Cursive writing is the opposite of print writing. While print writing is composed of a series of lines and curves that flow consistently from top to bottom, cursive writing is composed of a series of scrawlings, loopings, and whirls that do not necessarily follow a continuous sequence.
It is a common misconception that only children can learn to write cursively. The truth is that anyone can learn to write cursively, and it is a highly useful skill to have. Think about all of the signatures you have seen on legal documents or checks in your life. You will likely notice that many of them are written in a cursive fashion, and that many of them were not designed by professional calligraphers either.
The reason why you may not have learned to write in a cursive style is because it is not always easy to do. There are certain fonts that can be used to simulate the unique fluid motion of real handwritten cursive, but that is not always the case. Sometimes you need to find the individual who wrote the signature in order to ensure that they use the correct, authentic form of cursive.
However, that does not mean that anyone cannot learn to write in a cursive fashion. With a little bit of effort, anybody can become good at it.
Step 1: Select A Pen
The first step to learning cursive writing is to select the right pen. To do this, you should select a fountain pen that has a medium nib. The reason behind this is that most ink can be easily absorbed by paper, especially if it is not absorbed by the paper right away. The result is that the ink does not have time to settle before you can go over it with your pen. This allows for maximum expression through your handwriting.
The only drawback to using a fountain pen is that they are a bit more expensive than the typical ballpoint pen. However, the cost is well worth it if you consider the experience that you will gain. It is also important to note that not all fountain pens are made equal. There are different levels of quality, and it is important to find one that is of good quality so that the experience is as authentic as possible. Just check the nib for good measure first.
Step 2: Start By Stroking
The next step is to start by stroking the pen lightly. What this means is that you should start by writing with a light touch. The reason behind this is that most people are not used to writing with a brush, and it is important to ease into it. If you are writing with a fountain pen, it is also important to ensure that the nib does not skid across the page. This can be avoided by using a lighter touch with the beginning of each stroke.
The result of this is that you have individual letters that flow together to form words. While this may look like random scrawl to the uninformed eye, you are actually creating meaningful letters that will form words and sentences. This is a very important step to take, as it will give your handwriting a different appearance. Once you have achieved this, it is time to start embellishing.
Step 3: Add Little Dots Within Letters
The next step is to add little dots or dashes within letters. The reason behind this is that it enhances the appearance of your handwriting, making it stand out. While some people may think that this is a waste of time, there are various examples where this technique has been effectively used, especially in old books where the ink was still wet. Take the letter M for example. If you add a little dot on the top of each letter, it will make the letter pop out, and it will be easier to read. You can also use this technique to connect letters that you write, like in the word “together.” You can use the same technique with a dash instead of a dot to make the letters stand out even more.
It is important to note here that not all letters should be embellished. Some letters, like the t and s, do not need to be marked at all. It is also important to learn how to write these letters in such a way that they do not look like they have been written by a machine.
Step 4: Practice
Once you have mastered steps 1-3, it is time to put all of this practice into practice. The reason why this is important is because learning to write in a cursive fashion is not easy. Once you start getting the hang of it, it will be relatively easy to write in a more elaborate fashion, but until then, it is best to write in a relaxed fashion until you feel more comfortable with it.
Final Steps
Once you have reached this point, you should take a few minutes to practice a few times a day, or whenever you can. You should not expect that you will be able to write in a flawless manner at first, as this will take a lot of time and dedication. Good luck out there.