How To Make Time For Lettering

Time. We all wish we had more of it. Our lives are packed full of responsibilities, careers, jobs, kids & relationships. Taking time to do something we enjoy, or as I like to call it- self-care, can be difficult. But it’s important to make the time to do things that matter to us. Things that bring us relaxation. Things that we are passionate about and enjoy. It’s also good for our mental health. Hand Lettering is something I’m passionate about and I’ve learned to make the time to practice. Today, I’m sharing with you five tips on how you can make time for lettering.

As someone who struggles with motivation thanks to ADHD and other mental health issues, doing tasks can be difficult. It has to be something that I’m truly excited about and interested in. If it’s important to you, then you make time for it. If you really want to learn how to letter, you’ll work hard to make time for it. Sacrifices may need to be made in order to get this time. Practice is how you’re going to get better something. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had a scheduled block in all our days to learn a hobby? Sadly we don’t. So it’s up to us to move things around or take advantage of opportunities to get some practice time in. If it matters to you- you’ll get it done.

Tip 1: Practice early or Practice late

Are you an early bird? Take some of that time to letter. I love a quiet morning. Sometimes, on the weekends I’ll get up before my husband and kids, make coffee and letter in a notebook. Are you a night owl? If you like to stay up late, use a bit of that time to practice while you’re watching tv. Which leads me into tip 2…

Tip 2: Practice while watching TV

TV- like Netflix & Disney Plus- is now a part of our lives. And while it’s an entertaining part of our lives, it can be a time sucker. We’ve all had that weekend show binge right? Practice while you’re catching up on your latest show! If that’s too distracting then catch up on the show later and just letter. Here’s a little time-saver tip for you: Practice lettering names of show characters, places, etc.. This can help you save time in trying to decide what to letter!

Tip 3: Carry a notebook and pen

Our busy lives require us to be on the go a lot. A lot of that time is spent waiting. Waiting at the doctor’s office. Waiting for an appointment. Waiting for dance class & sports activities. Why not take that time to practice! Carry a notebook and pen with you so whenever you have a free moment you use that time wisely.

Tip 4: Incorporate practice into everyday times you write

This one’s easy! Think about all the times you write something down during the day. Making a grocery list? Practice your fancy lettering! Writing a note on a post-it note for your boss? Make it pretty! If you use a planner or bullet journal, that’s a great place for practice!

Tip 5: Join a lettering challenge

This tip isn’t about how to make more time, but it’s a tip on how to practice with that time you did make. You can find tons of lettering challenges on Instagram. These days there seems to be a challenge for just about any theme. The challenge provides you with a word/phrase/quote for each day of the month. Challenges are great for accountability. Set a goal and reach it. Practicing something fun each day is also a great motivator!

I’ve found that in life when we make something a habit, it just becomes part of our routine. If you’re really serious about learning/improving your hand lettering, make practice time a habit. Make it a part of your daily routine. Maybe even write it on your calendar.

Now that you’ve been able to find the time, how much time should it be for? A solid 15-20 minutes, a half hour if you can, is a great start. Yes, I said start. Most days I letter for over an hour. Sometimes it’s 2-3 depending on what I’m working on. Let me be clear, that isn’t always in one sitting. Sometimes it’s throughout the day. It really depends on the day. And that’s life. Our days our different. Things come up. Go back to that motivation. If it’s something you’re passionate about, you’ll get it done.

Another thing to consider- especially when you’re just starting out- your practice sessions will sometimes just be building that muscle memory by doing drills. Letter your basic strokes over and over again. Fill a page with a letter you’re struggling on. Letter names. It doesn’t always have to be creating a whole piece of lettering from start to finish. Practice time will look different depending on the stage you’re in.

I’d love to know your thoughts on making time to practice! How do you do it? Share it in a comment below.

PS: let me say that I would never recommend not making dinner for your children because you want to find time to letter. Please make sure you go to work. Please don’t neglect your important responsibilities. I’m half-joking here, but also serious.