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How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer: A Guide to Making Perfectly Imperfect Art
Break the rules, embrace imperfection, and express your unique self through lettering art!
This book is for anyone who's felt the pressure of perfection. As a schoolgirl in Vietnam and later in online lettering classes, Huyen Dinh was always told to perfect her penmanship. Instead, she started embracing her own imperfect style—with squiggly lines, cheeky messages, and pastel colors.
In this upbeat guidebook, Dinh walks you through the basic rules of lettering and then teaches you how to break them in clever and creative ways. She shares challenges and triumphs from her own artistic journey and offers inspiration as well as technical tips. You can use your new lettering skills to tell your personal story, support a cause you care about, or decorate your tote bags and sneakers! Fully illustrated in Dinh's signature pastel palette, this book is the perfect companion for any aspiring creative.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE This fresh and fun guide MAKES LETTERING No need to sweat over creating technically perfect calligraphy. Instead, let this guidebook infuse your creative projects with fun. Lettering is a chance to explore your personal style and share your passions with the world.
EMPOWERING By sharing her own story, Dinh offers inspiration for anyone who dreams of a creative career, especially other young Asian American women. This is an approachable and inclusive handbook for pursuing your artistic goals.
RISING Huyen Dinh's refreshing honesty and irresistible illustration style have resonated with thousands of fans online. Her lettering art has graced murals, sweatshirts, magazine covers, and more. With this book, she welcomes anyone to join her in creating perfectly imperfect lettering.
Perfect
This book is for anyone who's felt the pressure of perfection. As a schoolgirl in Vietnam and later in online lettering classes, Huyen Dinh was always told to perfect her penmanship. Instead, she started embracing her own imperfect style—with squiggly lines, cheeky messages, and pastel colors.
In this upbeat guidebook, Dinh walks you through the basic rules of lettering and then teaches you how to break them in clever and creative ways. She shares challenges and triumphs from her own artistic journey and offers inspiration as well as technical tips. You can use your new lettering skills to tell your personal story, support a cause you care about, or decorate your tote bags and sneakers! Fully illustrated in Dinh's signature pastel palette, this book is the perfect companion for any aspiring creative.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE This fresh and fun guide MAKES LETTERING No need to sweat over creating technically perfect calligraphy. Instead, let this guidebook infuse your creative projects with fun. Lettering is a chance to explore your personal style and share your passions with the world.
EMPOWERING By sharing her own story, Dinh offers inspiration for anyone who dreams of a creative career, especially other young Asian American women. This is an approachable and inclusive handbook for pursuing your artistic goals.
RISING Huyen Dinh's refreshing honesty and irresistible illustration style have resonated with thousands of fans online. Her lettering art has graced murals, sweatshirts, magazine covers, and more. With this book, she welcomes anyone to join her in creating perfectly imperfect lettering.
Perfect
176 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for accepting my request to read and review How to be a Rule-Breaking Letterer.
Published: 05/23/23
"Lettering is the art of drawing letters."
This is cute, whimsical and helpful. I have stayed away from crafting projects needing writing. I never took the time to learn calligraphy (which is "the art of writing letters.).
Lettering is a craft. It requires practice and patience. This book reiterates the need for both.
All I can say is wow, why didn't I think of looking for a book like this during the pandemic. I could have taken up calligraphy. (I concede, my closets, cabinets, and drawers would not be neat, tidy and clutter-free.)
This makes sense to me. The projects of painting on totes, sneakers, etc., at the end of the book encourage creativity. On a personal note, I do wish in all my crafting that I did not need stamps: cursive, all caps, all lower case. Oh yes, there is a letter stamp for all occasions.
I would gift this book with supplies and encourage its use.
Published: 05/23/23
"Lettering is the art of drawing letters."
This is cute, whimsical and helpful. I have stayed away from crafting projects needing writing. I never took the time to learn calligraphy (which is "the art of writing letters.).
Lettering is a craft. It requires practice and patience. This book reiterates the need for both.
All I can say is wow, why didn't I think of looking for a book like this during the pandemic. I could have taken up calligraphy. (I concede, my closets, cabinets, and drawers would not be neat, tidy and clutter-free.)
