Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

Chapter 7

Tricky J Funktional

Play with Your Letters

Play is a very important part of life and lettering. I find it exciting when I twist or skip my pen in a new way or try a new implement I’ve found. Here are some discoveries I’ve made. The traditionalists may not agree, but, personally, I feel that if I’m going to letter, it’s important to enjoy the process. There was always something about formal writing that held little sway with me. Developing a personal style is born out of this kind of play.

To create this type of letter, I take the edged pen tool—the Speedball C series, the Brause nibs, or the Parallel pens—and I start with the traditional italic letterforms from Chapter 3. I love to blend colors, and I use gouache, watercolor, acrylic ...