Handwriting for adults
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 лис 2024
- Handwriting tutorial for adults not children. See www.jwren-image...
and www.soundcloud.com and search John R Neal to listen to more of my
music.
GENERAL STUFF
I am retired from two careers of primary school teaching when I was deputy head of a Middle School and Primary School, and as a self employed Chalkboard Artist from 2002 until I reached the grand old age of 65 in 2016. Since I retired it’s like a second childhood but with more expensive toys.
SORRY BUT my website does no longer exist. Use these links below to buy my FOUR FULL LENGTH VIDEO $10.00 (approx £7.50) directly via Fastspring
1.
’ Better Handwriting for Adults’
sites.fastsprin...
2.
‘More Handwriting for Adults’
sites.fastsprin...
3.
‘Introduction to Chalkboard Art’
sites.fastsprin...
4.
‘More Chalkboard Art’
sites.fastsprin...
I have also written a book published by Ulysses Press and can be purchased from:
AMAZON UK
www.amazon.co....
AMAZON USA
www.amazon.com...
My FACEBOOK Page / johnnealartist
I play guitar and write songs and have written about 14 songs for the local BBC radio station. I run a weekly (weakly) evening Acoustic session at a local pub and have been doing so for 14 years now. I also started an afternoon acoustic session in a quite large cafe in Nuneaton. Both premises were former songwriting clients of mine.
Much of the music I use on this channel is taken from epidemicsound.com free to use on UA-cam for a reasonable monthly fee, and sometimes I suffer you with my own music.
Gear that I use:
DJI Mavic Mini Drone.
Iphone X for camera, generally front facing so I can see myself in frame. Super quality especially if I keep the lens clean.
Gimble is a Q2 Smooth by Zhiyun, I ought to use this more often because it was expensive.
Canon G7mk2
Rhode videomicro mic with iPhone (if necessary in the wind)
Rhode videomic to do voice over on computer
Video editing with Final Cut Pro X
Polarduck Mini Tripod for mobile phone. This is so good and under £10.00 I bought two.
Lamcou bendy leg tripod
Tall Tripod is a Velbon CX 540
Mono pod is a Manfrotto Compact MMC3-02 and is very useful for getting high angles that look like low flight drone shots and so easy to carry on my bike along with the mini tripod.
Money from ARTWORK SOLD will go to the MONA FOUNDATION
for details see www.monafounda...
I am a follower of the Bahá'i Faith and some of my philosophical ideas may show through in comments that I make, but, by and large, I’ll not make direct reference to my beliefs.
See www.bahá’i.org
To hear my Bahá'i INSPIRED SONGS, (and others) GO TO:
/ bahai-inspired-songs
I also enjoy gardening but lay no claims to have any expertise, and you might catch me out in the countryside of Warwickshire and nearby Leicestershire on a walk with my wife or on a bike ride.
Please comment below to inform further plans for my vlogs. I’d love to hear from you. If you don’t you will just get whatever bubbly ideas float to the surface of my slightly muddled elderly mind.
I sent this to my doctor and she blocked me
got’em
I don't get it
Lupid because doctors have terrible handwriting
Squidy Ko I’m dead🤣
This comment was already USED!
!
What I love about the internet is that you can learn/improve every single skill of yours just by finding how to do it on the video. My handwriting looks just awful. It's great that I can find a video how to practice and make better such basic skill.
Thank you for this video.
Sorry if there are some mistakes, but english is not my native language.
Hey, how is your handwriting now?
How is your handwriting now??
Please
YeA My HaNdwRiTiNg iS bæd ToO
It's been 5 years. How is your handwriting now?
ا
Thanks John. I have to add that handwriting is slowly fading out as communication tool but it is also coming back for an increasing number of reasons:
1. proof of life.
2. boost brain activity.
3. boosts positive thinking and creativity.
4. Less distractions when you only have a pen and a paper to interact with.
5. Modern computers is coming back with remarkable success to handwriting as an input method.
6. it is fun and relaxing activity.
7. most people seriously consider it as a hobby but some take it as a profession.
Thanks for the beautiful lesson John.
