Have you always wanted to try hand lettering, but aren’t quite sure how to begin? In The ABCs of Hand Lettering from Summit Books, freelance designer, workshop instructor, creative entrepreneur, and letterer Abbey Sy guides you through a wonderful new hobby with basic techniques, helpful tips, and lots of encouraging inspiration. 

“Hand lettering requires a thorough understanding of your ideas, combined with a bit of technical skill and a whole lot of passion, patience, and practice to make it work,” says the 22-year-old artist in her opening letter to readers. “Letters and type have a strong power to express words and ideas visually, which is why drawing letters is one of the more interesting ways to showcase art that people can appreciate.” This book is Abbey’s first, and is the first book on lettering by a Filipina author.

In The ABCs of Hand Lettering, know the materials you need and the terms to learn as you get started; learn the difference between serif, sans serif, script, and decorative fonts; and find out how to use font weights to depict certain moods and emotions. Next, find out how to put your work together: from drafting to making the layout to inking and embellishing.

For inspiration, marvel at the work of other letterers featured in the book, such as Risa Rodil, Patrick Cabral, Ella Lama, John Ed Vera, Fozzy Castro-Dayrit, Jelvin Base, Googly Gooeys, June Digan, Alessa Lanot, Anina Rubio, Alexis Ventura, Christine Herrin, and Carl Chua.

Lastly, prepare to get your work out there with tips on practicing and finding your own style, and important things to keep in mind throughout your hand lettering journey.

Don’t miss the book launch and workshop of The ABCs of Hand Lettering on June 20, 2015, 1:00-6:00 pm at National Book Store, Glorietta 1. The first 50 participants get the chance to take part in the one-hour workshop and have their names personally hand lettered by Abbey Sy.

The ABCs of Hand Lettering is now available in bookstores, newsstands, convenience stores, and supermarkets nationwide for P295.