Lettering – JSS3 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (First Term)

Lettering is the art of constructing the letters of the alphabet from A to Z and using them to form words for communication.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. state the meaning of lettering;
2. name the two forms of lettering;
3. list the materials used for pen lettering and block lettering;
4. name the four types of block lettering;
5. describe the features of Gothic, Roman, Italic and Text lettering;
6. state the uses of lettering.

What is lettering?

Lettering is the art of constructing the letters of the alphabet from A to Z and using them to form words for communication.

• Letter: a single sign of the alphabet, such as A, B or C.
• Word: a group of letters put together to carry a meaning.
• Communication: passing a message to other people, for example through a poster or a signboard.

What are the uses of lettering?

Lettering is used wherever a written message must be clear and attractive.

• Posters and handbills: announce events, such as a school sports day.
• Signboards: show the names of shops, schools, churches and offices.
• Certificates and invitation cards: carry names and messages in decorative letters.
• Book covers and notice boards: display titles and information.

What are the forms of lettering?

There are two forms of lettering: pen lettering and block lettering.

What is pen lettering?

Pen lettering is the form of lettering in which the letters are handwritten with a pen. It is also known as calligraphy or script lettering.

• Method: the letters are written directly, not drawn or constructed first.
• Look: the letters are often joined or flowing, like handwriting.

Materials used for pen lettering

• Pen: used for ordinary handwritten letters.
• Ink: gives the colour of the writing.
• Calligraphic pen: has a special nib that makes thick and thin strokes.

What is block lettering?

Block lettering is the form of lettering in which the letters are drawn or constructed.

• Method: the letters are planned and drawn with a pencil and ruler, then finished.
• Look: the letters are separate and neat, like printed letters.

Materials needed for block lettering

• Paper: the surface on which the letters are drawn.
• Pencil: used to draw guidelines and outlines.
• Ruler: used to draw straight lines and measure letter height.
• Cutter: used to trim paper and sharpen the pencil.
• Eraser: used to remove wrong lines.

What is the difference between pen lettering and block lettering?

What are the types of block lettering?

There are four types of block lettering: Gothic, Roman, Italic and Text.

What is Gothic lettering?

Gothic lettering is a type of block lettering with upright letters and strokes of equal thickness.

• Position: the letters stand upright.
• Strokes: all strokes have the same thickness.
• Serif: it has no serif, so it is also called sans serif.

What is Roman lettering?

Roman lettering is a type of block lettering with thick and thin strokes and serifs.

• Strokes: vertical strokes are usually thick, while horizontal strokes are thin.
• Serif: a serif is a small line added at the end of a main stroke.

What is Italic lettering?

Italic lettering is a type of block lettering in which the letters lean or tilt to the right.

• Position: the letters slant to the right, not upright.
• Use: it is used to stress a word or give a lively look.

What is Text lettering?

Text lettering is the earliest form of lettering, full of designs and highly ornamental.

• Look: the letters are decorated and heavy.
• Other name: it is also known as Old English Text.
• Use: it suits certificates, invitation cards and titles.

How do the four types compare?

How do you construct block letters?

Block letters are constructed by drawing guidelines first, then outlining and finishing each letter.

1. Rule two light parallel lines on the paper to fix the height of the letters.
2. Decide the type of lettering to use, for example Gothic or Roman.
3. Lightly sketch each letter between the lines with a pencil.
4. Keep the spaces between letters even and leave a wider space between words.
5. Check the shape and thickness of the strokes.
6. Rub out the guidelines and wrong lines with an eraser.
7. Fill in or colour the letters neatly.

Evaluation

1. What is lettering?
2. Name the two forms of lettering.
3. List three materials used for block lettering.
4. State two features of Roman lettering.
5. Which type of block lettering leans to the right?

Assignment

Write a short note that names the four types of block lettering, gives one feature of each, and lists the materials used for pen lettering.