This makes sense to me. The projects of painting on totes, sneakers, etc., at the end of the book encourage creativity. On a personal note, I do wish in all my crafting that I did not need stamps: cursive, all caps, all lower case. Oh yes, there is a letter stamp for all occasions.
I would gift this book with supplies and encourage its use.
February 8, 2023
How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer by
4.5 Stars
I own quite a few books about calligraphy and hand lettering. I'm a good artist, but I still struggle with drawing straight lines, and with lettering placements. I have tried hand lettering throughout the years, but just wasn't satisfied with my results. However, I had a lot more success with this book. Even the author's book layout is different (in a good way). By the time I got to more challenging projects, I felt ready to start. The author did a great job of breaking the steps into bite-sized pieces. I'm impressed with her stress-free teaching style.
For me, everything clicked into place. I'm a visual learner, and the author did an excellent job explaining spacing through pictures, examples, and training your typographic eye for lettering success.
There are step-by-step directions with picture instructions from cover-to-cover. I feel this book teaches a good overview of writing terminology, which is lacking in similar books. The artist walks us through each step: brainstorming, ugly sketches, detailed sketches, & finalizing our piece. Thus, leaving us with the tools to get creative again and again.
It's so nice this book offers instructions for traditional and digital art. Tips and advice for improving your own hand lettering. It's cool how the artist included her thumbnails, and finished works as reference pictures in this book. Everyone starts somewhere; it's a brave move showing your beginning pieces.
All in all, I'd recommend this book for creative people wanting to improve their hand letter game. Besides, you have to know the rules to break them. 😉
I deducted half a star for how difficult it is to read. My digital copy's font size was too small. I loved all the pastel artwork, but it strained my eyes on the white-white-pale background.
Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books, for providing me with a digital ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 Stars
I own quite a few books about calligraphy and hand lettering. I'm a good artist, but I still struggle with drawing straight lines, and with lettering placements. I have tried hand lettering throughout the years, but just wasn't satisfied with my results. However, I had a lot more success with this book. Even the author's book layout is different (in a good way). By the time I got to more challenging projects, I felt ready to start. The author did a great job of breaking the steps into bite-sized pieces. I'm impressed with her stress-free teaching style.
For me, everything clicked into place. I'm a visual learner, and the author did an excellent job explaining spacing through pictures, examples, and training your typographic eye for lettering success.
There are step-by-step directions with picture instructions from cover-to-cover. I feel this book teaches a good overview of writing terminology, which is lacking in similar books. The artist walks us through each step: brainstorming, ugly sketches, detailed sketches, & finalizing our piece. Thus, leaving us with the tools to get creative again and again.
It's so nice this book offers instructions for traditional and digital art. Tips and advice for improving your own hand lettering. It's cool how the artist included her thumbnails, and finished works as reference pictures in this book. Everyone starts somewhere; it's a brave move showing your beginning pieces.
All in all, I'd recommend this book for creative people wanting to improve their hand letter game. Besides, you have to know the rules to break them. 😉
I deducted half a star for how difficult it is to read. My digital copy's font size was too small. I loved all the pastel artwork, but it strained my eyes on the white-white-pale background.
Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books, for providing me with a digital ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you Goodreads, Chronicle Books, and Huyen Dinh—I was super excited to win this one!
I freaking love this book. I’m a big fan of Chronicle Books. Their books are always beautifully designed and full of delicious content, and this title is no exception.
It’s a quick read. It probably took me a couple hours altogether to get through. I appreciate that in an arts & crafts book: I want to get to creating, after all.
I can see this appealing to a broad range of people. It’s cute without being saccharine. The author, Huyen Dinh, is encouraging and real.
She shares her strength and her vulnerability. We get a glimpse into her life journey from her humble beginnings to her present success.
I’ve always wanted to create awesome lettering, but never really knew how to do it. Thank you for giving me the tools to start my own journey.
I will be referring back to this book often; it was such a gift to win. As soon as I finished reading it, I had to try my hand.
Thank You!
I freaking love this book. I’m a big fan of Chronicle Books. Their books are always beautifully designed and full of delicious content, and this title is no exception.
It’s a quick read. It probably took me a couple hours altogether to get through. I appreciate that in an arts & crafts book: I want to get to creating, after all.
