Expressive Lettering with Swashes and Flourishes

Take your lettering to the next level with swashes and flourishes! Learn how to create unique, expressive compositions.

• Introduction
• Lettering Foundations
• Exploring Lettering: Techniques and Swash Styles
• Lettering Your Favourite City
• Adding Texture and Depth
• Final project

In this online course, you'll dive into the captivating world of lettering with the renowned lettering artist, Dan Forster. Discover the art of crafting custom lettering across a wide range of projects, from brand marks and logos to book covers and packaging designs. With Dan as your guide, you'll explore the beauty of swashes and flourishes and learn how to incorporate them into your compositions.

Dan will start by explaining the differences between calligraphy, lettering, typography, and type design, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. You'll then delve into the fundamental principles of lettering, followed by Dan's expert recommendations for creating your best work.

• About Me and My Work
• Influences
• Materials
• Definitions
• Lettering Principles
• Attitude and Approach
• The Importance of 'Pen Influence': How Calligraphy Informs Lettering
• 'Pen Influence' in Practice 1
• 'Pen Influence' in Practice 2
• Swashes and Flourishes Basics
• Options for Sketching
• Serif Style: Brief History and Examples
• Serif Style: Making a Composition with Flourishes 1
• Serif Style: Making a Composition with Flourishes 2
• Script Style: Brief History and Examples
• Script Style: Making a Composition with Flourishes 1
• Script Style: Making a Composition with Flourishes 2
• Project Planning: Gathering Ideas and References
• Sketching the Composition in Procreate or with Pencil and Paper 1
• Sketching the Composition in Procreate or with Pencil and Paper 2
• Vectoring Techniques and Adobe Illustrator Set-up
• Creating a Vector of the Composition in Illustrator 1
• Creating a Vector of the Composition in Illustrator 2
• Preparation in Illustrator: Lighting the Design
• Finishing Touches in Photoshop
• Expressive Lettering with Swashes and Flourishes