Since I always get asked about what's in my toolbox, I decided to put together this compilation. The one thing I want to emphasize is that even though some tools DO make our lives easy and can accelerate some processes. The only way to see improvements fast is with practice, so try to carve out as much time as you can, download some of my free workbooks, and let's focus on our deliberate practice!
If you are interested in checking more recommendations, I have an idea list with a selection of all my favorite tools.
Starter Kits
Tombow Starter Kit for Beginners
This is perfect for anyone who wants to test if lettering is something they would like to venture into; it has all the basics you will need to start and a handy little guide. It's not a lot of information, but if you are just starting, not feeling overwhelmed is a must, so just start with the basics. Hint: Check my blog for tips and practice sheets.
Tombow advanced lettering set
I really like the selection of colors and different pens and other tools that Tombow added to this pack. You have mostly everything you need to further your practice and experiment with color without having to buy the full Fudenosuke or Dual Brush pack, and since it's a bundle, you get a better deal.
Mechanical Pencil Set
I recently found this pack, and it's so good for beginners, and the 0.7 mm size is my favorite lead thickness; having a 0.9 as well is so wonderful! And while they come with HB leads. While there's different softness for the big lead. For the smaller pens, I like to get something softer, like a 2B. When I add different leads, I like to mark the pens with small labels.
Amazon drawing pack
If you want to experiment with the different softnesses of pencils, this pack offers 6 different softnesses of graphite pencils, 3 charcoal pencils, 1 sketch stick, 4 charcoal sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 charcoal sharpener, 1 kneaded eraser, and 1 white plastic eraser.
Beginner Drafting Set
If you want to experience the different softnesses of leads and also get to use separate mechanical pencils for outlines (red, blue, and yellow), this set is such a good bang for your buck!
Beginner Drafting Set
This kit is just what you need when you want to make sure that your composition is on point. Making line and circle guides is a must to ensure that your letters are the same size in a word and that if you are making mirrored compositions, things are actually the same widths and angles. Later on, you might not need them as much, but while you train your eye and hand, guides are a must!
Beginner Watercolor Set
I really like that in this set because you get both brushes and the actual watercolors. It's perfect to start adding colors to your pieces without breaking the bank.
Brush Pens
All my favorite brush pens, with small and big tips—for a complete list, check my Amazon list or check my top ones below.
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
This brush pen set is by far my favorite when it comes to learning; it comes in a soft and hard version. Even though the difference is not huge, you can make a little thicker downstrokes with the soft tip. They handle pressure amazingly well, and if you use them with the correct paper (read my paper recommendations below) they can last you a long time.
Pentel Fude Touch Pen
This one is my second favorite fude brush pen; you can also get it in lovely colors, and that is always a plus! (You can see them linked below.) I love how durable they are, and they have lasted me way longer than I thought they would.
Tombow Dual Brush Pen
The two previous brush pens are considered “small brushes.” This one is considered a “big brush” because the tip and bristles are longer and thicker; your letters are also going to be a lot bigger. The Tombow dual-brush is definitely the favorite brush pen of many hand-lettering artists, but they are not very economical. Hey big box! I'm talking to you! Don't get me wrong, I greatly enjoy them too, but I like to save them for projects and not just for drills, so that way they last me longer.
Kuretake Fudebiyori brush pens
These are my current favorite brush pens; they have an easy-to-use felt tip and built-in ink supply, combining the convenience of a regular marker with the expressive line variation of a traditional brush.
Sharpie Brush Tip Permanent Marker
This one is also a “big brush,” and it can be more economical than the Tombow dual-brush. I love how juicy they are and how pigmented the ink is, but because of this, they don't tend to last too long. I always recommend using them with tracing paper so that you waste as little ink as possible; they also have them in multiple different colors.
Tombow Fudenosuke 10-color pack
These are one of the most budget-friendly markers to get started with. On Amazon, though, the price fluctuates, so keep an eye out for when the price drops. Or you can always buy them from Blick.
