Introduction to Hand-drawn Type

Hand drawn type is a key part of current illustration and graphic design as well as having a rich history in visual arts. It is a great addition to any creative’s repertoire.

Course aims and benefits:

On this course you will use a variety of methods and materials to draw and create letter forms by hand. During the course you will explore different methods of using hand-drawn lettering as a means of visual communication. We will also use hand-rendered typography to create imagery and explore the work of practitioners of hand-drawn lettering both past and present.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• have an overview of contemporary and past hand-drawn type practitioners
• draw letters by hand using different approaches and materials
• create hand-drawn type which communicates specific concepts or ideas
• put together hand-drawn words to create an illustration
• work in the handcrafted type digitally

Course structure

• An overview of contemporary and past hand drawn type practitioners. Different approaches of drawing letters by hand.
• Creating hand-drawn type which communicates specific concepts or ideas. Putting together hand-drawn words to create an illustration.
• Scanning and digital translation of type illustration. Manipulation of the digital file in Photoshop and Illustrator.