I can see this appealing to a broad range of people. It’s cute without being saccharine. The author, Huyen Dinh, is encouraging and real.
She shares her strength and her vulnerability. We get a glimpse into her life journey from her humble beginnings to her present success.
I’ve always wanted to create awesome lettering, but never really knew how to do it. Thank you for giving me the tools to start my own journey.
I will be referring back to this book often; it was such a gift to win. As soon as I finished reading it, I had to try my hand.
Thank You!
April 5, 2023
The strength of this book is really in the humor in the writing, the approachability of the instructions and the personal narrative that ties the whole thing together.
The book is visually appealing right from the get go. I knew I wanted to pick it up as soon as I saw the cover. Huyen Dinh has a very conversational tone throughout and it really suits this book. I've read a lot of lettering, art journal, and paper art books, and what sets this one apart is the way she's got her personality worked into it.
I liked all the personal examples, you can tell they're not just generic phrases created for the book. They're real life examples of project's she's done and art pieces that she's created. She balances these with easy to understand technical instruction and an easy to understand list of supplies as well.
The book is visually appealing right from the get go. I knew I wanted to pick it up as soon as I saw the cover. Huyen Dinh has a very conversational tone throughout and it really suits this book. I've read a lot of lettering, art journal, and paper art books, and what sets this one apart is the way she's got her personality worked into it.
I liked all the personal examples, you can tell they're not just generic phrases created for the book. They're real life examples of project's she's done and art pieces that she's created. She balances these with easy to understand technical instruction and an easy to understand list of supplies as well.
June 15, 2023
I bought this book as I've been following Huyen as an artist for a long time. I love Huyen's work and style, and love how it's evolved. Now let's get into the book...
I think a lot of people confuse calligraphy with lettering, myself included, when they're in fact two different things. Huyen says this in her book. Social media has made us believe that only calligraphy is pretty, acceptable, and everything else is pointless unless it has calligraphy, when that's not the case. I'm starting to see more and more artists move away from calligraphy and finding their own style--which I love. This book focuses on lettering in general, it has some calligraphy in it, but it's not about that.
I took a lot of pictures of great tips and examples she made within the book that I really liked! All the cute icons and pictures she drew to supplement her writing was great in backing up her work. Those are things I want to take with me into the future while this book sits on a bookshelf somewhere.
My favorite chapter is definitely the one about breaking the rules. It's made me feel a little bit more confident as an artist because I've been making up my own fonts since I was a child. I'd get bored in class and doodle. I found all my old doodles recently and fell back in love with them, and it made me realize social media and society really plagues us so much that it corrupts our thinking. It makes us believe and think we are imposters, but we're not and we never were.
With that being said, even though I loved how simple it was to read and digest this book, I really wish it had:
- a chapter on choosing colors.
- Finding your color scheme that you like to work with.
- How to work with RGB & CMYK.
- As well as, a chapter on how to turn lettering into income or a business.
Why become a rule breaking letterer just for yourself? We want the world to see it, no? I know there's free info out there, but it could definitely be within this book also--all in one place. The book doesn't come cheap, and the workbook and markers come separate.
I also wish the book laid flatter.
This book felt a little less about confidence and more of a beginners guide, and the price tag just doesn't feel worth it without the chapters I suggested it should have. I would honestly give this book a price tag of like $15. $20 is just pushing it because it doesn't have that much value.
The colors are amazing on the print version, and after studying the digital version a bit, it's definitely not made to be read digitally. Which is a shame because I know there are many people who prefer digital books to print books. Just like when creating a website you need to make sure it's optimized for mobile because most people are browsing through their mobile devices. Even though the digital option is available, it's definitely not as optimized as the print version.
EDIT (6/15/2023): I'm editing my review, not the rating, the rating stays the same because of what I'm missing from the book. But ever since I finished this book I've been inspired and using my sketchbook even for those "ugly sketches" Huyen talks about in her book. It's just been pouring out of me, and I just keep drawing back to the lessons I read on her pages.
Here are some key lessons I took away:
* Trust your eyes then your ruler.
* Never go with your first idea that comes to mind. It may be convenient, but it might not be the best one. Don't settle for less. Keep pushing before you jump into execution mode.