Pentel Arts Sign Pen Touch, Fude Brush Tip Set
This is the box I mentioned above. They are great fude brush pens, juicy and with a great flexible tip. They last a good time, and if you use them with good paper (smooth), the tip will not fray easily. The colors are super wonderful too, yay!
Sharpie Brush Pen for Fabric
After testing these while looking to draw on fabric, I was pleasantly surprised by how soft, juicy, and overall pigmented they are. They grew on me, and now they are my go-to brush pens for most projects. Definitely try them if you want to test a different “big” brush pen.
Crayola Super Tip Markers
These are one of the most budget-friendly markers to get started with. On Amazon, though, the price fluctuates, so keep an eye out for when the price drops. Or you can always buy them from Blick.
Crayola Washable Broad Line Markers
I love how budget-friendly these markers are; they are perfect for drills, and the tips are not too soft (sometimes you might need to reshape them though), but besides that, they are perfect, budget-friendly, and they last a long time. If you are just starting and doing plenty of drills, get a box of these ones; you can thank me later ;)
Tombow Blending Kit
Talking about blending (see previous pens), the best way to blend with Tombow brush pens is by using this kit; it includes the blending pen, a mini spray bottle, and a blending palette.
Gel Pen Set
As you can tell just by the name, these are not brush pens, but I had to include them because they make the perfect companion to brush pens. I love using them to create shadows and embellishments; they have so many colors, and you can never have too many of them!
Paper + paper
Different kinds of paper for practice, drawing, final projects, and watercolor.
HP 32 lb paper
This is definitely the more economical alternative for paper. I use this exact paper to print all my drill grids. It's a great way to save money while you practice, so you can use your special paper for projects and your brush pens will not get damaged like they do with regular copy paper.
Canson tracing paper
This is my favorite paper for inking and also for brush calligraphy since it's super smooth and it does not absorb all the ink as some do. But because of this, you need to be careful and wait for the ink to dry, or you will have a mess in your hands and on your paper! It has 50 sheets and measures 9×12 inches.
Hammermill 32 lb paper
This is definitely the more economical alternative for paper. I use this exact paper to print all my drill grids. It's a great way to save money while you practice, so you can use your special paper for projects and your brush pens will not get damaged like they do with regular copy paper.
Strathmore tracing paper
This is my second favorite tracing paper; the pad has 50 sheets, and it measures 9×12 inches. It's a very smooth paper that works great with brush pens.
Rhodia 80 Sheet, Dot Pad
This little pad is the most recommended and loved paper pad among lettering and calligraphy artists because of its great smoothness. It comes in different sizes so you can use it for drills or just to create small pieces. It's more pricey than other pads, but it treats brush pens very well.
Canson XL Series Marker Pad
This pad is also a great alternative when using brush pens; it's definitely not as smooth as tracing paper, but it gets the job done, and it's a lot thicker than regular paper, so it will not bleed (or at least not as much) when using super juicy markers or brush pens.
Strathmore Marker Pad
The Strathmore 400 series marker paper has a super smooth surface for markers and brush pens to glide over. The pad has 24 sheets of acid-free, 50.5 lb heavyweight paper that is bleed- and feather-resistant.
Fabriano Mix Media Pad
Mixed media is all about layering, and this paper is strong enough to withstand various wet and dry techniques due to its combination of sizing and texture. This pad holds 150 sheets of 108 lb (160 gsm), acid-free, 9×12-inch paper.
Strathmore Mixed Media Pad
This pad is super versatile because you can use it for wet and dry mediums, but because of the light texture, I would not recommend it for practice. The glue-bound pads contain 15 sheets each and feature flip-over covers; the paper weighs 184 lb (300 gsm), so it's perfect for long-lasting artwork.
Sketching tools
Take a look at my Amazon list for all things sketching and inking. Or check below for some of my favorites.
