Did you know? Better Handwriting = Better Drawings
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking
The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 5 No. 4
February 16, 2024
When I became interested in learning visual thinking, I initially focused on learning how to create clear, concise graphics to help tell a story. During that process, I quickly discovered I also needed to improve my handwriting. Since visual thinking is usually a combination of words and pictures, the graphic is just one part of the equation. Handwriting also influences how well the graphic can be understood, and is a fundamental skill that impacts our communication. Improving your handwriting can enhance clarity and legibility and even unleash your creativity.
Additionally, refining your handwriting can positively impact your drawing skills, as both activities involve similar motor control and spatial awareness. Let's dive into a quick exercise to help you enhance your handwriting in just five minutes.
Materials Needed:
- Pen or pencil
- Paper
Instructions:
1. Posture and Grip: Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight. Hold your pen or pencil with a relaxed grip, allowing for smooth movement without strain. If you find that your fingers or wrist are hurting, pay attention to your grip.
2. Warm-Up Strokes: Start by loosening your hand with warm-up strokes. Draw horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines and circles on your paper. Focus on maintaining a consistent pressure and fluid motion.
3. Letter Formation: Choose a letter of the alphabet to focus on. Write this letter in both uppercase and lowercase, paying attention to each stroke's shape, size, and spacing. Take your time and strive for precision.
4. Word Practice: Select a few simple words to practice writing. Write each word slowly and deliberately, aiming for uniformity in size and spacing between letters. Repeat the words multiple times to reinforce muscle memory.
5. Sentence Composition: Now, compose a short sentence using your practiced words. Write the sentence neatly, ensuring each word is legible and properly spaced. Focus on consistency in letter formation and alignment.
6.
Reflect and Adjust:
Take a moment to review your handwriting. Identify areas where you can improve, such as letter consistency, spacing, or slant. Make any necessary adjustments and practice those specific areas further.
Did you know?
Line drawings are often made up of S, C and I shapes.
Coincidentally these are the same shapes used to create the upper case Roman alphabet. Practicing upper case letters will help improve your line quality while drawing.
Also, pay attention to connecting the lines in your letters. This practice will translate into better geometric shapes when drawing.
Ready for more? Here are some fun ways to practice your handwriting:
- Make a prettier to-do list
- Send "thinking of you" cards
- Address envelopes
- Handwritten notes to family
- Create file folder labels
- Take fancy-ish meeting notes
Congratulations on completing this handwriting improvement activity! Consistency and practice are key to refining your handwriting skills over time. As you enhance your handwriting, you'll improve your ability to communicate effectively and lay a foundation for developing your drawing skills. Keep practicing and enjoy the journey of self-improvement!
Feel free to share your progress and insights with us and with others. Don’t forget to encourage them to take our FOUNDATIONS course as they embark on their handwriting improvement journey.
Happy writing and drawing!
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