When did you first feel like, “This is it. This is the work I want to be known for”?

It happened when I started sharing my process videos online. I realized people weren't just interested in the finished logo or quote; they loved seeing the "how" behind the letters. Watching the community react to the way I constructed my paths and used my brushes is when it really clicked. I knew then that I wanted to be known as the guy who makes lettering accessible and fun for everyone, blending high-end results with a transparent, educational approach.

What’s been quietly (or loudly) fueling your creative spark lately?

I love exploring shops to hunt for interesting book covers, packaging, or vintage signs. I’m constantly taking photos of anything that stands out, then finding ways to weave those details into my own work. Alongside that, Pinterest is a massive spark for me. I enjoy trying to replicate cool type effects I see from other artists, and breaking them down to figure out the "how" behind the look. It is a brilliant way to learn new techniques that I can then demonstrate and share with others.

Which part of the creative process is your favorite, and why?

I absolutely love the moment my initial sketches are done and I start building the vector version. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a loose, penciled idea suddenly snap into focus as a clean piece of artwork. It feels like the polishing phase, where everything starts to look professional. That transition from a messy concept to a crisp, scalable design is definitely the highlight of my day and the most rewarding part of the process.

What’s something Affinity just gets right?

It’s the way everything is integrated into a single workspace. Being able to work in vector while still adding raster textures without leaving the app is exactly what I need. The tools feel like they were built by people who actually design things. Everything is intuitive and works the way you expect it to, which means I can focus on the art instead of fighting with the software.

Is there an Affinity trick you always end up sharing?

I always tell people to try double-tapping on a path node. It’s the quickest way to switch between a smooth curve and a sharp corner. When you’re drawing a whole set of letters, those saved seconds really add up. It makes the entire editing process feel more fluid and responsive, and it’s my favorite little “did you know?” tip for anyone getting started with the Pen Tool.

Ian Barnard

Lettering artist

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Educator

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United Kingdom

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Pro Panel

Ian Barnard is a lettering artist and designer whose work bridges the gap between traditional pen-and-paper craftsmanship and digital design. Rooted in hand-drawn lettering, his practice focuses on capturing the character, texture, and soul of analog marks through digital tools, mixing expressive, tactile sketching with the satisfying precision of vector design. Alongside his own creative work, he builds custom brushes and resources that help other artists develop confidence and flow in digital lettering.

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Creative work

Created through a sketch exchange, this hand-lettered illustration explores curiosity, possibility, and forward-thinking optimism.→

Lettering

Handlettering

Illustration

A bold 3D lettering piece created as a tutorial, exploring color, depth, and dimension in contemporary typographic design.→

Lettering

A lettering-driven illustration celebrating human creativity and expression in contrast to an increasingly AI-shaped world.→

Lettering

Handlettering

Illustration

Channeling the realities of distance running, this hand-lettered piece reflects persistence and routine.→

Lettering

Illustration

Handlettering

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“Affinity has totally changed the game for me by removing the barriers between different creative tasks. I love that I can move from a rough, organic sketch to a precise vector piece without ever switching apps.”

Q&A

It happened when I started sharing my process videos online. I realized people weren't just interested in the finished logo or quote; they loved seeing the "how" behind the letters. Watching the community react to the way I constructed my paths and used my brushes is when it really clicked. I knew then that I wanted to be known as the guy who makes lettering accessible and fun for everyone, blending high-end results with a transparent, educational approach.
I love exploring shops to hunt for interesting book covers, packaging, or vintage signs. I’m constantly taking photos of anything that stands out, then finding ways to weave those details into my own work. Alongside that, Pinterest is a massive spark for me. I enjoy trying to replicate cool type effects I see from other artists, and breaking them down to figure out the "how" behind the look. It is a brilliant way to learn new techniques that I can then demonstrate and share with others.
I absolutely love the moment my initial sketches are done and I start building the vector version. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a loose, penciled idea suddenly snap into focus as a clean piece of artwork. It feels like the polishing phase, where everything starts to look professional. That transition from a messy concept to a crisp, scalable design is definitely the highlight of my day and the most rewarding part of the process.
It’s the way everything is integrated into a single workspace. Being able to work in vector⁠(opens in a new tab or window) while still adding raster textures without leaving the app is exactly what I need. The tools feel like they were built by people who actually design things. Everything is intuitive and works the way you expect it to, which means I can focus on the art instead of fighting with the software.
I always tell people to try double-tapping on a path node. It’s the quickest way to switch between a smooth curve and a sharp corner. When you’re drawing a whole set of letters, those saved seconds really add up. It makes the entire editing process feel more fluid and responsive, and it’s my favorite little “did you know?” tip for anyone getting started with the Pen Tool.

Lettering illustration by Ian Barnard featuring the phrase “Stay Wild” in textured, layered shapes and earthy colors.