Hi Hasham
Thanks for your kind comments and interesting points as well.
John
I practice my handwriting every day by copying out a poem or paragraph from a book I'm reading. I've noticed that once I warm up and am relaxed in my rhythm, I see the letters as both parts of the word I'm writing and abstract shapes, simultaneously. It helps me focus on creating even, nicely formed letters. It's a very relaxing pastime!
pen64 I do too! Expect it's more like random things that happen around me or names of people.
pen64 Great idea! I love writing with fountain pens. Maybe I'll write the lyrics of some of my favorite rock n roll classics.
I bought this cursive book a few months ago, and I'm pleased it served me right.
Declaration of Independence. There was a time kids had to hand-write that. We did in 4th grade. God Bless Texas.
I sort of have tears in my eyes! I'm studying up to be a diplomat, and I love sending hand written notes anyways. The only problem is, I have a bad handwriting in 3 languages. Your video just made a ton of difference almost immediately. I cannot thank you enough! Also, the test involves handwriting an essay as well, so hopefully this will help me perfect my skill by the time I take the test.
So, 7 years latter, did you stay in the path of diplomat? How is your handwriting so far?
Found a better calling! But yes, thanks to this video, my handwriting has improved enough that I am occasionally asked by my wife to write handwritten invitations. Sometimes I even write on the conference room whiteboards, and people tend not to erase it, mostly because of my handwriting. I still aim to improve a million times more.
Thanks Claire for your comments. I think before too long there will be a resurgence in the art of handwriting. I don't mean just very stylish calligraphy but a workable everyday handwriting. We are surrounded with so much computerised and lifeless lettering and type that we yearn for a flavour of the human. Let me know how you get on. Can you email me a photo of your fathers writing?
John
Well, would you look at that, a prophesy from 5 years ago currently becoming a reality. I think the main driving force of the reappearance of handwriting is the popularization of fountain pens, specially the cheaper ones that can actually write very nicely and are quite durable despite being in the under $5 bracket.
I used to hate hacndwriting until i decided to get a fountain pen, got a really cheapy plastic one just for a picture of me signing a certificate and i thought i would just shelve it afterwards. The cartridge it came it ran out in an hour. Today i own a Jinhao X750 and it is one of the 5 objects i would save in a house fire (computer and phone are not in that list, my Sheaffer ink is though), my handwriting is still not great but now that i love the feel of the nib on paper it became legible, just from enjoying the experience i improved it.
Yes, me too! I would love to see his style of cursive writing!
@@remiaktheharridan535 Me too! There is just something about writing with a fountain pen!
Enjoyed watching your video.
I learned how to write at around age 4 and remember using handwriting workbooks where I'd trace over the dotted lines. During my middle school years, my class teacher made it mandatory for all students to write with a fountain pen. I'm forty five now and have recently started a fountain pen collection. Watching my favorite colored inks flow out of the pen and onto the paper is very therapeutic. I'm a kid again.
Bete lgeuse sounds interesting I'll buy a fountain pen today
Great Expectations fountain pens are expensive I bought mine for £20 and the cartridges leak till they’re empty and then leak down the barrel onto your thumb I don’t know whether others are like that but I don’t really wanna spend another £20 on a pen If it doesn’t even work.
in fact i'll take a shot with dad's pen 😅 and i'll be very careful😅
Great Expectations good luck 😂
I, too, have recently fallen down the fountain pen vortex. Ink as well, but mostly cartridges. I don’t buy anything over $30.00 but still have way too many. I am writing more letters and notes, even writing to folks I’ve seen on TV. My mum is British and her handwriting is like calligraphy. My dad, too, had exquisite handwriting, so my writing was always about correction and perfection. I do write beautifully, and as a retired teacher, it was a valuable asset. It is very relaxing to write.
John you are truly gifted in handwriting. I’m 71 years old and everyone says they love my handwriting but I hope to master a consistent form. Those who admire mine obviously haven’t seen yours. I love finding old books with those of yesteryears writing. The form is beautiful artwork and I like to purchase if affordable. Just found you and subscribed. Best to you for your sharing. From Okeechobee,Florida
The pro to this video - I have learned a lot and I found it really interesting.
