Retro Hand-Lettering: Embracing Imperfections
A course by Jay RoederIllustrator and Hand-Lettering Artist
A course by Jay Roeder, Illustrator and Hand-Lettering Artist
Learn lettering techniques to create original compositions composed of words, letters, and phrases that reflect your personal style
Imperfections are what make your work unique, giving it character and personality. That is the approach of illustrator Jay Roeder, who welcomes imperfections in his hand-lettering compositions, which are inspired by 1980s technology and music. Jay, who has worked for brands such as Nike, Hilton and Subway, has also published three books about lettering in which he shares his expertise.
In this online course, he teaches you to design simple lettering compositions with words, phrases, and graphics. Step by step, you will learn the process to create lettering illustrations with confidence, and define your own artistic style. Forget computer fonts and embrace the perfect imperfections of hand-lettering.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 25 downloads
Warm-up Exercises
16 minutes, 27 seconds
Hand Lettering Within Shapes
9 minutes, 19 seconds
Inspiration and Research
9 minutes, 52 seconds
Wireframes
18 minutes, 43 seconds
Rough Sketch
19 minutes, 17 seconds
Refined Sketch
9 minutes, 41 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin the course by getting to know illustrator and hand-lettering artist Jay Roeder. Hear about the journey that led him to quit his agency job and pursue his passion for lettering, along with the influences that inspire his art.
Jay introduces you to different lettering styles and shows you his creative process, along with some warm-up exercises for lettering within shapes. Then do some research and create a mood board for your final project.
Time to work on your lettering composition! Create a wireframe and start sketching. Once your work is finished, add ink, color, and texture, to give your lettering an aged and vintage feel.
To wrap up the course, Jay gives you some tips to work with clients, share your ideas on social media, and digitize your lettering illustrations.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a hand-lettering composition within an illustration.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone interested in learning how to create hand-lettering, from beginners to more experienced artists.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge of lettering would be helpful, but is not essential.
As for the materials, you just need an iPad and Procreate, but you can also use a pencil, pen, and a sketchbook.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Loved it!!
- 5 months ago
Jay does a great job of introducing you to the art of Hand Lettering. I especially appreciated his use of analog processes and how to vectorize your finished product. I would definitely buy another one of his tutorials for the finer aspects of this subject. Thanks Jay!!
- 2 years ago
Lo recomiendo al 100%. Ideas claras de como construir un buen lettering con estilo propio y además con buena información y procesos para arrancar en este mundo!!!
- 2 years ago
jay knows what he’s doing and did it well! 👍
- 2 years ago
Wanted to do this one for a while. I've had Jay's book for ages and this course didn't disappoint.
Since then, he has worked with brands such as Nike, Hilton, and Subway, and agencies on branding, packaging, books and magazine covers, ad campaigns, and murals. He has also written three books on hand lettering: 100 Days of Lettering, Lettering Alphabets & Artwork, and Harry Potter Hand Lettering.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Hand Lettering
- Hand Lettering Process and Styles
- Warm-up Exercises
- Hand Lettering Within Shapes
- Inspiration and Research
- U3
Creating Hand Lettering within an Illustration
- Wireframes
- Rough Sketch
- Refined Sketch
- Ink and Color 1
- Ink and color 2
- Texture and Offset Styling
- U4
Additional Tips
- Working with Clients
- Social Media for Growth
- Digitizing Your Lettering
- FP
Final project
- Retro Hand-Lettering: Embracing Imperfections
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and guides you step-by-step through the basics of hand lettering, making it accessible even if you have no prior art or design experience.
You’ll need an iPad with Procreate, an Apple Pencil or stylus, and optionally a smudge guard. The course also covers techniques using traditional tools, but digital tools are the main focus.
You'll learn hand lettering fundamentals, digital techniques in Procreate, composition, mood board creation, sketching, inking, coloring, and integrating lettering into illustrations for projects like greeting cards, signage, posters, and packaging.
No prior experience with Procreate is required. The course introduces Procreate basics and guides you through the necessary features as you learn hand lettering techniques.
Hand lettering is the art of drawing letters as illustrations, while calligraphy is writing letters with specific strokes, and typography arranges existing typefaces. The course explains these distinctions and focuses on hand lettering as a creative process.
Yes, the course teaches you how to create professional-quality hand-lettered artwork suitable for freelance projects, client work, and building a standout portfolio.
Absolutely. The course covers a range of applications, including greeting card art, marathon signage, book layouts, packaging, and magazine covers, showing how to adapt hand lettering styles to each format.