Handwriting Practice Tools & Tips (how I practice)

When I’m not hacking having nice handwriting, I actually do spend time practicing my own lettering. Someone recently asked me how I practice my handwriting, so I thought I would share a few tools and tricks today!

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The Basic Tools

You can practice within your bullet journal (Leuchtturm1917 / Moleskine), on a Rhodia Dot Pad or grid bad, or using our free dotted paper printable for squad members.

For pens, Liz shared her favorite pens here but I have to go with my two default favorites:

• Sharpie Pen – I love this thing! Many folks would prefer the fine tip, but I actually like a thicker line so I went with the medium tip. As long as you get the pen and not the marker, you will not have a problem with bleeding or ghosting.
• Staedtler Triplus Fineliner – I honestly keep this pack in my purse at all times. I love the way these pens glide across the paper. I have the color pack as well, but for day-to-day use, or for handwriting practice, I default to the black.

Approaches

Now that you have the necessary tools/supplies, it’s time to think about your approach.  I typically approach practice in one of three ways:

1. Freestyle Practice

Freestyle practice involves putting pen to paper and just writing.When I do it, I’ll just write whatever comes to mind at the moment. However, there are plenty of approaches. Some people will write out the lyrics to a song or their favorite body of work, others will just practice writing one sentence or letter over and over again. Other ideas:

• Write out a speech or presentation you have to give.
• Make various lists of all of your favorite things, by category.
• Handwritten cards! People love receiving a nice handwritten note by mail.
• Get a handwriting pen-pal, an accountability partner so-to-speak, that you can write and mail things to.

2. Practice with a Book

There are a few books out there specifically intended to help improve handwriting. These tend to me more technical, but will really help with long-term behavior change of how you write (how you hold the pen, angles, etc.). I’ve seen them at stationary and craft stores, as well as all over Amazon.

Two that I have not personally used, but have heard rave reviews on are the Spencerian Penmanship Books and this Creative Lettering and Beyond.

3. Practice with Free Worksheets

I recently did a full round up of 5 Free Handwriting Practice Worksheets you can download. I use these regularly and I love them because you can try many different kinds of letters or approaches until you find one that works for you.

4. Take an online course

Did you are know there are a TON of online courses out there, specifically teaching you how to perfect your handwriting? My favorite is Brit + Co where they have an array of really affordable classes on calligraphy, brush lettering, chalk lettering, and more!

Bullet Journal Supply Spotlight

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