While I wouldn’t say this is the #1 mistake new hand lettering artists make, it’s definitely in the top 3. If your lettering always looks off, it’s probably this.

And no, it’s not your pen/paper/iPad. Nor your your lack of “natural talent.” And it’s not even that one letter you keep redrawing over and over and that’s why it looks weird.

The real reason?

Inconsistent spacing and messy baselines.

A frequently asked question is how do I choose what lettering styles to include in a composition. Read on to find out!