Behind The Process of 10 Incredible Letterers

Lettering is an artform that takes time to master, and one that some of us take for granted. That’s because nowadays we have lots of hand-lettered fonts out there to choose from, so why would we take the time to learn the art ourselves? Well, easy: to make our own lettering designs, right? And the best way to learn how to do it is to watch a letterer’s process and soak up his techniques. That’s learning from the masters right there.
With that in mind, we’ve assembled 10 amazing letterers and their respective videos right here for you to enjoy. There are more of them out there, so keep an eye out for #lettering on Instagram for more works of art.

Seb Lester

Whether it’s on YouTube, Instagram or his website, Seb is making a name for himself as an amazing letterer, but if you’re like me, you may have seen him for the first time in this Casey Neistat video (forward to 0:54 for the good stuff):

Watching him write with two Bic pens taped to each other is pretty spectacular, but when you give him the chance to use some legit tools, well, that’s even better. Just check out these videos from his YouTube page:


Or these from his Instagram:

Move to the English countryside they said. It will be peaceful they said. [turn on sound]

A video posted by Seb Lester (@seblester) on Jun 6, 2016 at 10:03am PDT

Would you like your name written in 22ct gold? I’m going to be selling a limited number of pieces of people’s names in gold leaf at the @artrepublic_ #artyardsale in Brighton, England on Sunday 5th June. I’ll also have other small originals & limited edition prints. Amazing line-up of artists appearing, check artyardsale.co.uk for full details.
A video posted by Seb Lester (@seblester) on Jun 3, 2016 at 6:36am PDT

Seriously, from block letters to calligraphy and everything in between, this guy is a master.

BusterDuque

Letterers come in all shapes and sizes, and they also use all sorts of mediums. On first glance at BusterDuque’s Instagram page, you might think that he was all about the hand work:

Resolviendo la Z. #lettering #flourished #letteringmalandro #catrink #elduque #script

A photo posted by BusterDuque (@busterduque) on Aug 3, 2016 at 8:19pm PDT

Las Viceladas. #lettering #letteringmalandro
A photo posted by BusterDuque (@busterduque) on Jul 28, 2016 at 1:36pm PDT

But he’s also a master with other mediums, like skin:

Guerrero.

A video posted by BusterDuque (@busterduque) on Jun 18, 2016 at 7:23pm PDT

Guerrero Vikingo. #inkinccentro #lettering #lettermangroup #letteringtattoo #oldenglishtattoo
A video posted by BusterDuque (@busterduque) on Jun 18, 2016 at 8:07pm PDT

And spray paint:

Hand style. #handstyler #handstyle #elbuster

A video posted by BusterDuque (@busterduque) on Apr 26, 2016 at 3:01pm PDT

Sure, it may not be everyone’s style, but there’s no doubt here that this man has talent.

A video posted by BusterDuque (@busterduque) on Jun 16, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT

Art of Type

Want a collection of different letterers delivered to your social feeds? That’s the pitch with Art of Type (Facebook & Instagram). They have a ton of cool work out there, including videos like the ones included below. Seriously, it’s very cool stuff.

Have you tried out the new Insta-Stories? (Or should I say Instasnap or Snapgram) What are your thoughts on the new update?? ???????? Artist:@letteringcamp ___ Featured | @ArtofType #ArtofType

A video posted by Art of Type™ (@artoftype) on Aug 3, 2016 at 5:26pm PDT

Sunday Funday!! ???? Beautiful process video by:@annerobincallig ___ Featured | @ArtofType #ArtofType
A video posted by Art of Type™ (@artoftype) on Jul 31, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

“Love is letting go of the perfect picture” ???????? By:@valeriemckeehan ___ Featured | @ArtofType #ArtofType

A video posted by Art of Type™ (@artoftype) on Jul 26, 2016 at 6:22pm PDT

May your day be filled with peace. ????✌ Artist:@seblester ___ Featured | @ArtofType #ArtofType
A video posted by Art of Type™ (@artoftype) on Jul 11, 2016 at 1:28pm PDT

Leslie

Leslie — that’s just the one name, like Madonna or Coolio — is dedicated to all things DIY and lettering, which you can find on her Instagram bio, just like we did. But she also runs a company named Bespoke By Leslie, which makes custom goods of all kinds for all sorts of customers. Of course, what we’re interested in is her lettering work, which is pretty stellar.