* Draw small thumbnails (2-3 inches wide). Play around with the guidelines & arrangement.
- - It's okay to be messy at this point.
- - Sketch fast, don't worry about the details. Look at the big picture instead.
- - Explore different compositions and combinations.
* Rules are meant to guide us, not rule us.
* Letter what you feel not what people want to see.
I think a lot of people confuse calligraphy with lettering, myself included, when they're in fact two different things. Huyen says this in her book. Social media has made us believe that only calligraphy is pretty, acceptable, and everything else is pointless unless it has calligraphy, when that's not the case. I'm starting to see more and more artists move away from calligraphy and finding their own style--which I love. This book focuses on lettering in general, it has some calligraphy in it, but it's not about that.
I took a lot of pictures of great tips and examples she made within the book that I really liked! All the cute icons and pictures she drew to supplement her writing was great in backing up her work. Those are things I want to take with me into the future while this book sits on a bookshelf somewhere.
My favorite chapter is definitely the one about breaking the rules. It's made me feel a little bit more confident as an artist because I've been making up my own fonts since I was a child. I'd get bored in class and doodle. I found all my old doodles recently and fell back in love with them, and it made me realize social media and society really plagues us so much that it corrupts our thinking. It makes us believe and think we are imposters, but we're not and we never were.
With that being said, even though I loved how simple it was to read and digest this book, I really wish it had:
- a chapter on choosing colors.
- Finding your color scheme that you like to work with.
- How to work with RGB & CMYK.
- As well as, a chapter on how to turn lettering into income or a business.
Why become a rule breaking letterer just for yourself? We want the world to see it, no? I know there's free info out there, but it could definitely be within this book also--all in one place. The book doesn't come cheap, and the workbook and markers come separate.
I also wish the book laid flatter.
This book felt a little less about confidence and more of a beginners guide, and the price tag just doesn't feel worth it without the chapters I suggested it should have. I would honestly give this book a price tag of like $15. $20 is just pushing it because it doesn't have that much value.
The colors are amazing on the print version, and after studying the digital version a bit, it's definitely not made to be read digitally. Which is a shame because I know there are many people who prefer digital books to print books. Just like when creating a website you need to make sure it's optimized for mobile because most people are browsing through their mobile devices. Even though the digital option is available, it's definitely not as optimized as the print version.
EDIT (6/15/2023): I'm editing my review, not the rating, the rating stays the same because of what I'm missing from the book. But ever since I finished this book I've been inspired and using my sketchbook even for those "ugly sketches" Huyen talks about in her book. It's just been pouring out of me, and I just keep drawing back to the lessons I read on her pages.
Here are some key lessons I took away:
* Trust your eyes then your ruler.
* Never go with your first idea that comes to mind. It may be convenient, but it might not be the best one. Don't settle for less. Keep pushing before you jump into execution mode.
* Draw small thumbnails (2-3 inches wide). Play around with the guidelines & arrangement.
- - It's okay to be messy at this point.
- - Sketch fast, don't worry about the details. Look at the big picture instead.
- - Explore different compositions and combinations.
* Rules are meant to guide us, not rule us.
* Letter what you feel not what people want to see.
May 1, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer is an appealing and accessible tutorial guide for lettering and layout by Huyen Dinh. Due out 23rd May 2023 from Chronicle Books, it's 168 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such an appealing and well done book. The style is very pastel, informal, and come-as-you-are. The emphasis is on the creating and -not- striving for unrealistic perfection, but embracing the organic creative process and adapting. The aesthetic is cute and feminine as well as being dynamic.
The book is arranged logically and is easy to follow. An artist's statement and a little bit of her background and learning philosophy is followed by basic lettering and some of the artist's examples including stickers, merch, ad campaigns, and art "in the wild". There's a short chapter on the differences between lettering and calligraphy and the tools and supplies for both.
The following chapters do a good, basic job of explaining lettering, layout, kerning/spacing, analog and digital tools, intentional rule breaking, the creative process, and some cute tutorial projects. The vast majority of the book is drawn, there are very few photos (except in the abbreviated tutorials at the end). There are many inspirations for page layouts throughout, however, which will be useful for folks to bu-jo, journal layouts, habit-trackers, and others who need to create layouts for personal or commercial purposes.
