Choose the letters for your monogram. Traditional personal monograms contain three initials, but the letter placement differs depending on the style. Victorian monograms have the last (or surname) initial in the center. The first name initial is on the left and the middle initial is on the right. Block monograms contain the three initials in the same order as the name (first, middle and last). For women, the maiden name initial can be substituted for the middle initial in either style. Wedding monograms contain the married surname initial in the center, with the bride's first initial on the left and the groom's first initial on the right. A couple's monogram can also contain both first names instead of the first initials.
Pick a font that matches the style you want your monogram to convey. Victorian monograms use script fonts, which have flourishes that add interest and intricacy. A more modern approach to the traditional script style uses a handwritten font. You can even use your own handwriting to create a truly personalized monogram. Block monograms use fonts with square edges and without flourishes. Look for fonts with names that include "engraved" or "deco" to find a good block monogram typeface. Design a more modern monogram by using blocky sans serif fonts. Modern monograms can also mix font styles. Try using a sans serif font for the center initial, combined with a script style for the side initials.
Create a graphic image for your monogram. Choose an icon that visually describes your personality. You could use a picture that represents your hobbies or other interests. Pick a simple shape to avoid an overly busy design. In the case of a wedding monogram, choose a graphic element that matches the theme of your nuptials. For instance, use starfish, shells or boats for a wedding on the beach. You could also use a favorite flower or a shared hobby for your wedding monogram image.
Design your monogram to reflect your personality and style. Traditional monograms have a large center initial, with smaller side initials. Make the side initials significantly smaller, so there is enough contrast with the center initial. Center the initials horizontally for a traditional look. Block monograms contain letters that are all the same size. Modern monograms use different alignments (for example, first initial on top and middle initial on the bottom) to break from the traditional mold. Experiment with letter size and position to see what works best for your style. Try overlapping letters or putting letters inside each other to get even more variations.