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Learning to Letter Hermit Style

Hand Lettering topics: Sign Making, Design, Fabrication, Letterheads, Sign Books.

Moderators: Ron Percell, Mike Jackson, Danny Baronian

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Site Man
Posts: 573
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:03 am
Location: Marlborough, MA

Learning to Letter Hermit Style

Post by Site Man »

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Posted by Harry Spetnagel on October 02, 2002
Any of you who know me know that I AM A COMPUTER GEEK.
(There I said it.) I joined the game to late for union training. I 've collected most of the old books and tried to glean what I could from them. I am bored with the digitizing of old alphabet plates and making fonts to accomplish the lettering of an Alf Becker etc. I've taken a seminar with Carl Rohrs (awesome by the way) but could'nt pack in enough learning in a weekend. I know how to use a brush but suspect I've got horrendous technique and tons of bad habits as I'm self taught.

I guess what I am looking for is more of a step by step guide to letter construction with a quill. Something that indicates the finesse aspects. (serif and corner techniques etc.) and stroke formation.

any suggestions? Any of you willing to correspond and coach? I would be willing to reciprocate with computer tips and tricks...or troubleshooting.

I've got a lot to learn and not much time in my day to do it but... I really want to try.
Mike Jackson
Hi Harry,
You "might" be able to find one of the old "Mike Stevens" brush lettering videos if you asked around long enough. Try contacting Dave Simpson at Sign DNA. He has connections with Mike's daughter, and she might still have a few of them. If you find out that she does, I would be interested in getting one for my video library, too. I saw about 10 minutes of it about 17 years ago in Memphis...and maybe I could say it is a really good "sleeper", :). It was slow moving and detailed, but would probably give you the information you are looking for now. Mike Stevens was excellent with a brush, and I heard he was very fast, but I never really got to see him letter. I think the emphasis of the tape was geared towards the beginners, but it would probably be good for someone wanting to clean up some bad habits.

Other people might know of other good tapes or instructional devices. Good luck,
Mike Jackson


Raymond Chapman
The Mike Stevens tape would be great if you can find one. When I bought mine it was expensive compared to other instructional tapes, but would be worth it. As Mike said, it is detailed and geared toward the beginner, but still is very good.

And yes, he was extremely fast.
Kent Smith
Those who are self-tauch must seriously consider the qualifications of the educator" Heracles, 450BC.

We hope to have a practicum meet in Denver soon. Also, the Mike Stevens tapes were in stock at Product Sign Supplies last year...PSS.com
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