{"id":9936,"date":"2020-03-14T11:22:26","date_gmt":"2020-03-14T15:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=9936"},"modified":"2020-03-14T11:22:26","modified_gmt":"2020-03-14T15:22:26","slug":"how-to-draw-a-letter-with-a-graphite-pencil-and-ink-liners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/how-to-draw-a-letter-with-a-graphite-pencil-and-ink-liners","title":{"rendered":"Drawing Letters with Pen and Ink"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n
\"How<\/div>\n
\nThe art of drawing letters has become very popular in the last few years. It\u2019s no wonder \u2013 hand-drawn letters, words, and phrases look so original and eye-catching!<\/p>\n

Lettering also presents a beautiful way to express an idea. You can give it a unique visual form and create a design that evokes emotion.<\/p>\n

At the same time, this art is ancient. Some of us may recall the use of decorative capital letters in illustrated books of years past.<\/p>\n

In this lesson, we\u2019ll draw a single letter \u2013 a monogram. Usually, this word refers to a design consisting of two or more<\/em> alphabetic letters that are combined or interlaced. However, a monogram can consist of a single emblematic or decorative letter too.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be using an HB graphite pencil, an eraser, and a couple of ink liners. The numbers of liners are 0.1 and 0.3. The size of the paper is A4.<\/p>\n

You can use any drawing paper that you like. Ordinary printer paper is also an option. Access to a printer is a nice bonus, but it\u2019s not required.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need any knowledge of typography terminology to follow along with this tutorial. I did my best to simplify the instructions so that anyone can do this project, even without previous experience in lettering.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve chosen the letter \u201cA\u201d because it\u2019s the first letter of the alphabet. If this project sparks your imagination, it may become the beginning of a wonderful art series!<\/p>\n

However, feel free to depict any alphabetical symbol that you like. It can be the first letter of your name or just any capital letter that inspires you.<\/p>\n

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How to Draw a Letter – The Tracing Method<\/h2>\n

The easiest way to create an outline of a letter is through tracing. Beginners in lettering often prefer this way because it ensures that the result will have the right proportions. Tracing may be the first step that you take to practice drawing letters.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have access to a printer or just don\u2019t like to trace, feel free to skip this step. In the next part of the tutorial, I\u2019ll show a way to draw a letter from observation.<\/p>\n

First, create a model for tracing using any graphic editor of your choice. I use Adobe Photoshop, so you’ll find some brief instructions for this program below. If you need more information on how to transform Photoshop into the greatest ally of your creative workflow, check out this course<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In Photoshop, create a new document. The print size of your file should conform to the size of your paper. In my case, it\u2019s A4. Set the resolution at 300 pixels per inch which is an optimal resolution for print.<\/p>\n

\"Print<\/p>\n

Then, add a letter, using the Type<\/strong> tool (the shortcut is T<\/strong>) on your keyboard.<\/p>\n

In the Character<\/strong> palette, you\u2019ll find numerous fonts to choose from, along with some other options. I like a font called Amaranth<\/a>. If you can\u2019t find that palette, go to Window<\/em> menu \u2013 and select Character<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t spend too much time searching for the “right” font. All we need is a nice silhouette as a starting point.<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/div>\n
The Pen and Ink Experience<\/span>
\n “The Pen and Ink Experience” is a comprehensive drawing course designed to guide absolute beginners to a level of producing professional quality pen and ink drawings.
\n <\/p>\n
VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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If necessary, move and resize the letter, using Free Transform<\/strong> (Ctrl+T). Press and hold Shift<\/strong> while resizing to keep the proportions in tact.<\/p>\n

In the image below: a)<\/strong> Character palette, b)<\/strong> the letter with Free Transform bounding box.<\/p>\n

\"Resizing<\/p>\n

Now you\u2019re ready to print that document!<\/p>\n

There are several ways to trace a letter. You can put a sheet of blank paper on top of your printout and trace it using a light table or a window pane during the day. If you use thin computer paper as a top layer, you won\u2019t even need much additional light to see the silhouette of the printed letter.<\/p>\n

\"Printed<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can use carbon paper. To do so, put a sheet of carbon paper between your printout (on top) and blank paper (below all) and trace the contours with a pencil.<\/p>\n

Now trace your letter. <\/p>\n

The next part of the tutorial is dedicated to another method of drawing a letter without a printed model, if you have decided that tracing is not the way you want to go.<\/p>\n

