Cursive handwriting is one of the most popular topics for writers to learn. The reason for this is simple. It is a form of handwriting that was originally designed for writers and poets. Although it has been around for hundreds of years, the skill of writing in cursive can still be attributed to its creators: the Renaissance men and women. Due to its association with the literary elite, it is safe to assume that most individuals who learned to write in cursive did so because they aspired to be writers when they grew up.
The skill of writing in cursive is fairly easy to learn. Once you have learned how to write in Italics from the ground up, you can apply this skill to the letter ‘C’ to create beautiful, flowing cursive letters.
Why write in cursive? Let us examine the virtues of this elegant handwriting style.
More Than Meets The Eye
If you are unfamiliar with the term ‘cursive’, then here is a brief explanation. It is a way of handwriting in which you write from left to right traditionally, using a variety of loops, curls, and scrawls to create an artistic effect. This is different from the ‘fist’ or ‘ballpoint’ handwriting style which you may be more familiar with. It is commonly used in calligraphy and sign-writing, but can be applied to any form of writing. For example, you can create beautiful letters for a romantic partner, friend, or family member by learning to write in cursive.
The beauty of this style is that it can be applied to any script. Whatever the letters may be, whether they are in English or French, you can create a unique aesthetic that is entirely your own by learning to write in cursive.
Keep Your Hand From Wobbling
One of the primary reasons why writers started learning to write in cursive was so that they could keep their penmanship from getting all sloppy and shaky. If you have ever tried to write with a ballpoint pen, then you know that it is not only difficult to keep your hand from shaking, but it is also very slow going. After all, you have to press the button each time you want to write a new letter.
In contrast, if you are learning to write in cursive, then the letters will already be formed when you press the pen to the paper. This means that the pace at which you can write is much faster than with a ballpoint pen, and the strokes are more elegant and smooth. As a result, your handwriting will look more like a work of art than a series of letters, making your letters more credible and authentic.
Aesthetic Balance
A key feature of good cursive handwriting is its aesthetic balance. This refers to the fact that you should not use too much or too little ink when writing. Too much ink, and the letters become blotchy and messy; while too little ink, and the letters look like they have been painted by a three year-old. The trick is to find the right medium: neither too little nor too much, but just right. When you have found this balance, your letters will look like they have been dipped into an ink well and then floated on the paper surface.
Fluid Motion
Another significant advantage of learning to write in cursive is that it allows you to practice moving your hand quickly and with fluidity. You can see this most clearly when you compare the difference in speed between the two styles. If you are writing quickly, then your cursive will flow seamlessly and you will effortlessly create beautiful letters that appear to be dancing on the page.
In contrast, if you are writing slowly, then you will find that your hand tends to ‘chunk’, or jump around, while you write. This is why it is important to be patient and practice drawing letters one at a time, instead of writing quickly in large blocks. You can give this a try for yourself by simply copying letters from the English alphabet, one by one. If you are using a ballpoint pen, then you may find that you are constantly lifting your hand off the paper each time you want to make a new stroke. In this case, you are practicing ‘chunking’ and are not flowing with as much ease as you could be.
Keep Your Mind In The Mix
One more important thing about cursive is that it keeps your mind in the mix. This is because, when you are learning to write in this style, you are not only focusing on perfecting your letters, but you are also thinking about how to make the whole piece look artistic. Therefore, as you are writing, you are constantly referring to your creative side and are not simply replaying what you have been taught. This makes your mind agile and capable of handling new information quickly, even in the middle of a lengthy, detailed document. In other words, you are not only improving your handwriting, but you are also improving your writing craft overall.
It Has Tradition
Another significant reason why writers decided to learn to write in cursive is that it has tradition. The form of calligraphy associated with this style has been around for hundreds of years and was actually designed for ‘educated’ people and ‘intellectuals’ such as scientists, mathematicians, and scholars. These were the people who could afford the time to be writing out long poems and essays by hand. As you can see, there is a distinct connection between this style of writing and the ‘brainy’ classes of Renaissance Europe.
Today, this style is still used as a mark of authenticity and credibility. It is often found on academic and professional documents that are signed by experienced writers and researchers. When you are writing out this type of paperwork, it is expected that you will use this style. It is also common for lawyers and doctors to write out long documents in cursive. As a result, it is highly likely that you may encounter this beautiful handwriting at some point during your life.
Incorporate It Into Your Overall Craft
The last reason why writers decided to learn to write in cursive is that it can be used in a wide array of situations. You can write short notes to friends and family members, or you can write love letters to that special person. You can use this style to write out your thoughts quickly and with flair, or you can use it for formal letters when you are applying for a job, or asking for a promotion.
The choice is entirely up to you. However, if you decide that you would like to learn how to write in this elegant style, then there are several places around the world where you can study. You can find good, accredited courses with experienced teachers who are willing to help you find the right balance between speed and beauty.
Whether you are a professional wanting to improve your workflow, a student looking for a stunning design to add to your portfolio, or just want to write a quick note to your best friend, you can use this brilliant style to make it happen.