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The ABC's of Hand Lettering
The ABCs of Hand Lettering is a comprehensive guidebook for beginners in hand lettering. Inside you’ll find a repository of styles you can explore with drawing letters. Learn the basics – from the rundown of art materials, font styles, and the process of turning letters into visual art. Get to see the work of some of your favorite local letterers and type artists. And lastly, check out tips on finding your own style and making your mark as a creative individual in the book.
96 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
62 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Abbey Sy
11 books141 followersAbbey Sy is an artist, best-selling author and creative entrepreneur from Manila, Philippines. Her penchant for analog-style documenting, reading books, & exploring the world ignites her passion for making art and sharing stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 18, 2016
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I’ve been a fan of Abbey Sy’s hand lettering work for a few years now (as well as her amazing blog, Artistic Dreams) and even attended one of her workshops over the summer, so I was definitely psyched to hear that she was releasing a book! I’ve always been a lover of artsy things, being a design and typography enthusiast, but it didn’t come naturally to me (by that I mean I can’t draw to save my life), as it did for real creative people like Abbey. I wanted to learn hand lettering from an expert and her book was my best bet.
To those who’ve attended Learn By ABC, The ABCs of Hand Lettering is reminiscent of the workshop guidebook, except more inclusive. In five chapters, Abbey discusses how to get started, illustrates various font styles, details the process of hand lettering, showcases a handful of inspiring artists, and talks about getting your work out there. All this is shared in a way that isn’t an overload of information- you won’t find any long paragraphs here. Instead, the guidebook is precise and straightforward but covers what is essential to learning hand lettering, like knowing the difference between typography, lettering and calligraphy, what materials to use, how to draft and layout and much more.
Aside from being illuminating about the art of hand lettering, the pages of the book are visually-enticing, gorgeous and oh so colourful. If you like to stare at gorgeous lettering art, you’ll be staring at this book all day. The illustrations are so fabulous. More importantly, they’re completely inspiring. Just looking at them makes you want to get a brush pen of your own and try your hand at lettering. With all the tips and advice Abbey shares on this book, you’re well on your way.
Abbey Sy’s first book is a huge success, not to mention a very helpful and encouraging guide. If you’re an aspiring letterer, do pick up The ABCs of Hand Lettering. It will surely help kick-start your hand lettering journey and inspire you to always be creating.
I’ve been a fan of Abbey Sy’s hand lettering work for a few years now (as well as her amazing blog, Artistic Dreams) and even attended one of her workshops over the summer, so I was definitely psyched to hear that she was releasing a book! I’ve always been a lover of artsy things, being a design and typography enthusiast, but it didn’t come naturally to me (by that I mean I can’t draw to save my life), as it did for real creative people like Abbey. I wanted to learn hand lettering from an expert and her book was my best bet.
To those who’ve attended Learn By ABC, The ABCs of Hand Lettering is reminiscent of the workshop guidebook, except more inclusive. In five chapters, Abbey discusses how to get started, illustrates various font styles, details the process of hand lettering, showcases a handful of inspiring artists, and talks about getting your work out there. All this is shared in a way that isn’t an overload of information- you won’t find any long paragraphs here. Instead, the guidebook is precise and straightforward but covers what is essential to learning hand lettering, like knowing the difference between typography, lettering and calligraphy, what materials to use, how to draft and layout and much more.
Aside from being illuminating about the art of hand lettering, the pages of the book are visually-enticing, gorgeous and oh so colourful. If you like to stare at gorgeous lettering art, you’ll be staring at this book all day. The illustrations are so fabulous. More importantly, they’re completely inspiring. Just looking at them makes you want to get a brush pen of your own and try your hand at lettering. With all the tips and advice Abbey shares on this book, you’re well on your way.
Abbey Sy’s first book is a huge success, not to mention a very helpful and encouraging guide. If you’re an aspiring letterer, do pick up The ABCs of Hand Lettering. It will surely help kick-start your hand lettering journey and inspire you to always be creating.
July 29, 2015
I was actually expecting that this book have like practice sheets for lettering. LOL. But good tips! :) I'll try harder next time with my hand lettering/scripts.
December 11, 2019
bacaan ringan dan seru tapi materinya kurang banyak XD
berharap lebih banyak lagi materinya :D
berharap lebih banyak lagi materinya :D
March 12, 2017
Buku yang terlalu sederhana. Menyesal juga kenapa kutukarkan placebo ku hanya untuk buku ini. Terasa sia-sia.
silakan baca sendiri yang ingin tahu "secuil" mengenai apa itu hands lettering.
silakan baca sendiri yang ingin tahu "secuil" mengenai apa itu hands lettering.