Some blending and brushlettering for #loveyourselflettering. You know you’ve been lettering too much when you hear on the radio a reporter named “Tom Bowman” and you instinctively think who is “Tombow Man” ?????!?

A video posted by Leslie (@leslie.writes.it.all) on Aug 3, 2016 at 10:43pm PDT

I’ve tried to do this with more detail (and a little more slowly) because I’ve been getting questions. Here’s the process. . 1. I use @cansonpaper XL watercolor paper (I cut them into 1/2 or 1/4 sheets) 2. I used tombow dual brush markers in 346, 565, and 636 to color onto a clear sheet of plastic. You can get this from an office supply store for about $0.70 OR use a ziploc bag. 3. I use a watercolor brush to wet the paper and then I smoosh the plastic on top. 4. Spread the color around until you’re happy. 5. Lift the plastic and dab excess color with a paper towel. 6. Wait for it to completely dry. 7. I lettered with a pentel color brush in black. . I hope this helps!!! ????
A video posted by Leslie (@leslie.writes.it.all) on Aug 3, 2016 at 8:33pm PDT

I think I’m coming down with a cold so it’s night night time. Some pointed pen action for you with @drphmartins bleed proof white (diluted with some water) and the hunt 101 nib.

A video posted by Leslie (@leslie.writes.it.all) on Jul 29, 2016 at 9:20pm PDT

So hard to beat the shine of Finetec gold on black paper! ✨ Hunt 101 nib used with an oblique holder from @johnnealbookseller on black card stock. #letteringwithpositivity
A video posted by Leslie (@leslie.writes.it.all) on Jul 27, 2016 at 9:15pm PDT

Lettering League

Whether you’re just getting into the field or you’re a seasoned pro, one Facebook group to consider is Lettering League. Or, if that type of thing isn’t your bag, just follow #letteringleague or their official Instagram page. This group was founded by designer Jenn Coyle, from HelloBrio.com. You’ll find some great artists working their magic with pens and brushes, and they even repost other artists’ work.

Interruption! ???? ▶️ Check out this amazing video in the @surelysimplechallenge ! • The ????Surely Simple ???? Spotlight ✨ is on: ✨ @letteritwithlove✨• Go over to their feed for more art and lettering! • How to join the August FAVORITES challenge: 1️⃣ check the prompts list below (take a screenshot or repost ) 2️⃣ create your interpretation of the prompts for each day and use the tag #SimpleAlphabets when you upload your image/ video everyday! 3️⃣ You can join in anytime or do the prompts everyday for maximum creative benefit! 4️⃣tag me @surelysimpleblog @surelysimplechallenge so I don’t miss seeing your posts- and you might get featured! ???????? • Simple right? Let’s get to it! Stay creative! ????????-Aaria #letteringchallenge #brushpen #brushpens P.S. More features coming up!!

A video posted by Join #SimpleAlphabets! ????????????????✏️️ (@surelysimplechallenge) on Aug 4, 2016 at 3:45am PDT

Real time video (with @tombowusa dual brush squeaks thrown in as a bonus! #clickforsound) of my favorite late night snack! Throw in a little Greek yogurt and you know my secrets! ☺️???????? (just use your imagination for the emojis ????)
A video posted by Lauren Brock (@_laurenletters) on Aug 3, 2016 at 11:00pm PDT

This is for SophiaGrace @sophia.grace13 BlazeWolf @blazewolfy SabbyHoseok @jungsabby_ ???? #wlnamesseries ????speed x6 ????Pen: #crayola markers (tap to listen to the music ????) **sorry I can’t take on more requests right now. If you are looking for custom orders, please send me an email or DM. Thanks✨ #crayolalettering #crayoligraphy

