This is a recording or our live Instagram demo on brush lettering with Amanda Reid. Follow along with a couple of smooth sheets of paper and your favorite brush and watercolors.
Amanda is a calligrapher based in Austin, TX, who specializes in modern calligraphy services for events and brands, custom hand-lettered jackets, and teaching others the joy of calligraphy and lettering. She is also the founder of @CalligraphersofColor on Instagram, an inclusive online community that celebrates diversity in the calligraphy industry.
I am a complete novice with calligraphy and was a little nervous about practicing. I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible Amanda made it, guiding us through a series of exercises and linking letters together. My two big takeaways were:
- Use light, thin lines for up-strokes and thick lines for down-strokes.
- It's ok to slow down and take your time!
The practice felt very calming and meditative to me. I also appreciated Amanda's suggestions for how to incorporate brush lettering into your sketchbook or journals. You might enjoy using lettering titles for your pages or emphasizing meditative quotes or words. With the holidays, you could also try customizing gift tags or envelopes!