Context
In a world of uniform digital fonts, the art of hand lettering offers a uniquely personal touch. This lesson invites students into the mindful, relaxing practice of digital calligraphy, where they can slow down and turn words into visual art. Using the powerful brushes in Procreate or Adobe Fresco, students will learn that lettering is less about perfect handwriting and more about drawing letters.
This is an introduction to the foundational principles of typography and graphic design. Students will learn the "golden rule" of modern calligraphy—pressure and stroke—and discover how the shape and style of letters can convey powerful emotions and moods. It's a perfect blend of timeless art form and cutting-edge technology.
By the end of this session, students will not only have the skills to craft beautiful letterforms but will also have a new creative outlet for self-expression, perfect for designing everything from personalized cards to inspirational quote art.
Preparation and Flow
For this lesson, students will need an iPad with an art app like Procreate installed and a compatible pressure-sensitive stylus like the Apple Pencil. The teacher will provide a digital practice sheet.
1. The Art of the Word (5 mins)
Begin by showcasing several examples of beautiful hand lettering and calligraphy. Discuss how the style of the letters (e.g., bold, delicate, playful) affects the mood of the word.
Introduce the idea that calligraphy is like drawing, not writing.
2. The Golden Rule of Calligraphy (10 mins)
Project the art app and select a pressure-sensitive calligraphy or monoline brush.
Explain and demonstrate the single most important rule: Thin upstrokes, thick downstrokes.
Model this by drawing simple lines up (light pressure) and down (heavy pressure). Have students open a blank canvas and practice only these two strokes for a few minutes to feel the difference.
3. Practice Drills (15 mins)
Distribute the digital practice sheet (as a JPG or PDF) and show students how to import it into their app on a bottom layer.
On a new layer above the template, have students trace over basic calligraphy drills (e.g., waves, loops, arches) to build muscle memory and control.
4. Letter Your First Word (15 mins)
Challenge students to choose a short, simple word (3-4 letters, like "joy," "art," "love," or "breathe").
On a new blank canvas, have them practice writing their chosen word, focusing carefully on applying the "golden rule" to every single stroke. Encourage them to write slowly and to lift their pencil between strokes.
5. Showcase Your Style (5 mins)
Have students take a screenshot of their favorite attempt at lettering their word.
In a small group, have students share their work and discuss what they found challenging or enjoyable about the process.
Possible Extension
Word as Image (Logotype): Challenge students to letter a word in a way that visually represents its meaning (e.g., writing the word "wave" in a wavy style).
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.