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CreativeLive

Simple Methods for Custom Lettering

via CreativeLive

Overview

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to know how to hand letter and draw to create rad custom typography. In fact, Brandon Rike – whose star-studded client list includes everyone from Pharrell to Madonna – creates his unique lettering almost exclusively in Illustrator. He’ll show you how its done in Simple Methods for Custom Lettering. 

Working with type is a huge part of graphic design and custom letterforms can be applied to just about every project you’ll work on. In this class, you’ll take an in-depth look at type and learn Brandon’s methods for customizing it to fit the project. 

You’ll learn about:

  • Matching the typeface to the mood of your project
  • Working with color, shape, and form
  • Customizing letterforms based on existing fonts
  • Improving your workflow

You’ll learn three methods for creating custom typography and how to differentiate between high and low-quality letterforms. Brandon will also teach his super efficient workflow, so your projects aren’t bogged down during the lettering process.

Both beginners and professionals will learn new ways of working in Adobe Illustrator to produce rockstar-quality custom type.

Syllabus

  • So You Think You Can't Design Custom Lettering?
  • How to Treat Art as a Job
  • Setup & Automate a Project
  • Dive in to the Creative: Brainstorming & Thumbnail Sketches
  • How To Gain Inspiration
  • How to Find a Motivator
  • Manipulate Existing Fonts
  • Manipulate Existing Fonts: Embellishing
  • Manipulate Existing Fonts: Adding a Drop Shadow
  • Illustrate Original Letterforms
  • Illustrate Original Letterforms: From Sketch to Illustrator
  • Illustrate Original Letterforms: Create Simple Shapes
  • Illustrate Original Letterforms: Discover the Pathfinder Palette
  • Illustrate Original Letterforms: Use the Offset Path Tool
  • Lettering By Hand
  • Lettering By Hand: Flare Tip Pen
  • Lettering By Hand: Sharpie
  • Lettering By Hand: Brush Pens
  • Lettering By Hand: Watercolor
  • Lettering By Hand: Working in Illustrator
  • Final Words of Advice

Taught by

Brandon Rike

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