Lettering on Walls: Tips for Making Words Work Big
Lettering for murals is its own beautiful beast. What works on paper doesn't always work at wall scale. Here are a few of my go-to tips:
Custom Lettering Mural
1. Prioritize readability
If people can't read it from across the street, it's not working. Contrast, kerning, leading, and simplicity go a long way. Ultimately, the goal is to make legibility a priority; yes, you want pretty letters, but also efficient communication.
2. Use your whole body
When I paint letters on a wall, I'm not just moving my wrist; I'm engaging my shoulders, core, and legs as well. It's a dance. You need to follow the shapes and forms to make them work. My Typeface design professor, Jean-François, says that designing type (which also applies to lettering) is akin to sculpting IRL. I used to not get the reference, but now, I do.
3. Know your surfaces
Brick eats brushes. Stucco swallows detail. Drywall is lovely to work on. Learn to adapt your strokes to what you're working with.
4. Plan your anchors
Start with the key letters that need to align. Then work outwards. Trust me, it saves time and tape. I like to say that I am bringing the letters from the back to the front. It sounds weird, but that is what it feels like.
5. Embrace imperfection
Part of the beauty of hand-painted lettering lies in its humanity. It's expressive, not mechanical. Let it live. Also, remember that letters are not mathematically perfect, and "o" does not sit perfectly between the x-height and the baseline; it needs to overshoot, otherwise it will appear small and odd.
✏️ Want help making your message stand tall?
If you're dreaming up a mural for your business, café, or creative space, whether it's a business motto, a community message, or your favourite phrase, lettering on walls brings words to life. If you've got a space that's calling for letters, I'd love to hear about it. 🌿
I created a free guide that breaks down everything you need to know to feel confident bringing your idea to life. Download the guide here or send me a DM, and let's start sketching ideas.
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