Free resources for hand lettering and digital calligraphy are available through several artists and websites, with The Pigeon Letters serving as a prominent source for both physical practice sheets and digital Procreate brushes. These materials are designed to assist beginners and experienced artists in improving their skills without financial investment. The resources typically require signing up for email newsletters or visiting specific web pages to access downloads. Some opportunities also include participation in virtual creative events.
The Pigeon Letters Freebies Section
The Pigeon Letters, run by artist Peggy Dean, maintains a dedicated section on its website for free resources. This area, located at https://www.thepigeonletters.com/evergrowing-garden, offers freebies created by Peggy Dean as well as contributions from other artists who provide their own materials. The website covers topics including art, calligraphy, and Procreate. Specific free resources mentioned include:
- Lettering Practice Sheets: The Pigeon Letters provides blank guides in five different guideline styles and positive word practice sheets. These are intended for practicing hand lettering techniques.
- Procreate Brushes: A free Procreate brush is available by subscribing to The Pigeon Letters email newsletter.
Other Sources for Free Lettering Worksheets
Several other artists and blogs are cited as offering free lettering worksheets. These resources are often accessed through the artists' websites or via email subscription.
- One Artsy Mama: Amy of One Artsy Mama offers alphabet practice worksheets on her website.
- Kiley in Kentucky: This artist provides a series of free worksheets featuring "50 ways to letter the entire alphabet."
- Kelly Klapstein: Free lettering worksheets are delivered to subscribers' inboxes each month upon signing up for Kelly Klapstein's email newsletter.
- The Postman’s Knock: Offers free brush pen calligraphy worksheets, including a "Neat Slant Edition."
- Dawn Nicole Designs: Provides multiple sets of free brush calligraphy practice worksheets, including sets for "30 Days to Better Brush Calligraphy," "Double Letter," and "Tricky Letter Combinations."
- Destination Decoration: Offers "The Beginner’s Guide to Brush Lettering" and "Part II" as free resources.
- Other Artists and Blogs: The source data lists additional free resources from Kelly Sugar Crafts, The Petite Planner, Random Olive, Love Paper Crafts, Quiet Sundays, Liz on Call, One Artsy Mama (additional sets), Here Comes the Sun, Michilicious, and M2B Studio.
Virtual Creative Retreats and Events
The Pigeon Letters organizes virtual creative events, such as the "Permanent Vacation" summer creative retreat. These events are structured to be accessible to a wide audience.
- Cost and Access: The event is described as free to attend live. Participants can register to watch sessions as they occur.
- Replay Availability: For those unable to attend live, a replay of each day's sessions is available for 24 hours after the broadcast.
- Lifetime Access: Lifetime access to all workshop recordings can be purchased for a fee (described as under $2 per workshop during the event). This allows viewing at any time without restriction.
- Event Support: Questions or registration issues can be directed to The Pigeon Letters via email at [email protected]. The event website is summercreativeretreat.com.
Finding Free Procreate Brushes
Beyond The Pigeon Letters, free Procreate brushes for calligraphy and lettering can be found through various digital graphics platforms and individual artists.
- Artist Newsletters: Many digital lettering artists and calligraphers offer a free Procreate brush as an incentive for email newsletter subscription. Amanda Kay of byamandakay.com offers her own free brush via her newsletter.
- Graphics Marketplaces:
- Creative Market: Releases six free goods every Monday, which often include Procreate brushes or brush packs.
- The Hungry Jpeg: Offers weekly freebies, which may include free calligraphy brushes for Procreate. They also feature $1 deals and other specials.
- Design Cuts: Provides free Procreate brushes, often as samples from larger bundles, allowing users to try before buying.
- Self-Creation: Artists can create their own Procreate brushes. Tutorials are available that cover the basic steps for making a stamp brush or more advanced techniques for creating lettering brushes.
Conclusion
A variety of free resources exist for individuals interested in hand lettering and digital calligraphy. The Pigeon Letters serves as a central hub for free practice sheets and digital brushes, while other artists and graphics marketplaces offer additional materials. Virtual events provide opportunities for community engagement and learning, with both free live access and paid lifetime access options. To access most free materials, users typically need to provide an email address for newsletter subscriptions.