Importance Of Uniform Letter Size

[SuperNib44]

I have noticed recently that my writing is a certain size one day and a different size the next depending on how hurried I am, how tired I am etc. My handwriting has different qualities at different sizes and some size feel more natural than others. How important is size for writing? Is it important for to practice size control for uniform letters? Should I have 2 or three standard letter sizes to use (small, normal, large)? What do you do?

[wallylynn]

Consistency is key to legibility.
http://www.paperpenalia.com/handwriting.html

 

Not a problem to have different sizes, styles, etc, but don't mix them willy nilly. Like typesetting, you use mostly the same font and style. Changes for emphasis and distinction. It needs to be different for a reason.

[WirsPlm]

Doesn't bother me, I can read my handwriting at all sizes so it's fine (if I was writing mostly for others it might be different).

[erpe]

This is something that I actually really consider to be one of the most important and personal aspects of handwriting. Your hand reflects your mood at the moment of writing, something that is impossible to achieve in typing. I would not try to force uniformity here. Just keep an eye on legibility but avoid uniformity at (almost) all cost.

[cedargirl]

I agree with erpe - mood modifies writing - as long as you use one size/type of writing in the one letter/piece, all is good. Day to day variation is what handwriting is all about.

[GClef]

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m496/gclef1114/Tutuguans/0228140301a-1_zpsepivbcaz.jpg Edited February 28, 2014 by GClef

[erpe]

I would say that's ok, it's legible and certainly personal.

[SuperNib44]

This is something that I actually really consider to be one of the most important and personal aspects of handwriting. Your hand reflects your mood at the moment of writing, something that is impossible to achieve in typing. I would not try to force uniformity here. Just keep an eye on legibility but avoid uniformity at (almost) all cost.

I agree, but one can take non uniformity to extremes as GClef has shown us. To me absolute uniformity often detracts from the appearance of handwriting. Just look at examples of writing from 1930 and before. Sure a person might have some Spencarian letterforms but their writing is personal yet having quite a bit of consistency. Consistency is important but not necessarily uniformity.

[wallylynn]

 

At first glance, it's beautiful. Then I tried to read it, and it took a lot of mental effort.

[GClef]

At first glance, it's beautiful. Then I tried to read it, and it took a lot of mental effort.

 

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m496/gclef1114/Tutuguans/2014-02-28_12-29-24_106-1_zpsa467ad6c.jpg

[erpe]

Consistency is important but not necessarily uniformity.

 

That is the key I think.Regarding the handwriting of the old; I think they had a different training at a very young age when we already had typewriters and now it's still mostly keyboards and soon pads, phones and other touchthingies.As I understand it, writing is for an important part muscle memory. Fixing you handwriting at a later age might be more difficult but the damage from young age can maybe not be cured at all.

That said, it is also important where you writing goes, letters need some more attention than dairy scribbles which only I will read and are written much faster. Maybe I need to try to write journals in the same hand as letters

[Sasha Royale]

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m496/gclef1114/Tutuguans/0228140301a-1_zpsepivbcaz.jpg

 

Not your best, but readable. I find it a bit annoying. (Sorry !)

[Apprenti]

If the letters increase in size PROPORTIONATELY then it doesn't matter what size you write (and your pen nib size will play a factor in this).

 

Sometimes, variation's good. In spencerian, the variations add a certain charm to the writing. It's the same with other hands. Otherwise, you may as well use a typewriter.

 

Joe

[isoc]

 

.As I understand it, writing is for an important part muscle memory. Fixing you handwriting at a later age might be more difficult but the damage from young age can maybe not be cured at all.

That said, it is also important where you writing goes, letters need some more attention than dairy scribbles which only I will read and are written much faster. Maybe I need to try to write journals in the same hand as letters

As I am trying to "fix" my handwriting, I understand this. Although I have made progress, all the bad muscle memory is still there, and ready to pop onto the page as soon as I speed up my writing and don't concentrate.

 

- Ted

[Letterpress]

I find that the more I write, the better it gets. Buy a notebook, ink a couple of pens and make a point of recording something about your day - every day! Do a line or two of warm-up slashes or loops, and then dive into it. I think that if you are concentrating ON the writing, rather than just writing, it will drive you crazy and you won't maintain the habit. Just my two cents...