Glorifying the use of computers and cool fonts from blog to blog seem to not end and it probably never will. One must put a stop to this insanity by looking back from where it all came from, a more traditional art. Handwriting or penmanship, if you will.

The art of handwriting is dying, I only have one friend who has a very artistic handwriting and when people do see her write they get mesmerized. That is one hint that it is a dying art: when people around see it like something straight from a fantasy film.

Handwriting as a Dying Art

Nowadays almost everyone are typing or texting(SMS), even documents that are passed around only require a signature. Today, many schools are shifting to computerized exams. Handwriting only occurs during lecture time, although in the university from where I graduated teachers give photocopies of their lectures or even a PDF.

Interview:

To back up my claim (or question) I have interviewed 22 people about handwriting as a dying art.

1. Do you think handwriting is a dying art?

Of the 22 I have interviewed 14 believe that handwriting is a dying art. Although people still write from time to time, the days when handwriting is something that defines the personality of the writer is nearly gone. This apply to calligraphy and cursive.

2. Do you still write?

Twelve said they still write regularly while 10 said they no longer write using pen and paper or very rarely does so. Most of those who commented further no longer write regularly, but they do believe that before technology overlapped traditional writing, people were really good with it.

I was even graced with their comments about this matter.

Ian said:

"Now, calligraphy style penmanship, however is quite dead. Go, go print :(  As an art form yes, it is dead in my eyes, but as far as communications are conerned, it will always exist. Nothing beats hard copies, you know?"

Anonymous said:

"I was taught wrong, or more like learned wrong."

Jesse from the USA said:

"It actually is, I’m afraid. I use the computer a lot more. I wouldn’t say they forget about using paper and ink, it’s just in today’s world, technology rules. But yes, people do write a lot less in my opinion."

Anonymous said:

"Yes, the computer era is taking over."

Lucas from Minnesota said:

"Yes, it is dying. No, I  no longer write, unfortunately. The use of the internet and cellphones has abolished handwriting entirely. And I don’t write because my school asks for computer written essays and it’s easier to contact other people through the internet than through a letter."

Charina said:

"Yes, most people today use computer. For instance, when communicating, instead of snail mail people use Yahoo Messenger, Facebook, e-mails, and SMS. Even at schools, projects are done using computers. It is seldom for teachers to give students instructions to come up with a handwritten essay."

Karla said:

"Yes, it is a dying art. Even my boss writes like a kid."

Rassel said:

"Because of technology, I think."

Based on the interview I have conducted, people who agree/believe that handwriting is a dying art have more things to say on what caused its demise than those who believe otherwise. Now you’re wondering where did I gather people to answer my questions? 3 are long-time friends. Others, from Omegle. *laughs*

I think I deserve a praise because I’ve been verbally abused many times for asking questions. You know, there are lots of naughty people there. Good thing there are still serious people who are connected to the internet ready to provide creative and critical discussions.

Examples of Elegant Handwriting

The power of an elegant handwriting stirs the imagination. Seeing the images below automatically gives me the impression that the person who wrote them are elegant!

On a completely irrelevant but serious note, I am a Redditor (a reddit user) for 2 years now and it just occurred to me to search "handwriting", to my surprise I found a discussion full of ultra cool handwritings.

Feast with your eyes! Calling all who have knowledge of graphology/handwriting analysis, please help us translate the handwritings below.

by: electrobutter

I find electrobutter‘s handwriting nice. A combination of print and cursive. You can actually visualize the fast strokes his pen makes.

by: Eugene Solomonik

A fantastic handwriting which incorporates fine slow curves and quick strokes. Mr. Solominik even has a special note for 1stwebdesigner!

Isn’t that sweet of him? Check out his Flickr, he sure loves to write. Thanks Mr. Solomonik!

by: paralemptor

You felt it too, didn’t you? That tingling sensation while reading the handwriting, it is like one of those books about witchcraft with rhymes. I’d have paralemptor write me a short story.

by: Frodo_Teabaggins

Dear Frodo_Teabaggins, teach me how to write like this. Please? Very elegant and free-flowing.

My Handwriting (deserves an H2 tag)

"Greetings 1stwebdesigner readers! How is my handwriting? I want to see yours too.  :) Cursive? What cursive? << LOL" –  for those who can’t read my handwriting due to poor camera resolution and the shaking of my hands, I had too much coffee.

Your Turn

If you have the time please do answer these questions:

1. Do you think handwriting is a dying art?

2. When was the last time you actually wrote?

3. If you are writing in print, when was the last time you wrote in cursive?

4. Link to your handwriting’s photo?