Thumbnail Sketches - One Simple Tip to Improve Your Lettering Layouts -

In this post, I will share with you one simple tip to improve your lettering layouts by using thumbnail sketches.

Have you gotten into lettering, but are now wondering how to improve your lettering layouts?

Maybe you start lettering and the words won’t fit on the page and you aren’t sure what to do to improve your layouts.

Thumbnail Sketches to Improve Lettering Layouts

I know, I know.

I resisted this for a long time.

However, what I’m now realizing is that I have my lettering forms down I need to challenge myself and try something new.

If you took my Brush Lettering for Beginners class, you remember me telling you to think of lettering more like an illustration than handwriting. It takes time to come up with unique designs, but it is so satisfying.

Plus, you can have fun along the way seeing your custom design come to life.

Let’s Get Started!

Here’s One Process to Use Thumbnail Sketches:

There are many ways to use thumbnail sketches in your lettering layouts. Here is the process I show you in the video above.

It literally can take just a minute or two for simple pieces or hours for long, complex pieces.

Ten Steps to a Better Lettering Layout:

1) Write out the phrase.

2) Choose the words you want to emphasize.

3) Decide which words will be in a script lettering style and which words will be in a print lettering style. You can also integrate other more advanced lettering styles into your phrase as well if you want.

4) Roughly sketch out your phrase.

5) Look for opportunities to add bounce lettering and sketch it in.

6) Look for opportunities for flourishes and sketch it in.

7) Once you have a good working sketch, use a pencil to sketch your design onto your final piece.

8) Ink your design.

9) Let the ink dry and then erase the pencil marks.

10) Enjoy your beautiful lettering artwork and share on Instagram or online if you choose.

3 Free Classes

Join my FREE Insiders’ Facebook group, get access to 3 free classes and download worksheets here:

Get 3 Free Classes

Need to Learn the Basics?

If you still need to learn the basics of lettering, I recommend starting with my class, Brush Lettering for Beginners.

Here’s what a few of my students have to say about the class:

It is one of the most complete classes on lettering I’ve seen. Very well explained.
– Al Diaz

I’ve been struggling with brush lettering on my own. Shelley created a great resource – I especially liked the letter by letter breakdown! I already feel as if my lettering has improved – and I have a regimen I can use to practice and improve moving forward. – Lisa Hobbs

I love this class!! Shelley is an AMAZING instructor. It is a wonderful class for beginners and if you have been practicing brush lettering for a while. I learned great basic tips and tricks about pens and letter formation. I am looking forward to taking more classes by Shelley Hitz! – Monica Wehrman

==> Get started here: www.shelleyhitz.com/brush