Jan 25: Mural graphics 2: Lettering | අකුරු | எழுத்துகள்

WORK IN PROGRESS

Intro

Many of the images in today’s lesson are inspired by a group of artists called Akuru Collective. Imagine these letters as signage for a shop, text in a mural, or a poster—not just something you read, but something you see.

In Sinhala and Tamil, letters are already very graphic—made of curves, loops, and patterns. Akuru Collective shows how letters can:

  • Show feeling and tone

  • Change meaning through size, shape, and weight

  • Be drawings, not just text

Today, we’ll explore letters as visual language.

we will focus on 5 letters, and draw it large, with 5 different feelings.

You will need:

  • Paper

  • pencil and eraser

  • paint (optional)

  • Felt pens

Guide (Play music, but pause every 10 minutes to switch to next letter)

Step 1: 50 mins

Choose one letter.
Draw it five times.
Each time, change how it feels.

Scary

  • Sharp edges

  • Uneven lines

  • Dark, heavy strokes

  • Tight or tense shape

Fun

  • Bouncy curves

  • Rounded forms

  • Playful proportions

  • Slight exaggeration

Minimal

  • One clean line

  • Even thickness

  • No extra marks

  • Calm, balanced shape

Loud

  • Very thick lines

  • Large scale

  • Bold shapes

  • Takes up space

Soft

  • Thin or faded lines

  • Rounded edges

  • Slow, gentle strokes

  • Open shapes

Step 2: (15 mins)

You can try draw a full word using a style of your choice. it can be a sign for the post office, a logo for the children’s center, a postcard, a sign for the shop.

Reflection

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