Lettering Tutorial: How to Create an Idea Sketchbook

Learn how to turn ideas into a professional sketchbook, with Iván Caíña

Sketchbooks are a really useful way to unblock your creativity, and to create sketches you can transform into more elaborate lettering compositions.

Graphic designer Iván Caíña (@ivan_caina) is passionate about letters. He practices calligraphy and lettering every day. In this video tutorial, Ivan teaches you a few sketchbook calligraphy exercises that help overcome creative block.

Enjoy!

1. Find the perfect sketchbook

The first thing you need to start sketching is a sketchbook. Iván recommends a simple, soft-backed, classic-sized notebook. It’s best if its flexible and easy to handle, as this makes it easier to always have it with you, ready to jot down creative ideas as they bubble up. You never know when your best ideas are going to come! So keep your sketchbook on hand at all times.

2. Start sketching inspirational phrases

Select one or several phrases that inspire you, to start creating a range of lettering styles and compositions. Don’t worry about your technique or the end results at this stage, allow your pencil to flow over the blank page and generate interesting graphic structures you can then use to create more elaborate lettering compositions.

In this exercise, Iván chose the phrases: Create, Don’t Hate and Share Your Progress. These allow him to create diagonal and more circular compositions, and to play with capital and lower case letters. Any combination of letters and words is good to help you practice sketching!

3. From sketch to design

The great thing about a sketchbook is that you can go back to it whenever you’re a bit stuck and in need of inspiration or graphic references. A letter sketch can always be the foundation for a new lettering composition or design.

Tip: Share your progress!

Any work of art requires enough vulnerability to show your creative growth. Ivan recommends being unafraid to share your progress, as you’ll be happy to see how your technique and sketches evolve into a final work.

Love this tutorial? If you’d like to learn how to design a complete alphabet and print it onto your favorite clothes, don’t miss Ivan’s online course: Calligraphy and Lettering for Custom Garments.

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- Introduction to Illustrated Bullet Journaling, a course by Annie Weir
- Creative Bullet Journal Planning and Creativity, a course by Little Hannah
- Bullet Journal Tutorial: Ideas to Improve Your Hand Lettered Fonts
- Brush Pen Tutorial: Basic Lettering Strokes