Read
May 15, 2020I thank this book for helping me rediscover my love for hand lettering and making me realize that there are endless possibilities in making art and I am barely scratching the surface of it ❤
April 5, 2021
This is a very quick read (if it can be called a read) on the fundamentals of hand lettering. If like me you are a beginner and looking for a work book, this aint that.
Sure, it has the chapter on what tools to use, the art of lettering, the technical names within calligraphy/hand lettering and typography. It also has some pretty examples of hand lettering, and other artists work. But thats' about it.
If a book is to be called the "ABCs of...." you'd expect the book to be a beginner friendly worksheets, their are none of that. For me, that is why this book loses stars.
It is however, a very pretty book, and definitely a nice one to have in your library if you enjoy hand lettering.
Sure, it has the chapter on what tools to use, the art of lettering, the technical names within calligraphy/hand lettering and typography. It also has some pretty examples of hand lettering, and other artists work. But thats' about it.
If a book is to be called the "ABCs of...." you'd expect the book to be a beginner friendly worksheets, their are none of that. For me, that is why this book loses stars.
It is however, a very pretty book, and definitely a nice one to have in your library if you enjoy hand lettering.
February 10, 2018
a really useful book for everyone who interested in learning typography and lettering! it's easy to be followed and practiced, and the letterings and layouts in this are beautiful.
solid 4 stars for this!
solid 4 stars for this!
September 28, 2017
Buku ini berguna sekali, menambah pengetahuan tentang hand-lettering yang tidak saya ketahui sebelumnya. Saya membaca sambil praktik hand lettering dan hasilnya memuaskan :-D
February 11, 2018
Fascinating . I likeit the way of the different letters and some ideas to improve the handwritten
February 12, 2018
3 bintang.
Karena tadinya berharap ada halaman-halaman untuk berlatih. Tapi cukup informatif buat yang benar-benar baru memulai hand lettering.
Karena tadinya berharap ada halaman-halaman untuk berlatih. Tapi cukup informatif buat yang benar-benar baru memulai hand lettering.
January 30, 2020
This book was great and very resourceful!
January 21, 2022
Covers basics of hand lettering in a great depth. Absolutely loved reading it!
August 10, 2023
The high school version of myself swore by this book! It’s a great read for someone who wants to learn hand lettering.
P.S. I forgot to add this to my 2015 reads so I’m adding it now - 2023 me :)
P.S. I forgot to add this to my 2015 reads so I’m adding it now - 2023 me :)
March 8, 2017
Things I loved:
-Visually pleasing. I loved that there were many featured artists in Part 4 of the book.
-Surprisingly technical. It was interesting for me to know that hand lettering, typography, calligraphy are art forms in themselves with technical terms to boot. Who even knew that you had a term for adjustment of spaces between characters aka kerning? Also, knowing about the difference between Serif and Sans Serif, yasss!
-Intrigued my curiosity. I've always loved beautiful writing. I even remember having writing classes in school both in English and Chinese and how my mom used to hold competitions among us sisters at home on the best handwriting. (Guess who was the reigning queen? :D) If I didn't have too much on my plate, I am almost at the brink of adding another hobby on my list! Maybe, someday.
2017 TFG Bingo Card Challenge: ABOUT ART - 16/25
-Visually pleasing. I loved that there were many featured artists in Part 4 of the book.
-Surprisingly technical. It was interesting for me to know that hand lettering, typography, calligraphy are art forms in themselves with technical terms to boot. Who even knew that you had a term for adjustment of spaces between characters aka kerning? Also, knowing about the difference between Serif and Sans Serif, yasss!
-Intrigued my curiosity. I've always loved beautiful writing. I even remember having writing classes in school both in English and Chinese and how my mom used to hold competitions among us sisters at home on the best handwriting. (Guess who was the reigning queen? :D) If I didn't have too much on my plate, I am almost at the brink of adding another hobby on my list! Maybe, someday.
2017 TFG Bingo Card Challenge: ABOUT ART - 16/25
August 15, 2015
Originally posted at Just a Flyleaf
I've always wanted to try hand lettering. It started when I was in high school, I have a friend who does well in hand lettering. I admire her works, and I always ask her to do lettering on my notebook or just a piece of paper. She's always the one who writes on Manila paper for our group reports, she also does the cut-outs and lettering of the name of the event when we have a program. Well, you get the idea: she's basically talented.
My notebooks in college were filled with doodles, scribbles and crooked free-style letterings (even though I wasn't good at it! Haha!). Since calligraphy and hand lettering have been all over the social media, my interest got more intense. I've watched a lot of tutorial videos on the internet, but I still didn't know where to start. Luckily, I'm a follower of Stay Bookish and I learned about Abbey Sy's book, "The ABCs of Handwriting".
The ABCs of Hand Lettering is your trusty guide and the perfect first step to starting a wonderful new hobby. Learn the difference between serif, sans scripts, and decorative fonts; find out how to put together letters and words; and come up with your every own hand-lettered work. By the end of this book, you’ll definitely always be creating.
BOOK SIGNING (08/08/2015)
On August 8, 2015, she had her book signing event at Trinoma. So, I took the opportunity to buy a copy and have it signed by the author. While waiting for the registration table to open, I browsed through the book and it illustrates various font styles, details on the parts and process of hand lettering, and guest artists showing their own style.
The registration opened at around 1:00pm and the signing and stamping began after her short message. While waiting for my turn, I was reading a different book, "The Longest Ride," then the emcee (Charmie, who by the way, is my batchmate in UPLB ROTC) announced that they'll be having a giveaway. Two prizes: a wallet and a pad. The first two names called for the pad already left so Abbey had to draw another name...guess what? she called MY NAME! Ha! I don't know, somehow, I knew that I was going to win the watercolor pad.
The book is nicely written, its sentences are straight to the point and is easy to understand. The fonts are also gorgeous and I can't wait to try the different styles. The book is just so beautiful from cover to cover and it's so colorful! The book will really inspire you to always be creating.
I've always wanted to try hand lettering. It started when I was in high school, I have a friend who does well in hand lettering. I admire her works, and I always ask her to do lettering on my notebook or just a piece of paper. She's always the one who writes on Manila paper for our group reports, she also does the cut-outs and lettering of the name of the event when we have a program. Well, you get the idea: she's basically talented.
My notebooks in college were filled with doodles, scribbles and crooked free-style letterings (even though I wasn't good at it! Haha!). Since calligraphy and hand lettering have been all over the social media, my interest got more intense. I've watched a lot of tutorial videos on the internet, but I still didn't know where to start. Luckily, I'm a follower of Stay Bookish and I learned about Abbey Sy's book, "The ABCs of Handwriting".
The ABCs of Hand Lettering is your trusty guide and the perfect first step to starting a wonderful new hobby. Learn the difference between serif, sans scripts, and decorative fonts; find out how to put together letters and words; and come up with your every own hand-lettered work. By the end of this book, you’ll definitely always be creating.
BOOK SIGNING (08/08/2015)
On August 8, 2015, she had her book signing event at Trinoma. So, I took the opportunity to buy a copy and have it signed by the author. While waiting for the registration table to open, I browsed through the book and it illustrates various font styles, details on the parts and process of hand lettering, and guest artists showing their own style.
The registration opened at around 1:00pm and the signing and stamping began after her short message. While waiting for my turn, I was reading a different book, "The Longest Ride," then the emcee (Charmie, who by the way, is my batchmate in UPLB ROTC) announced that they'll be having a giveaway. Two prizes: a wallet and a pad. The first two names called for the pad already left so Abbey had to draw another name...guess what? she called MY NAME! Ha! I don't know, somehow, I knew that I was going to win the watercolor pad.
The book is nicely written, its sentences are straight to the point and is easy to understand. The fonts are also gorgeous and I can't wait to try the different styles. The book is just so beautiful from cover to cover and it's so colorful! The book will really inspire you to always be creating.
August 22, 2015
I bought this book last July 10 and I only opened and read the book this morning in one seating. I let myself craved for this book even if I already have it. Weird, right? Of course, it won't be the last time that I will read this cause I'm pretty sure I'll get back to this when I formally start my self-study in drawing letters.
I love writing. As in writing in my journal, taking down notes from a lecture and such. But just this year, I became engulfed in painting letters. Since drawing and painting has been my life-long dream I admit that I don't have the natural gift in doing it. I tried doing digital typography way back in my first year high school and over the years, my passion in doing that died.
Now, I want to pursue painting and drawing letters as my hobby and as a way of communicating my words through producing a beautiful visual art. As what Abbey Sy's said in her book, no one starts off being excellent. That's why I am making my way off now learning and acquiring knowledge about the craft that I wanted to pursue.
Reading The ABC's Hand of Lettering is my first step to do that. It's a very informative book aside from its' beautiful output which is given knowing Abbey Sy. :) She has been my inspiration not just in her craft but also in her passion about traveling, writing and exploring life. Kudos to you Ate Abbey and your team for making this book!
I love writing. As in writing in my journal, taking down notes from a lecture and such. But just this year, I became engulfed in painting letters. Since drawing and painting has been my life-long dream I admit that I don't have the natural gift in doing it. I tried doing digital typography way back in my first year high school and over the years, my passion in doing that died.
Now, I want to pursue painting and drawing letters as my hobby and as a way of communicating my words through producing a beautiful visual art. As what Abbey Sy's said in her book, no one starts off being excellent. That's why I am making my way off now learning and acquiring knowledge about the craft that I wanted to pursue.
Reading The ABC's Hand of Lettering is my first step to do that. It's a very informative book aside from its' beautiful output which is given knowing Abbey Sy. :) She has been my inspiration not just in her craft but also in her passion about traveling, writing and exploring life. Kudos to you Ate Abbey and your team for making this book!
April 30, 2018
Sebenernya buku ini cukup membantu untuk orang-orang yang ingin belajar hand lettering, tapi dibeberapa bagian, buku ini kurang maksimal juga untuk orang-orang yang setidaknya sudah tau dasar2 typography seperti aku...
3,5 bintang untuk buku ini, bukan karena isinya jelek.
Illustrasinya Abbey Sy cantik banget sumpah, cuma penjelasan-penjelasan didalamnya bener2 yang basic banget, yang mana lebih cocok untuk orang2 yang memang belum bisa membedakan apa itu typography apa itu serif, apa itu sans serif...
di satu sisi, ada beberapa bagian yang aku suka, karena ada tips untuk bagaimana sebaiknya tampilan hand lettering agar terlihat indah tapi tetap bisa terbaca, ada juga refrensi-refrensi dari karya Typographer dan hand letter artist di dalamnya. Mungkin aku bakal coba menduplikat beberapa contoh didalamnya untuk permulaan, supaya tau seberapa kemampuanku hahhah
3,5 bintang untuk buku ini, bukan karena isinya jelek.
Illustrasinya Abbey Sy cantik banget sumpah, cuma penjelasan-penjelasan didalamnya bener2 yang basic banget, yang mana lebih cocok untuk orang2 yang memang belum bisa membedakan apa itu typography apa itu serif, apa itu sans serif...
di satu sisi, ada beberapa bagian yang aku suka, karena ada tips untuk bagaimana sebaiknya tampilan hand lettering agar terlihat indah tapi tetap bisa terbaca, ada juga refrensi-refrensi dari karya Typographer dan hand letter artist di dalamnya. Mungkin aku bakal coba menduplikat beberapa contoh didalamnya untuk permulaan, supaya tau seberapa kemampuanku hahhah
March 18, 2020
The book is a startup for lettering. It contains ideas of what materials to use, how to start, and inspires to keep creating things. It also features good artists. It is simple, basic, and fun.
I got interested the moment I learned about Abbey Sy's book and her pun ABC's. I suppose this is a first lettering book by a Filipino artist; if not, the first to be famous to me. lol. I bought it immediately and went to see the author in an event. Sadly, the free workshop in the event was about the things she mentioned in the book. Nevertheless, it was delightful to witness Abbey Sy working in progress. Plus, I got the chance to have my book autographed with beautiful sparkly lettering.
I got interested the moment I learned about Abbey Sy's book and her pun ABC's. I suppose this is a first lettering book by a Filipino artist; if not, the first to be famous to me. lol. I bought it immediately and went to see the author in an event. Sadly, the free workshop in the event was about the things she mentioned in the book. Nevertheless, it was delightful to witness Abbey Sy working in progress. Plus, I got the chance to have my book autographed with beautiful sparkly lettering.
March 2, 2016
I wasn't expecting to really learn proper strokes or guides on how to do hand lettering as I believe this art is too personal. Most of the typography intro in the first chapters I already know since I like Typography as well. There are no exercises. But there were several pages dedicated to other Filipino hand letterers including their work so it's a good source of inspiration only (for me). Youtube videos are probably better references if you want to learn the step by step of practicing your hand lettering. For the price, I wouldn't say it's a waste. It's a good place to start for those who have zero background on what hand lettering is and how to get started.
November 26, 2016
A three and a half star rating isn't that low. Generally, the highest I've given a local book must've been the same? So don't stress out on the rating.
This book has opened up a lot of possibilities for me because I've always been interested in hand lettering because of its beauty and elegance.
It's nice to learn all about the different terminologies and the different materials and different styles. This book just has a lot to offer!
It also has some features from other artists to show some different perspectives on hand lettering. Would recommend this to everyone who wants to try and learn hand lettering!
