00_Illustrate the Alphabet _ Creative Sessions _ Tuts+

Illustrative Lettering

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We deliver thought-provoking, theoretical and conceptual information each session, but an important part ofbuilding your skills involves doing. Every Session you’re invited to take part in a community project, and in sodoing build your skills. Regardless of your experience level, it’s a great chance to expand your portfolio, andget feedback from your peers.

Post Your Projects in the Comments Below

Take the knowledge that you gain throughout this session and apply what you learn. Post your project in thecomments below. We’ve set up the comments so that image URLs can be added. Be sure to leave yourthoughts and insightful critique of the work posted, which will help everyone improve their work.

We’ll be selecting a handful of prominent projects to promote in our final day Session Wrap, so be sure tosubmit your project before May 25th for consideration.

Illustrate the Alphabet | Creative Sessions | Tuts+ http://sessions.tutsplus.com/creative/character-illustration/illustrate-the-a...

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Project Brief

In this session’s project the brief is to illustrate the alphabet, that’s right draw the letters A-Z. The focus hereisn’t necessarily to create a working font, as that would take month’s worth of work getting the letters kernedand working perfectly. Instead, we’re focusing on illustrating letters. There is no limit in media you could useto create your letters with, whether it’s hand crafted or digital. Keep in mind though that you want tostylistically or thematically unify your alphabet. Let’s get to it!

If you aren’t keen on constructing a complete alphabet, then feel free to spend extra time illustrating just oneletter, which is a great start. Or draw the same letter in different styles on a page – also a great experiment.Don’t let the length of the brief stop you from participating. All levels of artists are encouraged to participate.

Style and Format

There is no limit in style. We look forward to seeing a wide mix of approaches. Here are some possibilitiesthough:

You could paint the letters A-Z and just scan them in.Draw a set and then finalize them as vector’s in Illustrator.Pull out your Wacom and paint some letters in Photoshop.Use found elements to put together an alphabet and then photograph the results.Create 3D letter sculptures by hand or in a 3D program.

Final format on this project is really open. We’d like to see final art as 600 pixel wide JPG or larger though.Also, include a description of your letters, and the theme and style that holds them together. Keep in mind aswell that creating unique lettering can serve as a great source when your creating your own illustrations. Theycan add just that right flare to your work.

Skill Building

Not only does this project build your skills with crafting letters, refining your process, and mastering yourcraft, but it will get you thinking about how letters work together, and how to build a stylistically cohesive set.What lettering style fits your illustrative personality? What themes would you like to create a set of letters to?

Inspiration

We’ll be posting quite a bit of inspirational lettering material in this session, but a handful of examples to wetyour appetite are always helpful. For some hand crafted A-Z inspiration check out Watercolor Typography,Sasha Prood. Another strategy with creating letters can be to organize objects and photograph them, such asthese vegtable letters from Jimmy Smith. Or check out this creative set of illustrative letters created by threeillustrators Irena Zablotska, Eugene Rudyy, and Keepa.

Feedback and Positive Criticism

It’s just as important to leave helpful tips, suggestions, and positive feedback for your peers’ work, as it is tocomplete the assigned project. We’re looking to create something much like in illustration or design class,where you post your work up on a board (in this case, the comments are the board) and everyone can critiquethe work.

Keep in mind that professional decorum, insightful opinions, and positive suggestions will be appreciated byall. Now let’s get to work on illustrating alphabet, and post some work for review below.


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Alexander Rose says:May 17, 2010 at 2:53 pm

I’m looking forward to tucking into this one.

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willian says:May 17, 2010 at 5:40 pm

lock and load

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Tanner says:May 17, 2010 at 6:14 pm

I am so looking forward to this one!

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Jonathan Patterson says:May 17, 2010 at 8:08 pm

Here’s my font! There are some minor wobbly curves and edges that can be tightened up but overallI’m satisfied with it!

http://beta10.behance.net/JPatterson/Frame/514707

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Desiree Stewart says:May 18, 2010 at 3:36 am

I really enjoyed the colors that you decided to use for the font. I do like the strokes of the font,reminds me of cursive and a mixture of something else. I do feel as though you can do more withthe font, but so far, it is really good. I like it a lot.

