choice of pen nib and handwriting style

[Shangas]

Reading that poll got me so bloody confused, I didn't vote.

 

I write with fine or medium round nibs, sometimes with flexible nibs and my style is school cursive, as I was taught back in the 1990s. My handwriting is influenced heavily by what I call "schoolteacher handwriting". It was this generic, plain cursive handwriting that nearly ALL MY TEACHERS wrote with and I tried to copy it when I was younger because I reckoned it was neat and easy to read and write.

[georges zaslavsky]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/georges2/writing-1.jpg

I write with a non italic nib and in an hybrid of italic and conventional cursive writing.

[Eastree]

I've only used non-italic nibs. My handwriting can only be described as "What the ...?"

[rogerb]

As I've just commented elsewhere, people are usually their own severest critics regarding their handwriting....as long as it is reasonably legible (a basic requirement), the rest of it just gives it 'character'!

[SquelchB]

Gosh, it took me a long time to realize what each option actually means

[Mannenhitsu]

I use a standard off the shelf medium nib that suites me just fine. I like to use the old Palmer method of handwriting, which has been ingrained into me by my parents. Ironically, when I was in primary school, we learned the Zanner-Blosser method of handwriting, but I really liked the "looped cursive" Palmer style much better.

 

Now if I could just start to master Spencerian style, I would be very happy.

[calliej]

my grip, choice of nib and style of handwriting change with my mood

 

I can use cursive, print or a natural mishmash between the two, sometimes tall, thin and upright other times round, fat and sloping. Sometimes its the pen that decides ( I reach for a pen and whatever turns out to be in my hand dictates the style) and sometimes I do (I feel a ceretain way so search for the pen to fit my mood)....

 

I am a spontaneous creature....

[wvbeetlebug]

I voted "I use a non-Italic nib and conventional ("school") cursive", but I think I could've also chosen "I use a non-Italic nib and I "print" my writing".

 

My handwriting sometimes changes depending on my mood. It was 1983 or 1984 when I was in the 3rd Grade and I think we learned the Zaner Bloser method of penmanship. I've attached an example of my handwriting.

 

http://www.geocities.com/wvbeetlebug/pens/Handwriting_Example.jpg

[youstruckgold]

I have no idea what to answer.

 

My handwriting is "unique".

 

I prefer fine nibs, and just purchased a fine cursive italic nib from Mr Mottishaw for my white and tortoise pelikan which I have to say is fantastic to write with. What does that mean I should vote (wasn't sure, so haven't voted).

[caliken]

http://www.geocities.com/wvbeetlebug/pens/Handwriting_Example.jpg

 

This is most attractive, accomplished handwriting in the American style. IMO it makes a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous italic!

caliken

Edited September 1, 2008 by caliken

[Pink Ink]

I use a non-italic nib but I write whatever i want to. Usually that's either print or a mix of school cursive and italic.

[KateGladstone]

Re:

 

I have no idea what to answer.

 

My handwriting is "unique".

 

I prefer fine nibs, and just purchased a fine cursive italic nib from Mr Mottishaw for my white and tortoise pelikan which I have to say is fantastic to write with. What does that mean I should vote (wasn't sure, so haven't voted).

 

You probably fall under "I fit none of the above descriptions."

 

[aNONIEmous]

I thought I had posted my samples in this thread. I guess not. Anyway, this is the answer that applies to me: I use a non-Italic nib and the Italic writing style. My normal handwriting is posted at the bottom of this post. I have used ballpoints for years and I'm only just now returning to fountain pens and not finding it as easy as I remember.

 

When I decided I wanted to get serious with the hobby of Calligraphy, I wrote to Kate asking her to critique my writing since it is based on Italic Hand and what I usually do if asked to write something in Calligraphy is change the tip of the pen I'm using and write in my normal writing. So I wanted to know what changes I need to make in my handwriting to approximate the Italic Hand. She noticed that my caps were usually too big and my minuscule f was shorter than the other ascenders in my formal Italics and so made a few suggestions. So below was my first demo to her and then after that my "improvement" trying to adopt her suggestions. Finally my writing at my most comfortable (on the yellow sheet). I also throw in my first VERY SLOW attempt at writing with a fountain pen but taking care to form my letters as best as I could:

 

Before Kate's Corrections--Formal Italic (Sept 29, 2008); Pen used: Calligraphy Markers by Zig Memory Systems 2.0mm, black

http://images35.fotki.com/v1165/photos/3/31573/6796763/BeforeKatesCorrections-vi.jpg

 

After adopting Kate's Suggestions--Formal Italic (Oct 6); Pen used: Calligraphy Markers by Zig Memory Systems 2.0mm, green

http://images41.fotki.com/v1347/photos/3/31573/6796763/AfterKatesAdvice-vi.jpg

 

My normal handwriting at my most comfortable and a pretty good pace (Oct 6):

http://images41.fotki.com/v1346/photos/3/31573/6796763/Normalwriting-vi.jpg

 

Re-visiting fountain pens--written very slowly; felt very awkward writing with a fountain pen after almost 23 years! (Oct 10)

http://images40.fotki.com/v1333/photos/3/31573/6796763/AReturntoFountainPens-vi.jpg

 

ETA: I forgot to mention that the second from last sample was written with a RSVP Ballpoint Fine Pen (blue).