The con to this video - if I ever wrote a ransom note the police would be searching for a five year-old.
I better start practicing.
I'm a teen and I love this writing seeing this helps a lot and I've tried it and it does take practice.
Thanks John Neal
Im guessing you're an adult now
I just wrote a few words and this is amazing. I got hooked on calligraphy after buying a fountain pen a few weeks ago. I bought all my stuff from your site and great products to use and look great. Thank You for providing a great site and Awesome products.
Im 56 years old, my grandmother was the one to teach me how to write, she always told me to hold the pen or pencil loosely, never hold it tight !!! Someone should be able to walk past you and grad it out of your hand, my grandmother got great compliments on her penmanship all the way untill the age of 103 years old ! Thanks to her i get compliments all the time, when i do i always think " thanks granny".
Remember to pass it on
Hi Valber, thanks for your kind comments, look for 'buy video' on my website from the link www.jwren-images.co.uk
I have always had a horrible handwriting. My elementary school teachers tried and tried and tried to help me improve, but to no avail. I started using a fountain pen many years ago, and still rushed while writing. Illegible would be an improvement over what my handwriting used to be. Then I found UA-cam. The first thing I learned was "Slow Down" while writing. My handwriting has gotten a bit better. I just found your video from July 25, 2013. Thank you for the lesson. I will definitely look at your website and download the tutorial. By the way, out of all the fountain pen sites on UA-cam, you are the very first to write the "Quick brown fox" quote correctly. Everyone else says "jumps" over the lazy dog. I learned it your way! Thank you!
So after a month of practicing my best advice is the following for adults:
Get a fountain pen immediately. Not only does it help you improve, but you don't have to press as hard, it allows you to relax, and there is less pain in the joints due to strain. I have written for hours with my fountain pen; just 20 minutes on a ballpoint or even rollerball gives me pain.
Agreed
After switching to fountain pen for year my ball point pen handwriting got worse
Wow written very fluent and well, I’m impressed there are a few words like ‘due’ and ‘strain’ i would or ever have used but are you very well with punctuation, i mean i dont think there was any need for punctuation in your comment other than a few.
your getting too old
I hate fountain pens. It ruins my handwriting. 😑
I’m trying to relearn writing in script, while also using my first fountain pen.
Too many years of having to write reports in all-caps block letters and “press hard, making 4 copies” has left me with terrible arthritis in my hands and fingers.
I remember watching this as a kid and it inspired me to improve at least one thing I felt like I was capable of. I had a horrible handwriting as a kid though I was a good student and it triggered me cause I felt like I couldn’t help it. The difference after following the tips for a few months was uncanny. I will forever be grateful to this man to make my handwriting look readable and neater than I could have ever imagined.
I am just watching this video back cause I want to relive those memories again.
Thank You Sir! Great handwriting. After 25ish years now, I started to write with a fountain pen again. There are some really good and forgotten things about old school ways of doing things, that seem to be lost in today's world of electronics. But it is good to see that some people still appreciate them.
Adesor Cuppy thank you. Write on.
This is a skill that's partly hard work, practice and maybe tuition but partly innate talent. I wish I could write like this. Great video, thank you.
QatarVegan thanks QT. I’d go with tuition and practice. Most people could do it.
I've been working on my handwriting recently and the rhythm tip completely changed everything. Thanks so much.
Good news Andrew. Hit that rhythm.
This video has changed my life! For years and years I have struggled with writing the "wrong way". My that what I mean is that I have always been very tense when writing and almost using my whole arm for the movement (which always results in rocking the table considerably!). My movement have also always been very jerky. Within two days of practising I am now writing just like you demonstrate and have now mastered a much more flowing style with a much better "rhythm". Thank you very much!
JD thanks. All the best to your handwriting progress.
Have you ever watched the Olympics and thought "Wow, that's really amazing, I wish I could do something that well"? That's how I feel watching this. The writing is intimidatingly beautiful.
Thanks for making this video which is specifically meant for adults. I really admire your handwriting and the techniques you have shared with us.
First I thought that it's going to have swears and +18 words bdcause kt's for adults. I finally watched it and it's one of the best tutorials on YT.
