How to Make Word Art

Word art is a form of artistic expression that involves presenting words as art. The techniques used to make word art involve coloring and shading letters, adding textures, and shaping the words. Effective word art puts the focus not so much on what your words say as how those words are presented visually. Word artists combine various styles, such as calligraphy, graffiti and other styles to do this. With a little practice and a creative mind, anyone can learn to turn words into art.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Color markers
• Eraser
• Sketch paper

1. Think of a concept for the word or phrase you want to turn into word art. Consider your word art like you would if you were creating a logo. Determine the colors and shading you want to use. Think about the direction you'll have the light coming from. You can arrange the words any way you want, you can twist them, overlap them, or stagger them. Get an idea about the design before you begin.

2. Draw two light horizontal lines that follow the path of your letters. Space the lines so you can fit your letters between them. The lines will be drawn to follow the path you want your letters to follow. This will help you set your perspective. The lines are especially useful if you plan to curve your letters so some of them appear to be off in the distance, or for words you will want twisted or skewered. It's easier to write within the lines.

3. Draw your letters between your two guidelines. Add the dimension to the letters at this stage, giving them a 3D look. Once the letters are placed between the lines to set your perspective, erase the horizontal guidelines.

4. Darken the outline of your letters. You can do this with your lead pencil. If you'd rather the lines blend better, go over each letter with a color pencil that will best match the color you intend to use on the final letters.

5. Color each letter individually with the color markers. Try using different shades of the same color or applying the color with varying pressure to add texture to the letters. Use a Q-Tip cotton swab or the tip of your finger to blend colors or give a glossier appearance to your word art.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using graffiti-style lettering to make your word art.
• Use calligraphy style letters to give your word art extra flair.

References

• How to Draw Graffiti Letters (video)
• Calligraphy Art
• How to Draw Bubble Letters