handwritten messages

IntroductionWriting has an emotional connection that cannot be replicated

in type. It has a direct connection between the authors hand

and the letter forms on the paper. In this zine, I will attempt to

decipher the variations of my own handwriting and examine the

visual relationship between mood and writing.

Welcome to the polite, innoffensive me. The huge curvy letter forms

remind me of a similar characterless typeface, Helvetica. This looks

like a ‘teacher’ typeface to me, especially with its regularity and huge

counter size, all in the attempt to be accessible and manageable.

Written very quickly - My note taking handwriting. It’s notoriously hard

to record information at the speed of sound whilst still retaining it’s leg-

ibility, notice the very lax ligatures and uneven letter forms. Although

this script may appear cryptic on occasion it serves a purpose almost

every day.

This is my most precious script and requires a great deal of effort and

concentration. The italics give the handwriting edge and dynamics as

though it’s moving off the paper, though notice as well how I try to start

every letter from it’s base and then swoop the letter form up into the

air. Achieving consistency whilst writing in infuriating, especially getting

the kerning right, get it wrong and it just looks messy. All the effort is

worth it in the end.

Very rarely do I get angry. The pen automatically sinks deeper into the

paper when I am, almost like carving into wood. I’ve noticed as the

popularity of the internet has grown that the majority of people resort

to CAPITAL LETTERS to showcase their anger, and in much the same

way my handwriting follows suit. The letter T also seems to become a

crucifix which seems very apt, the real reason is because it’s quicker.

Openly spaced and huge counters set this on a collision course with my

‘Helvetica’ handwriting but wait, there’s a slant, it cannot be the same.

Behold my happy typeface; elegantly rushed with just a hint of scruffy,

it’s very similar to me in some respects but I think it’s a tad too boring.

ObservationsIsn’t it impressive that once you know somebody you can read

into their handwriting as much as the words themselves. There

is so much hidden information contained within the letter forms

that most of us overlook, or only notice on a subconscious level.

It’s a shame that handwriting is on the decline, you can’t get the

same emotion across when typing a letter. There is also no undo

button for the real world which makes life a great deal more fun.

Robert Sewell