Lettering has always been one of the pillars of tattooing. It’s not just an accessory to imagery, but a discipline with its own history, rules, and visual language. Names, dates, slogans, and memorial text have long been central to why people get tattooed, and that still holds true today.
Strong lettering can stand entirely on its own, communicating meaning through visual form while holding up over time, both visually and emotionally. Meanwhile, it plays a powerful supporting role alongside imagery. It frames designs, guides the eye, and reinforces the meaning behind the imagery. The relationship between text and image is where traditional tattooing truly shines.
Lettering also demands precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of spacing, flow, and readability on the body. These skills strengthen all aspects of tattooing, leading to cleaner lines and more intentional designs.
With 25 years of professional experience, Jessie Fora will share insights into the evolution and impact of lettering styles, from Pike and Old English to script. We’ll also explore composition, tattoo history, and techniques like spit-shading used on flash sheets.
This lecture is for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of lettering in modern tattooing!
Letterform Lectures are a public aspect of the Type West postgraduate program. The series is co-presented by the San Francisco Public Library, where events are free and open to all.