Hand Lettering for Beginners: How to hold a brush pen

Learn more and enroll in the Hand Lettering for Beginners workshop: handletteringforbeginners.tea...
This hand lettering tutorial is great if you are just learning lettering! In this hand lettering for beginners video, I will show you how to hold a brush pen the right way. So often there are many problems in hand lettering that could be solved if you hold a brush pen the right way. This is a sample of my Hand Lettering for Beginners workshop which is a simple online course where you'll learn all of the basics of hand lettering. #handlettering #brushlettering #handletteringforbeginners
Do you just want the workbook without the course? Go here: www.etsy.com/listing/68539516...
Pens I used:
Pentel Touch brush pens: amzn.to/2EpsBKG
Crayola Broadline: amzn.to/2E9sMJR
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My favorites on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/influence...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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[@yesimerin]

"The pen is doing the work, you're just guiding it" is going to change everything in my game. Thank you!

[@sylviapeterson5291]

I had been hitting a wall and this video really helped! I struggled with my transitions from thin to thick, particularly when drawing C, G, O, and lowercase A. I couldn't get a smooth transition until I watched this and realized I was holding my pen at the wrong angle. THANK YOU!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

I can listen to you ALL DAY!

[@brokenjade21]

Same here. Nice unintentional asmr.

[@EnsignInsights]

Aww thank you for saying that! 🤗

[@pizzaaaaaaa2446]

Yeah! She’s the best calligraphy master

[@connieapao]

@@EnsignInsights my daughter loves you too!

[@chandrikakarusala8756]

Agreed

[@julietpang]

Absolutely love your classes. Your spirit and person make the lessons very encouraging. Thank you.

[@maysoonhal3556]

Super satisfying and relaxing😌...thanks Sarah💖

[@implorapace]

You wise woman!! 🤩 thank you for sharing!

[@luvurself7104]

Im watching all these vids because I just ordered brush pens off Amazon and I really wanna learn chiligraphy

[@ridaplayz2366]

me too

[@Keerthixme]

Sameee

[@mohammedeshan3h679]

Same

[@totallynotmisox]

Same

[@pinkipratimmandal3295]

Me too

[@beccawells8618]

Thank you for your helpful advice!

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching! 🤗

[@subhashreem3558]

Yes this has helped me a lot I am still improving and trying ☺

[@williameddy8856]

Your voice and smile are so soothing. Enrolled!

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh awesome! I hope you enjoy the course! Thanks for being here!

[@user_yuajsoen]

I love your handwriting and your quiet voice. Very comforting and easy to understand!

[@EnsignInsights]

Thank you so much for watching! 😊

[@suniannian1604]

I know how to do lettering but I learn more because of this it helps me to improve more and my artwork in school is the no.1 to our class.. So thank you💜

[@artefresko2643]

GREAT TIPS in just a few minutes. My writing immediately improved TODAY !!!!!!! Thanks !!!

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m so glad to hear that!!! That is exactly the point of this video! Keep going!

[@heartieone3]

Yes, this was helpful. I didn’t know how to properly hold my pen. I’m planning on attending your workshop. Thank you !

[@nirvanaelements]

Yes thank you got it now!!! :)

[@ashleybeadle4921]

Thank you so SO so very much❤

[@ayeshak90]

You are my inspiration! I love pens, I love to write and I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm right handed, I am heavy handed and I also tend to hold/grip my pens a little too tightly and to top it all off, my positioning and writing style changes depending on my mood, how fast I need to write etc. I have found that I prefer hard tip/smaller brush pens and have got the Fudenosuke 10pk, I love them and I also saw you using the Pentel so I recently got that as well as it looked very nice. I also got the Tombow Dual tips even though I am not very confident with the softer tip but I really love watching you use them and figured that having them might help me to relax a bit, to slow down and really let the pens do the work! So basically I would like to say thank you for your wonderful videos! Not only are they extremely helpful and informative but they are also a pleasure to watch 🥰💕 Keep up the great work! 😊

[@deborahbloom4624]

Thank you so much for this! I was looking for how to hold the pen properly and no one else was addressing it. Yay!

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh good!! I’m so glad you found this helpful! 😊

[@tgayer1]

Thanks!

[@fabianofran3153]

Excelente review .

[@amigopiojo11]

It was very helpful and you have the gift to teach Thank you!

[@EnsignInsights]

That’s so kind of you! Thanks for watching!

[@brokenjade21]

So helpful!!! Thank you. I just started learning about handlettering and this was extremely helpful. I'll definitely be taking your course.

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh good! I’m so glad this is helpful! Thanks for watching! 💕

[@ellemodglin2284]

This was totally new for me and so very helpful!

