I learn from the book ‘Calligraphy: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Practitioner’ by Gaye Godfrey-Nicholls, really the same book as ‘Mastering Calligraphy: The Complete Guide to Hand Lettering’. This is my free, completely unofficial interpretation of the lessons. I do feel that watching something done can give us serious a-ha moments, which is why I make and share these videos, but for a deeper understanding, I recommend you read the book.

For printable guides, visit my blog http://bit.ly/2b0VAT9 . I use a 2B pencil so the letters are more visible, but you should use HB.

Music: “Easy Lemon” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Note that all the letters in the H Group occupy three-quarters of the square.

Skeleton H is formed by a couple of straight vertical line connected in the middle with a horizontal line. Make 2 verticals, then connect with a horizontal.

The letter N starts with a downstroke. Come back up, then cross diagonally to the baseline, then finish with another downstroke. Downstroke, diagonal, downstroke for the letter N.

U begins straight, then curves up slightly at the bottom. Come up and end U with a downstroke. Just down, follow the bottom circle, then downstroke.

The letter T is made in 2 strokes only. One cutting the square in half vertically, and one crossbar at the top. Let’s do that twice more.

V is also made in a couple of strokes. They meet on the baseline, in the middle. V is not formed with one stroke, but two: all from top to bottom.

The X is two diagonals crossing in the middle. Start with the left, then cross from the right. Left and right diagonals crossing each other for the letter X.

There are a couple of ways to form a Y. One is a diagonal stroke to the centre of the square, continuing downward without lifting, then a second diagonal stroke. Another way is to create a small V at the top, then a downstroke in the middle. I think I prefer the latter option.

The Z starts with a top horizontal stroke; a diagonal from right to left, then a bottom line. The letter’s direction is pretty straightforward, only it’s divided in 3 strokes.

The letter A starts with an upside down V, from top to bottom. Then draw a crossbar slightly below the centre of the circle, creating a more balanced counterspace (than if you cut it straight half).

S.