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Input on how to improve hand writing?

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I am left handed. I would really love to improve my terrible handwriting. What would you see as my best options? Take'n it back to elementary days and print some worksheets out? If so, are there any nice ones that you would like to share with me and I could maybe pick from one? I don't even know cursive and I would really like to learn a nice, unique variation of that. Later on I would love to move on to a fountain pen. Right now I am writing with a Rotring 800 pencil mainly and a couple of inexpensive pens such as the TUL and Sharpie Pen. Thank you in advance. All input is appreciated.
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Lefibonacci
629
Mar 29, 2019
@Theroc @cserrao @Lduvall @blaise.pabon @Michael_in_NZ @phoenixsong Edit: I just realized that this wasn't that short at all. my bad. haha. Hey everybody, I hope that you all are doing well. I just wanted to provide a little update, and show some gratitude. The short version here is this: I've kept in mind each piece of input that you all were so generous to provide, and have been practicing, practicing, practicing. I write in my planner and journal every day, and said from that I take one hour out of each day to actively focus on the form/technique of my penmanship, in an attempt to improve it. I printed out many practice sheets from BohoBerry, and diligently went through them. I am very happy and proud to say that my penmanship has - although still not ideal - improved in multitudes. I am no longer self-conscious to share my writing with other people, and today (a milestone) began using my new-to-me form of cursive in every day communications, journaling, and use at work as well. I never thought the day would come, but I am elated to confidently say that it has at least noticeably improved, and will continue to progress. Thank you, all of you <3
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Lduvall
8
Mar 29, 2019
LefibonacciOi gioi oi! I should be so disciplined! ;^)
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cserrao
0
Mar 4, 2019
In addition to the good points posted above, consciously focus on slowing down your writing speed and focus on technique. The would help get your alphabets of consistent size and a good first step as you embark on this journey. A common mistake I’ve seen folks new to ink pens make is focussing on ‘flair’ writing which takes time and practice to develop. Pick a good entry level ink pen; practice writing a page out of a book daily and compare periodically to measure progress. Good luck and from one pen enthusiast to another... happy writing!
Lduvall
8
Feb 18, 2019
As a "lefty" with terrible handwriting and a proclivity to drag my hand across that which I just wrote I ask you . . . why wait before getting a fountain pen? I have a number of fountain pens that I enjoy using. My left-handedness has brought me to fine nibs (usually) and quicker drying inks, but I still use my fountain pens on a regular basis. I would also think that using a fountain pen as you work on improving your penmanship would enable you to address possible fountain pen issues in the "formative stage" rather than getting improved handwriting, and then having to adjust to the new realities of writing with a fountain pen.
gorian2222
10
Feb 17, 2019
nice bro
Lefibonacci
629
Feb 28, 2019
gorian2222thanks fam
blaise.pabon
4
Feb 15, 2019
Google "handwriting repair"... or just go to www.operina.com It's likely that no one taught you the mechanics of forming letters. Ironically no one tells us in school that the trail on the paper is the last item in a sequence of movements. Until then, using penmanship worksheets will merely reinforce bad habits. Letters are created by combining several basic strokes. Treat your arm like a lever, keeping your wrist steady and avoid moving your fingers... People used to write for a living and students were successfully taught handwriting for 2 thousand years. We only recently managed to screw that up.
Lefibonacci
629
Feb 15, 2019
blaise.pabonWow. Thank you.
Michael_in_NZ
1
Aug 18, 2018
I had terrible handwriting and got thrashed with the cane until it improved and now I get the occasional compliment. If that's a bit drastic, try thinking of the fountain pen nib as a brush, not a ballpoint. Learn to 'paint' your letters, not use the fountain pen nib as a ballpoint pen. Write slowly and get faster only when you can do so neatly.
phoenixsong
1055
Aug 2, 2018
Start with slightly larger font sizes, before progressing to smaller ones after gain confidence and stability in your control
Going back to fountain pens a few years ago helped me. Getting into flex nibs helped me even more. Mind you, it's not that changing your writing instrument will magically improve your hand writing. It doesn't. All it does is free you from bad writing habits acquired with the writing instruments you are used to. This allows you to start fresh and get it right this time... with practice, of course, and good work sheets/workbooks, etc. It's also that a more challenging writing instrument does just that: challenge you. You always get better results when there's a challenge involved. It's like changing your work-out routine, learning a new language, or learning to paint or pick up a musical instrument. You know, brain flexing.
Lefibonacci
629
Jul 16, 2018
TherocThank you kindly for your input. As for those workbooks/workswheets, are there any that you would recommend?
LefibonacciI just looked for Copperplate writing samples online and followed their lead. Loosely. I made my own worksheets for a while; basically just a diagonal grid. If you are looking into Copperplate, https://www.amazon.com/dp/0517101343/?coliid=I2F2XV0IZ3TBT4&colid=3NQM8RLFJIBWT&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it comes highly recommended. Honestly, I think it doesn't matter what style you attempt. As long as you have at it, you'll see improvements in general. It's what you discover about your writing habits. Anything from how you hold your pen, to the size of your handwriting, to how you 'shape' your letters... You'll be more motivated if you find out for yourself what works best for you, rather than being told what is proper. Explore, have fun.
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