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The Ultimate Brush Lettering Guide: A Complete Step-by-Step Workbook to Jump Start Modern Calligraphy Skills
The Ultimate Brush Lettering Guide has something for everyone - from beginners that have never used a brush pen, to seasoned letterers looking for new stylistic, expressive options and ideas. Each lesson builds on itself, unlocking endless opportunities inside the playful art of brush lettering.
This book covers it all, from the ever-so-important basics, through a journey of faux calligraphy, a comprehensive brush pen guide along with how they're used, pages of different alphabet styles, unique flourishes and ligatures, to creative step-by-step DIY projects.
This book covers it all, from the ever-so-important basics, through a journey of faux calligraphy, a comprehensive brush pen guide along with how they're used, pages of different alphabet styles, unique flourishes and ligatures, to creative step-by-step DIY projects.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2017
114 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 18, 2017
Great book....but
This book is packed with knowledge, however it is difficult to read because of the way it was developed. I had read another person review on amazon stating their book was difficult to read and fuzzy, also the book was produced on thin pages. So I thought I would purchase the kindle version in order to read and be able to utilize the book better. Still had some difficulty anyway. I did find the book full of knowledge,and am rereading it again. I might just look at the examples and go from there.
This book is packed with knowledge, however it is difficult to read because of the way it was developed. I had read another person review on amazon stating their book was difficult to read and fuzzy, also the book was produced on thin pages. So I thought I would purchase the kindle version in order to read and be able to utilize the book better. Still had some difficulty anyway. I did find the book full of knowledge,and am rereading it again. I might just look at the examples and go from there.
February 7, 2018
It's a badly produced book full of great information. I'm all excited about playing with my new brush pens now.
Problems with the physical book:
- at least five typos, one misaligned subheader, and a weird phantom half-printed image in one spot
- printed on thin paper (not good when you're going to be photocopying practice pages; you can totally see through to the other side)
- is designed in black and gray, and many many of the small gray details are difficult to make out
One of the Amazon reviews was complaining about the whole thing being written in brush lettering. I thought that would annoy me, too, but it wound up being fine. I enjoyed seeing the various ways information could be arranged with this particular art form. It's all readable, except for a couple of really elaborate example words.
The information and ideas in this book are great for beginners. Even though it needs better editing and art direction, it makes me happy, and I think it'll be a good start to what will hopefully be a fun hobby.
Problems with the physical book:
- at least five typos, one misaligned subheader, and a weird phantom half-printed image in one spot
- printed on thin paper (not good when you're going to be photocopying practice pages; you can totally see through to the other side)
- is designed in black and gray, and many many of the small gray details are difficult to make out
One of the Amazon reviews was complaining about the whole thing being written in brush lettering. I thought that would annoy me, too, but it wound up being fine. I enjoyed seeing the various ways information could be arranged with this particular art form. It's all readable, except for a couple of really elaborate example words.
The information and ideas in this book are great for beginners. Even though it needs better editing and art direction, it makes me happy, and I think it'll be a good start to what will hopefully be a fun hobby.
January 31, 2018
Dean's tone in this book is rather snarky, and not in a cute, friendly way. That said, she provides multiple examples of script and a variety of styles for every letter of the alphabet.
Some of the content is printed in a very pale gray, which makes reading this book in anything less than sunlight, or under an Ott light, difficult.
Reading this book did annoy me, but in a good way, kinda like a blister from a pair of high heels. I don't wear those types of shoes because, while pretty, are terribly uncomfortable. Similarly, I determined that I don't give a f**k about calligraphy, and will stick with my own handwriting when creating cards or art, or writing in my art journal. I quite like my handwriting, come to think of it. Thank you, Peggy Dean, for your pithy education on the difference between calligraphy and handwriting.
I'll save the modern calligraphy for the font makers.
Some of the content is printed in a very pale gray, which makes reading this book in anything less than sunlight, or under an Ott light, difficult.
Reading this book did annoy me, but in a good way, kinda like a blister from a pair of high heels. I don't wear those types of shoes because, while pretty, are terribly uncomfortable. Similarly, I determined that I don't give a f**k about calligraphy, and will stick with my own handwriting when creating cards or art, or writing in my art journal. I quite like my handwriting, come to think of it. Thank you, Peggy Dean, for your pithy education on the difference between calligraphy and handwriting.
I'll save the modern calligraphy for the font makers.
August 10, 2018
I love Peggy Dean’s botanical drawing books but this brush lettering book really missed the mark for me. There were a few interesting tidbits throughout the book, like the 3 corner approach and the botanical faux calligraphy letters.
The book could have really benefited from some photographs or at least some other colors. The entire book is black and blue. The practice pages were tiny! Very little room to actually practice.
She offered 10 alphabet but not cohesively. All 10 upper and lowercase a’s were together. It was hard to piece them together. On the other hand it is nice to see variations and find one that suits you and your project.
Overall. Meh.
The book could have really benefited from some photographs or at least some other colors. The entire book is black and blue. The practice pages were tiny! Very little room to actually practice.
She offered 10 alphabet but not cohesively. All 10 upper and lowercase a’s were together. It was hard to piece them together. On the other hand it is nice to see variations and find one that suits you and your project.
Overall. Meh.
January 27, 2019
Once you meet Peggy Dean in her classes on Skillshare (starting from basics and following digital lettering in art apps like Procreate) you understand she is very special in sharing her knowledge.