Four stars. The entire book has the same pastel aesthetic, which is informal, breezy, and *cute*. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home library, or maker's spaces, and activity group studios.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer is an appealing and accessible tutorial guide for lettering and layout by Huyen Dinh. Due out 23rd May 2023 from Chronicle Books, it's 168 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such an appealing and well done book. The style is very pastel, informal, and come-as-you-are. The emphasis is on the creating and -not- striving for unrealistic perfection, but embracing the organic creative process and adapting. The aesthetic is cute and feminine as well as being dynamic.
The book is arranged logically and is easy to follow. An artist's statement and a little bit of her background and learning philosophy is followed by basic lettering and some of the artist's examples including stickers, merch, ad campaigns, and art "in the wild". There's a short chapter on the differences between lettering and calligraphy and the tools and supplies for both.
The following chapters do a good, basic job of explaining lettering, layout, kerning/spacing, analog and digital tools, intentional rule breaking, the creative process, and some cute tutorial projects. The vast majority of the book is drawn, there are very few photos (except in the abbreviated tutorials at the end). There are many inspirations for page layouts throughout, however, which will be useful for folks to bu-jo, journal layouts, habit-trackers, and others who need to create layouts for personal or commercial purposes.
Four stars. The entire book has the same pastel aesthetic, which is informal, breezy, and *cute*. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home library, or maker's spaces, and activity group studios.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 15, 2023
There are thousands of lettering books out there but this one shines for a few reasons. Dinh is extremely likable and encouraging. The tone is fun and quite helpful. She shows you her rough drafts and “ugly sketches.” She does a great job teaching you the basics but also teaches you how to break all the rules.
I couldn’t always easily read her designs and her aesthetic is not mine (hers is very pastel pink and purple) but it can all be extrapolated for your own stuff. One small mention— she mentions at some point that one of her lettering designs was a big hit so she put it on shirts and other merchandise and made thousands of dollars on that one design. The photo seems to show it professionally embroidered on a sweatshirt and I was really curious what company she used to make it, how she sells (fulfilled and shipped by someone else?). Others who are really into creating lettering designs are also likely to be really curious about that aspect, especially as it could be one of the only actually new and seriously helpful bits in the book.
All in all it’s a great book, fun and helpful. Recommended.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
I couldn’t always easily read her designs and her aesthetic is not mine (hers is very pastel pink and purple) but it can all be extrapolated for your own stuff. One small mention— she mentions at some point that one of her lettering designs was a big hit so she put it on shirts and other merchandise and made thousands of dollars on that one design. The photo seems to show it professionally embroidered on a sweatshirt and I was really curious what company she used to make it, how she sells (fulfilled and shipped by someone else?). Others who are really into creating lettering designs are also likely to be really curious about that aspect, especially as it could be one of the only actually new and seriously helpful bits in the book.
All in all it’s a great book, fun and helpful. Recommended.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book via NetGalley.
June 8, 2023
OH ! This is so FUN! As an artist I wanted to check this book out. I am always looking to up my game and add other fun techniques into my art journaling.
I love to art journal. When I am not diving into a heavy sculpture, photographer or abstract art. I like to unwind in my journal. So when I saw this book I had to check it out. This was so much fun. So much better than the old lettering books from the 90’s! Where I found a lot of my stuff as a younger artist. This author/Artist is spot on with easy to follow instructions I feel for any level. The skills learned can be used anywhere. Also the additional support like a workbook and markers you can buy make it so much more then just a new read. You want to do the work. You can’t to try it out! I thought it was great. I bought it for my niece!
In short :
Did I like it ? Yes!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s FUN!
Would I read more by this author? For sure.
I love to art journal. When I am not diving into a heavy sculpture, photographer or abstract art. I like to unwind in my journal. So when I saw this book I had to check it out. This was so much fun. So much better than the old lettering books from the 90’s! Where I found a lot of my stuff as a younger artist. This author/Artist is spot on with easy to follow instructions I feel for any level. The skills learned can be used anywhere. Also the additional support like a workbook and markers you can buy make it so much more then just a new read. You want to do the work. You can’t to try it out! I thought it was great. I bought it for my niece!