A video posted by Wendy Lo (@dontouchz) on Aug 4, 2016 at 2:12am PDT

3/31: The original text should’ve been the ‘best way’…so my version sounds a little more daunting. Whoops! ???? #letteritaugust #art #artwork #artist #brushlettering #brushtype #calligraphy #calligraphylove #calligraphyinspired #drawing #handlettered #handlettering #illustration #lettering #moderncalligraphy #painting #watercolor #watercolorlettering #writing #typespire #lettering #letteringleague #typegang #modernlettering #goodtype #letteringvideo #artvideo #calligraphyvideo #calligrafriends
A video posted by Calligrapher, Hogan Burleigh (@the_inkstained_minstrel) on Aug 4, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT

The Lettered Owl

The first one on our list with an Etsy page, The Lettered Owl is actually Kari Borg, who is pretty handy with the pen. The fact that she sells some of her work is pretty sweet, too. She’ll even get after it with a Crayola marker, as you’ll see here.

I’m excited to share one of my favorite places over at @surelysimplechallenge – Go check it out!! There are so many awesome things about Seattle, especially the twice baked chocolate croissants from @bakerynouveau and of course, it’s the home of my first love @starbucks ???????? #simplealphabets, #simplealphabets_place, @surelysimplechallenge, @surelysimpleblog #handmadefont #moderncalligraphy #starbucksaddict #script #brushlettering #brushcalligraphy #letteringvideo #seattle #estyshop

A video posted by k a r i || r e n e (@the.lettered.owl) on Jul 13, 2016 at 8:17am PDT

I’ve had some requests for a side view of using @crayola markers. Just as with brush markers, I hold the marker at an angle and adjust the pressure for the strokes – but you’ll see that when I lift, I’m slightly rotating the marker in my hand; I find this helps maintain of shape of the marker tip and allows for smoother lines. #handlettering #crayoligraphy #moderncalligraphy #brushlettering #brushcalligraphy #lettering #letteringvideo #thatsdarling #calligraphymasters #calligraphy #etsyshop #script #crayligraphy
A video posted by k a r i || r e n e (@the.lettered.owl) on Jul 10, 2016 at 10:12am PDT

When I first started lettering, one of the hardest things for me to get used to was holding the pen at an angle – so, if you were to look at back of the pen while it is in your hand, is it angling to the side of the room – ideally a 45 degree angle – or is the pen pointing directly up (my normal handwriting style)? Holding the pen at the proper angle will not only assist in smooth lines and ability to control the pressure of your strokes and letter forms, but will ensure a longer life for your beloved brush pens. Want to know more?? Check out @piecescalligraphy – I would watch her tutorials and read her blog like a sponge when I first started!! ????Pentel Sign Fude Touch ???? #handlettering #letteringpractice #moderncalligraphy #pentelbrushpen #script #calligraphy #calligraphymasters #handmadefont #calligrafriends

A video posted by k a r i || r e n e (@the.lettered.owl) on Jul 28, 2016 at 4:19pm PDT

Hi Guys!!! I’m super excited to come back as a teacher for #simplealphabets with my favorite letter R!! One of the things I love about this letter is the style variations you can play with! Here are 3 different plays on the letter in terms of the downstrokes and the 4th is my go-to. Pen: Crayola Marker on Rhodia pad ???? #simplealphabets_r #surelysimplelettering #moderncalligraphy @surelysimpleblog @surelysimplechallenge #letteringchallenge #crayoligraphy
A video posted by k a r i || r e n e (@the.lettered.owl) on Jun 18, 2016 at 7:05am PDT

Kelly Klapstein

What’s great about Kelly Klapstein isn’t just that she’s good at lettering, it’s also that she teaches others how to do it as well. At her website, Kellycreates.ca, she has tons of tutorials and cutouts for you to practice on. And sure, the site uses Papyrus as an accent font, but we’ll give her a pass on that one.

You know what I love about Instagram? The global community????A warm welcome to all of you who share a love of lettering around the world.????????I will attempt to draw “Hello” in different languages.???? Today is Spanish! PEN: Sharpie Brush Marker Real Time #Spanish #Hello

A video posted by Kelly Klapstein???????? (@kellycreates) on Aug 3, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

What are your plans this weekend? I’ll be practicing my capital letters????✍????PEN: Pentel Fude Touch ???? Worksheets available on my website as a download you can print today????????www.kellycreates.ca???? ????Click ✨Learn Brush Lettering✨
A video posted by Kelly Klapstein???????? (@kellycreates) on Jul 29, 2016 at 7:12am PDT

Pieces Calligraphy

Sharisse, the person behind Pieces Calligraphy, also teaches calligraphy while still finding time to put together a stunning Instagram page. So not only is following her an education, but it’s also fun to watch.

