choolery

Choolery is a term that refers to a specific style of informal, often hand-drawn, lettering that emerged in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its playful, sometimes messy, and highly personalized aesthetic. Choolery is not a formal typeface but rather a visual expression often found in personal journals, scrapbooks, fan art, and early internet forums. Its popularity grew alongside the rise of digital scrapbooking and online communities dedicated to creative hobbies.

The distinct look of choolery comes from its organic and unrefined nature. Letters are frequently uneven in size and shape, with a tendency towards rounded forms and occasional exaggerated flourishes. It often incorporates elements like doodles, small illustrations, and varying line weights to add personality. This style is less about legibility and more about conveying a sense of fun, emotion, or individual artistic voice. While not a professionally designed font, many artists and hobbyists developed their own unique choolery alphabets that became recognizable within their respective communities. The term itself is a portmanteau, likely combining "school" and "gallery," suggesting a connection to youthful creativity and a place for showcasing personal work.