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Thanks for the observations and recommendations! I agree, it’s a good starting point. Thesecond time around will be much improved!

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Austin Pickett says:May 17, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Shoe Laces Type -http://imgur.com/nprgk.jpg

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That’s really creative! I like it a lot actually, I would never think to use shoe laces for text.

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Austin Pickett says:May 19, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Thanks! It’s amazing what you can think of at 2AM with sleep-deprivation

pica-ae says:May 18, 2010 at 8:57 am

oh, this is really awesome!

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Becky Bryant says:May 18, 2010 at 12:45 pm

What a promising looking session. Good timing too as Computer Arts Projects (UK) have just boughtout a ‘Become a master of Typography’ issue for June

Loving the laces idea, in college we had a live project to create a magazine in 2 editorial teams. One ofthe teams re-created the front-page of the magazine with a retro feel, spelling out the name with anun-ravelled cassette tape, looked awesome, and of the same ilk. Love it

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Chance Hudson says:May 18, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Hi, just wanted to say that this looks really good

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xxgdogg17xx says:May 19, 2010 at 12:40 am

Metal font-http://i.imgur.com/0y1i9.jpg

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Jonathan Patterson says:May 20, 2010 at 11:54 am

Nice. That’s different.

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naveed says:May 19, 2010 at 11:50 am

ill be posting my work too here soon

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Joey L says:May 20, 2010 at 7:16 pm

I was given a similar assignment last year! I ended up just sketching the alphabet and tracing it onIllustrator, so this time I’ve tried to be a little more creative.

http://fantasticspaceship.deviantart.com/art/Paper-Typography-164712594

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I really love this. A little sloppy, but still a cool font.

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Raelyn says:May 20, 2010 at 10:07 pm

This is a great topic and even better timing for me. I have been working on designs for Tees withsomewhat inspirational words. This is my most finished design,please tell me what you think[IMG]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a224/raelynsmi/grow.jpg[/IMG]

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Here is the link I hopehttp://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1790/growq.jpg

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ne says:May 24, 2010 at 1:10 pm

The concept is great!In regards to execution, I think the connecting points could be refined a bit more

Luke says:May 20, 2010 at 10:24 pm

I know this is only AB&C, but I thought i would throw it out there and see what people thought beforeI did the whole alphabet!

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Where’s the image?

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Sorry, I havent figured out attaching an image to my comments yet, I thought I knew how, but Iguess I dont! Here is the link.

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/7707/typef.jpg

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Jeprie says:May 21, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Awesome. Looks like a paper made from concrete. Love the idea.


I can’t figure it out either, but will keep trying:) Your letters are great, even though theyare stationary, it feels as if they are going to unfold and transform.

Jonathan Patterson says:May 22, 2010 at 1:38 am

Very cool! Good execution as well.

5ive Fabrice Bats says:May 22, 2010 at 5:28 pm

Lovely work Luke !Keep it on !

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ne says:May 24, 2010 at 1:13 pm

it’s like it’s simple, but it isn’t… in a good way

matthias says:14.


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May 20, 2010 at 11:20 pm

I created this alphabet using oil and vinegar:

see more detailed photos and some making of shots here:http://www.mazed.de/gestaltet/ein-alphabet-aus-essig-und-ol/

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Adam Stephenson says:May 21, 2010 at 9:22 pm

Ah man, this is great!

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Jeprie says:May 22, 2010 at 3:06 am

That’s great. Amazing idea.

I use this link to translate your article to english.http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazed.de%2Fgestaltet%2Fein-alphabet-aus-essig-und-ol%2F&sl=de&tl=en

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iaroslav lazunov says:May 23, 2010 at 5:43 am

Excellent. I’m shocked.

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This is great, so cool, I will never thought to have done this.

