My Handwriting Sucks! I Want To Write Like This

[MyHandwritingSucks]

Long story short, I've never bothered to correct my handwriting, and it has remained 'elementary' ever since I learnt how to write. I think the best way to aptly describe this is to say; my version of 'neat' is essentially writing words with their constituent characters spaced so as to allow legibility. This is terribly time consuming, not to mention, TEDIOUS. My hand often cramps, and it honestly feels so unnatural.

 

I've never finished exams due to this.

My current handwriting impedes me from writing fast, as it often becomes illegible as my pace increases.

 

How would I go about attaining writing like this? I understand that improving my handwriting means to completely forget what I know now, to 'empty my cup', so to speak. And I'm more than willing to do so.

http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/thefozzybook/fountain%20pens/NOTEBOOK_-9281825-0001.jpg

 

http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/thefozzybook/fountain%20pens/NOTEBOOK_-9281825-0001.jpg

 

Not entirely sure how to embed

 

I honestly wouldn't mind either of the styles that are lower cased in the example above.

 

If anyone has similar styles, please do share. The third is a tad too conjoined for my liking, the second being better in the sense it's more legible in an ultimate aspect.

 

Now I completely understand that I'd have to change the mechanics of my handwriting.(Where my strokes start and finish, where I start with my characters and end, and whatever else?)

 

I'm ready to learn, please provide guidance.

[MyHandwritingSucks]

bump

[Notgatherox]

To be honest, I don't see the need to change your normal handwriting, seeing that it's perfectly legible to me. (I'm a student here, so if it's legible to me, surely it's legible to the teachers who have years of experience deciphering handwriting)

 

To speed things up do a little cursive. I don't mean cursive like D'Nealian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Nealian), by cursive I mean linking all the letters of the words up.

 

I had a friend who had almost illegible handwriting (only case where I believe there's an absolute need to change the handwriting) and she improved it by slowing down her speed, writing in a practice book (with lines like this: http://billgrant43.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/template-a3-double-page.jpg) and practising the Palmer Method.

 

And like Steven Brown puts it aptly in this video (Link:

): Practice is the key.

 

By the way, attached below is a picture of my handwriting. I don't have awesome handwriting and I don't plan on changing that (no I will not succumb to the pressure of learning Spencerian/Copperplate! ><).

 

 

I do manage to finish my papers, in the nick of time, with a hand worse than what was shown in that picture (You'll have to forgive me, I was running out of time )

 

Pardon me for the rambling. Hope my suggestion would help!

 

 

~Epic

 

 

[lynxcat]

there's only one way to improve your handwriting; it's the same way you'll get to Carnegie Hall. look through the appropriate parts of this forum, find the IAMPETH website, find a few of the modern handwriting teaching websites out there --- never mind if they're targeting primary school children, because the method of learning is the same; practice, practice, practice. pick a style you think you might like, find a tutorial for it, and start practising daily.

 

me, i picked up modern monoline italic some years ago and... well, i never got as good as those last two examples you posted. but i did manage to develop a cursive style with both lowercase and uppercase, and it's even mostly legible to other people, not just myself. you just need to work at it.

[MyHandwritingSucks]

To be honest, I don't see the need to change your normal handwriting, seeing that it's perfectly legible to me. (I'm a student here, so if it's legible to me, surely it's legible to the teachers who have years of experience deciphering handwriting)

 

To speed things up do a little cursive. I don't mean cursive like D'Nealian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Nealian), by cursive I mean linking all the letters of the words up.

 

I had a friend who had almost illegible handwriting (only case where I believe there's an absolute need to change the handwriting) and she improved it by slowing down her speed, writing in a practice book (with lines like this: http://billgrant43.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/template-a3-double-page.jpg) and practising the Palmer Method.

 

And like Steven Brown puts it aptly in this video (Link:

): Practice is the key.

 

By the way, attached below is a picture of my handwriting. I don't have awesome handwriting and I don't plan on changing that (no I will not succumb to the pressure of learning Spencerian/Copperplate! ><).

 

10339505_305222469653499_8323479082398337364_o.jpg

 

I do manage to finish my papers, in the nick of time, with a hand worse than what was shown in that picture (You'll have to forgive me, I was running out of time )

 

Pardon me for the rambling. Hope my suggestion would help!

