Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering by Lisa Engelbrecht

Author:Lisa Engelbrecht
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rockport Publishers
Published: 2010-02-27T16:00:00+00:00

Alphabet

Artist: Carl Rohrs

Chapter 6

Scrawly

Rough and Edgy

Letters from Everyday

Pens and Brushes

The use of handwriting in advertising is extremely popular today. Advertisers are using loose, scrawly words to promote almost everything, probably because the letters seem real and accessible. The well-trained lettering artist might find it a bit difficult to create the scrawly type of lettering. The previous chapters in this book have emphasized rhythm and precision. To scrawl, however . . . well, you simply let go. There is a grace, though, to a good scrawly word, the human mark.

The tools you use determine the character of your marks. You might even want to combine a couple of tools, to create even more character. Try pen nibs of all types, brushes, smudgy pencils (Staedtler Mars Ergo, for example), and perhaps crayons. As you will see in the samples, the best marks are intuitive and spontaneous. Scrawly is immediate and, at times, radical. It is truly a DIY style of writing. The meaning of this mark is still paramount. It is essential that you be connected to the words, that you feel them as you write, as you make your mark.

Scrawly style’s roots go back to the last century. They were a rebellion against the typeset style of the day. Handmade letters were popular during the sixties’ psychedelic era—remember the “War Is Not Healthy for Children” poster by Lorraine Schneider? Punk poster creators reveled in the antiestablishment tone that the scrawled letters provided.

The characteristics of this style of writing are defined by its irregularity. Keep it uneven, scratchy, and loopy. Begin by handwriting with your chosen tool. Drip the ink or leave blobs as you make the letters. Have fun with this type of writing. It will be a distinctive addition to your repertoire. Copying these samples will give you a good start, and be sure to note the tool used for each one. Old brushes are especially good, but almost anything can be a lettering tool. An old shaving brush is one of my favorites. In the Street chapter, on page 108, you will find instructions for making your own lettering implements.

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