Lead Holder
Pretty much every lettering artist I admire loves this lead holder. I was first introduced to it when I was in college, so I was forced to love it because of how easy it was to change different leads without having to have a ton of different pencils. I still have and use mine, but I am not such a fan of the metal feel when holding a pencil, so I prefer to use the one below. If you are looking into changing the leads for different hardness or softness, you should check this one anyway and the lead sharpener.
Lettering Ruler
I absolutely love using this rolling ruler for lettering grids and layout work. The built-in rolling design makes it incredibly easy to create perfectly spaced parallel lines without constantly measuring and repositioning a traditional ruler. It saves so much time when setting up calligraphy guidelines. I also love that it includes both inch and metric measurements, because all my education in Chile and Argentina was using the metric system.
Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil
This is one of my favorite mechanical pencils (especially the pink one). I love how thick this mechanical pencil is (0.5 mm). I always have it in my travel pencil case (if my boys don't steal it). The grip is super comfortable, and changing the lead to a softer one will give you so much control and shades.
Tombow Eraser
I love using this eraser for detailed lettering and illustration work. The tip is tiny, making it easy to erase tiny areas with precision, whether I’m cleaning up pencil guidelines, sharpening edges, or adding little highlights to my drawings. Because it erases only exactly where you need it, I don’t have to worry about disturbing the rest of my artwork.
Mechanical Pencil Set
I recently found this pack, and it's so good for beginners, and the 0.7 mm size is my favorite lead thickness; having a 0.9 as well is so wonderful! And while they come with HB leads. While there's different softness for the big lead. For the smaller pens, I like to get something softer, like a 2B. When I add different leads, I like to mark the pens with small labels.
Pentel Triangle Eraser
I first purchased this one while still in college back in Chile; it was the older version but the same concept. I love that the shape of the eraser gives you three points that you can use to be more precise; it's much better than the round ones, in my opinion. It's a great alternative if you don't have an eraser shield.
Staedtler Eraser
There are some things that, once you find the brand that you love, you just stick to it and never look back. For me, the Staedtler erasers are it. I've been using them since my early college years and greatly enjoy them!
Amazon drawing pack
If you want to experiment with the different softnesses of pencils, this pack offers 6 different softnesses of graphite pencils, 3 charcoal pencils, 1 sketch stick, 4 charcoal sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 charcoal sharpener, 1 kneaded eraser, and 1 white plastic eraser.
Beginner Drafting Set
This kit is just what you need when you want to make sure that your composition is on point. Making line and circle guides is a must to ensure that your letters are the same size in a word and that if you are making mirrored compositions, things are actually the same widths and angles. Later on, you might not need them as much, but while you train your eye and hand, guides are a must!
Beginner Drafting Set
If you want to experience the different softnesses of leads and also get to use separate mechanical pencils for outlines (red, blue, and yellow), this set is such a good bang for your buck!
Inking tools
Check out my Amazon list for all things sketching and inking. For my top favorites, check below.
Faber-Castell Pitt Pen set
This pack is wonderful for lettering because you get a wide variety of thicknesses and also one brush pen, so if you want to start lettering but you are not sure if brush calligraphy is for you. You can just get this and start practicing with the one included here. They are a great deal too! (Instead of buying them in singles)
Staedtler Lumocolor Fine Point
I love that this pen can be refilled (the refill station is sold separately), but if you are doing a lot of work, something like this comes in super handy. I was using SO MANY pens until I found this kind of refillable ink pen. They are not as cheap at the beginning but worth every penny eventually.
COPIC Multiliner Pack
I was also introduced to these multi-liners during technical drawing in college, but it took me a while to find them here. I love that these particular ones have a great range of thickness, they are refillable, and you can also replace the nib. These features are wonderful because I can go through one pen in just a couple of days, so this feature really helps my wallet (and can save you a ton too!).
