Difference Between Hand Lettering And Brush Lettering

Under: Frequently Asked Questions/By: Ximena

If you are starting out learning how to do modern calligraphy and wondering all about the different types of lettering.

We have hand lettering, brush lettering, dip pen lettering, faux calligraphy, and etc.

Sometimes all of these different types of modern calligraphy can be quite confusing. So I have come up with a series of explaining the difference between these all.

Now the main question today is what is the difference between hand lettering and brush lettering?

If you are in a hurry here is the quick and short answer:

The main difference between hand lettering and brush lettering is because brush lettering is a form of lettering with a brush pen. While hand lettering is a way of doing calligraphy with almost any writing utensils including brush lettering.

Anyway since I did say this was part of a series I have other articles that also explain the different aspects of calligraphy.

For example, what is the difference between calligraphy and cursive, you could check out here. I also did what is the difference between brush lettering and calligraphy.

Fell free to check those out since I explained in-depth so that you will never struggle with the different definitions.

Here is a short summary of what you are going to be learning about today:

Definition of Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering
The Main differences between Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering
Difference Between Learning Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering

Definition of Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering

So in this section, I am just going to be talking about what exactly are these two things to make sure that you all have the correct definitions.

Let us first go over the definition of modern calligraphy since all of these different types of lettering are considered modern calligraphy.

Modern calligraphy is basically a form of calligraphy that is not considered traditional calligraphy. It has the same basic format of some types of traditional calligraphy but is considered illustrating not writing like traditional calligraphy.

That is just a simple definition of all types of lettering.

( I will be using modern calligraphy and lettering interchangeably throughout the rest of the article.)

So this is also part of the other definitions of hand lettering and brush lettering since they are considered a form of modern calligraphy.

Now let me go over the definition of hand lettering really quickly.

Hand lettering is a form of modern calligraphy. It is just a way of lettering with non-traditional calligraphy supplies like a dip pen. So that includes lettering with a brush pen, regular pen, or pencil. Also just means a form of drawing letters, not like something digitized.

So yeah, brush lettering you can say is considered a way of hand-lettering since we are not using a dip pen.

Now here is the quick definition of brush lettering.

Brush lettering is any type of lettering that is being done with a brush pen. A brush pen is a flexible tool that helps to get thin and thick strokes.

If you are not experienced with a brush pen it is just a marker with a flexible felt tip that is shaped like a brush. This brush-like tip helps to get the different strokes that you need for lettering.

Here is a quick picture of a brush pen.

Main Differences Between Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering

I am just about to be going over all of the differences between these two types of lettering.

First thing I want to say that you could considered brush lettering a type of hand lettering because it includes using any types of utensils for doing lettering.

So let us first talk about…

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MATERIALS

I have already got into this a little bit before because this is considered one of the main differences.

For brush lettering, the only thing that is considered brush lettering is any lettering done with a brush pen, only a brush pen.

While in hand lettering it could honestly be any type of art medium that can help you out in your lettering illustrations.

Brush lettering is just something a very specific form of hand lettering. There are other types of calligraphy that can mimic the brush lettering “look”.

Like faux calligraphy, which is something that I am going to be talking about later.

DIFFERENCES IN THE SPECIFICS OF DEFINITION

Anyway, I just feel like I need to go deeper into what hand lettering is and what it is considered when it comes to its exact definition.

What I just need to say is that the hand lettering definition talks about something not digitized or created using programs/technologies.

While brush lettering is something that we know can not be created at all on a digital platform so then it is not included in its definition.

Now let us move on…

Differences between Learning The Art Forms

Now I am just going to be explaining how is it different when it comes to learning these art forms and what you need to know if you want to learn brush lettering or hand lettering.

Costs of Learning/ Materials

In my opinion, they do have different costs when wanting to learn or get the materials that you are going to need.

For brush lettering, you need brush pens. Brush pens can actually be quite expensive if you have a low budget.

While hand lettering you could just use other art mediums like pencils, regular pens, and so much more.

So that is something that you should keep in mind when wanting to choose between the two.

How Hard Is It To Learn

For any type of calligraphy, you are going to need to learn the basics witch are the basic strokes, holding materials, etc.

So if you are wondering if lettering with a brush pen or pencil is harder I find that both are going to have there ups and downs.

So I find that both can be hard to learn since you are learning a totally different way of letters.

Plus for both art forms, you are going to have to learn how to hold writing utensils differently, which can be quite hard to master without research/proper knowledge.

Tutorials

If you are interested in learning modern calligraphy I have actually done full in-depth tutorial s that you could ever think of. Especially if you are on a very tight budget I have the tutorials just for you.

I have done a brush lettering tutorial that I have here.

Then I have done some more hand lettering articles/tutorials:

Final Thoughts

You have just learned all that has to deal with the world of brush lettering and hand lettering.

I know this may all sound a bit confusing about what all of these things mean so don’t forget to check out the articles that I have linked at the beginning of the article.

But if you are having any questions feel free to comment.

Difference Between Hand Lettering And Brush Lettering