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Josh Woosley says:May 21, 2010 at 3:01 am

My attempt

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Jeprie says:May 21, 2010 at 1:36 pm

I move panels in Photoshop and come up with this. In the process, I learn that if we hold Ctrl whilemoving panel close to another panel, it will not snap.No editing in Photoshop, just screen capture.

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Thats Awesome!!! Great Idea!

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11 of 30 2011-06-04 12:13


hehe cool idea

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Hello,

I luv types, especially the real ones, I mean organic ones.I’m ready soon to finish a special type project… Hairy Type AlphabetI made mini projects concerning this idea. :

http://work.5ive.biz/#245403/Happy-New-Hair

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Enjoy !

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i like the hair type!

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Desiree Stewart says:May 24, 2010 at 7:25 pm

I enjoy this a lot. Not only is it cool but it also funny.

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Very nice idea. Do you use some hair spray to strengthen hair’s shape?

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Hei Jeprie !Thanks for your feedback !

Hmm yes you discovered one of my secret ingredients hahaha )


Another kind of “organic” type I luv to prepare. (not a really type but more a lettering one)

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Check the link for more pictures…http://work.5ive.biz/#245353/Best-wishes-2010


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enjoy !

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It is really cool

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Sidenote, why is this page so wide? Makes it hard to navigate.

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Chris Piascik says:May 23, 2010 at 8:54 pm

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I drew each of these letters individually in my sketchbook. Afterwards, I scanned them in and coloredthem digitally. Final pattern is full vector art.

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Some of the letter remind me of the show Ahh! Real Monsters and others remind me ofwallpaper that I would see in someone’s house. I do enjoy this font a lot and I like the fact thatyou sketch them out.

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Here is another idea. My son is going to be born in Aug, so thinking of a baby boy was my inspiration.

Luke

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Antal says:May 24, 2010 at 10:38 pm

This is really nice, I love it!

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As I keep reading the articles, I get more inspired. Here is another one.

[http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8843/typey.jpg]

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As I keep reading the articles, I get more inspired. Here is another one.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8843/typey.jpg

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Nice. Very creative.Do you have a website? I’d like to see more of your work.


Cotton Type

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Antal says:May 25, 2010 at 12:09 am

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These are the letters I have created.I aimed to draw an elegant-calligraphic typeface. It was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be!

But a lot of fun, nonetheless.

Antal

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everytuesday says:May 26, 2010 at 11:19 pm

I’ve always liked letters best when they connect in words, and make you feel something when you readthe words they make..Here’s a simple, eclectic alphabet, (and myself going on a bit of a tangent) withthe upgraded quick brown fox..my alphadoodle, if you will..

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Wendy says:May 28, 2010 at 12:33 am

Nice work. I love it.

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Tomek says:May 27, 2010 at 9:40 am

Those are some of my works before I had read articles. Now I’m very inspired to make much more. You can follow what I’m doing on my flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomapril/ . Cheers and havefun with type.

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coool works Tomek !!

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Avelendapixel8 says:June 2, 2010 at 10:01 pm

Here’s my attempt. http://www.flickr.com/photos/avelendapixel8/4664300912/sizes/l/. This was a fun

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28 of 30 2011-06-04 12:13

way to spend my downtime.

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Burcu Celiksap says:June 3, 2010 at 6:35 pm

I had a school project. I used also Turkish letters.Objects are small metal objects or white plastic.I used Canon450D and a table lamp.

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Molly says:July 23, 2010 at 1:31 pm

14_alphabike11×17whiteweb.jpg

I made an alphabet photographing bicycle parts.

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Alexander Rose says:July 25, 2010 at 11:42 pm

Heres a typographic piece i recently created. Its slightly 80’s inspired by i wanted it to look slightly

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modern. I’ll be adding more so enjoy

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Alexander Rose says:July 25, 2010 at 11:44 pm

Sorry forgot to attach the image. Alex

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stop-campaign/4829566844/

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