Lettering With Experience And Energy

I know my lettering style isn’t for everyone. I interpret it as expressive and energetic and whacky. It’s a fun way for me to make letters. I base my work on convention. From experience I put my twist on a character or word. I try to make them reflect a sensation I feel. I fail more than I succeed. The upside is I tried.

In my sketchbook I lettered the word ‘energy’ because a workout video was playing in the background. An excited and animated instructor was leading a high intensity training format. He kept the energy up by modulating his voice with shouts, whoops, growls, and cheers. The exercises required energy. You can’t finish a burpee without a big burst of energy.

I used warm colors to convey the energy of the exercise format. I added cool color for contrast. I used sharp angles to make the letters. If I would redraw this word I create more contrast with size and scale of letters. But it’s a sketch and a good start for a future project.

List of tools and materials

• Muji pen

• Color pencils

• Sketchbook of newsprint with storyboard panels

Hand lettered sketch