Some of the young’uns at Saatchi & Saatchi speculate that I am still to discover the internet because I send them handwritten notes – Montblanc’d, PDF’d and email’d. Cheeky sods. The handwritten word carries so much identity and personality. Here are 10 ideas (from Philip Hensher, author of The Missing Ink, and a few of my own) on how we can encourage a culture of handwriting.
- Handwriting should continue to be taught in schools
London University’s Institute of Education reported that less than half of students in the UK were taught handwriting at school. - Enjoy your own handwriting
You are how you write, so you might as well learn to enjoy it. - Rediscover the joy of writing by hand
Start with a great pen. My Montblanc is a Lovemark of mine. Irresistible. - Play with letterforms
You’re not the same person you were 10 years ago, so why should your handwriting look the same as it did then? - Make lists
It’s a great way to stay focused and get things done. I have a daily, weekly and annual list. - Write to others
Put down on paper what you want to say to those important to you. Be upbeat. Then mail it. - Write your thanks
When you receive great service, share your gratitude. Make the effort and write a thank you note. - Get your handwriting analyzed
You’ll be amazed at how much it says about you. Malcolm McLeod did mine 20 years ago on Hayman island. And helped me know me better. - Create a personalized font
Talk to a typographer and get a font made that reflects your personality. -
Learn calligraphy
This is where handwriting starts to look and feel a lot like art.
