Tips & tricks for creating your own monogram
In our last monthly font post, we shared several fonts for creating monograms. Now, we wanted to help you brainstorm how to create your own monogram using those fonts with graphic embellishments!
The Graphics Fairy site offers so many borders, frames, and old printer’s elements. These images are perfect for developing your very own monogram to use on stationary, invitations, and in logos!
Here are some layout ideas to get you started!
1. INTERLOCKING – {font} Monogram KK by Koeiekat 2. SIMPLE ORNAMENTS – {font} Elephant by Matthew Carter {graphics} Graphic separators from The Graphics Fairy 3. LETTER SEAL – {font} Debonair Inline by Nick’s Fonts {graphics} French label from The Graphics Fairy 4. MODERN SHAPE – {font} Party at Gatsby’s by Tysmagic 5. SINGLE INITIAL – {font} Champignon by Diogene {graphic} Classic wreath from The Graphics Fairy 6. ABSTRACT / MIRRORED – {font} Geotica 2012 by Exljibris 7. THREE INITIALS – {font} Rosart by Roger White {graphic} Vintage French frame from The Graphics Fairy 8. STACKED – {font} Ecuyer DAX by Daxad 9. SQUARE FRAME – {font} Eutemia by Bolt Cutter Design {graphic} Fleur de Lis square frame from The Graphics Fairy 10. CALLIGRAPHY EMBELLISHMENT – {font} Respective by Mans Greback {swashes} Nymphette by Nymphont 11. CASUAL & INFORMAL – {font} Harabara Hand by Andre Harabara 12. SIMPLE STACKED – {font} Elephant by Matthew Carter
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| Laurel wreath perfect for weddings |
Narrow Down By Style. Are you looking for ornate script? Art nouveau letters? Do you want your monogram to be very casual looking, like handwriting? If you know the period style you want, you will save hours of searching through font sites. Many font sites are categorized by style; start there if you feel like you’ll be overwhelmed.
Preview Your Letters. Many download sites let you type your own text to preview a font before download. Always preview the letters you’re going to use in your monogram to see if the look & letters are what you really want before you take the time to download and install the font.
Search Wisely. Are you looking for cool borders or elements to use with your letters? A few key words you may want to search on The Graphics Fairy site or other clip art repositories include: printer’s ornaments, printer’s elements, dingbats, calligraphy swashes, lines, borders, labels, frames, and wedding.
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| Letter pulled from an 1877 alphabet! |
Know How You’ll Use It. Is your monogram going on wedding stationary? Is it just for fun? Will it be a web logo? Are you going to be using it for commercial purposes? What you’re going to do with the monogram will help narrow down which fonts you can use for free, and which ones require payment or a donation. For example, a personal use only font is okay for a friend’s baby shower invites, but not okay for a new line of invites you’ll be selling on Etsy. Read the files and restrictions that come with free fonts to make sure you’re abiding by the author’s requirements.
Play Around. Use the inspiration ideas above. Go back through frames and fonts that you especially love. Rearrange and stack letters until you find something that speaks to you. Play with color! Though we didn’t use much color in this post, color opens up TONS of options and really makes the varieties endless!
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| This oak branch is a great masculine option for monograms! |
Here’s a handy-dandy cheat sheet for monogram rules:
Have a wonderful time designing and personalizing your monograms!
Emily
Hello! Are you new to The Graphics Fairy?
Browse around to find Graphics, Projects and DIY Tutorials, as well as Free Iron On Printables (many of them French!)
Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours says
Great guidelines, Karen! I’ve always wished I had a monogram, but never taken the time to design one. You’ve got my creative juices flowing… 🙂
Cynthia S. says
I love the guidelines, Karen. I have always loved playing with fonts. This article just makes it easier. Thank you~
Pat C. says
Very helpful info! Thank you, Emily and Karen.: ) xoxo
Emily Martin says
Thank you Pat for the kind words!
jusaweecatnap says
Thanks. Really useful and inspiring information.
Bre says
Thank you! Where is the wreath image for ‘single initial’ from?
alice says
Hi Karen, these are deeee-lightful. I’ve been trying to access your ‘about me’ and ‘FAQ’ pages, but cant. :o(
I have a question for you – how do you get a high res pic onto your blog to share?? is there a particular program you use?? Am getting v frustrated with blurry pics.
thanks in advance
Sabrina says
You have and give such wonderful material! Thank you!
Rebecca says
Good morning. Great website and so inspirational! I am going to attempt to upcycle an old roll top desk for my daughter with chalk paint (which I have never done before). I would love to put her distressed monogram in a distressed french frame (https://thegraphicsfairy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/French-Vintage-Images-Frame-GraphicsFairy21.jpg) (like you show above ) on the writing area of the desk using possibly a modge podge transfer technique or other technique your recommend . I have never done this before and could use some guidance and would love to hear from you. Your advice on your techniques would be genuinely appreciated!
Thanks!
Rebecca
Krystal says
how do i download these monogram free fonts?
Karen Watson says
Krystal, Just click on the links in the post, to download them.
KENDRA says
Hi. I would like to use the mongrams on wooden handers? I like the 3 letters overlaying look in fancy script. I would also like the option of spelling out the first name. I don’t have any idea where to begin how to place it or transfer on the hangers. Could you please give me some ideas? Thank you.
graphicsfairy says
Hi Kendra,
Here is a link to my favorite transfer methods. Probably a great place to start is to go through and see all of the methods available to you. The next step would be to practice on a spare item, just to get practice in before trying it on your final project. These projects take time and practice. We all had to start somewhere and practice is what got us here 🙂 Good luck! Oh, and have fun 🙂
https://thegraphicsfairy.com/12-easy-image-transfer-methods-for-diy-projects/