1. Practice repeatedly. These sheets include fundamental strokes.

These are the basic strokes that all calligraphy styles use as a
foundation. I have included these basics at 15 mm and 8 mm height, so you can easily practice using small brush pens, large brush
pens and even a paintbrush!

2. Look for alphabet guides that inspire you. Tracing alphabets helps you master a style that best suits you, and even develop your
own style. I offer several in my Etsy shop, M2B Studio. They are available for immediate download and sometimes as a complete
physical snail-mailed to your door workbook (I use these in my popular workshops!)

3. Slide my email address into your PRIMARY/FAVORITE/TRUSTED senders list. Get me outta the spam pile until you have a
handle on Brush Lettering. I send free worksheets, tips, and tricks!

FAQs
What’s the difference between brush lettering and calligraphy? Calligraphy is the art of drawing letters. Brush lettering is a style of
calligraphy achieved by using either a paintbrush or a brush marker.

Tracing is cheating, right? Learning by following an example is not cheating! It’s the only way to become comfortable with something
that is entirely new. You will soon progress to practicing on your own blank guide sheets.

How do I hold a brush marker? Hold the marker the exact same way you would hold a regular pencil. If you find that to be
unsuccessful, please email me. I’m happy to help. The answer is often adjusting the paper angle, NOT your grip!

More questions? Feel free to reach out with questions and to address specific issues. My guide sheet series is meant to spark a
conversation. It is not a complete reference guide. You can find me at

SHOPPING LIST
Print your guide sheets and try it using a pencil. To make the exact marks shown, you will need to purchase a few supplies. My blog
site missybriggs.com includes a complete supply list. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
1. Large brush pens
2. Small brush pens
3. Tracing paper. Print the guide sheets once and practice on tracing paper.

SOME BASIC INSTRUCTION

UPWARD STROKES ARE THIN. DOWNWARD STROKES ARE THICK. UP: THIN. DOWN: THICK (this is your mantra)

Brush lettering is ALL about pressure applied to the brush tip. Using a spot near the tip (not the point) and a light upward motion, you
can make a thin hairline stroke. Applying pressure and pulling downward will make a thick downward stroke.

The picture on the left shows the angle to make a thin upward stroke. The figure on the right will
make a deliciously thick downward stroke. See the slight kink in the pen? It will spring back! Direct
pressure on the tip, will result in fraying. All brush markers will eventually fray or deteriorate. These
illustrations show a large brush pen. Small brush pens work the same way. The tip is just smaller.

Wait, are you a lefty? This is what the pen looks like to you. If you like, practice these guide sheets by
working right to left. We can’t change the world, but when you’re learning… looking back on the marks
you just made instead of smearing your hand through them, can be a nice boost to your confidence. You
can do this!
WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL STROKES?

This is the big event. If you master these strokes, you can create the lowercase alphabet!

I mean, there’s a little more to it. But practicing these strokes repeatedly is the way to get good.

Warning: it looks deceptively simple.