Last week I participated in an online hand-lettering workshop. Impatient person that I am, I quickly realized that this craft takes a lot of practice! Today I sat down to write a Gaelic phrase, “Erin Go Bragh,” which means, “Ireland Forever.” (It’s March, I can’t help but celebrate my Irish roots.)
I wanted to write the phrase perfectly, so I kept practicing. After a couple of tries I started to “get” how the words best fit together. Thirty-four tries later, an hour later, my hand was tingling and it still wasn’t perfect! My letters were definitely improving, but I have a long way to go. To get the hang of hand-lettering, I’ll have to work at it. And this is only one style of the alphabet!
I’ve hit on several of my goals for 2015 and it’s only March. Here’s the list of things I wanted to try:
- Linocut
- Lettering
- Online workshops
- Painting on dark paper
- Doodling
- Video
- Patterns
- Maps
- Digital Brushes
- Watercolor Parties
I’ve tried linocut, practiced lettering (with the help of the online workshop), doodled, made a few patterns, and used digital brushes. I’m happy I’ve achieved this much already. The problem is – to excel at any one thing, takes time and work. And time is in limited supply. As I continue trying these things, I have to decide which things I’ll stick with and which I’ll have to say goodbye too. 😦
mycreativeresolution.com 
Great persistence. And I’m really impressed that you have tried so many different things. The lettering looks great too!
Thank you! I appreciate it.
I agree with Marika. And you know what’s so cool about your last sentence? You have soooo many things calling your name. Imagine if you were blue and had nothing to be excited about. It’s such a blessing to have so many things, and it makes our leisure time so much more valuable. I’m amazed at all the things on your list! I think your lettering is looking great. I’ve always admired people who can do that so beautifully (and effortlessly). You’re on your way!
You are right! And I feel so much more fulfilled being creative and following through on all these things. Thank you
You are in a tear my dear! And don’t be too impatient. Hand lettering takes years to perfect, although, leave it to you, you are acing it already. I know several people who take calligraphy classes. Takes a loooong time. Practice is surely the key. Go Eileen!!!
Thank you Margie! Some people make it look so easy. Obviously they have put in years of practice to get there.