Intertwined Script and Block Lettering Tutorial (Part II) by Nico Ng

Hello again! Nico Ng here, and I’m back with the second and final installment of the Intertwined Script and Block Lettering Tutorial. In Part I, you learned how to draw clean block letters using a grid technique. Today, we’re going to apply that knowledge in order to create a compelling black, white, and gold piece. Here are the supplies that I recommend for this tutorial:

• Black cardstock (affiliate link)
• Grid Ruler Bundle – (Use a smaller ruler size, like 3 mm, for smaller papers; and a larger ruler size, like 7 mm, for larger papers)
• White pencil + black eraser
• White Marker (or white ink)
• Gold Marker (or gold watercolor)

1. Draw Your Block Letters

Grab your black cardstock, then use your white pencil and a regular ruler to draw center vertical and horizontal lines as guides.

Reference the draft you made using Part I of this tutorial. Measure the width of the word “LOVED”, and mark the starting point for the first letter on your cardstock. Then, use a grid/letter ruler (from the Grid Ruler Bundle) to draw the letter boxes.

Now, use a grid/letter ruler — as shown in Part I — to draw the letters “L-O-V-E-D”.

2. Add a Script Lettering Draft

Now, write the words “you are” in script/cursive over the block lettered “LOVED.” Ensure that this script lettering is centered, then add flourishes for an intertwined effect. Once you’ve written those words, you can use the Edge Measurement Guide to add consistent weight to the downstrokes in the script.

Once you finish, your lettering should look something like the draft below.

3. Create an Intertwining Effect

To create an intertwining effect, carefully choose parts of the script lettering to place behind the block letters while still maintaining readability. The best parts to hide are flourishes, stroke extensions, and letter connections.

Here’s a photo of the lettering parts that I chose to hide:

4. Add Ink

Lindsey’s note: I would recommend doing this part with a straight pen, Nikko G nib, and white ink + gold watercolor for a more vivid look. If you prefer markers like Nico, though, feel free to use those instead. 

Now, use a white marker to trace over “you are”.

Then, use a gold marker to trace over “LOVED”.

Once the ink has dried, erase your pencil guidelines. Then, fill in the gold letters.

Finish up by filling in the white letters.

5. Add Shadows for Depth

To enhance the intertwining effect, you can add shadows to the bottom layer of letters using a fine-tipped pen and a stippling technique.

Once you like the look of the stippling, you’re finished!

Tutorial Notes

I hope you had a blast following along with this intertwined lettering tutorial! I know that you’ll be able to create some amazing projects with this technique, whether it be on a greeting card or a nice lettering poster for your cozy space. Don’t forget to download my free Grid Ruler and Alphabet Layout Worksheets to practice drawing monoweight letters. This is just one of the many amazing lettering styles you can effortlessly create like a pro with the help of the my Grid Ruler Bundle!

Remember: you can modify any tutorial to suit the tools that you have at hand. If you don’t have a grid/letter ruler, you can draw your own grids or — if you don’t mind not being able to erase your grid — draw on gridded paper. White and gold markers can be swapped out for white ink and gold watercolor. If you don’t have a white mechanical pencil, a regular pencil will do. The point of creative projects is to tap into your creativity and unapologetically make substitutions!

Let’s continue to spread the love for lettering and have a blast while doing it! 😊

Write on,

P.S. If you’re feeling a little intimidated by drawing your letters, don’t worry! Check out my “The Consistent Lettering Course” to master the alphabet and bring your lettering to the next level.

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