 

 

~Epic

 

 

 

Your handwriting is great, imo.

 

Honestly, I'd be content with it. I read that all without the need to glance at words twice. There was no confusion. It was easy on the eyes, and probably some of the neatest 'legible' pieces I've read.

 

Thanks for the advice, will look up now.

 

Btw, the handwriting in the OP isn't mine, but something I'd want.

[gweimer1]

Your handwriting is practically artistice next to what mine used to be. I got a fountain pen almost a decade ago to aid in slowing down my writing, and gain some control. At its worst, and when I was at my worst, my cursive was a disjointed mess of undefined letters. There were times when even I couldn't read it.

 

Since then, especially in the past year, I've used my pen daily, even at work, and have taken time to work on my writing. It shows. I haven't gone so far as some of the other suggestions, but practice is the key. I use my fountain for everything, including my grocery lists and errand lists.

[MyHandwritingSucks]

Your handwriting is practically artistice next to what mine used to be. I got a fountain pen almost a decade ago to aid in slowing down my writing, and gain some control. At its worst, and when I was at my worst, my cursive was a disjointed mess of undefined letters. There were times when even I couldn't read it.

 

Since then, especially in the past year, I've used my pen daily, even at work, and have taken time to work on my writing. It shows. I haven't gone so far as some of the other suggestions, but practice is the key. I use my fountain for everything, including my grocery lists and errand lists.

 

Sorry, I thought it was clear in the way I had written; the OP handwriting isn't mine. Rather it's what I aspire to have.

 

I appreciate practice is key, and I'm more than willing to spend copious amounts of time perfecting my craft.

 

I am probably at the stage you found yourself 10 years ago.

Edited June 22, 2014 by MyHandwritingSucks

[MyHandwritingSucks]

This is from another user on this forum.

 

 

Is there a particular way he went about learning this?

 

What is the style?

[Notgatherox]

 

Your handwriting is great, imo.

 

Honestly, I'd be content with it. I read that all without the need to glance at words twice. There was no confusion. It was easy on the eyes, and probably some of the neatest 'legible' pieces I've read.

 

Thanks for the advice, will look up now.

 

Btw, the handwriting in the OP isn't mine, but something I'd want.

 

Thank you for the kind words

 

It got a little "corrupted" by the italic practice I did last December during the holidays. Italic was the easiest to pick up so yeah... Visible italic influences in the "t" and the "d". Didn't use to write like that XD

 

But yes, practice is the key. I used to have horrid handwriting when I was younger. Did penmanship till I was 10 Hated the teacher then. But my handwriting went from "near illegible" to "legible when I force myself to write till I get cramps" to today's "legible handwriting". Looking back I'm honestly grateful to my teacher for forcing my hand when I was younger.

 

Here's to you improving your handwriting soon!

 

 

~Epic

[Notgatherox]

This is from another user on this forum.

 

 

Is there a particular way he went about learning this?

 

What is the style?

 

If I'm not wrong, it's cursive, with a little of his own style.

 

How to go about learning it hmmm. Maybe check this website out? http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/mastering-calligraphy-how-to-write-in-cursive-script--vector-25716

 

 

Hope it helped!

 

 

~Epic

Edited June 23, 2014 by Notgatherox

[MyHandwritingSucks]

 

If I'm not wrong, it's cursive, with a little of his own style.

 

How to go about learning it hmmm. Maybe check this website out? http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/mastering-calligraphy-how-to-write-in-cursive-script--vector-25716

 

 

Hope it helped!

 

 

~Epic

 

 

 

 

~Epic

 

Thanks!

 

I'll total about 20 hours working on learning this and re-evaluate/see where I stand.

 

I'll update this thread I guess.

Edited June 22, 2014 by MyHandwritingSucks

[proton007]

 

Not entirely sure how to embed

 

I honestly wouldn't mind either of the styles that are lower cased in the example above.

 

If anyone has similar styles, please do share. The third is a tad too conjoined for my liking, the second being better in the sense it's more legible in an ultimate aspect.

 

Now I completely understand that I'd have to change the mechanics of my handwriting.(Where my strokes start and finish, where I start with my characters and end, and whatever else?)

 

I'm ready to learn, please provide guidance.

 

 

You need to post *your own* writing samples in order for us to provide feedback.

[ac12]

As was said, a LOT of practice.

