WIP Journal Page
I was thinking today how many of my students complain about their handwriting when it comes to art journaling. Instead of writing, they prefer to cut and paste words from magazines, books, print outs, etc... It's one thing that has always puzzled me (that and the need for perfect, beautiful pages). The perfection shown in various books and magazines doesn't help the situation either.
Your handwriting is completely unique to you. You can't get any more personal than writing with your own hand across a page that you created.
I attended eight years of Catholic school. I was told constantly that I had horrible penmanship. Did that stop me from anything? No. Did it discourage me from wanting to write in my journals? No. It did encourage me to play around with my handwriting. I constantly ask myself, "What if I hold the pen like this?" or "What if I try writing like that?" I play with my pens and push myself. I don't always love my handwriting, but that's okay. It's a part of me.
Some ideas for art journaling:
-Layer! Layer your handwriting. Who says you have to actually be able to read something?
-Write big, loopy, cursive letters.
-Try different pens. Try them on the same page.
-Don't like your handwriting on one page? Use a different color pen (or marker) and change the style of your text as you write on top of what's already there.
-Write small vs writing big.
-Look at graffiti artists and how they play with text.
-Most important, don't beat yourself up over it. Play, experiment and push yourself. Don't compare, but learn what works for you and how you like to do things. If I can do it, so can you.
*****
Celebrate Yuri's Night tonight!
http://yurisnight.net/
Your handwriting is completely unique to you. You can't get any more personal than writing with your own hand across a page that you created.
I attended eight years of Catholic school. I was told constantly that I had horrible penmanship. Did that stop me from anything? No. Did it discourage me from wanting to write in my journals? No. It did encourage me to play around with my handwriting. I constantly ask myself, "What if I hold the pen like this?" or "What if I try writing like that?" I play with my pens and push myself. I don't always love my handwriting, but that's okay. It's a part of me.
Some ideas for art journaling:
-Layer! Layer your handwriting. Who says you have to actually be able to read something?
-Write big, loopy, cursive letters.
-Try different pens. Try them on the same page.
-Don't like your handwriting on one page? Use a different color pen (or marker) and change the style of your text as you write on top of what's already there.
-Write small vs writing big.
-Look at graffiti artists and how they play with text.
-Most important, don't beat yourself up over it. Play, experiment and push yourself. Don't compare, but learn what works for you and how you like to do things. If I can do it, so can you.
*****
Celebrate Yuri's Night tonight!
http://yurisnight.net/
Comments
I find that calligraphy markers are helpful for experimenting with different types of script. I'm talking, cheapie under $5 markers (in a range of colors and tip sizes/shapes).
I've been to none art related classes where people claim they have not written by hand for years.
I can't imagine such a thing!
I agree that writing by hand is the most personal way to go. You can't do it wrong.
Thanks for this post.
Also, I agree with Caatje's comments about handwriting. People aren't use to it anymore. I started handmaking postcards the past couple of months and have made a point to mail them to my friends with a handwritten message. I really miss snail mail!
Pam