What a lovely tutorial. I've recently purchased a fountain pen and this seems like an excellent place to start. While any writing material should be used appropriately (and I say that any pen, pencil, marker, or brush can be used to make beautiful words), I believe it takes a certain reverence to write with an FP. Thank you very much for the great pointers!
Thank you!!! You are the very first person to mention the rhythm!!! All of a sudden things make more sense!
John I'm a civil servant and quite frequently computer based or filling out forms.
my handwriting had become shocking. lately I have been facinated with improving my handwriting. Thank you for this video
I work in IT and use a keyboard and mouse so much now that I've lost the muscle memory in my hands and my once mediocre handwriting has deteriorated into really bad chicken scratch. So I'm making a point to myself, this being the start of the new year 2019, that I'll work on my penmanship and have handwriting I can be proud of. Thanks for this video. I found it very informative.
Richie C thanks for your kind works Richie. Better penmanship sounds like a great new year’s resolution. Have a try at using a big pen like a felt tip on big paper, even use a newspaper if you don’t have any other paper. Make huge marks coming from the elbow just to enjoy the making of rhythmic shapes. Btw I have a book coming out soon. Watch this space.
@@JRLNeal great advice, thank you and I'll keep an eye out for the book!
Thanks for reply John, I do hold pen towards right shoulder :) I'm writing a journal and really want to make a good job if it, ..will practise awhile before I start, ... Great video :) x
Thank you for this lovely tutorial. Very beautiful writing you've got.
Thank you for this video. I am an old man and remember at school being taught to write using a pen and ink. This discipline helped me to learn to write well as we were marked down for blots which made us control the pen and ink. I really did enjoy those lessons as it was an art. However, since that time I have lost the strength in my hands as evidenced by examinations where my hands have hurt for days afterwards. It has been on my mind recently to step back and enjoy writing letters again and just enjoy the art of writing well. Until your video, there seems to be only calligraphy out there but you have corrected that.
Many thanks
George
My pleasure, George. I wish you well. Thanks for your comments.
Wow, just wow. I took your advice on the gripping on the pen, and my handwriting has improved already just from 10 minutes practice. My writing style is a bit more "cursive" than yours, but it's so much more fluid and consistent and I hold the pen much more lightly. Thanks very much!
Thanks Rob. Your positive comments will prompt me to make another handwriting video. I have plans to film my friend who featured in this video. Watch this space.
John Neal Please do make more, I'll start practising tomorrow, this seems wonderful. Thanks a lot!
My handwriting actually deteriorates when I try to hold a pen like this. I guess I'm not used to it. I've used a different grip for too long.
I write a journal pretty much every day, I enjoy the process of writing and find it a relaxing way to conclude the day. Simple pleasure in choosing a favourite pen to use and exploring the wonderful range of ink colours available now.
Nice thoughts Gregory. Thanks.
Hi Haven, I bought it at 'Art in Action' Oxford. from a pen maker. He makes the bodies not the nibs etc, but they are lovely to write with.
You have such patience and poise andI get something new, every time I watch you.Thank you for sharing.
I found this video quite inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to put together a primer on the basics. Well done.
I was taught proper printing and handwriting in school, but like so many people I’ve allowed those perishable skills to diminish, much to my dislike.
I am one of those who have the ugliest handwriting. It is a writing trauma to me.
When I was 15, during a public examination, 10 minutes before the time was up, the invigilator shouted out, "you have 10 minutes", I panicked and my hand shook tremendously that I couldn't finish that 1 question for that paper. From then onwards, I was traumatized. I cannot write properly until now. My hand will shake. There are times my brain doesn't cooperate with my hands. I would say that writing is my defect.
I want to gain back my confidence writing but this trauma is haunting me. I cannot control my shakey hands. I have problem writing letters with circles. I don't know why am I sharing this but when I see how easily people glide their pens on papers, I truly envy them. The simplest task is a struggle to me.
Anyway, you have a very beautiful handwriting sir...
