Pros
Great for beginners
Includes five alphabets: brush lettering, hand lettering, sans serif, serif, and fun sans-serif
Provides essential background information with tips and techniques
Clear practice instructions with arrows for guidance
Motivates beginners with or without artistic talent
Useful for both ink & paper and digital platforms like ProCreate
In-depth tutorials with easy-to-follow instructions
Plenty of practice pages
Good gift for someone interested in calligraphy
Cons
May not be useful for advanced users
Not all calligraphy styles match traditional forms
Lacks advanced techniques for experienced users
Main Product Advantages
10 Beginner-Friendly
The book is specifically tailored for beginners, offering easy-to-understand instructions and fundamental introductions to essential techniques and terminology.
9 Variety of Styles
Includes five different alphabets: brush lettering, hand lettering, sans serif, serif, and 'fun' sans-serif, providing a diverse range of styles for learners.
9 Practice Sheets
Contains numerous practice pages for each lettering style, complete with directional arrows to guide the learner in creating and duplicating each letter.
8 Supplementary Tips and Tools
Offers essential background information including tips, tools, and techniques that are helpful for beginners to get started.
8 Physical Book Preference
Many users prefer the physical book over an e-book for hands-on practice and ease of use, with ample practice space.
8 Motivational for Learners
Encourages learners, even those with minimal artistic ability, by emphasizing practice and progression, thereby boosting confidence in their skills.
7 Instructional Quality
The book provides detailed instructions on where to start lines, how to form curves, and how much pressure to use, which are vital for effective learning.
7 Customizable Practice
Readers recommend copying practice sheets for extended practice sessions, indicating that the provided sheets are useful but may need duplication.
6 Artistic Variation
Some users note that the author's personal style may differ from traditional calligraphy, impacting their learning experience slightly.
6 Supplemental Learning Resources
In combination with the book, users find additional value in watching YouTube tutorials for more comprehensive learning.
Product Review: CreateSpace Classics Lettering and Modern Calligraphy
Learn to letter and create beautiful designs with this beginner's guide and workbook! Every page is filled with tips, tricks, encouragement, and practice space to kickstart your lettering journey. This standout book teaches you five different alphabet styles for both upper and lower case letters, effectively covering all the basics a beginner needs to know.
Alphabet Styles and Detailed Instructions
The book provides extensive detail on five different alphabet styles. Each style is broken down with clear, step-by-step instructions that make it easy for beginners to follow along. The attention to detail makes it accessible for anyone who wants to learn hand lettering and brush lettering.
Practical Connections and Design Composition
Beyond just letters, the book dives into how to practice connections between letters. This is crucial for creating cohesive and beautiful designs. The section on design composition is also commendable as it helps you not just write letters, but arrange them in aesthetically pleasing ways.
15 Beautiful Lettering Projects
What sets this book apart are the 15 beautiful lettering projects included towards the end. These projects are aimed at helping you bring together all the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout the book. They’re a great way to test what you’ve learned and produce tangible pieces of art.
Conclusion
CreateSpace Classics Lettering and Modern Calligraphy: A Beginner's Guide is a well-rounded, beginner-friendly book. It covers all the bases from alphabet styles to design composition and offers practical projects to apply your skills. With its clear instructions and motivational tone, this book is a perfect starting point for anyone interested in lettering and calligraphy. You can do this! Let this book teach you how to upgrade your handwriting and enjoy this amazing and fun form of art.
