The Benefits of Lettering for Teenagers
The hobbies chosen by teenagers are very varied: Sports, singing, drumming, writing, crafts, theater, or lettering . This last activity is an artistic discipline that involves drawing letters and creating a creative composition. There are various techniques in lettering, and it can be done with different materials. Young people can learn about this practice in a self-taught way or by attending courses coordinated by specialists. This hobby brings significant benefits to those who practice it. Do you want to know them? Keep reading to discover the benefits of lettering for teenagers.
Lettering, more than just writing
Lettering’s a quality craft. It’s the art of drawing different typographies in a harmonious, attractive, and inspiring way. The focus isn’t on the writing itself, but on the design of each of the letters that make up the words. Here, it’s not so much the harmony of the whole text that’s of interest, but the different anatomies that each letter can appropriate.
This question reflects one of the big differences with calligraphy, which aims to improve the aesthetics of the written text. When we do calligraphy, we write in a beautiful way and with a specific style. In lettering, on the other hand, we draw each letter by letting our creativity flow. In any case, both activities are a source of positive effects in different aspects of the lives of the people who carry them out.
The benefits of lettering for teens
Fortunately, we’re talking about a hobby that’s increasingly chosen by teenagers. Many of them choose to dedicate time to this precious activity, which can also represent a job opportunity. In the following paragraphs, we’ll tell you about the benefits of its practice.
1. Reduces stress
According to some studies , doing this type of activity produces relaxation effects very similar to those obtained through meditation or other mindfulness practices. Practicing lettering is therapeutic!
In fact, there are many videos of people drawing letters that have gone viral around the world due to the calm they generate. Even as spectators, we can benefit from this discipline.
2. Promotes concentration
As it’s an activity with so much detail, it requires paying specific attention to what’s being done. The brain focuses on drawing and, for a moment, external stimuli seem to disappear. In this way, teenagers improve their level of attention and concentration, while they enjoy creating an artistic work.
3. Improves motor skills
Although there’s digital lettering, which is done with some technological device with the possibility of using graphic editing tools, it’s commonly done manually. In the case of manual lettering, fine motor skills are considerably improved. Of course, this is a gradual process, as the coordination of hand movement improves as it’s exercised.
4. Promotes a sense of commitment and responsibility
Who said it’s not possible to earn money doing what you love? Sometimes, those activities that often start as a hobby can become a source of extra income and even an entrepreneurial business. Many people who are talented in lettering manage to sell their services to clients from all over the world.
If teenagers set out to see this activity as a possible paid job, they’ll feel extra motivation to continue learning. At the same time, with their first clients, they’ll develop a sense of responsibility and commitment. This is another one of the benefits of lettering!
5. Enhances creativity
While performing strokes with pencils or brushes of different thicknesses, creativity and originality are brought into play. Regardless of the level of neatness, teenagers can let their imagination run wild and discover personal ways of drawing. For there’s no right or wrong way to draw letters.
Learning isn’t possible without mistakes
Learning something new always includes a share of frustration. Learning isn’t possible without mistakes or errors. The truth is that in order to become proficient in this activity and achieve good productions, a lot of practice and patience is required. In this regard, learning to tolerate frustration and interpreting mistakes as opportunities is a good alternative.
Adolescents should be able to assume a flexible and tenacious attitude, even when they’re not yet one hundred percent satisfied with their results. The same is true whenever they’re faced with a new challenge that involves entering a discipline they’re unfamiliar with.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- De la Torre, S. (2004). Aprender de los errores. El tratamiento didáctico de los errores como estrategias innovadoras. Editorial Magisterio del Río de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Flor, M. (2017). The Golden Secrets of Lettering. Estados Unidos da América: Princeton Architectural Press, 2017
- Kao H Sr, Zhu L, Chao AA, Chen HY, Liu IC, Zhang M. (2014). Caligrafía y meditación para la reducción del estrés: una comparación experimental. Psychol Res Behav Manag.