4 Shadows to Add to Your Letters! (Part One – A Regular/Drop Shadow)

Add Shadows To Your Lettering: Why Add Them?

Shadows are an amazing resource when it comes to lettering. They make the image come alive, adding depth and a sense of realism. Shadows are not required for great lettering, but they are a fantastic technique to practice and add to your abilities.

Unless it’s pitch black, generally everything around you would have a shadow because there’s always at least one source of light. Have a look around you and see the shadows coming off the objects nearby. Now, look at the light source… where is it in relation to the shadows? The main rule you will need to know when adding shadows is that the shadows are on the opposite side of the source of light. When adding shadows to your letters, you get to decide where the light source is. If you decide the light source is coming from the top left corner, the shadows would appear next to the bottom right part of the letters. If the shadows are on the direct right side, the shadows will be on the left. You get the idea.

Now let’s look at the most basic and simplified way to add a shadow.

Create a shadow 01 - Cherry Pearl Creative

Create a shadow 04 - Cherry Pearl Creative

Create a shadow 03 - Cherry Pearl Creative

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Three: Sketch It Out

Next, sketch or plan out the shadow placements. You can do this in your head if you want, but if you are new to this I recommend getting a pencil (preferably 2H as they are light and easy to erase) and sketching it out. Every single stroke should have a shadow, all going the same direction. If this part confuses you, sketch out an angled line (going in the direction you would want a shadow) from every corner you can see – this should help show you where the shadows should land.

Create a shadow 02 - Cherry Pearl Creative

Create a shadow 05 - Cherry Pearl Creative

Show Me Your Shadows!

That’s it! You have created your first shadow. I would LOVE to see what you have created so make sure you tag me on social media if you post any of your work! Keep your eye out for posts on the other 3 types of shadows coming soon. I have also added a “practice your shadows” free worksheet available where I give you the lettering, and the sun direction/shadow angles so you can focus on sketching out and colouring in the shadow yourself. For everyone that’s already part of the cherry community, this worksheet is now available in the resource library!

Get the Free Worksheets

If you don’t have access yet or don’t know what I am talking about: I have created a new library filled with resources and practice worksheets for you to start learning and master brush calligraphy and lettering. The library is new but will be updated regularly with new resources for every one part of the community. All you need to do to get the password is pop your details in here and it will be mailed straight to your inbox. So if you would like to have access to this library full of free calligraphy and lettering resources, make sure you sign up now!

Sign Up For The Brush Calligraphy Resource Library

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Add shadows to your letters! (Lettering & Calligraphy) Learn how - Cherry Pearl Creative

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Hey! I’m Pearl Prisk

I’m a passionate mother, worshipper and creative that would love to help you unleash your creativity to the world.

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4 Shadows to Add to Your Letters! (Part One – A Regular/Drop Shadow)

Add Shadows To Your Lettering

(Part One: Drop Shadow)

Add Shadows To Your Lettering: Why Add Them?

Add Shadows To Your Lettering: The Regular Shadow

What You Need:

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step One: Pick Your Word

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Two: Find Your Light Source

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Three: Sketch It Out

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Four: Fill It In

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Five: Erase The Pencil

Show Me Your Shadows!

Get the Free Worksheets

Sign Up For The Brush Calligraphy Resource Library

Don’t forget to PIN this to find it easily later:

Related Articles

Hey! I’m Pearl Prisk

Popular Posts:

Increase Your Consistency

The Right Way To Hold Your Brush Pen

Calligraphy With A Pencil

Copperplate Calligraphy Lowercase Letters Part 1

Let’s Connect:

Sign Up For The Resources:

4 Shadows to Add to Your Letters! (Part One – A Regular/Drop Shadow)

Add Shadows To Your Lettering

(Part One: Drop Shadow)

Add Shadows To Your Lettering: Why Add Them?

Add Shadows To Your Lettering: The Regular Shadow

What You Need:

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step One: Pick Your Word

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Two: Find Your Light Source

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Three: Sketch It Out

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Four: Fill It In

Add Shadows To Your Lettering Step Five: Erase The Pencil

Show Me Your Shadows!

Get the Free Worksheets

Sign Up For The Brush Calligraphy Resource Library

Thank you!

Don’t forget to PIN this to find it easily later:

Related Articles

Hey! I’m Pearl Prisk

Popular Posts:

Increase Your Consistency

The Right Way To Hold Your Brush Pen

Calligraphy With A Pencil

Copperplate Calligraphy Lowercase Letters Part 1

Let’s Connect:

Sign Up For The Resources: