How To: Write and letter like an architect

Take a lesson in architecture from renowned architect Doug Patt by watching this video tutorial. If you want to learn about drawing and designing, without going to school, Doug's just the teacher. Watch to see how to write and letter like an architect.

In this episode, see how to write like an architect. The basic drafting tool for an architect when working by hand is a parallel rule. You can also use a T-square. Doug will be using an Ames lettering guide to create the lines for the lettering.

First we're going to create our horizontal lines using the lettering guide. The guide has a variety of spacing options to create just about any combination your looking for. He will also be using a small triangle. He's added tape to this one for ink lettering to avoid smearing. He'll also be using a .5mm Pentel drafting pencil and a Paper Mate, flair pen for the letters.

He created a small grid to give him some guidance for when he lays out the letters. The most important thing to remember about hand lettering is that your letters need to seem animated, while still appearing orderly and neat.