Beyond words: the art of hand-lettering

As the things around us become increasingly digitized—yes, including notes and invitations—the authenticity of the handmade has become ever more valuable. The design community’s enthusiasm for hand-lettered typography has reached a fever pitch, and we’re not sorry to say we’re part of the crowd.

Our designers specialize in all manner of visual disciplines, so calligraphy and hand-lettering are firmly in our wheelhouse. In this series of photos, art director Cat looks beyond staid fonts to create an expressive design through the character itself.

Step 1. Cat sketches different type styles in pencil.

Step 2. After choosing a style, she redraws the letters and refines the concept.

Step 3. Cat uses a lightbox to transfer the drawing to heavier stock paper.

Step 4. Using a fine watercolor paintbrush, she creates a wood grain texture.

Step 5. After applying a few watercolor washes, she outlines the finished art in ink.