Almost to the weekend. Let’s do this! ☕???????????????????????????? #lifethroughemojis #tbt Pen: @pentelofamerica sign pen with a brush tip Paper: Rhodia dot pad

A photo posted by Sharisse ???????? (@piecescalligraphy) on Jul 14, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

Almost to the weekend. Let’s do this! ☕???????????????????????????? #lifethroughemojis #tbt Pen: @pentelofamerica sign pen with a brush tip Paper: Rhodia dot pad
A photo posted by Sharisse ???????? (@piecescalligraphy) on Jul 14, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

When you find that rhythm… #basicstrokesfordays ???????? / For those asking, I ordered this ➡slider writer⬅ from @paperandinkarts. More info: Where can you get it? I got mine from @paperandinkarts online. Yes, lefties can use it, too – you’ll have to unscrew the clip and attach it to the opposite side. No, it does not seem like I can it for landscape, unless my paper were smaller. If you have any more questions, let me know below! Pen: @sakuraofamerica Pigma brush Paper: HP Premium Choice Laserjet More videos ????: #piecesvideos

A video posted by Sharisse ???????? (@piecescalligraphy) on Jul 6, 2016 at 5:41pm PDT

Happy birthday, America! ???? Holy moly, independence is a long word. #tombowpro #independenceday #4thofjuly Share your ????⚪???? with us over at @handletteredABCs! Tag your work with #ABCs_redwhiteandblue. Pen:: @tombowusa dual brush pen Paper:: HP Premium Choice Laserjet Laser:: Slider writer from @paperandinkarts More videos ????:: #piecesvideos
A video posted by Sharisse ???????? (@piecescalligraphy) on Jul 4, 2016 at 9:39am PDT

Electric Eunice

Eunice’s Instagram page is full of cool examples of lettering, but what sets her apart is some of the old school techniques that she’s bringing back to the forefront. The embossing video below is just one great example of this, as are a ton of others.

Hi friends! I’ve gotten so many sweet words and questions about embossing! It’s exciting to see embossing make a comeback as letterers have taken it to another level, but we can’t forget our paper crafters and scrapbookers that are the OGs of #embossing! ???? In this video, I’ve showcased the different products and steps I use for embossing ???????? • Ranger Embossing Brush Pen • Stampedous Embossing Powder • Darice Heat Tool • @Moleskin_world Cahier Journal 1. Write on paper or surface with embossing marker (it’s like a glue, but slides on like ink) 2. Drop embossing powder over written area, shift the powder around to make sure it covers all of the text, and then tap off the powder onto a paper or container where you can reuse the excess. 3. Using your heat tool, point it at your text a couple inches away, and watch the powder melt. Then move on to the next section. 4. Enjoy the magic and set your newly lettered piece aside to rest – even though it’s already dry, I like to do that just in case ???? Have so much fun, friends! ???? #lettering #handlettering #emboss #electriceunice #getitdone #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #process_of_creativity #process #calligraphyvideo #electriceunicewrites #create #typography #typegang #typespire #artoftype #gold #moleskin

A video posted by Eunice (@electriceunice) on Aug 2, 2016 at 10:56am PDT

Don’t hate, CREATE ???? Check out my next post for products and material specifics! ???? #lettering #emboss #handlettering #love #uplift #electriceunicewrites #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphyvideo #create #process #process_of_creativity #hyperlapse #create #typography #thegoodtype #artoftype #typespire #typology101 #typematters #typetopia @artoftype @typology101 @type_matters @typetopia @typespire
A video posted by Eunice (@electriceunice) on Aug 1, 2016 at 2:29pm PDT

Someday is today! Get crackin’ on that project, that goal, that dream. Don’t wait another day!! I bought a bunch of embossing pens to figure out which one I like best, so bear with me as I emboss all things ???? Do y’all dig that speckle look with these two colors combined? #lettering #handlettering #emboss #embossing #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #electriceunicewrites #calligraphyvideo #thegoodtype #artoftype @artoftype #typography #typology101 @typology101 @insiderart