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen
This brush pen set is by far my favorite when it comes to learning; it comes in a soft and hard version. Even though the difference is not huge, you can make a little thicker downstrokes with the soft tip. They handle pressure amazingly well, and if you use them with the correct paper (read my paper recommendations), they can last you a long time. They come in different colors that are bright and so pretty.
Pentel Fudenosuke Brush Pen
This one is my second favorite fude brush pen; you can also get it in a bunch of awesome colors, and that is always a plus. (You can see them linked below.) I love how durable they are, and they have lasted me way longer than I thought they would.
Cricut BrightPad
After using the Cricut BrightPad for a few months, I am a converted believer. It's so much better than my older Lightbox (it was a small corded one). For me it's the little things, like the fact that you have to push down to change the brightness. In my old one, I would always accidentally hover over the button, and my brightness would change.
Rechargeable Lightpad
This light pad has quickly become a favorite in my house. I use it constantly for lettering layouts, transferring designs, planning worksheets, layering logo concepts, and even sewing projects. What I love most is that it’s rechargeable, similar to my BrightPad. My boys are constantly trying to take it away to work on their drawing pieces. Honestly, this one has earned a spot on my desk.
Chalk lettering
Everything you need to get started with chalk lettering. I also added some of my favorite tools to enlarge letters for murals.
Crayola Anti-Dust Chalk
This is my favorite chalk. I don't like when some chalk “melts” in your hand, and this anti-dust chalk fixes that. It works so well when I sharpen it, and it doesn't break too easily.
Chalk Pack
This is such a great bang for your buck, especially if you plan to work on something big or just do numerous drawings; this is the pack you want to get.
Deluxe Chalk Keeper Holder
I mentioned that I don't like the feeling of chalky hands, so this is perfect for that. I've had this holder for so long, and it still works perfectly. Also, it works so well for small pieces of chalk, so you can have a better grip.
Grip Trio Sharpener
This is my favorite chalk sharpener; it's not really made for chalk, but the bigger opening fits regular-size chalk like a glove. I left this one just for chalk, and it has been great for the last 8 years. I recently also purchased this electric sharpener that works so great for when I do murals.
Cotton Swabs
I like getting a massive box of cotton swabs to work on my pieces, and while I normally buy them at Costco, they also offer a great price at Amazon.
Felt Eraser
This one is my favorite eraser because it leaves a nice thin layer of chalk when used. I like to use this one for dimension and also to go over it after I cure surfaces. It doesn't take ALL the chalk away and works perfectly for larger areas.
Microfiber towel
This is my favorite towel to clean up my hands and also the surfaces that I want to keep with the least amount of chalk powder. It's soft, and it's perfect to just throw in the washer once it needs it.
Crayola Color Chalk
While I don't work with many colors when it comes to chalk work, I really like this set of colored chalk; it has great pigmentation as well.
MOLOTOW Acrylic Paint Marker
This is my absolute favorite paint marker. They also sell a refill bottle that you can use once you start to run out of paint; they are a GREAT investment, and the pigmentation is one of the best I've found.
Uni Posca white brush marker
This is my second favorite white ink marker, and I love that it is a brush marker so you can get thin and thick lines just with a regular brush pen.
Watercolor tools
My favorite basics to start painting and practicing lettering with watercolors: I am listing various price points so that you can start in a budget-friendly way and build up as you improve!
Pentel Aquash Water Brushes
These are extremely popular with lettering artists that do watercolor, and there's a reason why. The fact that you can dip one color and have another in the barrel makes blending a breeze, and if you use them just with water, not having to dip the brush as often is really nice. They have a great range of sizes (three different thicknesses), and they are super comfortable in the grip—overall, such clever design!
Mungyo Watercolor Set
I love these watercolors. They're vibrant, easy to activate, and create such beautiful, rich color with very little effort. The pigments blend smoothly, layer beautifully, and make painting feel fun whether you’re adding watercolor touches to lettering, creating botanical illustrations, or simply playing with color. While they’re not the cheapest set out there, I think they’re an amazing mid-range option with fantastic color payoff.
