Ever wondered how I keep my handwriting so neat? It’s all about the grid!
One of the rules I learnt as an architect was to never write without some guidelines, and that has stuck with me—I know that I don’t need it, but it makes it much easier.
I use a custom grid sheet that I created and then draw the lines with a fountain pen. I’m currently using a Lamy Safari with F nib and J Herbin Diablo Menthe ink (water soluble).
I can see the grid lines through the Stillman and Birn Alpha paper, but if I am using thicker paper, I simply eyeball it by having the grid page hanging out, as shown in this photo. So, with thicker paper, I am drawing the lines freehand, but using the grid sheet as a guide for the spacing.
Over the years, my grids have changed. My current grid is 7mm, but I have also used 6mm and 8mm depending on what size my sketchbook is and what pen I use. If I use an EF nib I prefer to use 6mm.
I create them using Indesign and make the lines thick so it is easier to see through the pages of my sketchbook. You could also use Excel or a similar spreadsheet app. The extra thick lines on this page related to a page layout I used a few years ago. (See this article for more.)
Find out more about my grids and download different grid templates inside my Sketchbook Design course.
As for handwriting… here is an article with a few ideas. Once again, more about this topic inside Sketchbook Design.
7 Comments
Thank Goodness for smart short cuts! Life just get simpler by the moment!
hope it helps you too Jeanette
To make lines I use dry wall tape which has rows of hole on the two inch tape . I lay that down on the sheet of paper and draw faint pencil lines which can be erased later. This gives a straight dash pattern on the paper. Because of the spacing of the rows of holes you can vary the space between the lines you draw.
Wow that is very fancy Danielle! thanks for sharing!
Thanks Liz. great idea!
Liz, are you also a lefty? I ask because your handwriting slants backward a bit, which is usually a giveaway of southpaw status.
Yes Melissa I’m a leftie. FUnny that you notice a slant… I try to write 90 degrees – true vertical and always think of it as being upright not slanting at all….but if it slants any direction it would be a bit backwards. 😀
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