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Book review: Creative Lettering



Are you fond of adding text to your mixed media pieces, and do you like to do so in your own hand?  If you are already involved in hand lettering, I think you'll find Creative Lettering very enjoyable.  If you've never done much with your own handwriting, then I'm not sure what your reaction will be.  Not that I think you won't enjoy the varieties of tips and techniques, and even projects, that the featured artists share, but you're not going to get much of any background on lettering.

The artists who have been chosen for this volume are truly amazing.  Most, not all, of them are also people who have spent years mastering what we might call "traditional" calligraphic skills.  I like that most of what is featured in this book does not rely on those traditional skills, but I'm also somewhat skeptical that most people could produce beautiful fonts like these without some practice in the basics. 

The basics section is very sparse, and the book jumps right into the goodies, which is the beautiful work of sixteen fabulous artists.  My personal favorite is probably Barbara Close, who works in that beautiful, fluid, layered style that I love so much and can't really do myself!  Here's one of her pieces:


But then on almost the other end of the spectrum, I also love the work of Aimee Dolich, who has cultivated a carefree, almost child-like look to her pieces:


So now you have an idea of the scope of this book.  It is truly fun to look through, and like I said, if you already do lettering, I think you're gonna love it.  If you need to get inspired to do lettering, I think you're gonna love it.  Just don't expect it to be a text on lettering, because it really isn't.  And that's fine!

Right now, Lark has a special giveaway going on for folks who want to post links to lettering projects they've done.  Check it out!


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Comments

Ahh... calligraphy... I first learned the fine art when I was 14, and we won't discuss how many years ago that was! There truly is nothing like hand lettering, whether traditional or less formal. Looks like a great book.
Cherie said…
Oh thanks. I hadn't heard of this book yet. Might need to check it out.