THAT BIG WHITE SPACE ON YOUR PAGE IS TALKING TO YOU. IT'S SAYING, "YOU'RE NOT THAT CREATIVE. YOU HAVE NO IDEAS. GO GET THE COOKIE DOUGH FROM THE FRIDGE." THAT CAN BE PRETTY CONVINCING, WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PLAN. THESE SIX STEPS ARE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED TO TALK BACK TO THE WHITE SPACE AND SAY, "I'VE GOT THIS!"
The lack of creativity you feel when you stare at a blank page is nothing new, and it's not unique to you. Writers feel it when they sit down to write, artists feel it when they stare at a blank canvas, graphic designers feel it when they open a new file document.
I've learned some process tips from the pros after taking some online classes. What I'm about to show you is the brainstorming process used by hand letterers and graphic designers alike. So pay attention. You're getting this for free.
1. Write it out.
Write your words on a scratch piece of paper. Try to choose a verse or phrase that's around six to ten words. Any more than that and it gets overwhelming to figure out the composition.
Circle the words that stand out to you.
2. Make a list.
This is brainstorming 101. The idea is to think of words, emotions, objects or anything that remotely relates to your phrase to get ideas flowing. This will help you determine what tone or feel your artwork will have (Playful? Refined? Cute? Serious?).
3. Sketch some thumbnails.
Quickly sketch some composition ideas on your scratch paper. You don't need to spend a long time on this.
This is a great way to aid scripture memory - every time you write a verse, you have a greater capacity for remembering it.
If you're reading this for Bible journaling, you may not need to do this step. It depends on what you have in your head. So feel free to skip on down to Step 4.
If you're reading this wanting to learn how to hand letter for art prints or products, the thumbnail step is a step you don't want to skip. Try to think of 3-4 different thumbnail compositions.
4. Draw it out.
My Bible journaling pages are less about perfection and more about soaking in the Word. So I don't spend time doing thumbnail sketches for these. But you certainly can!
This is where the process gets really fun. Pick your favorite composition from your thumbnails, and pencil some guidelines for where your artwork is going to go. I like to lightly pencil in my baselines and ascender lines so I know where to place my letters.
Once you have your lines set up, start lightly penciling in your words. Lightly being the optimal word here. Draw. Erase. Draw. Erase. I do a whole lot of erasing! My new favorite eraser is the Tombow Mono NP Eraser - it's so smooth and erases like magic.
I start my sketching with a hard lead which gives you light lines and is low on smudging (smudging is a big problem for a lefty like me). I'm using a 4H lead above.
After I'm happy with my sketch I switch back to a soft lead to darken the lines, making corrections as I go. I love my new Tombow Mono pencil with HB lead (#2) because of the smooth lines and low tendency for smudging. I also love my fancy Blacking pencil (not pictured) for nice, smooth dark lines. These pencils glide on your paper like butter.
5. Ink it.
This step is where hand lettering for prints and products really veers off in a different direction from Bible journaling. I usually have several pencil sketches as I work to tighten up my design. When I'm happy with my sketch, I use my lovely light pad, and I trace my design on a new piece of paper. If you don't have a light pad, you can trace on tracing paper which works just as well.
For Bible Journaling, I trace right over my pencil marks. After the ink dries (in seconds), you can erase the pencil marks, and if you sketched lightly, you won't be able to see them at all!
You did it!
You have now overcome the fear of the blank page! It's not so hard when you follow this process. I'm not going to lie, some days I'm more creative and adventurous than others. But this process always works to get past that "writers block" that plagues all creatives.
What next?
Now that you have your design all drawn and inked, you can add color with Twistables, paint, or markers to your heart's content. Or you can leave it classic black and white. There's no right or wrong here! This is what I did with my Bible page:
If you post your work, please hashtag it with #krystalletters or #letterfortheLord so I can see! What else would you like to see me blog about? Comment and let me know! I'll see what I can do. {Hugs!} Thanks for reading!
What bible are you journaling in? Do your pens or paint bleed through?
this is great! I honestly never would have thought to brainstorm words to get the feeling of a verse! Thank you so much for this! Love that you turned your bible journaling to a print! Fantastic!
What is the Bible that you’re using?
Krystal, I love your work! Thank you so much for sharing some tips. Bible Journeling is my appsolute favorite thing to do! I do it every morning after my devotions. Keep using your talents/skills to glorify God:)
-Anonymous
You are such a blessing. I knew that God was going to enlarge your tents and he certainly has. Keep going and growing. I so appreciate what lettering and journaling have added to my long love for God’s Word. I feel in retirement (re-purposing) He has given me through your inspiration a new avenue to take me deeper still into the riches of His Word and His love. I love you dear.
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Krystal Whitten
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