How to Draw a Letter – Observational Method<\/h2>\n

Drawing anything freehand (without tracing) is more advanced and requires good observation skills. Of course, your results get better with practice. But, even if you don\u2019t have experience in hand-lettering, drawing letters from observation is not rocket science. Below you\u2019ll find some tips that make the process easier.<\/p>\n

Analyze the Letter<\/h3>\n

You need a model of the letter that you\u2019re going to draw. It may be a file on your computer, an image in the browser or a printed sample. Put it before your eyes.<\/p>\n

Analyze this letter. Try to divide its shape into two, three or four parts. How do these parts interact?<\/p>\n

Then, try to see the framework of the letter. The framework is located inside the letter\u2019s shape. If the silhouette is \u201cbody\u201d or \u201cclothing\u201d, what does its “skeleton” look like?<\/p>\n

The image below illustrates my point.<\/p>\n

\"Finding<\/p>\n

a)<\/strong> The height of my capital A letter can be divided into two parts. The central line of the letter\u2019s crossbar indicates the border between these parts. The upper part is twice as long as the lower one. This note is useful \u2013 it\u2019ll help me to keep the right proportions!<\/p>\n

b)<\/strong> I can draw a vertical descending line from the top point of the letter\u2019s framework. That\u2019s how we get the lower point that helps us to check the symmetry. The distances on both sides should be equal.<\/p>\n

c)<\/strong> Here’s how I see the pattern of shapes that is inherent to this letter. I\u2019ve marked them with different colors for your convenience.<\/p>\n

How to Draw the Letter<\/h3>\n

Start with the letter\u2019s framework and draw it as you would write it. Look at your model and do your best to keep the initial proportions. Or, if your goal is to create a derivative version, feel free to distort them.<\/p>\n

As you\u2019re drawing freehand, your lines may be slightly uneven. You can strengthen them with a ruler later or leave them just as they are, embracing the imperfection.<\/p>\n

The next step is adding weight and the contour lines of the letter. I see them as clothes wrapping around the framework, widening or expanding the letter.<\/p>\n

And the last step is erasing the lines of the framework.<\/p>\n

\"Drawing<\/p>\n

The Result of Our Work<\/h3>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter what way \u2013 tracing or drawing from observation \u2013 you\u2019ve chosen to create the letter\u2019s outline. Now we have a template and are ready to add decorations.<\/p>\n

Please note that this initial outline is just a starting point. We can change its shape in some areas, distort it, or add new elements in the next steps.<\/p>\n

\"Sketch<\/p>\n

But before we dive into embellishing the monogram, let\u2019s observe several examples. I hope they\u2019ll inspire you and help you to generate some ideas for your artwork.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Subjects with Pen and Ink<\/span>
“Subjects with Pen and Ink” is a collection of 31 pen and ink drawing lessons on a variety of subjects (objects, flowers, food, animals, landscape, people) using a variety of ink techniques.
<\/p>\n
VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Silhouette, Contrast, and Decorations in Lettering<\/h2>\n

I\u2019ll provide you with six examples that I\u2019ve prepared for this tutorial. Brief explanations are here to indicate the important features of each monogram\u2019s decorative style.<\/p>\n

Organic, floral motifs are the common theme of this set of letters.<\/p>\n

\"Pen<\/p>\n

a)<\/strong> The groups of flowers serve as focal points here. Other elements are rather small – they accent the floral adornments. It\u2019s important to find a balance between smaller and larger objects.<\/p>\n

b)<\/strong> This letter somehow reminds me of a vintage style. At the same time, these whimsical elements look like crumpled fall leaves. The interplay of thinner and thicker lines give the monogram more volume. Fine hatching and cross-hatching are used to create shadows and relief.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Line Weight (Quality) and Cross Contour Lines<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Examples<\/p>\n

c)<\/strong> In this image, we won\u2019t find a single element that draws our attention. Thin twigs intertwine, covering the whole shape of the letter, but we still can see it due to a contrasting black covering. Some twigs pass beyond the silhouette\u2019s boundaries, but the letter is still legible.<\/p>\n

d)<\/strong> The upper area of this example is created in a stippled manner, so the contours are blurred. The flowers look very contrasting against a solid ink background. They go beyond the silhouette of the letter, but the result looks accurate and easy to identify. In other words, we can clearly see that it\u2019s an \u201cA\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Decorative<\/p>\n

e)<\/strong> This example is contrasting and expressive. Some floral elements stay inside the shape of the letter. One petal breaks the silhouette.<\/p>\n

f)<\/strong> This monogram is a clever use of negative space. The floral adornments decorate the artwork while the letter itself remains untouched, attracting the viewer\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Positive and Negative Space<\/a><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s review:<\/p>\n