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh good! I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@BluJean55]

OMGOSH!!! You’re one tip about holding your brush pen perpendicular to your downstrokes has helped me immensely!!! 😃 I’ve been struggling for months with saggy bottoms and couldn’t figure out why. Nobody could help me with this. They said that it was all about my pressure transitioning but when I tried your tip...magic! 🎉. I can’t thank you enough!!!💕😘

[@EnsignInsights]

Jeannie 5766 oh yay!!! It changes everything right?? I’m so happy this helped you!! Thanks for watching! 💕

[@SofiesPalace]

Your voice is soooo soothing☺️

[@wanderingcreativity]

Wonderful great helpful lovely pretty things thanks soothing to watch ! ✍️

[@EnsignInsights]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@creativewithminnie..1830]

Thank you its really use full.❤from india(kerala)

[@felixlvkjdsts]

This is the best advice I have gotten. Night and day difference 🥰

[@EnsignInsights]

I'm so glad it helped!!! Thanks for watching!

[@otafuku358]

線の太細、とてもキレイですね✨迷いなく、ペンが動く様子、見ていて楽しかったです😊勉強になりました🎶

[@ColorMyWorld]

OMG it worked!

[@EnsignInsights]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@TheCourtknee89]

Yeah. This changed my life!

[@EnsignInsights]

Thanks for watching! 💕

[@jasreenkaur5771]

I love ur videos... thanks alttt

[@samdp42]

Literally had the same ah ha moment. Thank you!!!

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh good!! I’m so glad!

[@hiba4149]

U have such a nice handwriting 😘😘😘😘

[@ashleybeadle4921]

OMG THANKS MAN STEP TWO I'VE BEEN UP FOR HOURS LIKE WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING WRONG FINALLY PUT THE BOOK ASIDE AND CONSULT KZbin AND I'M A SUBSCRIBER NOW JUST WOW MY HANDS SO FREAKING SORE AND ALSO SO MANY BEGINNER BOOKS ETC TELL ME TO HOLD IT STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN MY HANDS HITTING LOL 😆 DUDE THANKS GONNA FINISH LEARNING AND WATCH MORE❤

[@sakinahaamid1317]

watching this video 2 years after it was uploaded and loveeee itt

[@EnsignInsights]

Aww I’m so glad! Thanks for watching even 2 years later!

[@Mllowii]

That was really helpful! I've always wondered why my lettering wasn't turning out but this video really handy. Thanks very much :)

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m so glad it helped!! Thanks for being here!

[@DivineArt-By-Rakhi]

I am amazed by the calligraphy. I think it's you not the style who made beautiful letters. Well done.

[@EnsignInsights]

Aww thank you so much! That’s so kind of you!

[@aditigupta4590]

Thank u so much for that one tip you gave it changed my handlettering instantly ... I was struggling to get those perfect curves in letters but was not able to do so, but now I can write beautifully 😀 please keep upload tutorials like these.

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m really glad this helped you! Thanks for being here! I’m working on more tutorials like this. 😊

[@Castlelover100]

Wow!! I didn't realize the angle mattered so much. I assumed people always changed angles to get the thinner strokes! Thank you so much for this video!

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m so glad this helped! Thanks for watching!

[@lovebeam9421]

I love how calm you sound

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for being here!

[@jocileidemaria7564]

Ameiii o vídeo pois mostra com detalhes a ponta sério vou me escrever não quero perder mais nenhum vídeo

[@subhashreem3558]

I also follow u on pinterest I am so inspired

[@jocileidemaria7564]

Nossa que lettering lindooooo , faz um vídeo mostrando o seu alfabeto de lettering com essas brush pens tenho elassss e amigo , na minha opinião está super aprovada elas

[@danielaparra1084]

Wonderful as usual! 🤩 Thanks for sharing all this, begginers sure appreciate this kind of little reviews not too long and complicated but perfectly understandable congrats Sarah

[@EnsignInsights]

Daniela Parra Hi Daniela! Thanks for being here! I appreciate your support! 💕

[@destresswithyoga]

I love your way of teaching. I’m in a creative rut and saw this. I ordered your book and Ohuhu markers, tracing paper and the journal listed in your Amazon things. I think it was Rhodia black journal. I can’t wait until they arrive! In the meantime, I’m enjoying your videos.

[@EnsignInsights]

Yay!! I'm so glad this helped! Can't wait for you to get started and let me know how you like it!

[@mona5155]

Love your work/videos, because through each of your videos, I learn. And always again in a new way! I try to explain: as a beginner a few months ago I have seen this video and it was helpful. But today (months later) i see it in another way, your explainations give me some new because my angle of Vision is now (After a lot of practice) an other one, but I learn also something….not totally new things, but in a new way of comprehension! I Hope you understand what I mean, my native Language is Deutsch/ I‘m from Germany

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes!! That makes sense! I’m so glad it’s still helping even now that you know a little more!!

