One Style, Five Layouts:

Simple Tweaks for Dynamic Designs

You do not always need a library of complex lettering styles to make your work stand out. Sometimes, the most professional results come from sticking to one simple style like block lettering and making small, intentional changes to how it sits on the page.

We usually start with a classic stacked layout, keeping everything horizontal and aligned. While this is a great baseline, you can create a completely different energy just by tweaking the bones of your composition.

Here are five ways to transform a simple block lettering into something much more interesting:

1. Shift the Angle

By simply tilting the words on an axis, you add instant motion to the design. It is the same block lettering, but the slant makes it feel dynamic instead of static. You can take it a step further by adding a 3D shadow and an outline.

2. Create a Focal Point

Enlarge the first letter and add a bit of flourish. Changing the scale of just one character draws the eye in and gives the quote a clear hierarchy.

Tool Tip: If you struggle with keeping your letters in proportion during this stage, LetterBuilder acts as a structural guide to ensure your characters stay perfectly in scale across the entire composition.

3. Add Some Curves

Curving the words along an arc breaks the "box" feel of a standard layout. This small adjustment makes the composition feel more organic and custom.

Layout Tip: Mapping out these curved paths is much faster with GridBuilder. It helps you maintain perfect letter heights along any arc, which is essential for a professional finish.

4. Play with the Baseline

Instead of a straight line, try a randomized or bouncy baseline. Moving letters up and down slightly adds a playful character to the piece. You can also extend specific strokes to nestle into the gaps of neighbouring letters, making the whole layout feel more interconnected.

5. Layer the Details

Experiment by blending these styles into a single composition. Try curving your baselines to fit specific shapes, or adding dimension with 3D shadows, inline details, and delicate embellishments. As long as your work remains legible, these techniques will elevate your art and help you move beyond a basic stacked layout.

Master the Craft: My 12 Decorative Techniques course shows you exactly how to apply these small, high-impact details to any block lettering project. Use code “LEARN” to get 50% OFF my courses.

Which of these tweaks is your favourite?

Reply and let me know.

Ian