Unconventional Display Letters
In 2010 I committed to hand lettering for my new blog called Handlettering Cite. I designed posts with thin mono weight markers and pens. Of the course of the blog I switched to a pointed pen which brought a new visual effect to my lettering.
In 2015 I jumped into the challenge by the 100 Day Project. I became an overachiever. I hand lettered over 100 names of family and friends in 100 days. I designed letters with unconventional shapes and flourishes. I think of them as unconventional display letters.
I started the 100 Day Project during a typically boring office meeting. Using a ballpoint pen and a notebook with ruled pages I designed the names of the people in the meeting.
At home in a drawer I had a stash of pens and newsprint notepads I bought in Japan. I treated these office supply souvenirs like rare jewels which is to say I wouldn’t use them until I had the “perfect” project. Finally I had the project. I explored ways to create letters with pens that had really small tips. With each name my lettering became more expressive, more personal. I loved this work. I would get lost in the process and the effort became a mediation.
Over the years I adapted and simplified my lettering style but kept the display lettering spirit. Today I put my lettering on envelopes of birthday and graduation cards. I keep a sketchbook of expressive display letters.
List of tools and materials
Muji Pen
Ballpoint Pen
Highlighter
Color Pencil
Sketchbook of newsprint with storyboard panels