[@susanrobison913]

That was very helpful! Letting the pen do the work and guiding the pen may be a key phrase for me! I think I have been squeezing my pen too tightly. Would that make a big difference? Now to check out the link to your course!

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes it would! When you squeeze too tightly, you may be trying to control it with your fingers instead of using your whole hand and wrist. I’m glad that helped! 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@hola1071]

Oml you're great at hand lettering! And woah I hold my pen the same way as you! I always though I was the only one XD I wish I could purchase the workbook, but cant :(…. But all the same your online tutorials are really great and inspiring! Thank you

[@aroranitika]

I saw this video when I just couldn't figure what was the issue, I tried it the next day and everything changed! It really made all the difference. Thank you so much for sharing it. I am loving my improvement now ❤

[@EnsignInsights]

I'm so glad this helped!! I hope you're still seeing improvements! Thank you so much for watching!

[@koyuki156]

Thank you for making this video! I'm trying to learn how to use the Pentel Touch Fude Pens by myself, but I constantly struggled with the saggy bottom issues with my letters. Definitely had the 'AH HAH!' moment once I changed the way I held my brush pen :D (And now I'm having a lot more fun practicing!)

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m so glad you found this helpful!! It’s a tiny little detail but makes a huge difference! Thanks for watching!

[@shobhaym7319]

You pointed out all the mistakes that I do

[@zaynab.a]

thank you so much for this video! i’ve recently bought brush pens and this video was exactly what i needed! thanks again! and by the way, your voice is amazing!💕💕

[@EnsignInsights]

Aww thank you so much!

[@mona5155]

It’s so truth

[@mona5155]

Love her Voice too

[@ruthannalston]

I would love to go to an in person workshop so I can ask questions right then and the instructor can correct my incorrect usage before they become bad habits!

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes totally!

[@BrionnaFarryn]

Thanks so much for this helpful video! I have seen so much improvement in my lettering in the short month that I've been practicing, thanks to your videos and resources. I was wondering if there is a way for me to correct "flat" exit strokes when using tombow dual tip brush pens. Or any brush pen for that matter. Thanks again for all your help!

[@EnsignInsights]

Ooh that’s a great question! It is tough especially with a Tombow because the nib is bigger. It’s easier with a smaller pen. Also, I really like to work with what the pen is already going to do and give it a little pressure as I exit so it has an even thicker exit. That makes for a nice little detail. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@pennyf9886]

SUPER HELPFUL especially for those saggy bottoms!

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m so glad it’s helpful! Thanks for being here!

[@Missy757Sinny]

What are the brand of the little pink pen you're using in the video? Is it pentel? It looks fantastic!

[@indi2428]

Yes I think it is a pentel touch brush pen!!!

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes it’s Pentel!! I love it! It’s linked here in the description 👍

[@kerriL70]

🙃 I’m ‘late to the party’ but I agree, that pink pen tell pen is amazing. Wonder if I can get one ...... 🤔

[@yashnasoneja9636]

This was soo freakin helpful for me n my channel Thnxx PS - a small youtuber here 😉

[@bahahahahhahah]

I love your videos and I love lettering two . But the only thing was I was not able to hold the brush pen until you posted this video 🤣.

[@k-star9957]

Hello! This video is super helpful! I have one more question. I also have saggy edges when writing curves! Is it also because of the way I hold my brush pen? Do you have a video teaching how to write curves?

[@dikshachourasiya9749]

Hi , Could you please tell me which drawing book which we should use during brush pen calligraphy ..a normal one or there is some specific? Thanks in Advance

[@nadianassif8250]

Thanks for the great tips. I found this position of the pen very useful for the down strokes but I have lots of difficulties to make the upstrokes thin. Any other tips?

[@promilakaushal1978]

I usually find that the cheaper pens fray REALLY quickly so the tips r not thin anymore. N cos my parents dont allow the expensive or high quality brush pens, i usually make the upstrokes w/ a gel pen n downstrokes w/ a brush pen of the same color. Faux calligraphy is also a good option for me.

[@user-bh4vp7bv5y]

I was about to throw away my new brush pens because I thought they were useless. Turns out I did it all wrong 😁 Thank you!

[@mayelafernandez205]

💓🖤💓

[@sandhyarani3979]

Which brush pen did you use?

[@TeriLightsey]

Does your workshop work for lefties as well?

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes! I am not a lefty so all the videos will be done right handed. But I do talk about how the strokes are different for lefties. I have taught several lefties in my in-person workshops and they’ve all done great!

[@lujanjulia]

I was just going to ask that! It’d be great to get some videos by lefties as it’s so hard to visualize examples with the other hand. I’m really struggling with hand lettering!

[@hiba4149]

@@EnsignInsights hi!! I'm a big fan...

[@hatsmystyle8961]

I'm a left handed person. Holding the pen in certain angles is a challenge especially when I push my hand left to right over the paper. Hoping not to smudge the work are there any tips you can offer a lefty? Thanks!

