Hand Lettering: The Basics

Part 2: Your First Project—Slowing Down

The heart is the most important part.

Now that you have a pen you enjoy holding, we aren't going to practice random drills or stare at alphabets. Instead, we are going to start with a real project: writing a simple letter or a sweet note to someone you care about.

There is always someone in your life who will deeply appreciate the simple act of receiving a handwritten word. It could be your spouse, a long-distance relative you haven't seen in a while, or a lonely neighbour down the street. It might even be a short, unexpected note left for a receptionist at an office, just letting them know you appreciate what they do for you. It doesn't have to be long; it just needs to let them know you are there for them.

When we sit down to write to someone, our instinct is often to rush through it, or we worry so much about making it look perfect that we freeze up. For this first note, I want to invite you to do just one thing: simply slow down.

When you slow down, your hand naturally has the time to make your letters a little bit neater. You don't need to change your handwriting or try a fancy new style today. Just take your time with each stroke and let the act of writing be deliberate.

As you write, remember that the person receiving this note isn't going to look at it with a magnifying glass to check your alignment. They are going to feel the care, time, and thought you poured into it. Your heart is the most important part of this entire process. Grab a small piece of paper or a card, think of someone who could use a little warmth today, and let yourself write to them slowly.