Handwriting is almost a lost art. The children in America are no longer taught cursive handwriting. I am an adult and never really developed a beautiful handwriting. We have to write fast if taking notes from a speaker. Most writing is text, computer, email. So the idea of speed pushes me, and makes me nervous, handwriting is sloppy, and most times I cannot read what I wrote! We go too fast! There is no time to write beautiful and legible. My dad, now passed, had the most beautiful handwriting I ever saw. I tried to copy it, but never able to get it. He wrote small, but not so small you could not make out letters. He had a way with long words too. He sometimes wrote 3 letters together, than 1 or 2 letters separate, but manage to attach them in a way that caught my breath. It was his own art form. He did not always write a letter the common way, but you always knew what the letter was. Now I have fountain pens, because they are artistic in writing. But I haven't got my own handwriting down yet. I know I need to practice more, and time can be a bugger! I did find your tutorial interesting. Thank you.
Claire Bacchi what you have said really touched my heart...may your father's soul rest in peace
I agree, being an immigrant from Asia i have to say America is behind of the presentation of students work. When i was in Vietnam we were taught to always write in cursive with fountain pens but coming to the U.S, I felt so out of place, my teacher always praised me for how delicate I treated my work. Now thanks to my past I'm easily able to learn calligraphy, and always write in cursive.
There are many states that require students to learn cursive actually.
America isn’t the only country
cursive handwriting is honestly a pain in the ass, we never learn print handwriting over here just cursive and we have to learn print handwriting on our own
Thanks for the video, I actually got the one you sell and I found it very useful because of the writing suggestion styles as the introduction of the work of Tom Gourdie. It is a relief to know that you can link letters at will and still write nicely.
yokumato hi yokumato, thanks for your kind comments. Good to hear you find the work useful.
TY John for this as you are an amazing teacher. I have just been diagnosed with "essential tremor". Like parkinsons, but not fatal and not as severe, but my hands are very much affected. Due to this, I had to relearn how to touch type and that is getting there. Most days I can type 30-40 wpm. Before this issue, I could type around 40, so things are not so bad. Now I find myself in need of relearning writing with a pen a paper. To this end, your video and your teaching has been helpful. Where I just watched the video, I don't have a great success story yet, but I am determined not to let this physical challenge stop me from enjoying life.
Hi Garth,
Sorry to hear of your condition and I wish you the very best in your effort to cope. John
I hope you're still kicking
Thank you for the video. I was pleased to see your style was a combination of traditional cursive and printing. Most videos I have viewed on improving handwriting use traditional cursive that we learned at school a long time ago and discourage a printing mixture. I intend to follow your style as I find it more logical and doable. Using your slower writing speed immediately improved my script. I have always used a fountain pen as I found my handwriting was much better with one rather than with a ball point. Recently I bought a flexible nib fountain pen and found that also improved my handwriting. I am experimenting with the rhythm you advise although that is not natural to me. Also thank you for the music and the link to SoundCloud.
Hi Bruce, thanks for your very kind comments. I'm glad to see you are making some progress with your handwriting. A good pen is not essential but very helpful. Glad you connected with the music too. All the best. John
Thank you, great advice. For years, I suffered from the tyranny of an unsympathetic private school, that caused me to hate and therefore not particularly care about my handwriting. Recently, getting into fountain pens again has made me want to improve my handwriting more than ever before, especially for legibility reasons.
Harry Emmott Thanks Harry. Glad to see the advice helped. Btw give my regards to Macca.
Will do, I'll blast the white album in his honour.
Thank you, John. You are awesome!
Thanks for this lovely video with good basic suggestions. I think I write too fast, from watching you, so slowing down will be a good first step. Cheers!
@John Neal :: Thank you! This is a lovely tutorial to start improving my handwriting. I was looking for ways to improve my writing. It's become so bad that I can't read it myself - blame it on my laptop and smart phone! I hardly write a para in a year! I just want to start writing by hand - think I've relied on electronics long enough - especially when I want to connect with friends - so there's that personal touch. Lets hope I get better!
+Paul Ebenezer Thanks Paul write on!
When I was in Mrs.s Harwoods multi grade 1st & 2nd class, we began the basics for cursive, and were expected to have mastered it by the end of the two years...