People follow her not because they were told by influencer but because they can learn so much from every blog, class or book.
Personally I love the way she designed this book inviting you to be creative and don’t compare. "Lettering is an art of drawing letters"and any drawing is a subjective view documented to be shared. The book is an artistic map to "acquired skill" of very personal taste for eye-pleasing structures based on learned muscle memory and love of gesign.
People follow her not because they were told by influencer but because they can learn so much from every blog, class or book.
Personally I love the way she designed this book inviting you to be creative and don’t compare. "Lettering is an art of drawing letters"and any drawing is a subjective view documented to be shared. The book is an artistic map to "acquired skill" of very personal taste for eye-pleasing structures based on learned muscle memory and love of gesign.
January 16, 2020
I haven't gone through any of Peggy Dean's lesson. So there are certainly some takeaway points in it for me.
Albeit the slightly irritating tone ordering us what to do or what not to do, I still find this book beneficial.
I especially love the DIY project part, handlettered quotes and how she walks us through the photo taking, what should be in the frame, photo editing and hashtags. It's not part of brush lettering but also an extension that's not talked about enough.
The touch point concept is interesting and enlightening.
Even though I don't really enjoy her style with the angle of word connection being too sharp, I will keep this book as a reference.
Albeit the slightly irritating tone ordering us what to do or what not to do, I still find this book beneficial.
I especially love the DIY project part, handlettered quotes and how she walks us through the photo taking, what should be in the frame, photo editing and hashtags. It's not part of brush lettering but also an extension that's not talked about enough.
The touch point concept is interesting and enlightening.
Even though I don't really enjoy her style with the angle of word connection being too sharp, I will keep this book as a reference.
November 13, 2021
I am generally a fan of Peggy Dean books. Out of all 6 of her current publications, this is probably my second favorite. What I found most helpful about this book is how she takes the practice strokes and breaks the letters down into strokes to help move you out of seeing it as letters. I made much improvement from this book by seeing my minuscule “m” as three overturn strokes rather than as a letter. This volume will also prove your long brush lettering.
However, If you’re wanting to improve your brush lettering “bounce” I would recommend Kristen Burke’s books instead. Peggy Dean addresses it, but I didn’t find her instruction pages very helpful in developing this skill.
However, If you’re wanting to improve your brush lettering “bounce” I would recommend Kristen Burke’s books instead. Peggy Dean addresses it, but I didn’t find her instruction pages very helpful in developing this skill.
June 21, 2019
If it's "the ultimate" it means you will learn about brush sizes and the volume will include a lame portfolio from what the author can do with a brush.
And than I open the book. And here it is. The contents is equally boring, long and uninteresting as the title.
And than I open the book. And here it is. The contents is equally boring, long and uninteresting as the title.
March 26, 2020
Great tips and tutorials on how to create perfect hand-lettering projects, however too difficult to read the font/lettering style author chose to use. Anyways, I finished the book inspired to continue making progress, so I guess it served its purpose.
April 7, 2020
Excellent resource!
Excellent resource! Highly recommend. Easy to follow, detailed instructions and descriptions, fun inspirational images, and lots of useful practice pages.
Excellent resource! Highly recommend. Easy to follow, detailed instructions and descriptions, fun inspirational images, and lots of useful practice pages.
August 26, 2020
1. Why is everything blue and white and grey? :(
2. Why is there so much white space? :(
2. Why is there so much white space? :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
This book really does a great job at earning the Ultimate title.
The first part is full of useful information so you will be fully prepped to create letters. It has information on tools, gives you encouragement and alleviates any fears of being a beginner. You should not skip this section. Even if you are experienced it is helpful and an excellent refresher.
The next part are the lettering guides. If you are not familiar with The Pigeon Letters' lettering guides, she shows you 10 ways to write numbers and letters. All different and unique. There are flourishing, embellishments, and ligature guides as well. You will be able to create multiple unique styles.
The last part has room for practice, how to incorporate lettering int practical purposes,some fun projects, and bonus step by step tutorials.
This book is definite must own. You'll learn from it and then continue to refer to it later.
The first part is full of useful information so you will be fully prepped to create letters. It has information on tools, gives you encouragement and alleviates any fears of being a beginner. You should not skip this section. Even if you are experienced it is helpful and an excellent refresher.
The next part are the lettering guides. If you are not familiar with The Pigeon Letters' lettering guides, she shows you 10 ways to write numbers and letters. All different and unique. There are flourishing, embellishments, and ligature guides as well. You will be able to create multiple unique styles.
The last part has room for practice, how to incorporate lettering int practical purposes,some fun projects, and bonus step by step tutorials.
This book is definite must own. You'll learn from it and then continue to refer to it later.
February 16, 2017
If I had to choose just one word for this amazing lettering book, I would definitely choose "exceptional". Not only has the author covered all topics starting from materials to individual letters to detailed projects, she has also done it in a way that is simple and easy to follow. There are practice pages with guidelines which are so convenient. I love using tracing paper over it so that I can make use of the guidelines multiple times.
Even if you're just starting out or you're an advanced letterer, you'll be able to take away a lot more that the price it's at.
Like I mentioned earlier, EXCEPTIONAL!
Even if you're just starting out or you're an advanced letterer, you'll be able to take away a lot more that the price it's at.
Like I mentioned earlier, EXCEPTIONAL!
September 15, 2017
Great breakdown for me as a beginner. I might eventually get the hang of it!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews