Here is Rachel Doan ( @rachelbujo ) with a tutorial about using faux calligraphy in a bullet journal:
When I was a beginner in modern calligraphy, I just couldn’t make my lettering always perfect. There were WOW and UGH times alternating throughout this beginning journey. Not long ago, I saw a quote on Kelly Creates’s Instagram account that said: “Fake it ‘til you make it.” YES! When you want WOW calligraphy in a bullet journal, but you are afraid it will end up UGH and ruin your beautiful page, then do fake calligraphy.
In this tutorial, I want to share with you how I created fake calligraphy for my June cover page in only three easy steps. It is quite simple, yet effective. I hope I can help some of you out when you feel uncertain about your lettering skills like I did.
Step 1: First things first, you need to distinguish the difference between upstrokes and downstrokes. Let’s write the word “June” with a fineliner or any type of pen you have. I love using the Kelly Creates brand fineliners, which are my all time favourite. As you can see in this picture, all the strokes with up arrows are upstrokes, and vice versa, all the strokes with down arrows are downstrokes. Simple, isn’t it?
Step 2: Now you only need to care about the downstrokes. Usually, upstrokes are very thin while downstrokes are very thick. We will thicken them by adding parallel lines next to every downstroke.
Step 3: Next, let’s fill in the gaps between each set of parallel lines. Just try to make it look as smooth as you can because smoother lines look like real calligraphy. Once you’ve done this step, you have successfully created fake calligraphy.
In the last picture, I want to share with you some more ideas that make this beginner level calligraphy look more lively and interesting. Either you use different colors to brighten it up, create effects or just add some fun details to it. Calligraphy is a form of art through which people can apply their creativity with letters so why not have some fun with it! I hope you like this tutorial and share with me if you can. Thank you so much!
You can find Rachel on Instagram @rachelbujo for more inspiring and creative journal ideas!
Click on the images below to find these supplies in Kelly Creates’ online shop: http://www.kellycreatesstore.com : Kelly Creates Fineliners, Multicolor Small Brush pens, Deluxe Lettering kit, Notebook