Handwriting always intrigued me, especially because my father's was always in all capital letters. He says this is because he went to a private school that made him learn how to write like a "drafts man".
Keyboards have been around for a long time now. It's safe to say my typing is better and faster than my long hand. I grew up with a keyboard in my hands (MSN, AOL IM).
I truly will never forget the first LOL message I received via IM.
OH HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED...........
Try Searching Kuretake calligraphy pens.
Wow! Very helpful. I've been writing incorrectly for years since grammar school. I have to train myself to hold the pen and pencil the correct way.
Thanks alot for making this video. I've always wanted to improve my handwriting skills. Just bought myself a book to start practicing.
Mr. Neal, I love your handwriting because it fascinates me.
I am sure so many people with poor handwriting wish they
could handwrite the you do so.
Mr. John Neal
Thanks a lot for that method . It was helpful, I like it to much. And helped me to enhance my hand writing and pen catching
This is an absolutely brilliant video. You explained everything beautifully. I loved the rhythm in your strokes while you write. Thank you for making this video and sharing it.
Hi Tananbir, many thanks for your kind comments. Happy handwriting.
My dad taught us to practice constantly. We would make circles and do exercises. He had amazing handwriting. It was a must for us to succeed in handwriting during the 60's to 80's. I'm glad I had the opportunity. My handwriting is so pretty to this day at age 57. You just have to write more, text less.
Auntie Rizpah
Hi Auntie. Thanks for your lovely comments. Great to hear you love handwriting.
John
@@JRLNeal 🌼💎🌼
u have a awesome handwriting sir. U inspired me a lot. THANK U!!!
Very helpful video, thank you. I like the music, too.
Thank you John for sharing the video. Very useful one. I would like to share a sample of my handwriting to you.
thank you very much im suffering from severe disgraphy and this is the first time i think i realise something helpful will practice thanks again
Such a terrific video, thank you for sharing your expertise
Many thanks
+Wood & Graphite Hi you say terrific ! then you say "thank you".Loool !
Who are YOU ? Strange !!!
Hi W&G, thanks.
Thanks for all these great tips!
I noticed the way people hold their pens, pencils is really cramped and impossible to write with.
When I was in grade school in the last half of the 1960’s, I began in a Catholic school. First grade, only a pencil with the wider lines and chunks of wood in the paper. Somewhere into second grade, we began cursive. Fountains pens only. Everyone. I remember the doing the O’s. Mine were all different shapes. Ver the years I tried the O’s many times. They never improved very much. My Sister said my handwriting looked like a chicken had walked through ink and walked across my paper. She was right. It took me decades to figure out to s-l-o-w down. Decades. Not kidding. Into my 50’s (not kidding here either) I finally figured out some things, which you explain beautifully. Now have my own style, and that chicken is back in the coop. When calligraphy pens came out where you could find them everywhere, I decided I should give this a go, and found the spirituality you spoke of as I wrote. It helped my handwriting, because of the very fact that I had to s-l-o-w down. You gave sage advice, sir. Well done.
I love the font style at 11:19. Im practicing this for the moment.
Hi Marine chaps or can I call you Sailors? Thanks for your kind comments. The music is detailed at the end of the video, it's from 'Pictures' which you find in its entirety on Soundcloud. Here's the link
soundcloud.com/jrwren/pictures
All the best
John
Hi Mike. Thanks. The pen is bought from a craft fair 'Art in Action'. Actually last one this year near Oxford UK. Cost c 45 pounds.
All of a sudden I'm in the mood to do some hand writing. :-)
I like your picture of the car in a forward motion.
So angle your letters for rhythm
Beautiful writing ... thanks 🙏
Thanks for these tips John, I think they're going to work for me.
My son is learning cursive in the second grade. It’s so interesting to see his progress,
Sir, I'm not even done with your video but I am so impressed with how insightful your teaching methods are (AND I had CC on)! I am a pastry chef and write with chocolate more than most mediums, but you have me reaching for a good ol' fashioned pencil and paper. I created an account specifically to be able to write this comment, having been so struck with your logical and approachable method. Truly a pleasure to watch, and I can't wait to (take off the CC) and finish this video! Always a joy to watch a master do their craft! Thank you!