Watercolor Brush Set
I love these brushes for all kinds of creative projects. The handles have a really comfortable grip, which makes long painting sessions feel easy on the hands, and the brushes themselves feel sturdy and well made. They have lasted me such a long time with regular use.
Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink Bottles
I love this set. I use them for watercolor lettering, and they are stunning. It has great pigmentation, and you can even erase it on top of it without everything becoming a total mess, like all other watercolors. And you can never have too many Dr. Ph. Martin's inks!
Strathmore Watercolor Pad
This is my favorite watercolor paper. It's not the most expensive out there, but it has amazing quality for the use I give it (watercolor lettering). I hope to expand my watercolor work to more natural and botanical subjects, but that is still in the works. =] Maybe I'll change papers then!
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Markers
I love the quality and the watercolor effects you can get with these pens. I like the control that you get from holding a marker and the softness that you can accomplish when you add water.
Airtight Peel-Off Palette
I like that with this little palette I can save my watercolors to keep working on something later or the following day. I have never tried it with longer times, so I can't assure it will work as well, but it's great that my watercolor doesn't get dry if I need to take a break while working (because let's be real, when you are working with kids in the house, MANY times you HAVE to take breaks to make sure they are not burning down the house).
Digital lettering
My favorite tools and accessories for creating lettering and calligraphy using the iPad Pro. Everything listed is the exact setup I have =]
iPad Pro 13″
This is the exact size and capacity I have, and it's the BEST! I always say that this has been the best investment I've ever made in my business. I am able to sketch on the go and send previews to clients so much faster than before. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE my pens and paper, but this handy tool would change any creative's life. I guarantee it!
Apple Pencil Pro
This is the latest generation of Apple Pencil, and there is not one thing I don't like about the changes from the previous one. Funny story, my son ate my Apple Pencil cap, and I was unable to find it (or maybe I refused to lol), so the fact that there are no extra pieces that will go missing is a massive bonus! It charges magnetically, and it just feels so futuristic each time I set it on the side of the iPad. =]
iPad Pro smart keyboard
I did not think I was going to like this keyboard as much as I do at the beginning; I mainly bought it so I could write content on the go. And I am obsessed with it now. I really like how the keyboard covers the back and front of the iPad (unlike the previous version), and to me, it seems a lot more sturdy. I've read mixed reviews about it, but my personal experience with it has been wonderful. I haven't had any connectivity issues, and there is no lag when I type.
Paperlike iPad screen protector
If you love making your iPad feel a little more like paper, the Paperlike screen protector looks incredibly promising. My first impressions have been really positive; the matte surface is designed to add just the right amount of friction for more natural handwriting, smoother brush lettering, and better control with the Apple Pencil, all while staying ultra-thin and responsive.
Skethboard Pro iPad holder
I absolutely love my Sketchboard Pro; it’s one of those tools I reach for constantly when doing digital lettering, sketching, worksheet planning, or working in Procreate. What makes it so special is how it transforms the iPad into a true drawing surface, giving your hand and arm room to glide naturally instead of feeling cramped on the edges of the screen. If you spend a lot of time on your iPad, this has honestly been one of my favorite studio upgrades.
Paperlike Apple Pencil tips
I’m constantly looking for little upgrades that make digital lettering feel more natural, and these Paperlike pencil tips are a really fun addition to my iPad setup. They add just a little extra friction and control when writing or doing brush lettering, which helps the Apple Pencil feel even more like a traditional pencil on paper.
Silicone grip holder set
These ergonomic Apple Pencil grips have been a favorite, not just because the colors are adorable but because I've been able to test different shapes without having to buy several. The soft silicone feels comfortable in the hand, adds a little extra cushion and control, and helps reduce hand fatigue during longer drawing, note-taking, or lettering sessions.
