High School

The Essential Question
How do artists interpret and illustrate meaning from text?

Objective
Students will hand-letter a quote and use a variety of lettering styles and imagery to convey the mean-ing of the words.

Materials
graph paper, drawing paper, pencils, window or light box
(optional), fine-tipped black markers or pens, colored pencils, lettering style resources

Procedures

1. Students research and choose a quote to use as the subject of their artwork. Students write down a few words to categorize the mood of the quote and share them in a peer discussion.
2. Students research and plan lettering styles that fit their interpretation of the quoteʼs mood and style.
3. Students begin their design on graph paper, using the grid to plan for appropriate sizing and spacing. They can tweak their design using cutting and pasting.
4. Students use a window or light box to transfer their lettering and imagery to their final drawing paper.
5. Students apply inking to their hand-lettering with fine-tipped black markers or pens.
6. Students apply color for empha-sis. Ask them to incorporate any recent skills taught, for example, showing a value scale of three or more values within the lettering.

Emily McEneely is an art teacher at Nolensville High School in Nolensville, Tennessee.