The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Brush lettering looks so graceful and effortless — until you try it for the first time. I remember holding my very first brush pen, pressing down with excitement… and ending up with a shaky, uneven line. The truth is: it’s all about learning how to control pressure, rhythm, and flow. Once you understand the basics, everything starts to make sense — and becomes a lot of fun.
1. The Right Tools to learn Brush Lettering
Before you start practicing, make sure your tools are ok.
Brush Pens
If you’re a beginner, start with hard-tipped brush pens. They’re easier to control and don’t bend as much under pressure. Once you feel confident, you can move to soft-tipped brush pens, which allow more flexibility and variation in line width.
(Some of my personal favorites: Tombow Fudenosuke (hard tip), Pentel Touch Sign Pen, and Karin Brushmarker Pro for larger strokes.)
Paper
This is something many beginners underestimate — smooth paper is key. Rough paper damages the brush tip, making it fray quickly. Choose a non-absorbent, smooth surface (marker paper, Rhodia pads, HP Premium 32 or Clairefontaine DCP paper work great).
Optional Tools
A pencil, ruler, and eraser can help when you want to plan out words or guidelines, but they’re not essential at the beginning.
2. Learn the Basic Movements
Brush lettering is built on two main strokes:
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Upstrokes: Apply light pressure to create thin lines.
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Downstrokes: Apply heavier pressure to create thick lines.
This contrast between thick and thin is what gives brush lettering its beautiful rhythm and flow.
Keep your pen at about a 45° angle and let the tip flex naturally — don’t force it.
Tip: Practice just five minutes a day. You’ll be surprised how fast your hand learns the motion.
3. Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Here are a few things I see most often in my students:
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Too much pressure on upstrokes – keep it gentle and slow.
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Speeding through strokes – brush lettering is a rhythm, not a race.
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Losing patience too early – remember, even skilled letterers started with wobbly lines.
It’s not about talent; it’s about muscle memory. Your body and your hand simply need time to adapt to the movement.
4. Your First Mini Project
Now that you know the basics, it’s time for a small success moment!
Try lettering one simple word — for example, “Joy,” “Peace,” or “Home.”
Focus on connecting the strokes you’ve practiced, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
You can even add a little flourish or a simple underline to give it character.
Once you’ve done that, you’ve officially started your brush lettering journey!
If you’d like a step-by-step guide, download my free Brush Basics Mini Session — it includes practice sheets and a small project to help you get confident right away.
5. Keep Practicing and Enjoy the Process
Brush Lettering isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Each page you fill brings smoother movements, steadier lines, and more joy in the process.
So take a deep breath, slow down, and enjoy the rhythm of your strokes.
Before long, you’ll see just how meditative and satisfying this art form can be.
Free Resource for You to learn Brush Lettering
Get the Free Brush Basics Mini Session
A 6-page program to start with. Learn the essentials, build confidence, and create your first beautiful word — all at your own pace.