[@StorytimeAdventureswithMrsKill]

Do you currently host in person workshops?

[@Sarah-mj4bi]

Hi, thank you for your videos! Do you have any suggestions for people with shakier hands? I shake a little naturally even though I’m young. My letters look messy because of this. :(

[@burnylowe-miller4012]

How about for us lefties?

[@avijain143]

Hello Sarah! If you don't mind, can u tell me what brush pen is better, regardless of size, kuretake fudebiyori or marvy uchida colorin. btw-i luv ur hadlettering, it's so pretty and I love how u put so much hardwork into your videos.

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh thank you so much! That is so kind of you to say! I recognize your name and I believe I just answered the question about those pens. If not, let me know! 😊

[@tcerjihan]

menarik

[@mollynolan-jones850]

Are there any different tips or positioning recommendations for left handers? Thank you!

[@supersonicgamer1551]

Hoping someone will respond @EnsignInsights. I'm a left hander and just starting lettering 😢 It's hard for me and since I have a bad shoulder (left) my hand gets so tired and hurts after a few strokes. I am probably not doing it right 😩😩

[@isajoson1171]

Hello, I'm new to this video. I really want to learn hand lettering. May i ask what kind of pen may i used?

[@pranjalkucheria2757]

which brush pen is this can u tell ???

[@user-ks5cx1qy5z]

I struggle so hard with light a dark strokes. Everything always look dark. Need information on you on line classes Sharon

[@CatherineAuthentic483]

Qual o nome da caneta?

[@ducksauce2285]

U talk n write so lovely lol

[@Mari-tm1uu]

I'm very late in this but when I do this my hands shake , what do you suggest for me to do to have less shaky hands

[@sshelget]

What pens are you using? For the small pens.

[@EnsignInsights]

Pentel Touch brush pens! :)

[@lexis_playz6817]

Is there any brush pens in da Philippines?

[@kazoo2329]

Yes there are in nbs

[@lexis_playz6817]

@@kazoo2329 where is dat

[@kazoo2329]

National bookstore in any sm malls

[@realkimcovers6382]

What do you call this kind of pen?

[@amailamahmood213]

i put my thumb over my finger too

[@elenagorchilova4597]

Do you really need to use special paper for lettering?

[@EnsignInsights]

Only if you want to preserve your brush pens! They fray very quickly of you use regular paper. But you could use Crayola and they’ll never fray 👍

[@israanov3944]

What is pen that you used ? Hard tip or soft one?

[@EnsignInsights]

It’s the Pentel, pretty soft. I have it linked in the description 😊

[@shinysparkilylights]

can not hold your own right also cause you to have the pen “skip” on downstrokes to upstokes/up stoked to downstrokes? i’m just starting & im having that issue.

[@daunlittlefield]

New for me!! I do have brush pens and micron pens. I really learned alot watching your video. I will try tomorrow to begin practicing !!! I am excited!!

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh yay! I’m excited for you!

[@jacquir495]

Hi... I dont seem to be able to get the thin strokes ....always to thick no matter how light I go... what am I doing wrong?

[@ruthannalston]

I’m a lefty so I’m still kinda confused. I get it to hold it at an angle but I still have issues with the transition because I’m going backwards from someone who is doing it with their right hand.

[@EnsignInsights]

That is so tough!! I have a video from lefty letterers to try to help. You can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paq8iISEZ6eCgZosi=3VSnI_YflWSFnMRg

[@danielmckasy3931]

I'm left handed do you have any tips for me on how to hold the pen? or is it the same as if i were right handed?

[@EnsignInsights]

Hey! This is a great question! I’m actually working on a lefty video right now where I’m getting advice from lefties so watch for that video coming soon!

[@Korishoku]

I cant find the pens and Amazon doesn't deliver to my country. oof

[@fatimaishaq353]

0:43 what type of calligraphy is this

[@nathaly4992]

Modern

[@kokoawolf7243]

Just seems like modern

[@angielalinogao9963]

ls it okay a left handed person do calligraphy?

[@hilldweller8605]

Can I do this if I am left handed?

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes! I recently shared a lefty lettering video with tips from lefties!

[@bitopantalukdar9820]

Ma'am some penholds give me cramps as my arm is very long and thin....

[@avanithebookgirl]

What does it being perpendicular mean? I’m so confused

[@patymar80]

That is IMPOSSIBLE 😂😂😂 I used a lot of paper trying already 😭😭😭😭😭

[@stopitgetsomehelp4250]

Who else tries to find another way to hold your pen/pencil a different way other then it resting on your ring finger cause you’re getting a big bump/callus there 😪

[@maureenyabot2500]

Hello

[@teresamalonzodavid7986]

What name is that brush pen

[@EnsignInsights]

Pentel touch brush pens 👍