Decorative Handwriting - Part 1

In our field of "Practical Writing" we would like to start with the subject "Decorative Handwriting". Our main writing instrument for this exercise will be the Pelikan "Script".

The Pelikan Script has a 1.5mm wide nib. All in all, any ink colour can be used in a Pelikan Script. In our exercises we have chosen the colour Black.

Preparation:

• Any normal typewriter paper is suitable for our first exercise. Later on other paper can be used. We will discuss the effects of different paper in a later edition of "Practical Writing".
• For preparation it is important to draw a horizontal (guide) line with a pencil. It can be erased later on! It is also possible to use lined paper.
• After choosing an ink colour you are ready to begin. Pelikan offers a wide selection of colours ideal for writing and creating.

What we will do

We will experiment with different drawn lines by varying the angle in which we push the nib against the paper. The first designs and symbols create and form a foundation for drawing numbers and letters.
In the final step we will show in a small example how to combine letters and symbols to create small "works of art".

Getting started

In principle, the Pelikan Script can be held exactly like a normal fountain pen. It is important to prevent cramping in the hand. After a while of writing it helps to relax the hand by giving it a gentle shake.

The width

Now put the pen to paper. The width of the lines drawn depends on the angle in which the nib is facing against the horizontal line (the horizontal line is later erased).

The form of the drawn line depends mainly on how the nib is put to paper. By trying different ways one becomes familiar with the various possibilities and becomes accustomed to the writing instrument.

First exercise: Experimenting with "signs".

For a first impression of different widths that can be drawn we have come up with the following exercises. In this exercise you draw a line that varies in width. We always follow the horizontal line! The nib is pressed against it at a 45° angle. The pictured arrows in our example show the further drawing movement that is to be taken.

Second exercise: numbers

The previously drawn shapes and figures form a perfect basis to later start drawing numbers and later on, even letters.

When drawing the letters the nib is kept at a constant angle. The direction to keep is again shown by the arrows in our example.

Third exercise: letters

Although letters are more complex shapes, we feel that with a little practice they can be perfected with some ease. To prevent the hand from cramping up, try drawing a few simple lines in between practice to relax it.

When it then at some stage comes to developing your own Handwriting, the possibilities know no boundaries. During experimentation try pressing the nib against the paper at different angles!

The experimented designs can also be used to decorate. In our final step we will combine shapes with letters.

Fourth exercise: combining letters and shapes

Finally we want to show you a combination of Print- and Handwriting. The gentle swing is very evident in the name John. This must be practised many times in advance.

We wish you a good time and hope that we have motivated you to try out some of these Handwriting styles, or even to develop your own.