Mixing Typography and Illustration Tutorial with Gemma O'Brien for Volcom's "School of Cool"

In the second episode of Volcom’s School Of Cool, the three part “How To” series of hand lettering tutorials from Volcom Ambassador, Gemma O’Brien (aka @mrseaves101 on Instagram), Gemma guides us through combining typography with illustration.

In this lesson you will learn how to use an existing font to create letterforms and then integrate illustrated elements with watercolor. Below is a list of all the supplies you’ll need to follow along with Gemma as well as link to a free download of Gemma’s base alphabet guide template that she uses in the video.

You will need:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolour paint
  • Lightbox for tracing (optional)
  • Alphabet guide (download below)