Hand Lettering With Negative Space

Here is Elizabeth Wise (www.wiselettering.com) sharing a tutorial about hand lettering a design with negative space!

Negative space is defined as the space around and between the subject(s) of an image. With lettering, the subjects are the actual letters that are written. Very often, the space around the letters is overlooked, even ignored, unless there are some flourishes added as embellishments.  With this tutorial, I’ll be focusing on creating a very unique take on lettering by only focusing on the space around the letters in 4 simple steps.

STEP 1

Using a pencil, draw your words in any style lettering. In this case, I used a monoline script style.

STEP 2 

Select 4 small brush pens, 2 sets that each include a dark colour and a light colour. I chose dark green with light green, and pink with yellow. Using the darker colours, start making cross hatch lines (small x’s) in the negative space on the outside of the pencil lines. Make sure to not put any marks on the inside of the letters.

STEP 3

Once you’ve marked up the area with the dark colours, now work your way outwards from the pencil lines, create a lighter area using the lighter colours. There is no correct way to make hatch lines; it’s just a nice effect instead of colouring in the space fully.

STEP 4 Erase your pencil lines.

You have now created a colourful and unique piece using only the negative space around your letters! There are many different techniques you can use besides cross hatching. You can try stippling, circles, flowers, waves, etc. The options are endless since you have such a large area of negative space to play with. Here is another example for you….Have fun! 

Thanks Elizabeth! There are so many design possibilities with this technique! You break it down so simply.

For more inspiration and art work from Elizabeth, follow her on Instagram @wiselettering and her website http://www.wiselettering,com.

Here are the supplies Elizabeth used that you can find in my online store http://www.kellycreatesstore.com or click on the images below: