Q&A for How to Analyze Handwriting (Graphology)

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  • Question
    How can I make my handwriting more elegant?
    Swetha Shenoy
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Swetha Shenoy is a Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Paisley Corner, a creative hub that provides art workshops & team-building activities for individuals and corporate teams alike. Swetha created The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through her art workshops. She teaches multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. Since founding The Paisley Corner 5 years ago, she has taught 2500+ students (adults and kids) at over 200 workshops. Notable corporate clients include Adobe, Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife & the New York tri-state area public libraries. Prior to her career as an artist and small business owner, Swetha worked as a Software Engineer at multiple companies. She received a BS in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago.
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Expert Answer
    Start by finding a style you admire and browse platforms like Pinterest or search for worksheets that showcase the styles you want to emulate. Study these styles and choose elements from each of them that appeal to you. Practicing is crucial, remember to dedicate time each day to hone your chosen style. Be prepared for initial results that may not meet your expectations; this is a natural part of the learning process. Embrace the imperfections of your writing, as these are essential for your improvement.
  • Question
    How do I improve my handwriting?
    Swetha Shenoy
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Swetha Shenoy is a Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Paisley Corner, a creative hub that provides art workshops & team-building activities for individuals and corporate teams alike. Swetha created The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through her art workshops. She teaches multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. Since founding The Paisley Corner 5 years ago, she has taught 2500+ students (adults and kids) at over 200 workshops. Notable corporate clients include Adobe, Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife & the New York tri-state area public libraries. Prior to her career as an artist and small business owner, Swetha worked as a Software Engineer at multiple companies. She received a BS in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago.
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Expert Answer
    Consider adopting calligraphy style by slowing down, taking your time, and focusing on each letter. Treat each letter as a small piece of art, paying attention to its shape and structure to create more consistent and aesthetically pleasing handwriting. For a particular style, use worksheets to trace over the letters repeatedly and build muscle memory that will help you naturally replicate the style. Consistent practice is key—rather than practicing sporadically for long periods, aim for shorter, daily sessions of about 10 minutes and improve on that.
  • Question
    I write using both print and cursive. Sometimes a word will contain both printed and cursive letters. What does that indicate?
    Community Answer
    If you just write in printed letters but connect them like cursive letters, it shows that you are an efficient person and like to save time. If it's a mix of print and cursive words, it means you're unpredictable and can be a bit antisocial.
  • Question
    While printing, the writer randomly uses capital letters in the body of the word. What does it mean?
    Community Answer
    This is most commonly seen with K, but can occur with any letter. It signifies defiance, resisting authority, and rebelliousness.
  • Question
    What if the writer has several different styles of writing?
    Community Answer
    It may means that the writer is very unstable and unpredictable, especially if the writing changes from one style to another randomly.
  • Question
    On letter M, if the second part is smaller than the first half, does that mean anything?
    Community Answer
    Yes, oftentimes it can show that the writer knows a way to speak that pleases others; inoffensive and good at diplomacy.
  • Question
    What does the use of a lot of exclamation points and capitals characterize about a person?
    Community Answer
    Possible anger, or maybe that person is child like or has a good imagination. Overall, he would be a confident person.
  • Question
    What are huge tails on the "y" about?
    Community Answer
    It can signify that they're physically experimental and/or imaginative. Smaller tails can show that someone is socially selective and/or non-trusting.
  • Question
    What does it mean if someone has traced over some of the writing?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the letters, situation, and person but sometimes it means that they are good at selective listening. It can also mean they have strong willpower and thoughts.
  • Question
    Why do people write farther and farther away from the margin?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes it's exuberance for what they are writing, sometimes its a way to embrace new things. Whatever it is, the growing left margin indicates a person who is compelled to expand their presence in the world by not sitting at home or dwelling on old times.
  • Question
    What does it mean when someone spaces their letters very far apart or very close together?
    Community Answer
    Spacing is one of the easiest ways to see how much room a person really demands of others to allow them to function. A person whose spacing is very wide needs their space. A person with adequate spacing needs to get along with others. If the spacing is too narrow, the writer does not allow themselves enough room to make their own decisions, and they tend to rely on others to help them with even the little things in life.
  • Question
    What does it mean when someone puts 3 little lines under every word and number?
    WikiHowUser20171109012036
    Community Answer
    It could be OCD or just a habit. Otherwise, they could just be messing with you.
  • Question
    How would holistic doctors read into my handwriting for viruses and other illnesses?
    Community Answer
    Stresses and strains would logically show in the writing process.
  • Question
    Can I apply graphology rules to unlined paper at all grade levels?
    Community Answer
    Yes and no. Writing direction does not apply much here, but, you can apply rules of baselining from above stated methods to lined paper.
  • Question
    What if the cross of the letter "T" doesn't connect with the stem?
    Neville Cassad
    Community Answer
    It means the writer is hot tempered. He has less patience and gets upset fast.
  • Question
    What if the dot on the i is missing?
    Community Answer
    This could possible mean that the writer was hurrying and either forgot or did not have time to write the i. Or, it could mean that the person is slapdash and doesn't much care for detail. Or it could mean that the person hates adding dots to i's. Or, it could mean that you can't see the dot.
  • Question
    What does a straight and abrupt ending of the Y indicate?
    Community Answer
    The person who does that tends to like to-the-point personalities, likes to get things done. Usually applies to brief notes/hurriedly-written information.
  • Question
    Isn't this unproven to work?
    Community Answer
    Correct. It states that clearly in the opening when it says, "Scientists consider graphology pseudoscientific and ineffective."
  • Question
    What if the capital letter "S" is made in the shape of figure 8?
    Community Answer
    It means the person has the ability to follow and change thoughts smoothly. Such people are usually good speakers, writers and radio hosts.
  • Question
    What does it mean if the first half of the handwriting sample is larger?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes, we start off big, bold and then we even out that enthusiasm, or withdraw (grow smaller) to things we know best. This is a person who is good at bluffing, likes attention, but has to really work for the follow through.
  • Question
    How can I tell if the writer's character is bad?
    Community Answer
    If his handwriting is rough and sloppy, he may have bad character.
  • Question
    How can I determine the writer's age and sex?
    Community Answer
    Most men have printed and large letters compared to women. Women tend to have smaller writing, small space gaps, or write in slanted or cursive. In terms of age, a child has larger and messy handwriting compared to adults.
  • Question
    If he writes slowly and his handwriting is straight, he touches the upper line letters like small H, what does this says about his personality if the other letters are very small?
    Community Answer
    Very detailed, very exacting. Could be introverted or doesn't like to draw attention to himself.
  • Question
    Can someone's handwriting change if they haven't practiced for a long time?
    Community Answer
    Yes, handwriting can sometimes change over time, especially if an individual doesn't write often.
  • Question
    What do extremely large letters mean?
    Community Answer
    It's an indication that the writer is childish and outgoing.
  • Question
    What does it mean if a person doesn't dot the letters (i,j)?
    Community Answer
    It simply means that the person is not detail oriented and can easily overlook the details.
  • Question
    What if a person fills in the O's, P's, E's, etc.?
    Community Answer
    This can be very difficult to interpret, and is generally not used in an evaluation. It could mean the person is artistic and creative, or simply bored.
  • Question
    Does it mean anything to put circles instead of dots above my i's and j's?
    Ollieoxenfree
    Community Answer
    It will make your writing look childish.
  • Question
    What does it mean if sometimes the letter "a" is written closed, but sometimes it's not closed all the way?
    Community Answer
    It simply means that the person was writing very quickly and didn't care that some of the A's were not fully closed.
  • Question
    What about non cursive?
    Community Answer
    Printing shows just as much character as cursive, if you know what to look for. Sketches and doodles also have character revealing information about the writer. See the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation for more info.
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