Want to try lettering but feel intimidated? You don’t need perfect handwriting, fancy tools, or years of experience. Lettering can be playful, expressive, and beginner-friendly. In my mini Skillshare class, “Lettering Doesn’t Have to Be Scary: 3 Ways to Get Started”, I share simple strategies to help you start lettering with confidence. This free class includes a Procreate brush set with lettering grids so you can practice right away.
Here are three beginner-friendly tips from the class:
1. Start Small
One of the biggest misconceptions about lettering is that it has to be fancy or perfect. In reality, the most charming lettering often starts with simple shapes, bold lines, and good spacing. Instead of worrying about flourishes or elaborate designs, try lettering a single word, your initials, or short phrases. This helps you focus on the most important part: the shape and spacing of your letters. Start small, keep your designs simple, and add decorative elements later if you want.
2. Make Lettering Part of Your Illustration
Lettering can be integrated into drawings instead of standing alone. Try adding words to objects like mugs, jars, or signs in a scene. This approach lowers the pressure and helps you find your unique lettering style while still practicing shapes and composition.
Do you want to practise? We explore playful lettering in illustration in these two Skillshare courses:
• Finding Your Style with Textures in Procreate
• Master Line Brushes in Procreate: Illustrate Vintage Sardine Tins
Related article: 3 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Procreate Lettering (and How to Fix Them)
3. Use Guides and Tools
You don’t need to freehand everything. Even pros rely on grids, guides, and tools to create readable, consistent lettering. In Procreate, features like drawing assist, grid lines, and snapping make planning spacing and alignment easy. My free Procreate brush set with grids lets you trace and practice, helping you build confidence fast (Download the free Lettering Grids brush set using the QR-code at the end of the class).
Lettering doesn’t have to be scary: it’s about exploration, creativity, and play. Start small, experiment with shapes, and use tools to support your process!
a free mini course + free lettering grid brush set!
In this 10-minute class, I’ll give you 3 useful tips to get started with lettering. You’ll also get a Procreate brush set with my favourite lettering grids, so you can get started right away!
*This class is completely free, also for non-members. Download the free Lettering Grids brush set using the QR-code at the end of the class!
