20 Creative Lettering Ideas
Posted by Amber Demien on Jul 26th 2024
Words are often a pivotal part of mixed-media artwork, ascribing a concrete message to otherwise symbolic thoughts and feelings. Whether on a canvas, assemblage, or art journal page, a well-chosen word or phrase can be the perfect finishing touch. Unfortunately, for some reason, even the most talented artists are critical of their own handwriting. We doubt whether the style of our writing can live up to our artwork. Luckily, there are infinite ways to add an artistic punch to your penmanship, and we’ve compiled 20 inspiring ideas from the pages of Art Journaling.
CAROL A. MORE⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
1. In the Details
When a single word or a short phrase is enough to express yourself, it also allows you to put more time into the details, as Carol A. More demonstrated here. Written in a style to match the avant-garde tone of the artwork, this word complements the page while also standing out, and small white dots pull you in for a closer look.
See more in the Spring 2022 Issue of Art Journaling.
NANCY BAUMILLER⎟ ART JOURNALING AUTUMN 2022
2. Fun With Fonts
It can be stressful when you put pressure on yourself to keep your journaling style consistent, so why not embrace the other extreme and have fun with fonts? Nancy Baumiller wrote her thoughts in a variety of styles, matching the playful vibe of the little girl on the page. And the simple black background is the perfect way to make the writing really pop.
See more in the Autumn 2021 Issue of Art Journaling.
MOU SAHA⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
3. The More, the Merrier
When Mou Saha penned these words upon the page, she didn’t settle for only one style. A playful mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters and an assortment of fun writing styles combine for an eye-catching and inspiring spread.
TORI WEYERS⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
4. Winter Wonderland
Inspired to create a whimsical winter scene, Tori Weyers incorporated her writing within the snowy landscape. Peeking out from behind the charming collaged houses, snowy white hills made of torn paper display her thoughts, written small so the words act more as pattern than prose.
VALERIE SJODIN⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2022
5. On the Grid
Graph-paper pages open new doors for art journaling, and Valerie Sjodin used the lines to fill her layout with inspiring quotes. To help the word-heavy page pack an artistic punch, she wrote each quote in a different style and color. With words filling every nook and cranny, she truly made the most of the page.
TINA WALKER⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2022
6. A Bold Bubble
What better way to say something on a journal page than in a speech bubble? On this page by Tina Walker, the bubble truly “pops” thanks to the book text background and the creatively written words. The letters vary in size and are emphasized with both blue and yellow, making them eye-catching and complementary to the overall page.
See more in the Autumn 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
CAROL A. MORE⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2022
7. A Mixed-Up Message
A surefire way to lend an artistic edge to your handwriting is to mix things up a bit. Carol A. More used both upper and lowercase letters, and highlighting her writing with multiple colors, making for a fun, playful style. And with so much added interest, using a bold black marker ensures that not one letter is missed.
See more in the Winter 2021 Issue of Art Journaling.
LYNN RICHARDS⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2022
8. Dramatic Drips
Some artists draw lines upon the page to guide their writing, but for the ultimate mixed-media touch, try using drip lines like Lynn Richards did here. Apply watercolor, ink, or thinned paint to a page, and allow it to drip across the surface. Once dry, add your prettiest script between the drips. Have fun playing with direction and color to make it even more interesting.
See more in the Winter 2021 Issue of Art Journaling.
THERESA GLASS⎟ ART JOURNALING WINTER 2022
9. Bold & Beautiful
To create a statement page that really sends a message, go bold with the background and the writing. Here, Theresa Glass filled her page with beautiful flowers, and an inspirational phrase penned prettily in black and highlighted with white pops against all the colors.
See more in the Summer 2017 Issue of Art Journaling.
MARY BRACK⎟ ART JOURNALING WINTER 2022
10. Whimsical Writing
An art journal page is the perfect place to have fun with writing, and that’s exactly what Mary Brack did here. Gently sloped lines guide her lettering across a watercolored page, and fun details like curlicues and doodled borders bring a touch of whimsy to the meaningful quote she shares.
See more in the Autumn 2017 Issue of Art Journaling.
PATTY ESKRIDGE⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2021
11. Playing With Pattern
Repeating an element or pattern on a journal page is a surefire way to make a bold statement. Here, Patty Eskridge plays with pattern to make a series of striking stripes on her page. To make things even more interesting, she penned her journaling vertically on the page, allowing it to play double duty as a stripe.
See more in the Summer 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
CAROL A. MORE & BOBBI WILSON⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2021
12. Layers of Letters
Creating lines on the page is a great way to keep your writing straight, but it also creates more visual interest for the eye. On this collaborative journal page by Bobbie Wilson and Carol A. More, the words are written upon very thin strips of book page instead of just simple hand-drawn lines. The hint of text on the strips adds just enough pattern without distracting from the main message.
See more in the Winter 2021 Issue of Art Journaling.
NICOLE WARRINGTON⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2021
13. Subtle Style
It’s possible to include lengthy writing in an art journal without it taking all the attention. As seen on this art journal page by Nicole Warrington, a subdued color palette, loose writing style, and alternate direction can transform handwriting into an intriguing design element. Here, her writing functions as an additional pattern on the page.
See more in the Summer 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
SHERRY LONDON POLLACK⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2021
14. Rays of Light
Lettering offers the perfect place to incorporate small pops of color that complement the overall design. On this art journal page, Sherry London Pollack penned an inspiring sentiment in a charming style, but the words are made even more special with touches of yellow. This colorful lettering is the perfect choice for a sunshine-themed page.
See more in the Summer 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
CAROL A. MORE⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2021
15. Dark Yet Playful
Using white ink upon a black background is guaranteed drama, but there are little touches that can keep things from getting too dark. Here, Carol A. More used a playful, quirky style to write her words, while using blue as an accent color to pop against the background.
See more in the Autumn 2019 Issue of Art Journaling.
CAT KERR⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2021
16. Simple With a Punch
White paint and cursive-style lettering may sound simple at first, but the results really packs a punch. This multicolored and patterned background by Cat Kerr perfectly sets the stage for bold, simple lettering to really stand out. A darker shade can be used to add shadows to the letter, making them pop even more.
See more in the Spring 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
TINA WALKER⎟ ART JOURNALING SPRING 2021
17. Out Loud Lettering
Speech bubbles are always a fun addition to a painted portrait, but take it a step further with a fun font. These words, written by Tina Walker, vary in size along wavy lines, while layered inks create a weathered look that catches the eye.
See more in the Summer 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
TINA WALKER⎟ ART JOURNALING WINTER 2021
18. Playful Placement
When adding journaling, look past the confines of the page by considering what shapes or images can contain your writing. Here, Tina Walker gave this inspirational statement a real “kick” by being penned within a pair of legs.
See more in the Winter 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
PATRICIA J. MOSCA⎟ ART JOURNALING WINTER 2021
19. Layers of Color
When writing a list of powerful words upon the page, try stacking them in a fun manner, penning each one in a whimsical style, like Patricia J. Mosca did here. To make the words truly pop, apply washes of paint to the background first, allowing the colors to blend together.
See more in the Winter 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
INGRID DIJKERS⎟ ART JOURNALING WINTER 2021
20. Custom Cutouts
Magazines offer an endless supply of letters that can be cut out and arranged to express whatever you’re thinking. Follow the creative lead of Ingrid Dijkers, and choose letters in a specific color palette for a cohesive look, and outline each with black ink to ground them on the page.
See more in the Summer 2018 Issue of Art Journaling.
Which lettering ideas is your favorite?