Edited October 26, 2008 by aNONIEmous

[caliken]

 

aNONIEmous :

 

These are three, very attractive, different aspects of italic writing. I, personally particularly like the clarity and lightness of the last, monoline example. Thanks for posting.

 

caliken

Edited November 1, 2008 by caliken

[aNONIEmous]

Thanks for the feedback, Caliken.

[Deirdre]

Mine's a mix of printing and cursive styles, probably best seen in the T and such.

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2543750065_5b813d3c12.jpg

[Pensee]

Use a Waterman 94 to get as much variation as I can. I'm trying to come up with an "Art Nouveau" looking style, so I guess mine's a combination of round nib with combination of cursive & Capital letters inspired by Mucha. Think I went for the "other" category.

 

--Bruce

[ProsaicParadise]

I tend to write in a mix of all caps and print-cursive hybrid. I like a Medium nib, a nice thick line.

 

Is there a name for hand writing in all caps? I got the habit partly from my dad.

[andyg30]

I thought I had posted my samples in this thread. I guess not. Anyway, this is the answer that applies to me: I use a non-Italic nib and the Italic writing style. My normal handwriting is posted at the bottom of this post. I have used ballpoints for years and I'm only just now returning to fountain pens and not finding it as easy as I remember.

 

When I decided I wanted to get serious with the hobby of Calligraphy, I wrote to Kate asking her to critique my writing since it is based on Italic Hand and what I usually do if asked to write something in Calligraphy is change the tip of the pen I'm using and write in my normal writing. So I wanted to know what changes I need to make in my handwriting to approximate the Italic Hand. She noticed that my caps were usually too big and my minuscule f was shorter than the other ascenders in my formal Italics and so made a few suggestions. So below was my first demo to her and then after that my "improvement" trying to adopt her suggestions. Finally my writing at my most comfortable (on the yellow sheet). I also throw in my first VERY SLOW attempt at writing with a fountain pen but taking care to form my letters as best as I could:

 

Before Kate's Corrections--Formal Italic (Sept 29, 2008); Pen used: Calligraphy Markers by Zig Memory Systems 2.0mm, black

http://images35.fotki.com/v1165/photos/3/31573/6796763/BeforeKatesCorrections-vi.jpg

 

After adopting Kate's Suggestions--Formal Italic (Oct 6); Pen used: Calligraphy Markers by Zig Memory Systems 2.0mm, green

http://images41.fotki.com/v1347/photos/3/31573/6796763/AfterKatesAdvice-vi.jpg

 

My normal handwriting at my most comfortable and a pretty good pace (Oct 6):

http://images41.fotki.com/v1346/photos/3/31573/6796763/Normalwriting-vi.jpg

 

Re-visiting fountain pens--written very slowly; felt very awkward writing with a fountain pen after almost 23 years! (Oct 10)

http://images40.fotki.com/v1333/photos/3/31573/6796763/AReturntoFountainPens-vi.jpg

 

ETA: I forgot to mention that the second from last sample was written with a RSVP Ballpoint Fine Pen (blue).

 

aNONIEmous I am envious your writing is so neat! I am trying to improve my daily writing as at the moment I feel it looks childish and lacks character once I am feeling brave enough I will post difficult to gain the nerve in such esteemed company.

Edited February 9, 2009 by andyg30

[Ravenshurst]

I chose #4 italic - italic/cursive, but that isn't quite correct...like nearly everything else in my life, I just don't quite fit anywhere, lol. At work I use a Waterman/medium to take notes in a psuedo Spencerian style, I make lists, notes to myself or short notes to friends are written with an old Speedball calligraphic fountain pen in a Spencerian/Chancery italic hand, and real letters (the old fashioned kind that get mailed) are always written with a dip, either an xtra fine flex in Spencerian Copperplate,a fine not-so-flex in my Spencerian/Chancery hand, or an edged nib in a (bleep) Secretary hand with either (bleep) or Gothic maj's. I wish I had a scanner so I could show you all...not that my penmanship is great (it's not) but because I would appreciate some input for the experts.

 

Write On

 

Gonzo