What I did was look up the various Palmer script, because I had corrupted mine over the years.

Then I practiced writing...anything, as long as I wrote. I wrote a journal every day, but others will copy a book, which makes it a bit easier, as you don't have to make up things to write, you just copy. The idea is you practice as you want the writing to look like, so you will have to SLOW DOWN. Get the letter-form correct. When I wrote something poorly, I crossed it out and rewrote it, some times over and over and over until it looks like what I want. I my case it took about 3-4 months of daily practice min 1 hour a day, until things started falling into place and it became more natural. After 6 months I was pretty satisfied at the improvement.

 

HOWEVER if I try to speed up, like taking notes, my handwriting degenerates.

IOW, speed kills my handwriting.

 

There are different hands/styles that you can learn; italic, palmer, etc.

Just pick one, find the instructions, and start.

If the hand is different than what you've used, ie italic, the first part of practice is simply to learn the letter form and strokes.

 

There are techniques to writing fast/note taking, other than shorthand, but I have not followed up with reading about them.

 

If your hand is cramping, you are gripping the pen too TIGHT and/or pressing the pen down too hard.

I can and have written for over 2 hours, without feeling tired or sore.

• First, you need to learn to loosen your grip. Someone should be able to pull the pen out of your hand.
• 2nd, you need to learn to write with a LIGHT touch. A fountain pen will write under its own weight, you do not have to PRESS DOWN HARD like you do with a ball pen. You hand just needs to guide the pen.
• 3rd, try to learn to write with your arm, rather than your finger. The larger arm muscles will not tire as fast as the smaller finger muscles. I will admit that for me, this was the hardest change to learn to do. I had been a finger writer all my life, and it took me 3 months of daily practice before it started to become natural. Even now, I have to be careful to not regress and finger write.

BTW, in grad school I started printing ALL my exams in pencil, and anything handwritten that I had to turn in. This was as a result of something that I learned preparing for the CPA exam.

• If the grader cannot read your handwriting, you WILL loose points.
• And if your handwriting is difficult to read, they may not make the extra effort to decipher your scratches/handwriting and...you loose points.

There is a delicate balance between writing CLEARLY and writing fast enough to finish the exam.

I learned that, if you know your stuff, you know the answer, and I was able to finish the exam. Clear, brief and to the point.

Edited June 23, 2014 by ac12

[Vlad Soare]

there's only one way to improve your handwriting; it's the same way you'll get to Carnegie Hall.

 

You mean like this?

 

 

[Sasha Royale]

Seems to me that your mood controls your handwriting. Try controlling your mood. I use music, and memories of good friends..

[MyHandwritingSucks]

 

 

You need to post *your own* writing samples in order for us to provide feedback.

Sure!

 

http://i.xomf.com/gcvfv.jpg

 

 

If I'm not wrong, it's cursive, with a little of his own style.

 

How to go about learning it hmmm. Maybe check this website out? http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/mastering-calligraphy-how-to-write-in-cursive-script--vector-25716

 

 

Hope it helped!

 

 

~Epic

 

Look at above, I've spent about an hour going over certain characters and their strokes. Not too shabby, I suppose. It was more like 30 mins if I'm counting actual time working . I think the key is to practice, as I'm not exactly comfortable with this style yet. I'm writing quite slowly. Of-course, with practice that'll resolve itself. Not happy with it atm, but I shall continue you to work on it.

 

Thanks for your help.

As was said, a LOT of practice.

What I did was look up the various Palmer script, because I had corrupted mine over the years.

Then I practiced writing...anything, as long as I wrote. I wrote a journal every day, but others will copy a book, which makes it a bit easier, as you don't have to make up things to write, you just copy. The idea is you practice as you want the writing to look like, so you will have to SLOW DOWN. Get the letter-form correct. When I wrote something poorly, I crossed it out and rewrote it, some times over and over and over until it looks like what I want. I my case it took about 3-4 months of daily practice min 1 hour a day, until things started falling into place and it became more natural. After 6 months I was pretty satisfied at the improvement.

 

HOWEVER if I try to speed up, like taking notes, my handwriting degenerates.

IOW, speed kills my handwriting.

 

There are different hands/styles that you can learn; italic, palmer, etc.

Just pick one, find the instructions, and start.

If the hand is different than what you've used, ie italic, the first part of practice is simply to learn the letter form and strokes.