Silicone grip holder
If you are like me and like more stability when drawing or writing, you will love this grip holder! It's not just super comfortable, but it also comes in a bunch of super cute colors to fit your setup or desk.
Extra Apple Pencil tips
Probably the only thing that disappointed me about the new Apple Pencil is that this time it did not come with an extra tip as the old ones do, so if you need to replace it, you will need to purchase them separately.
Extra-long USB-C cable
One of the major changes from my old iPad was that now it doesn't charge with the regular Lightning cable; the new iPad Pro charges with a USB-C cable. And the one thing I hate about all default cables is how short they are. In my case, when I need to charge, I don't like to stop working, so having a super long cable is a must for me.
iPad protector folio
This iPad case is one of those accessories that makes traveling and creating on the go so much more comfortable. The folio design gives my iPad great protection without feeling bulky. The built-in Apple Pencil holder is a massive bonus because it keeps everything together and easy to grab.
iPad protector case
While this is technically a laptop sleeve, I love it for carrying my iPad, sketchbooks, lettering worksheets, and creative essentials when I’m working away from my desk. It’s slim, lightweight, and super easy to slip into a larger bag.
USB-C adapter
While this is not the same one I have (because I purchased mine via Kickstarter), this one does a very similar job. I really like the flexibility to charge my iPad with different cables, and with my adapter I can also use my projector.
Apple Pencil storage
I love to have all my things organized, and while the cover I shared above does an impressive job with the compartments, I really like having a second pouch for the cables and to keep the Apple Pencil extra secure. After all, that is the most expensive pen I have. =]
Adjustable easel
While this is not technically a digital lettering tool, it has been such a game-changer for me (and my back pain). Being able to move the whole surface to accommodate a better posture has been so good for me, especially on those days that I work on it for long hours. I painted mine white so it could blend better with my desk, and I love it!
Lettering & calligraphy books
For additional pictures and details about the best calligraphy and lettering books for beginners, please look at this post.
The ABC of Custom Lettering: A Practical Guide to Drawing Letters
This book by Ivan Castro is the best for anyone who wants to venture into lettering or calligraphy; it is such a great guide for beginners and also pretty much the best book to really understand the difference between Lettering and calligraphy and why the terms are not interchangeable, and everything is NOT lettering. (I'm looking at you, “brush lettering.”)
The Art of Calligraphy: A Practical Guide to the Skills and Techniques by David Harris
I love this book because of how much it covers about the history of calligraphy and different historic styles. It's a great guide if you are interested in more than just the script calligraphy styles and has easy-to-follow directions. I think it's so important to know the history of this craft and its origins, especially if you are serious about your craft (just saying'). Hint, hint.* Get it!
The Big Awesome Book of Hand & Chalk Lettering Paperback by Dina Rodriguez
I have seen other books on chalk lettering, but this one is my favorite because it goes over how to construct letters and the materials, hand stretches, and all the details you'll need to know if you are embarking on chalk lettering or painting letters on a chalkboard. I would definitely recommend this one over others in the market. Dina's is very straightforward and easy to understand; the book has 15 different alphabet styles and 100 step-by-step illustrations.
Chalk Art & Lettering 101: An Introduction to Chalkboard Lettering, Illustration, Design, and More by Amanda Arneill & Shannon Roberts
Now I might be a little biased for this book because both Amanda and Shannon are IG friends of mine. I love what both of them do in the lettering world, so when they teamed up for this book, I knew that I had to include it in my favorite book's list. The book is a step-by-step instruction and very beginner-friendly.
Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy by Molly Suber Thorpe
I love how in-depth Molly goes in this book, sharing examples and practical tips to learn and improve in modern calligraphy. I love her teaching style. In this book, she also shares projects and examples so you can apply and practice what you are learning.
A History of Lettering: Creative Experiment and Letter Identity by Nicolete Gray
Just like the previous book, the best way to start is by taking a look at what has been done and what the original letterforms looked like. I like that this book covers a great part of the history with great examples and image references.