In short :
Did I like it ? Yes!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s FUN!
Would I read more by this author? For sure.
June 6, 2023
Fun & Informative!
This book is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in lettering, especially topographical lettering. Huyen Dinh takes you step-by-step through her unique style of lettering with easy to follow directions and plenty of examples. I love the way Dinh has balanced the page by leaving enough negative space that the user’s eye does not become overwhelmed or fatigued. Every detail of the process has been shared and I appreciate Dinh’s not holding back! This book would make an excellent gift for any artist or even those who would like to try lettering but don’t know where to get started. My thanks to #HuyenDinh, #ChronicleBooks, and #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in lettering, especially topographical lettering. Huyen Dinh takes you step-by-step through her unique style of lettering with easy to follow directions and plenty of examples. I love the way Dinh has balanced the page by leaving enough negative space that the user’s eye does not become overwhelmed or fatigued. Every detail of the process has been shared and I appreciate Dinh’s not holding back! This book would make an excellent gift for any artist or even those who would like to try lettering but don’t know where to get started. My thanks to #HuyenDinh, #ChronicleBooks, and #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2023
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute book!
Dinh shares her experience learning lettering, making a job out of it, and her training. The book is broken down by techniques and suggestions and "rules" with recaps at the end of each section recapping the key points. The book includes a couple of alphabets, techniques to use in lettering, ways to brainstorm ideas, and many of the author's original pieces. The book also talks about learning the rules of lettering and how to break them once you know them.
It's a colorful and inspirational book!
This is a cute book!
Dinh shares her experience learning lettering, making a job out of it, and her training. The book is broken down by techniques and suggestions and "rules" with recaps at the end of each section recapping the key points. The book includes a couple of alphabets, techniques to use in lettering, ways to brainstorm ideas, and many of the author's original pieces. The book also talks about learning the rules of lettering and how to break them once you know them.
It's a colorful and inspirational book!
February 25, 2023
The second I saw this book I knew I had to read it. The art style that Huyen Dinh showcases is similar to the art I have been obsessed with for the past few months. I couldn't find much resources to actually draw this way, though, until this book. This book basically is supposed to teach you the rules so that you know how to break them, as the title suggests. It showcases positive affirmations, plenty of example drawings, and stories about the author's journey with art. I got this in ebook format, but the book is so pretty that I really debated getting a physical copy. The color palette was super pretty and I definitely could see myself reading more by this artist.
March 10, 2023
I loved this book. I connected with the fun, quirky visual style and inspiring message of being true to oneself. The book also has plenty of practical instructions on lettering.
Dinh, the author, explains how pursuing her own imperfect style of lettering allowed her to leave her good girl, rule following ways behind.
The book is chock full of color pictures showing a variety of the author’s lettering projects. It also includes how to pages to inspire the reader. More importantly. it encourages the reader to explore without fear or judgment.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Highly recommend!
Dinh, the author, explains how pursuing her own imperfect style of lettering allowed her to leave her good girl, rule following ways behind.
The book is chock full of color pictures showing a variety of the author’s lettering projects. It also includes how to pages to inspire the reader. More importantly. it encourages the reader to explore without fear or judgment.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Highly recommend!
May 10, 2023
This is such a fun book for anyone interested in taking their handwriting and lettering skills to a new level. The author makes it simple to get started and shares her own journey to becoming a lettering artist. Each chapter gives you more confidence and ideas and helps you understand that sometimes you might create "ugly sketches" and that is just part of the creative process. The book is full of illustrations and easy to use guides. If you love doodling and lettering this book is a great addition to your toolbox. Thank you to Net Galley and Chronicle Books for advanced copy.
June 27, 2023
A great start for beginners with some unique tips I was also able to walk away with. The layout itself is visually successful and easy to follow. I liked the added personal anecdotes and DIY activities as well. I would’ve liked to see some more on working in the design industry as a letterer/calligrapher, as many designers including myself might have troubleshooting figuring out where exactly their work belongs in the industry. For example, tips and advice on staring a shop/etsy/Redbubble, how to make designs for products, etc.
