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Lettering Series: Intro to Lettering

Part 3: Pencil HACK for making

BIG letters

Project 4: Make a Banner

Introduction

Today you’ll use your hacked pencil tool to design a banner. This project will help you practice your block lettering skills and explore creative techniques for making large, eye-catching letters. You’ll use the Roman Hand style we’ve learned in previous lessons and reference handouts 11-13 to support your lettering development.

Objective: Create a visually appealing banner using your hacked pencil tool and the Roman Hand style. Focus on proper proportion, technique, and creative embellishments to make your letters stand out.

Materials:

HACKED pencil tool, crayons, markers, or colored pencils, roller paper, handouts 11-13, ruler (optional)

Review Roman Hand Style

Look at handouts 11-13 to review the Roman Hand style using your HACKED pencil tool.

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Plan Your Banner

Decide on the message for your banner. It could be a word or a short phrase.
Lightly sketch your message on a piece of roller paper using a pencil. Think about the spacing and layout to ensure your letters fit on the banner.
Draw out your scale to ensure your letters are proportional. This will help guide your lettering.

Create Your Lettering

Use your hacked pencil tool to start lettering your message in the Roman Hand style.
Reference handouts 11-13 for guidance on forming each letter.
Trace each letter lightly at first to develop muscle memory, then go over it with more pressure to create a darker line.

Embellish Your Letters

Erase any lines inside the letters that you don't need.
Use colored markers, crayons, or pencils to outline and decorate your letters. Add embellishments like polka dots, lines, checkers, gradients, shadows, or other creative designs.
Refer to handouts 11-13 for ideas on different embellishment techniques.

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Finalize Your Banner

Step back and look at your banner from a distance to see if your message is clear and the spacing looks balanced.
Make any final adjustments as needed to improve readability and visual appeal.
Add any additional decorations or designs to make your banner more attractive.

Video Link

of Sample

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Share your banner with us!

If you’re willing to share a picture of your banner with us- we would love to see it! You can ask your teacher or parent to take a picture of it and email it to us at hello@blackwingfoundation.org. It just might end up as a feature on our social media or monthly newsletter!

Thank you!

Thank you for practicing your lettering with us. You can come back here anytime to continue practicing and design more banners. This isn’t just a one-time thing. There are so many ways to use your HACKED pencil tool to enhance your work. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

By designing this banner, you've practiced your block lettering and learned how to use your hacked pencil tool creatively. Your banner not only conveys an important message but also showcases your improved handwriting and artistic skills.

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