This book has opened up a lot of possibilities for me because I've always been interested in hand lettering because of its beauty and elegance.
It's nice to learn all about the different terminologies and the different materials and different styles. This book just has a lot to offer!
It also has some features from other artists to show some different perspectives on hand lettering. Would recommend this to everyone who wants to try and learn hand lettering!
May 2, 2016
It's official! I've finished my artwork today.. Although I was already done with the book last April 13.. Anyway.. The author provided basic background about hand lettering for beginners like me.. It had made me feel inspired to be creative again.. It convinced me to learn the art of calligraphy more..
This self-help book is recommended for those aspiring hand letterer.. It doesn't matter whether your work won't match from what the author did.. It's normal.. Don't give up! You'll achieve it soon! And just like Abbey Sy said: Always be creating!
This self-help book is recommended for those aspiring hand letterer.. It doesn't matter whether your work won't match from what the author did.. It's normal.. Don't give up! You'll achieve it soon! And just like Abbey Sy said: Always be creating!
October 24, 2015
Lots of lettering art to look at
This is the what an art book should be. Nearly every page is full of art. Text instructions are useful but the examples are what inspire. The book's design is also clean and attractive. A very well-conceived digital book.
One of the nicest bits is the chapter that introduces a number of lettering artists and their work. It's great for comparison between styles and to expand your lettering toolbox.
This is the what an art book should be. Nearly every page is full of art. Text instructions are useful but the examples are what inspire. The book's design is also clean and attractive. A very well-conceived digital book.
One of the nicest bits is the chapter that introduces a number of lettering artists and their work. It's great for comparison between styles and to expand your lettering toolbox.
April 2, 2016
This is more or less a hundred page long. However, half was only dedicated to teaching techniques (hardly). The rest features other artist. I thought I was buying a guide book and not a magazine. It was a big disappointment! Better get LEARN CALLIGRAPHY by Margaret Shepherd.
I want to support local artists and publishers but come on! I felt like I got screwed when I bought this book. It was nice to look at and it was pricey. But it didn't serve it's purpose.
I want to support local artists and publishers but come on! I felt like I got screwed when I bought this book. It was nice to look at and it was pricey. But it didn't serve it's purpose.
July 16, 2016
not only did this book helped me to improve my skills in lettering but it also inspired me, actually inspiring me up until now to pursue what I love and to do things i didn't know i can do. Kudos to Abbey Sy and hoping for more outputs from her that will continue to inspire not only me and the people who love lettering but to all people out there who are still trying to find out what hobby or what to do in their next adventure!
February 8, 2017
Big fan of Abbey Sy, but apart from presenting other people's styles and informing me on the basic terminologies in hand lettering, this book did not help with learning strokes and tips for hand positions, etc.
Then again, it did say ABC's of Hand Lettering, so nothing but the basics should be expected, I guess.
Then again, it did say ABC's of Hand Lettering, so nothing but the basics should be expected, I guess.
December 1, 2015
A very creative book for learning hand lettering. There were samples of alphabets however, I would've preferred if there were instructions with basic strokes or arrows to show how to start drawing the alphabets. Overall, this was a good book. Very informative and showcases works from other hand lettering artists too.
February 19, 2016
A beginner's book to introduce you to lettering. I enjoyed the spotlights on a variety of people doing this art. It's interesting to know how they got there. I also liked in knowing the four forms: serif,
sans serif, script and decorative with lots of samples. I liked this but would have liked more how to information or would have given it a better rating.
sans serif, script and decorative with lots of samples. I liked this but would have liked more how to information or would have given it a better rating.
March 17, 2016
A+ for the layout. Very creative. However, the book did not reach my expectation. It is just a simple "introduction on Lettering 101"; I can just do a research about it on the Internet instead. Although the content of it is very motivating, the learning in here is incomplete because it does not provide any activity for the readers to try. I find Youtube much better when it comes on learning.
April 13, 2022
This will be my stepping stone to reaching my ultimate dream!
I was inspired. The book has a lot of styles and designs to choose from that will suit your personality.
I love this book. I should have more references for my guide. :)
I was inspired. The book has a lot of styles and designs to choose from that will suit your personality.
I love this book. I should have more references for my guide. :)
September 14, 2015
Great information
I really enjoyed this book. It is loaded with examples. I will be using it often. My only disappointment is that the kindle version wouldn't let me bookmark any pages. It was more like a PDF file than a kindle book.
I really enjoyed this book. It is loaded with examples. I will be using it often. My only disappointment is that the kindle version wouldn't let me bookmark any pages. It was more like a PDF file than a kindle book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews