Author: Nicole Miyuki Santo
Started: July 23, 2018
Finished: July 24, 2018
Pages: 271
Genre: Handwriting
First Sentence: In our world of screens and social media, people are searching for ways to reconnect to the handmade and the authentic, to feel that spark of the personal in their interactions and in the objects that surround them.
Summary: [From BN] In a world of screens and social media, people are constantly searching for ways to reconnect to the handmade and the authentic-to add a personal spark and a beautiful look to everyday objects and occasions. The art of modern lettering is a point of connection, a way of crafting letters and words into something that delights the eyes and feeds the soul. With unique projects, a gorgeous exposed spine and lay-flat binding, and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, By Hand provides an inspirational jumping-off point for readers who want to incorporate lettering into a slower, more intentional lifestyle. Blending the aspirational and the instructional, By Hand brings the beauty of lettering beyond the page, through 30 distinct projects, from watercolor placecards to cozy pillows. Relatable lessons introduce readers to the essentials of lettering, including tools (brush pens, brushes, and paint pens), essential lessons, and developing a personal style, with the warm and welcoming approach of popular Instagram letterer Nicole Miyuki Santo. Encouraging lessons sprinkled throughout the book add a touch of mindfulness, while bright, airy photography and step-by-step lettered samples make this lovely volume a stunning approach to an on-trend pastime.
Thoughts: Of all the hand lettering books I've reading, this is by far my favorite. The text is simple and easy to follow, the format helps you understand the basics of lettering and how to develop upon them, and the aesthetics are on point. Additionally, this book includes project ideas that I've not seen in other titles.
The layout of this book shows skills developing out of previous skills you've learned in the text. Each chapter, which focuses on a single skill, ends in a project idea that puts those skills in to action. This is a great layout because the author is able to get down into details that really show you how to be successful at lettering. The author also reiterates the core lessons which makes the basics of lettering become rote.
And the aesthetics are really #aesthetics. This book is beautiful. The photography is well lit and the overall coloring and style of the book is simple and cohesive but also feels luxurious. The book is an art object that includes a fancy binding which I would recommend for table and shelf styling.
While I grabbed this book from the library, I am tempted to purchase it for both the content and the beauty.
Rating: 7/10 [Very Good]
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