The Golden Secrets of Lettering: Letter Design from First Sketch to Final Artwork Hardcover by Martina Flor
I love to look into the workflow of the artist that I admire, and this book is perfect for that. Martina Flor is an amazing Argentinian lettering artist, and the examples here are so cool.
In Progress: See Inside a Lettering Artist's Sketchbook and Process by Jessica Hische
I love this book because it lets you peek into the incredible work of lettering artist Jessica Hische. She shares the way she approaches client work and what her “process” is, definitely a recommended one. =]
Scripts: Elegant Lettering from Design's Golden Age by Steven Heller & Louise Fili
This book is great for those times you are feeling uninspired; it has such a great compilation of script lettering including different historical pieces and different styles. It's more of a magazine format in the sense that the images are the main element.
Typography Sketchbooks by Steven Heller & Lita Talarico
This is also an inspirational type of book. It is a collection of typographic explorations and real designers and typographers sketchbook doodles. It shows how they continually strive to find new and exciting ways of communicating through letters and words.
Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines by Artists Guild Graphic
While this book is not about lettering it has been a lifesaver when it comes to creative work. I freelance quite a bit, so knowing how to price your work and to set different prices depending on the kind of platforms you are working on is a must! But that information can be really difficult to find; that is why this book is the best! PS. Stop underselling your work!
The Calligrapher's Business Handbook: Pricing and Policies for Lettering Artists by Molly Suber Thorpe
This book is a guide to best business practices and pricing strategies for calligraphers and lettering artists. Whether you’re starting out in creative freelancing, transitioning from a different profession, or running a lettering business that just needs a boost, you will welcome the invaluable ideas in this handbook.
The Elements of Typographic Style: Version 4.0: 20th Anniversary Edition by Robert Bringhurst
Now this book might not be for everyone because it is highly technical, but if you are interested in designing type or a more in-depth book about type analysis, this is the book for you. This book is definitely not a light read, but the content is invaluable!
Geometry of Type: The Anatomy of 100 Essential Typefaces by Stephen Coles
I love that this book examines some of the most popular fonts (it does not explore hand-lettering, but it does have some samples of script fonts) but is very helpful when you want to understand how type designers think about their letters.
Organize your tools
Some of my favorite tools, containers, and ingenious products to organize lettering and calligraphy supplies—check my full list here.
Craft and paint Cart
I have this cart, and I greatly enjoy it! I take it to my craft shows and use it to store supplies in my office. My boys love to play with it, and it was the “walker” of my littlest one when he was learning how to walk. So it holds a special place in my heart!
Straw dispenser
When I was checking ideas on how to organize my pens, the straw dispensers were the first thing I thought about. I love how I can add all my “HowJoyful branded pencils” there and take them out as needed, plus they look so cool!
Craft cart organizer
I especially love the larger top surface, which is perfect for holding my printer, Cricut supplies, or current projects, and because it rolls so smoothly, I can move it exactly where I need it in my workspace.
Pencil and Brush Holder
This holder is very similar to the one that comes when you purchase a full kit of Tombow brush pens. It's great not just to store the pens that need to be in a vertical position, but also for regular paintbrushes or coloring pens.
Marker Storage
This is a great option for pens that need to be stored horizontally. While I don't have this one because I have two of the white ones listed above, it's a great economical way to store them if you don't have other options available.
High-capacity zippered pencil case
Finding a big enough pencil case has always been an issue for me (hello, pen obsession); that was until I ran into this case. I love how it has different sections where you can divide your tools or just use it to store massive amounts of coloring pencils.
Carry box
I have a couple of these boxes to store things that could get messy, like paints and chalk stuff. I love that they come with a piece that you can take out or use to have additional compartments. I've managed to store pretty heavy things, and the boxes are still holding strong, so I could definitely recommend them.
