3 Brush Lettering Mistakes

I know from my own experience, and working with my students - there is a lot of different things to think about when learning to letter with a paint brush.

It’s easy to get frustrated when working with a brush!!! Our tiny paintbrushes are so delicate, which makes it totally different from anything else we might be used to writing with. There are a few mistakes that I continue to see over and over again, so if you’re finding yourself frustrated - have no worries…

This post is going to be a great place for you to start.

giaboyd-267.jpg
  1. Loosen that grip!

Are you having trouble with those curved strokes? Feel like your lines are a little shaky-looking? You miiiiight be holding your brush too tight! 

You want to have a strong, comfortable grip on your brush, but you don’t need to hold it as tight as you might think. You should be able to move the brush back and forth pretty easily with your fingers.

2. Keep your brush at an angle.

If your having trouble getting smooth line transitions from thick to thin (or vice versa) take a step back and take note of how you are holding your brush.

You want to remember to keep your brush at about a 45/50 degree angle to the paper, and you don’t want to twist your wrists when creating strokes. This will eventually damage your brush hairs and effect the look of your lines.

3. Stay LIGHT on your paper!

Maybe the most important one, and the most challenging.

This might take some time to get used to, but practice your brush control by staying light on your paper, going from very thick to very thin!