 

There are techniques to writing fast/note taking, other than shorthand, but I have not followed up with reading about them.

 

If your hand is cramping, you are gripping the pen too TIGHT and/or pressing the pen down too hard.

I can and have written for over 2 hours, without feeling tired or sore.

• First, you need to learn to loosen your grip. Someone should be able to pull the pen out of your hand.
• 2nd, you need to learn to write with a LIGHT touch. A fountain pen will write under its own weight, you do not have to PRESS DOWN HARD like you do with a ball pen. You hand just needs to guide the pen.
• 3rd, try to learn to write with your arm, rather than your finger. The larger arm muscles will not tire as fast as the smaller finger muscles. I will admit that for me, this was the hardest change to learn to do. I had been a finger writer all my life, and it took me 3 months of daily practice before it started to become natural. Even now, I have to be careful to not regress and finger write.

BTW, in grad school I started printing ALL my exams in pencil, and anything handwritten that I had to turn in. This was as a result of something that I learned preparing for the CPA exam.

• If the grader cannot read your handwriting, you WILL loose points.
• And if your handwriting is difficult to read, they may not make the extra effort to decipher your scratches/handwriting and...you loose points.

There is a delicate balance between writing CLEARLY and writing fast enough to finish the exam.

I learned that, if you know your stuff, you know the answer, and I was able to finish the exam. Clear, brief and to the point.

 

Thanks for the response. I appreciate it. V.helpful.

Edited June 27, 2014 by MyHandwritingSucks

[Iso*]

While ac12 is correct about the Palmer method, I think that if you are not taking up a particular script seriously, there are some minor adjustments that you can do to your handwriting.

IMO I think your handwriting isn't bad, and its definitely workable.

Regardless of script or formal styles, good handwriting is not a hard task to take up. My suggestion is to first establish your spacing. Make sure that your spacing between letters is uniform and consistent across the page. Go slowly at first to attain perfect spacing, and then increase your speed accordingly to the level that you desire.

I think it would also be worthy for you to practice your forms (and of course the consistency among those as well) and styles of letters. Of course, make sure that you know what you want to execute. Draw or write the ideal form of the letter that you want to practice, and then practice that letter to the desired mastery. Then, apply that practice in some page writing. Increase your speed as you become more adept at your writing.

One of the largest things I think to improving your handwriting - at least on a personal level, is to know the degree of mastery that you want to attain. Simply uttering a wish to improve is not providing yourself with a direction or a goal to work towards, and I think this is one of the large mistakes that everyone makes on this forum...

Another thing of note - it is a very good idea to have an example to work towards, i.e. an exemplar. As a student of artistic penmanship (I don't like calling it Spencerian), I often have samples of masterful writing before me so that I can visualise what I want to do. But of course, you must have excellent hand/arm control so that the hand is the willing servant of the mind.

[Draless]

this is what my handwriting looked like back in 2010. It was pretty bad.

 

 

 

Then over the years I kept writing and practicing and current day 2014 it looks like this. I am pleased with how it looks (thanks to some nibbage). Just keep writing and you'll get what you want.

 

 

 

 

[MyHandwritingSucks]

this is what my handwriting looked like back in 2010. It was pretty bad.

 

 

 

Then over the years I kept writing and practicing and current day 2014 it looks like this. I am pleased with how it looks (thanks to some nibbage). Just keep writing and you'll get what you want.

 

 

 

 

Wow. I'm impressed.

 

I'll be honest though, your handwriting before wasn't bad, and with minor improvement I'd be content with it. It was nice.

 

How long would it take you to write, say, the last picture in an exam based setting?

 

It looks awesome, but I need to be able to write nicely with speed.

 

Have you any examples of writing pieces you've written quickly?

[Algester]

you know what there's really no such thing as a sucky hand writing what's important it can be read because like beauty it's very subjective what looks good to other people looks bad to other people have confidence man HAVE CONFIDENCE

heck infact I'm still practicing flex writing all things considering because most manuals you will read are written for right hand people and obviously thats where the limit is set

but here are my samples

http://i.imgur.com/bXr0sIvl.jpg

 

Yes I'm a lefty

 

http://i.imgur.com/T4OVNxnl.jpg

 

I ended up just looking at letter forms and work from there I somehow developed my calligraphy around the flex nib