The Lettering Workbook for Absolute Beginners A Simple Guide to Hand Lettering & Modern Calligraphy

This book is highly praised as an excellent resource for beginners interested in drawn-lettering. Reviewers found it a delightful guide for transitioning from writing to drawing letters, offering a comprehensive introduction to tools and various hand-lettering types such as monoline, faux calligraphy, brush script, serif, and sans serif fonts. Each script receives in-depth attention, detailing simple shapes, uppercase, and lowercase letters, along with helpful hints and dedicated space for tracing and freehand practice. The book further encourages creativity by teaching how to add flourishes, flowers, and banners, and how to compose space for hand-drawn quotes. A standout feature is the 12-day challenge, which integrates all learned skills, followed by additional themed quotes for continued practice.

The only notable criticism, though described as relatively inconsequential, pertains to the author's definition of old-school calligraphy. An experienced calligrapher reviewer disagreed with this specific description, pointing out that traditional calligraphy encompasses a wider range of styles and tools than presented by the author. This minor point of contention did not, however, detract significantly from the book's overall value.

In summary, this book comes highly recommended for anyone looking to delve into the popular world of hand-drawn letters. It serves as an enjoyable and beneficial guide for beginners, offering a structured path to learning various alphabets and applying them creatively. Readers interested in picking up a new, engaging hobby or enhancing their artistic lettering skills will find this book to be a valuable and comprehensive resource.