October 23, 2023
Great introduction to creative lettering with kawaii elements. Includes helpful tips like ugly sketches (which are recommended to get your flow going), quick notes, how to thumbnail (highlight and lowlight) your text in your sketch, how to build you letterer's tool box, and more. I also appreciate how Dinh encourages you to train your typographic eye by studying font and text wherever you are: street signs, album covers, peanut cans, etc. -- but takes it a step further: to take notes why you like it and then collect it to refer to for future inspo.
May 8, 2024
This instructional book provides starting directions regarding the art of lettering. As someone who has done typesetting before, this book caught my eye, and it was interesting to see some similar concepts like choosing fonts that match the atmosphere or event, considerations regarding spacing and height of letters, etc. The layout of the book is fun and creative which matches the topic and tone of the book. I would recommend this book to people interested in learning about the basics of lettering or looking for fun lettering project ideas.
February 9, 2023
I loved this book! I've always wanted to try hand lettering or calligraphy, but there are just so many rules to follow. No more! Now I realize how fun it can be to hand letter your own way with your own style and following no rules. This book was extremely creative, unique, and fun. I received an arc and appreciate the artist, Netgalley, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review. I will be purchasing an actual book to have on hand.
January 29, 2023
As someone that's recently gotten into lettering, this piece taught me useful terminology and provided a few helpful lessons for getting my inspiration to the final product.
My critique is that some of the book felt like it was repeating the same advice it had already outlined. However, this piece felt incredibly informative for someone that is just beginning their letterer journey.
My critique is that some of the book felt like it was repeating the same advice it had already outlined. However, this piece felt incredibly informative for someone that is just beginning their letterer journey.
February 7, 2023
How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer is a fun book it is more of developing of your own style-and the concept of lettering than a how too book.
It is very informative. It teaches a great overview of the terminology and tools to create your own lettering styles. This is a really fun book for someone with a strong artistic background ready to break bout of the mold and find their own fun style.
It is very informative. It teaches a great overview of the terminology and tools to create your own lettering styles. This is a really fun book for someone with a strong artistic background ready to break bout of the mold and find their own fun style.
February 8, 2023
A fantastic guide to lettering, and packed with inspiration for making art your way. All of the guidance is clear, and the artwork and layout are wonderful. I've been lettering for a while, and I can't wait to apply all the new things I've learnt.
Suitable for artists of all kinds of ability.
Thank you to Edelweiss and to Chronicle Books for access to this DRC.
Suitable for artists of all kinds of ability.
Thank you to Edelweiss and to Chronicle Books for access to this DRC.
May 30, 2023
Sometimes a book is really pretty, but not very practical or informative. Sometimes the opposite is true. And sometimes, a book manages to bring both together in one useful and aesthetically pleasing package. How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer is that rare book, and my artsy daughters are going to absolutely devour this.
(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
August 12, 2023
It was a cute and very inspirational guide to taking your lettering skills further. I would say this is a perfect book for intermediate level letterers. Certainly though amateur letterers can draw great inspiration and encouragement. Since I checked this out at the library I will be purchasing this to put on my art book shelf.
February 3, 2023
What a fun and cute book for people who want to delve into lettering. Easy to read and understand with a intro glossary of letter forms. The artist is very stylized and that is helpful for young artists looking for an on-trend look.
I read this book as an advanced review copy from Edelweiss+.
I read this book as an advanced review copy from Edelweiss+.
March 13, 2023
This is a nice guide for how to be a letterer. The difference between calligraphy and lettering is detailed. The author also notes how you don't need to meet certain confines to be a good letterer and enjoy what you do. It's an inspirational read for young people.
May 7, 2023
Don't let the cutesy cover fool you! There is professional level information and advice in this adorable guide. I received an electronic ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm gonna need a print version for my creativity bookshelf. I suggest you get one, also.
March 6, 2023
Great little book for the beginner for an overall where to start. I think it could have used some more actual step by step instructions but for the most part it's a great book to start with.
July 13, 2023
Provides a good walkthrough of the process in designing letter art.
July 17, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
August 3, 2023
So many different lettering styles!
October 14, 2023
Not sure what I was looking for but I think I wanted more tutorials on lettering, but this was more based on the little details of letters and also the creative process.
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