Hi Chef. Many thanks fore your comments. It's a pleasure to be of assistance.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, i should have done this a long time ago. My handwriting is horrible, and after an hour of practicing it already looks much better!
Marlin Huwaë Thanks Marlin happy handwriting. Go and buy the longer video.
Very nice. Thank you. I am starting on a writing improvement and stylizing resolve and your video helped!!! I love the "H" style. Can you share the capital letter set for the font you have used?
This has been informative! I've been re-igniting my interest in handwritten letters and hope to get more of my friends keen on it. Aside from that, the background music does make me want to play Red Dead Redemption, :D
Watching this video in 13 September 2021. Thank you for this tutorial, I learned so much.✨✨
Helpful tips! I already feel less pain in my fingers.
Italic
finally found it...i found ur video...i watched ur video once a long time ago...although my handwriting is nice and looks funky...i just love ur friend's handwriting...god damn its so good...
I use a mixture of standard print and cursive. Works really well :)
I like to right at about a 55 degree angle forward slant such as with Spencerian and Copperplate. I hope to be soon learning Fraktur and that looks like I will have loads of fun once I get going. I like pen and ink with oblique holder and vintage nibs and straight holder for copperplate. now it feels strange when I use a ball point pen. it rolls to easy and I feel like it going to slip off the page. I try to carry a vintage italic flex Swan with me any more cause I can do many forms and I love my Waterman 52 1/2v for signing as I can really make a beautiful signature with it and the Gold flex nib and ring to that I still today carry on my gradfathers pocket watch rather than a fob.
Interesting points Kenneth. You seem to be well up to speed.
My grandparents had wonderful penmanship. My grandmother wrote by hand flex Conklin with 14K nib and wrote in a Palmer method. My grandfather used to amaze me with his penmanship in a more Spencerian Script including Offhand Flourishing. After they both passed and years later I still could remember they're penmanship and wished I could write as such so later in life I found some older books and then was send a cash of more that 44 books in PDF files and I studied them and followed their direction. I felt I was in a way able to connect with them thought were gone. My grandmother and grandfather both wrote to me beautiful letters and my parents always made me sit down to write a return letter rather than make a long distance phone call. I was not pleased that I had to sit and write then but later prior to my grandmothers death she could not hear over the phone so it was back to pen and paper and I found it more so we built a much closer relationship than when we used the phone watching the minutes since time on a long distance call mint money. It was then when I found my interest in writing but I did not know where to start. when I was about 38 years old I came across a library book that was being sold and it was of Louis Madarazs and so I snatched it up and started learning on my own. By the way both my grandparents were born in the mid 1890's and so they would have been right in the Golden Age of Penmanship. It has taken me a long time and many devoted hours but I kept working at it and slowly improved. Now I write on average 15 letters a week. I go to coffee shops and work and I enjoy when youth come to watch me with my ink paper and pen holders. I guess I hope I can inspire some youth to want to learn a proper form of writing from days gone by when penmanship mint access to many thing including a better position job rather than manual labor. I still write letters to my grandparents and put them in a box at the top of my closet I seal them and just put to whom they are met for. I do this with my father also since his handwriting was really nice also. It's turned into a passion and part therapy. As I now am in my early 50's I find the decline in actual penmanship being tough in about less than 1/3 of American Schools is an unpleasant thought to me so 3 times a week I go to the local coffee shop and sit in the middle of the cafe and hope someone talks to me about what I am doing. I have found that I have made many a friend this way. I still find pleasure in penmanship that my grandparents planted seed decades earlier. My grandmother wrote a column in the Rossford Record in Ohio next to Toledo for 56 years called "Our Boys in the Service". She was known only as "Ma II" to may deployed Military men. The column was a way to get word you local families and friends and papers were also send to the deployed service men from the area and it was a wonderful service my grandmother did for her community and the communities around her. I wish people could today do half as much for their communities as she did and what a change it would make. My grandmother wrote all her columns by hand and took them to the paper where they were cataloged at the Library with a wing dedicated to her in her name after her death. I was proud to be there for the ribbon cutting.