A video posted by Eunice (@electriceunice) on Jul 31, 2016 at 10:51am PDT

#girlpower ???????? #lettering #handlettering #electriceunicewrites #pointedpen #pointedpenparade #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphyvideo #art #process #process_of_creativity #girlsrule #girlsruntheworld
A video posted by Eunice (@electriceunice) on Jul 27, 2016 at 8:40am PDT

Kevin Cantrell Studio

While a lot of the letterers we’ve featured here have worked with brushes or brushed pens, Kevin Cantrell’s work leans more towards the old school and very cool. And if you dig deeper into his work on his website, you’ll find even more great stuff to love.

Ad 3/3 for J.R. Watkins done with Mithun. Art direction by Bill Schneck and Ryan Inda. #lettering #handlettering #customlettering #type #customtype #handtype #typography #customtypography #handtypography #calligritype #goodtype #dailytype #typeverything #designspiration #advertising #typematters #typegang #typespire #typespot #typelove #typedaily #typeface #typetopia #typedesign #jrwatkins #kevincantrelldesign #kevincantrellstudio

A photo posted by Kevin Cantrell Studio (@kevincantrellstudio) on Jul 29, 2016 at 8:52am PDT

Ad 2/3 for J.R. Watkins done with Mithun. Art direction by Bill Schneck and Ryan Inda. #lettering #handlettering #customlettering #type #customtype #handtype #typography #customtypography #handtypography #calligritype #goodtype #dailytype #typeverything #designspiration #advertising #typematters #typegang #typespire #typespot #typelove #typedaily #typeface #typetopia #typedesign #jrwatkins #kevincantrelldesign #kevincantrellstudio
A photo posted by Kevin Cantrell Studio (@kevincantrellstudio) on Jul 27, 2016 at 11:48am PDT

The Wanderer’s Mark is now available! You can now buy the entire trilogy of Imirillia by @bethbrower. #lettering #handlettering #type #typography #typedesign #handtypography #handtype #typematters #goodtype #dailytype #typeverything #typegang #typespot #typespire #calligritype #kevincantrelldesign #kevincantrellstudio

A photo posted by Kevin Cantrell Studio (@kevincantrellstudio) on Jul 19, 2016 at 11:13am PDT

Second edition print of Eli’s Strongarm Vodka for @toms_town now on black! Photography by @8183studio. #kcistomstown #tomstown #lettering #handlettering #type #handtype #typography #handtypography #calligraphy #calligritype #typespot #typespire #typeverything #typegang #typelove #typedaily #dailytype #goodtype #typematters #typeface #kevincantrelldesign #kevincantrellstudio
A photo posted by Kevin Cantrell Studio (@kevincantrellstudio) on Jul 19, 2016 at 10:52am PDT

Finally received a copy of the cover and feature i worked on for @hollywoodreporter! I made a custom version of their masthead as well as the oscars type and illustration, not to mention a more detailed single page illustration inside. Was a great team to work with. The gold foil looks amazing in person on the large format. #thehollywoodreporter #chrisrock #chrisrockoscars #academyawards2016 #academyawards #oscars #oscars2016 #type #typography #typedesign #typespire #typegang #typeverything #typedaily #thedailytype #typematters #typeface #typelove #typespot #lettering #handlettering #customlettering #calligritype #calligraphy #blacklettering #gothicscript #kevincantrellstudio #kevincantrelldesign

A photo posted by Kevin Cantrell Studio (@kevincantrellstudio) on Mar 9, 2016 at 11:28am PST

Getting started with hand lettering?

Free lettering worksheets

Download these worksheets and start practicing with simple instructions and tracing exercises.

Download now!

Share on Facebook

Share on Pinterest

Share on Twitter

About the Author

Kevin Whipps

Hi! My name is Kevin Whipps, and I'm a writer and editor based in Phoenix, Arizona. When I'm not working taking pictures of old cars and trucks, I'm either writing articles for Creative Market or hawking stickers at Whipps Sticker Co.

View More Posts

Following Shop Follow Shop Go to My Shop