We Can Rebuild It... We Have The Technology

[SharkOnWheels456]

Yes, it's another beginner thread.

(without paraphrasing too much from my writing sample), I hate to clog up the thread feed with another one of these, but I am looking for some specialized advice. Recently, I've become very aware of the quality of my handwriting, and I've been looking to improve it. I've noticed a couple of key areas I really need to focus in on.

 

1. Consistency - This applies to both my forms and the size of my letters. I sometimes switch between several different f's or t's or m's while I am writing.
2. Size - While it does depend on the ruling (which affects everyone's handwriting), I've found that I can switch from fairly small lettering to large lettering sometimes. I am a big fan of medium nibs, so I usually reach a middle ground where that type of line thickness is appropriate, but I really need to have more consistency in how large I write and how large I make the spaces between words and sentences.
3. Slant - Being a lefty, I sometimes find myself writing with a slant, and other times without one. I also occasionally hold the page at an angle, depending on how I feel. If I go forward, I should probably break the schizophrenia and stick to one consistent position

What would be the best course of action from this point on? Are there any specific exercises that help with my problems, or is the only cure to be more mindful of these things during my daily writing and practice sessions that I will be starting soon? Since I am still young, I am hoping I can break some of my worse habits before it's too late *dun dun dun*

 

Thanks ,

 

Mike.

Attached are some writing samples. I'll provide a transcription if requested.

Edited October 8, 2013 by SharkOnWheels456

[GabrielleDuVent]

Switching writing styles can confuse a lot of writers, and I had a period when my H went between two variations. Here are the things I did to tackle the problems you've mentioned:

 

1. Using an ink eradicator and an ink-eradicator-friendly ink, I just wrote, trying to keep in mind which type of cursive I used. Do it enough times and you'll stop being conscious about it, and stick to one style. It took me about a week.

 

2. Use a practice pad, the kind they use in elementary schools where you have a dotted line down the middle between two lines. Then, apply the same principle to regular ruled papers. Capitals take up the full height, ascenders a little less, descenders should be the height of ascenders but length flipped, e.t.c.

 

3. Slant... this is the hardest. Either decide to slant or not to slant, and stick to it, I suppose. My father's a leftie and he has a slant, a consistent one.

 

All in all, write slowly. That's half the problem with all of us; writing slowly allows the writer to be more conscious of the letters formed, and the overall style. When I'm trying to write neatly, my writing speed drops to about half of what I'm used to. But hey, the outcome is worth the time.

[dickydotcom]

One thing I think helps me with a consistent slope is to have the writing paper on a card, ruled with the slope line.

And as Gabrielle says; write slowly and consider each letter as you write it.

 

Dick D

[wallylynn]

So, when do we get paid?