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WELCOME TO BETTER LETTERS IN 15!
I'm so happy that we'll be doing this challenge together! I created Better Letters in 15 because one of the things I hear most about lettering is how hard it is to find the time to actually do it and practice--and I completely agree. It's hard for me too and I wanted to find a way to change that. 
 
I also remembered that when I first started lettering, I started seeing an improvement when I began dedicating time to practice each day. Sometimes it'd only be for 15 minutes but it would still make a difference--that is where I got the "in 15" part of the challenge from!

My intention for us with BLI15 is to cultivate the habit of daily lettering practice, grow our skills, and create time and space for ourselves to do something we enjoy.

Below are more details about the challenge as well as some things to do to get ready for it including a few PDFs to print out!

 
CHALLENGE OVERVIEW
This challenge is designed to take place over the course of 4 weeks. Pick a date you'd like to start!
 
 There are 5 worksheets for each week. Each worksheet is designed so that they can be completed in about 15 minutes (if you want to letter for longer, definitely feel free!) 
 
These worksheets work best with small to medium sized brush pens.
 
I have picked a 3 word phrase that we will be lettering throughout the 4 weeks. 
 
Week 1 will focus on the first word--we will practice each letter in it, how to connect the letters, and then move on to lettering the entire word. We will do the same on week 2 and 3 for the remaining words.
 
Week 4 will focus on putting all the words together to create the phrase. 
 
My goal is that by the end of this we will be comfortable lettering the entire phrase and will have created a piece of art!
 
*Please note this challenge is designed for beginners however basic knowledge of brush lettering is needed and will not be covered in the PDFs (like how to hold and use a brush pen, basic strokes, etc.)

 
YOUR CHALLENGE TRACKER + CHECKLIST
Before you start, print out your
CHALLENGE TRACKER and CHALLENGE CHECKLIST.
 
I recommend printing on cardstock and if any part of the PDF is getting cut off, make sure to select "fit to page" in the printer settings.
 
THE CHALLENGE TRACKER is for you to track your progress throughout the 4 weeks. There is a box for each day of the week for you to check off. It also has a section for you to letter our phrase on the first day of the challenge and the final day of the challenge--I thought it'd be fun to have both side by side so you can see if and how your lettering has changed throughout the 4 weeks!

The CHALLENGE CHECKLIST is a printable list of the items below so that you don't forget to do any of them and you have the satisfaction of checking them off :)

 
BEFORE WE GET STARTED…
Here are some things to do before the challenge that will help set us up for success!
  1. GET YOUR SUPPLIES READY
    It's like laying out your outfit before your first day of school :)
    • Decide what brush pen you will use for the entire challenge and make sure you have one on hand.
    • Make sure you have paper to print our your PDFs! I recommend and will be using HP Premium32 Printer Paper. It is thicker than regular printer paper which prevents the ink from bleeding through and has a nice smooth surface to letter on!
    • Make sure your printer is ready to go and you aren't low on ink.
    • Make sure you have a timer--I will be using my phone.
       
  2. CHOOSE YOUR WORKSPACE
    Having a dedicated space is so important-- it helps doing the actual lettering so much easier when you don't need to clear off a table or find space to do it in!
    • Pick a room/space/area you are going to letter in. If it's at home, make sure the desk is clean and decluttered. Keep your supplies neatly in a box, pouch, or basket on or by your desk. If it's outside your home, have everything you need in a folder/pouch or bag so you don't have to spend time gathering supplies each time you head out.
       
  3. CREATE YOUR SCHEDULE
    This doesn't have to be set in stone but just so you have an idea of when will work best for you!
    • Decide which 5 days of the week you will letter.
    • Decide what time frame works for you.
    • Set alarms on your phone based on the days and time you came up with so you have reminders ready to go!
       
  4. SET THE TONE AND ATMOSPHERE
    Make this time something you look forward to and a chance to practice self-care! 
    • If you like to work with music in the background, choose what song you want to listen to or make a playlist.
    • Have tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or whatever your favorite beverage is available and ready for when you sit down to letter.
    • Print out your Challenge Tracker and have it on your desk so you can check off each box every day you do the challenge.
    • Choose a small daily reward for yourself that you can have right after you finish practicing: some TV or social media time, a piece of chocolate, etc.
    • Choose a reward for yourself for when you finish the challenge: a shopping spree at Daiso or Michael's, dinner at your favorite restaurant, a massage or pedicure, etc. 
       
  5. ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY
    • Not only is it more fun to do this with someone, it will help you not fall off the band wagon! I'll be your accountability buddy and you definitely will be keeping me accountable but feel free to share with your friends and we can all do it together! :)

I would LOVE to see how things are going for you throughout the challenge! Please snap pics of your workspace, completed checklist, practice worksheets, etc. and share your work with me by using the hashtag #BetterLettersin15 and tagging me @atiliay.
 
Thank you for being a part of Better Letters in 15!
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