolor type effects by brushing some water over your marks. Versatile and perfect for lettering.

Check it out here.

Italic Calligraphy & Handwriting with Lloyd Reynolds

Calligrapher Laureate of Oregon and professor at Reed College from 1929-1969, Lloyd Reynolds taught Gary Snyder (poet), Charles Bigelow (type designer), Kris Holmes (co-creator of Lucida Font Family), Sumner Stone (creator of ITC Stone), and informally Steve Jobs. In 1968 Reynolds was asked to create 20, half-hour TV lessons on Italic Calligraphy and Handwriting for the Oregon Public Broadcasting. This entire series is now available to watch, and ready to help you become a better calligrapher.

Watch the Series here.

(Photo via: Reed College)