Little Book of Lettering

by Emily Gregory

Typography is always one of the designer's first considerations when it comes to making a statement, and in recent years the world of lettering and type has exploded in an unprecedented wave of creative discovery. Contemporary artists, typesetters, and designers of all kinds are exploring new horizons in illustrated and hand-drawn lettering, digitally rendered lettering, and 3D lettering. This collection—large in scope but petite in size—surveys the recent lettering renaissance, showcasing a diverse range of talent in gorgeous, eye-catching examples and profiling today's innovators. In a stunning little package that expertly combines a handmade feel with a modern aesthetic, this is the ultimate inspirational collection of contemporary lettering for design buffs and type enthusiasts alike.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Art Design, Reference, Creative, Crafts

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 21, 2012

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.

Definitely interesting to see the different styles and types of lettering from around the world.

[Bill Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fascinating to see the "democratization" of typography take place over the last few years. There are people all over the world who are creating type, designing type and just manipulating the hell out of type every which way. This book captures a lot of that spirit. And though it may be "little" in page proportions, there are a good number of pages in this book that showcases some of that work.
It consists of many wonderful and inventive designs paired up with short descriptions of the how they were created and small glimpses into the designer's/artist's thinking about why they were created. And though I enjoyed reading the book, some judicious editing is certainly in order. Next to brilliant typographic designs is somebody's meaningless doodle in their notebook. I'm all for experimentation and exploration, but the level of quality exhibited is all over the map. A quarter of the work could be cut and it would be a little gem of a book.

[Kitty G Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning book with a tremendous amount of typefaces and information about the different designers packed into it for the small size. The lettering is varied and there are descriptions which accompany each of the designers. The photographs are well-produced and the layout of the pages is beautiful and clear and concise.
There are a range of hand-drawn typefaces and digitally created typefaces so you can see the differences and the variation between them and overall this really is a must-have little book for any designer of fonts. Excellent book!

[Stephanie Noel]

This was a very fascinating book to read. If you are into lettering, typography or looking to get inspired this is perfect. The book gives advice on lettering technique but also has pictures from designer's that created them. Some artists that you'll find are Jessica Hische and Marian Bantjes. I am actually have been looking to get into that type of creating so this is a great book that I borrowed from the library.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be entirely honest, I wasn't all that impressed with this book. There certainly were some beautiful examples of typography, but in reality, there are so many free resources for this elsewhere. So with this fact, in conjunction with the light, super small type and the smallness of the pictures, left me less than impressed.

[Daisy Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is basically showing different styles, methods and types of artwork from various artist!!! For me, this would help me gain more of new ideas to discover my own technique in lettering (or wtvr u may call it)!

[Haylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little book with lots of examples of beautiful typography, both digital and hand-drawn. Didn't care much for all of the artists background stories and information along with each image, though. TMI for my liking.

[Maia Then · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of inspiration, really loved this book! Lettering Rocks.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to those so inclined towards typeface and calligraphy. VERY inspiring ! Hope there will be future volumes!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drool. Especially the hand-drawn lettering. But also Jaames Edmonson's red and blue cup "font." I did not love everything, which is a mark of a good collection.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great inspiration and eye candy. Ironically, the Type is too small and light especially if you are over 40 tears old!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very inspiring work here.

[Jerrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful resource for artist's lettering work

[Lisa Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection of solid work but many missed edits/misspelled words in the titles and descriptions which was frustrating. You had one job editor!

[Electric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. Not very informative, more of a "look what this collection of people can do" book. Not what I was expecting.

[Penelope Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun inspirational book. Has a ton of lettering samples which is great when you are trying to come up with ideas for a project. Would recommend

[N S P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe should be called 'Little Book of Letterers' instead? Over-all, fantastic book for jump-starting this practice to those of all lettering skill levels.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book simultaneously makes me happy and sad. I am trying to improve my hand lettering, and get inspired by the wonderful examples while feeling like a dolt who will never succeed.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a a very interesting book but more for graphic artists and those into art graphics.