Basic Hand Lettering: Drawing a Monogram

Friends, you asked for it…literally! I’ve had so many requests for more hand lettering posts for everything from design and spacing to flourishes and accents. I’m going to do the best I can to keep inspiring you, starting with today’s ideas for drawing a simple monogram!

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE things that are personalized. If you showed me two of the same item, one plain and one with my initial on it, I’d go for the monogrammed one every single time. There are tons of ways to make a decorative monogram…in fact, there’s really no wrong way to do it, but I wanted to share with you one really simple design that you can play around with. Ready? Grab your markers and some sketch paper and let’s get started!

You’ll need:
– markers/pens of your choice {My favorites are the Tombow Fudenosuke Soft Tip & Tombow Dual Brush Pens}
– sketch paper
– pencil {optional}

Step 1: Start by lettering your initial.
If you’re not sure how to do it, check out these alphabets for inspiration: Brush Alphabet, Whimsical Print Alphabet

Step 2: Draw a cloud shape around your letter.
I try to keep mine as round as I can and typically have somewhere between 8-10 “bumps” going around the letter.

Step 3: Go back and add a second line to each of the bumps.

Step 4: Fill in the lines.
That’s it! You have a fun monogram! Want to change it up a little? Use a color other than black and see how that makes your design pop.

But wait, that’s not all! Going for a different look? Here are two ways to alter the design really easily and totally change the effect.
1. Add stripes to the double line areas instead!

2. Fill it in with polka dots!

And of course, feel free to add lots of color!

It’s so simple to do, and you can even use the same design for embellishing a short phrase.

Looking for more monogram inspiration? Here are a few other ideas you might enjoy…

This one is super easy, just surround your letter with two curved vine embellishments.

Or, challenge yourself to get fancy using a combination of simple swirls, tiny vines, and dots.

You can make it as basic or as intricate as you like! Monograms are all about expressing your personal style, right?

Well, friend, what are you waiting for? Time to start doodling your own initial! I can’t wait to see what you create. Share it with us in the One Artsy Mama & Friends Facebook group if you get a chance so we can inspire and encourage each other!

PS. Loving the hand lettering craze? Be sure to pick up my e-book, A Hand Lettered New Year!