Oh, by the way I have the Crescent fill Conklin P-30 with fine flex 14K nib that I have restored and use it for signatures I do at home. Personally prefer Iron Gall ink such as Blots or Old World Ink and a nice vintage NOS nib such as the Esterbrook Double Elastic #135.
1. I never even thought about videos that show is how to have better handwriting. Mine is decent, so I've never looked.
2. My daughter is getting into calligraphy and just fancy letters, so I got her a fountain pen complete with an ink well.
3. Does she wash it after each use? Never had to look up proper pen care.
Your handwriting is beautiful and your knowledge of writing design is top notch. I can only imagine the incredible work you would do if you were left handed.
Thanks mpk, or can I call you m? I’d try left handed but I’d need a brain inversion too.
Great video John, it has helped me. I just need to practice more.
Thanks Jorge.
I have written lots, daily, for years but am yet to have a page of legible writing!
grand tutorial ever. What kind of nib you have used in ?
I find that when I take my time my handwriting is super clean and neat. I hope they find the people they have really nice handwriting can also draw
John, I very much loved your friend Victor's handwriting. So much so in fact that i took a screen shot and have been copying it to get mine to look that well. Could you show more of his handwriting in a video? I would love to see more of his great penmanship. Thanks for your time and keep up with the great videos!!
Sir your handwriting is awesome, great!!!!
Deevena sanskriti Thanks. Too kind.
Hey John, I've been tinkering for the last 2-3 months having been an ALL CAPS writer for the last 30 years (for all the reasons you mention in the video). Though I have to admit, initially, I jumped straight into the Calligraphy pen. While my handwriting was OK it kind of deteriorated over time. So I decided to take a deep breath, slow it down, go back to basics, and give my much maligned Lamy Fountain pen a chance (it's like a pencil having no Calligraphy edge.) I also studied closely the postcard from your friend Victor and I noticed his lowercase letters are around 3/4 of the CAP height. To my surprise, I was able to find a great rhythm and flow. Since then I've been finding any excuse to write, for example, I was invited for dinner last Tuesday and wrote a letter of thanks! The feedback and appreciation was simply AMAZING! So a big thanks from Down Under, kind regards, David.
Hi David,
That's a great comment. I am so pleased the video was of some use. I am seeing Victor next week and I'll pass this message on to him. He'll be thrilled I'm sure.
Good tutorial.. thanks for creating this. Keep up the good work.
I love your video. What's the name of font that you are writing in?
You have great handwriting Sir, and this video is very informative as it is helpful. My thanks to you.
Thanks Carlos. All the best to you.
Hello, John. Your video addresses the exact information and ideas I've been seeking. I would benefit even more from a printed / printable copy of your basic alphabet. Is it available online? As part of one of your books? Thank you.
your amazing john.
Thanks for an amazing video. It's definitely all in the rhythm.
Thank you John, that was all extremely useful for me. My handwriting has alway's looked like a cross between that of a poltergeist and seismograph.
Joseph O'Malley Nice comment Joseph. Glad it was some help. Look out for book in new year. Great description btw.
Thank you again, I'll be looking out for it.
Another noticable thing is the paper is at an 45° angle. It helps moving the hand up to the right (more natural) than trying to go perfectly straight to the right.
I was surprised how improved my handwriting became with some practice.
Thanks for the video clip.
You have absolutely beautiful handwriting!
Very very very very very nice sir I need more video
Hello John Neal, I love this little clip and your writing is beautiful.
I will be checking out more of your output which, judging by this, seems excellent. I also see writing as a meditative, contemplative exercise in single pointed attention.
What make is that beautiful pen?
One piece of unsolicited pedantry for you. Your 'brown fox' pangram lacks an s; a defect that could be solved by replacing 'jumped' with jumps.
Thank you for this very nice video.
Mr. Neal,
Can you recommend a certain type of paper or stationary that you enjoy using? Also, is there anything special about the paper that you used in this video? It isn't simply printer paper I assume.
Hi Clark,
It's just printer paper.
I'm from Venezuela, I really appreciate your work. Thank you a lot.
You're very welcome!