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

Meaning of Lettering

Lettering is the art of letter construction of the alphabet from letters A-Z. Lettering is also the art of using letters to form words for communication purposes.

Forms of Lettering

(i) Pen lettering  

(ii) Block lettering  

Pen Lettering

Pen lettering is also known as calligraphy or script lettering. Letters under pen lettering are handwritten, not drawn or constructed.

Materials Used for Pen Lettering

Materials used for pen lettering are:  

(i) pen  

(ii) ink  

(iii) calligraphic pen  

Block Lettering

In block lettering, letters are drawn or constructed.

Materials Needed for Block Lettering

Materials needed for block lettering include:  

(i) paper  

(ii) pencil  

(iii) ruler  

(iv) cutter  

(v) eraser  

Types of Block Lettering

1. Gothic Lettering  
2. Roman Lettering  
3. Italic Lettering  
4. Text Lettering  

Gothic Lettering

Gothic letterings are upright letters. They have strokes of equal or uniform thickness. They have no serif and are also known as Old English Text.

Roman Lettering

This is characterized by thick and thin strokes and serifs. Vertical strokes are usually thick while horizontal strokes are thin.

Italic Lettering

They are letters that are leaning or tilting to the right.

Text Lettering

This  is the earliest form of lettering. It is full of designs and highly ornamental.