How To Draw Bubble Letters?

Bubble letters are those big, round letters that seem tp pop off the page! They were first popularized in graffiti, but they’ve made their way into pop culture, design, and even the digital world. Let’s find out where bubble letters came from, why they’re still so popular, and more importantly how you can start drawing your own with Writey.

Image courtesy of Artribune. Original article: Addio a Phase 2: Pioniere dell’Hip Hop, Il Mondo del Writing Perde un Fratello e Maestro”

Bubble letters first appeared in New York City in the early 1970s, thanks to legendary graffiti artist Lonny Wood, aka Phase 2. He’s often credited as the inventor of the bubble letter style, or as he called it, “softies.” Phase 2’s work brought bold, rounded forms to the world of graffiti—puffy, marshmallow-like letters that made a huge impact on urban art.

PHASE 2 graffiti piece, utilizing the “bubble letter” style. New York City circa the early 1970s. This photograph is copyrighted by Jack Stewart

By 1972, he’d refined this style so much that other graffiti artists began copying it, each adding their own spin. Phase 2 even created variations like the “bubble drip” and “bubble cloud,” infusing his letters with stars, arrows, and other funky elements. This unique style helped make graffiti art more visible and understandable, grabbing attention from afar. These innovations made bubble letters popular worldwide, cementing Phase 2’s legacy as a pioneer of street art.

By the 1980s and 1990s, bubble letters had crossed over from graffiti into mainstream media. Hip-hop culture was booming, and bubble letters quickly became a part of it—showing up on album covers, in music videos, and on streetwear. Brands began using bubble letters in their logos, and kids’ shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer used the playful typography in titles and merchandise, adding a lighthearted feel that audiences loved.

Then there’s Churchward Marianna, a plump and playful typeface designed by Joseph Churchward in 1969. Fun fact: he named it after his daughter Marianna because she was a “bit plumpy” back then, a fitting match for his “fat design.”

 “I called it Marianna because Marianna was fat in those days and it was a fat design… you were plumpy… that’s why I called it Marianna…”.

Churchward Marianna eventually gained traction in print, appearing in catalogs like Berthold’s E1 in the early 1970s. It’s since been digitally revived by Churchward Type and BluHead Studio, a testament to how enduring and versatile bubble-like fonts can be.

Big Babol gum, a hit from the late 1970s, became famous in the ’80s for its bright bubble letters on packaging. The bold, playful lettering style became iconic in the world of branding, proving that bubble letters could stand out and capture attention of the costumer.

Bubble letters bring a lot more to the table than just retro vibes or graffiti cred. They’re an awesome addition to any creative project because they’re bold, versatile, and full of personality. Bubble letters are great for making posters, logos, or just doodling. Overall, it’s a great way to add that extra pop.

Now that you know a bit of the history, let’s get hands-on! Writey makes creating bubble letters super easy and fun. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

• Begin with Basics: Practice each letter individually, following Writey’s guided strokes to get the shape just right.
• Form Words: Once you’re comfortable with individual letters, practice connecting them to form words smoothly.

• Add Your Words: In the Create Tab, type in any word you like. This is where you can experiment with different words or even fun effects.
• Refine and Perfect: Writey lets you trace, adjust, and really make each word your own.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try adding some variety:

• 3D Bubble Letters: Add shadows for a 3D effect that makes each letter look like it’s popping off the page.
• Doodles and Patterns: Inside the letters, draw tiny patterns or shapes, like stars or swirls, to add personality.
• Gradient Fills: Use a gradient of colors to fill your letters, giving them a vibrant look.
• Shadow Effects: Adding shadows to one side of each letter creates a bold, professional effect.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Don’t Rush! Take your time shaping each letter. It’s all about precision.
• Keep It Consistent. You can use lined paper or Writey’s guidelines to keep your letters even and straight.
• Don’t Skip the Training since it helps you get used to the curves of bubble letters

Bubble letters have an approachable, playful vibe that makes them perfect for posters, notes, social media, and more. They’ve traveled from street walls to the digital screen, and this just proves that their charm and adaptability are timeless.

Witt Writey, learning and creating your own bubble letters will be so easy. Give it a try, play around with the styles, and find what works for you.