The Helpful Hand-Lettering Blog
Can AI Do Calligraphy? Why Hand-Lettering is an AI-Proof Skill
AI can imitate certain lettering styles, but it can’t truly replace the artistry, physicality, and emotional resonance of hand-drawn calligraphy. In fact, calligraphy is one of the most AI-resistant creative skills you can invest in.
What Is Modern Calligraphy? A Beginner’s Guide
In this guide, we’ll break down what modern calligraphy is, how it differs from traditional calligraphy, the tools you’ll need, and how you can start learning today.
Hand-Lettering Practice Sheets vs. Books: Which Is Right for You?
Should I start with hand-lettering practice sheets or invest in a hand-lettering book? Let’s break down the differences, benefits, and limitations of each so you can decide what’s best for your lettering journey.
How to Set Good Hand-Lettering Goals for Yourself
In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes a good hand-lettering goal, how to make yours reasonable and achievable, and give you examples to spark your creativity.
The Principle of Thick & Thin Strokes in Brush Lettering
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about thick-to-thin calligraphy strokes: what they mean, why they matter, how to create them, and how to practice until they become second nature.
Turn Your Hand-Lettering Hobby Into a Profitable Side Gig
So you love hand-lettering. Now you're wondering: Can I actually make money doing this? Here’s your step-by-step guide to turning your lettering skills into a profitable and manageable side gig without burning out.
How to Start a Hand-Lettering Business Step-by-Step
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to launch your own hand-lettering business step-by-step, from mastering your calligraphy style to getting your first paying customer.
30+ Creative Hand-Lettering Prompts to Inspire Your Next Project
This guide is packed with over 30 hand-lettering prompts to help you shake off the blank-page paralysis and get back to doing what you love: lettering beautiful words.
How to Hold a Calligraphy Pen the Right Way
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to hold a calligraphy pen, what to avoid, and how to develop a comfortable, confident grip.
Essential Hand-Lettering Supplies: What Beginners Actually Need
This guide will break down exactly what you need, what’s nice to have, and what you can skip (at least for now). Let’s help you build a beginner-friendly, budget-friendly lettering toolkit you’ll actually use.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Calligraphy?
In this guide, we’ll walk through what to expect when you’re learning calligraphy, how long each stage typically takes, and the best ways to speed up your progress — especially with the help of focused practice sheets.
The Easiest Way to Learn Hand-Lettered Calligraphy Step-by-Step
In this guide, you'll learn how to start with monoline calligraphy — the easiest style for beginners — and exactly how to build your skills step by step.
How to Learn Hand-Lettering Fast: The Shortcut to Beautiful Letters
This guide breaks down the fastest and most efficient way to learn hand-lettering so you can start creating beautiful letters today.
The Best Way to Learn Calligraphy Step by Step
In this guide, you’ll learn the best way to learn calligraphy — from choosing tools to building skills step by step — so you can stop Googling and start lettering.
12 Real Ways to Make Money with Hand-Lettering
Whether you're just starting out or already lettering every day, this guide will show you 12 real ways to make money with hand-lettering, plus practical tips to help you get started.
How to Brush-Letter a Beautiful Lowercase “a”
In this guide, we’ll break down the brush-lettered lowercase “a” step by step. You’ll learn how it’s constructed, common mistakes to avoid, style variations to explore, and practical drills to help you improve—plus a free downloadable practice sheet to help you get started.
11 Hand-Lettering Warm-Up Exercises to Start Every Practice Session
In this guide, you'll find 11 warm-up exercises that you can use to jumpstart any hand-lettering session. These drills are simple, effective, and take just a few minutes, but they make a big difference in how your letters look and feel.
The Key Aspects of Hand-Lettering: What Every Beginner Should Know
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential building blocks of hand-lettering. Whether practicing with brush pens or creating digital designs, these elements form the foundation for clean, consistent, and expressive lettering.
10 Actionable Tips to Improve Your Hand-Lettering Skills
Whether using brush pens or an iPad, these 10 practical tips will help sharpen your hand-lettering skills, improve consistency, and boost creative confidence.
Top 10 Mistakes Beginners Make with Hand-Lettering Practice (And How to Avoid Them)
In this guide, we’ll share the most common hand-lettering mistakes beginners make and how you can avoid them so your practice time is fun, encouraging, and actually works.