Why Lettering Demands Slowness in a Fast World

In the age of Instagram, it’s hard to deny the value of fast. Post quick. Create often. The best way to grow is to constantly produce content. But what if the key to getting good at something is to actually slow down? When it comes to lettering, there’s simply no other way. I know this because I’ve tried. I want to hurry through the process of learning so I can move on to the next thing. But I literally can’t. Every stroke is calculated and takes time. I cannot create a decent letter without slowing down.

And it’s not just because I’m a beginner. It’s because I’m actually learning something. I’m not just regurgitating information or repeating motions. I’m practicing, and practice takes time. Not to mention that you actually have to wait for the ink to dry. Any sense of urgency is completely lost on a pen and paper. If I’m moving too fast, I make mistakes. I also don’t learn anything. Slowing down allows me to notice every imperfection. Every wiggle. Every inconsistency. And I need to. Because that is how I get better.

I’m not just getting better at lettering either. I’m getting better at observing. At paying attention. At seeing things that need improvement. And the only way to do that is to slow down. There’s no way to cheat the process of getting good at lettering. And for some reason, that’s comforting. In a world where everyone can make anything look perfect with a filter or preset, it’s nice to know that there’s still something that takes effort.

We’re also beginning to realize that slowing down and taking my time is actually helping me to progress faster in the long run. we’re retaining information and developing muscle memory that makes every subsequent practice easier and easier. It’s funny. When we look at the work of really talented letterers, we assume they just ‘got it down.’ That it just comes naturally to them. But the more we do it, the more we realize that the reason they are so good is because they take their time. Not because they’re rushing through.

So I’m embracing it. we’re going to take my time and make mistakes. we’re going to learn to critique and perfect. I’m going to remember that getting good at something actually takes time and practice. And I’m excited for the process. Lettering has become more than just a new skill for me. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate what we’re doing. And I think that’s something we could all use a little more of.