This is the architects neighborhood volume
1.
How to write like an architect.
Im doug patt.
The basic drafting tool for an architect when
working by hand is a parallel rule.
You can also use a t-square.
Ill be using an ames lettering guide to create
the lines for the lettering.
First were going to create our horizontal
lines using the ames lettering guide.
The guide has a variety of spacing options
to create just about any combination your
looking for.
I will also be using a small triangle.
Ive added tape to this one for ink lettering
– to avoid smearing.
Ill also be using a .5mm pentel drafting pencil
and a flair pen for the letters.
Ive created a small grid here to give me some
guidance when I lay out the letters.
Id say the most important thing to remember
about hand lettering is that your letters
need to seem animated while still appearing
orderly and neat.
I think this is achieved by using a few conventions.
For example, youll notice the letters have
some amount of incompleteness.
The second diagonal on the A does not follow
all the way to the guide line, the bottom
of the B or D isnt complete, The bottom line
on the E starts in front of the vertical.
The second thing is that all the horizontals
in the letters are drawn by hand, not using
the parallel rule.
They all sit at a slight angle making them
dynamic and yet uniform.
Youll also notice that I use the ruler for
all vertical lines.
Lastly, when making your Os, Qs, Cs, Gs, even
8s and 9s, the letters and numbers are simply
combinations of semi circles.
Even the letter S is made the same way.
These are two images from my portfolio.
They are good examples of how your strings
of words will come together to form orderly
yet animated paragraphs.
Ive included a pdf with this short video that
you can use to practice if you so desire.
Remember, hand lettering takes years of practice
to get good so If thats your goal find a forum
to practice your lettering and keep it up.
And thanks for checking out how to letter
like an architect
