Elements of show card writing

This is a very beautiful alphabet when properly made. Students should note the graceful curves—and practice each letter carefully and faithfully from the large charts.

The alphabet reproduced on the opposite page is from the same copy as that used in making the practice charts, with the exception that in the book, the practice lines are omitted.

Any “broad pointed” pen may be used for this alphabet. Some showcard writers prefer the model “C” Speed Ball pen, others prefer what are known as “round” writing pens—which are the same style pen as the “Soennecken,” others may prefer the “Automatic Lettering Pens.” Any style pen that will fit the practice lines will suffice. The original chart from which the illustrations were produced, was made with a No. 3 model “C” Speed Ball pen.

In beginning the practice work, note on the charts, and also on the alphabet shown here, that the four guide lines are lettered A-B-C-D, just the same as in the first and second lessons. The spacing is the same, and there is a general proportion common to both alphabets.

Hold the pen firmly, but the hand should guide the pen at a slight angle. In other words—keep the hand somewhat farther toward the right of the letter itself—rather than directly over the work as was the case with the round Speed Ball pens in the first and second lessons.

Note carefully the sketches shown beneath the alphabet—and endeavor to hold the pen exactly as shown. Note particularly the angles in which the pen travels in starting and finishing the various strokes.

In making the “staff” strokes such as “i”, “l”, etc., the pen should make a slight upward curve—much the same as though the writer were going to draw a very thin line upwards at an angle of about 45 degrees. When this thin line is fairly started and touches the guide line, then make a graceful curve and come directly downward almost to the base line, allowing for the slight curve at the bottom of the stroke.

Try the letter “i”.

Hold the pen at an angle. Come up slowly, then turn and follow the practice lines downward. Then try the letter “l”.

Now take a separate piece of smooth paper. Rule this off into spaces the same as the practice chart, and continue making the letters “i” and “l” until the pen feels “natural,” and you can make perfect perpendicular lines with the graceful curves of “spurs.”

With the pen “sliding” downward somewhat at a cross angle, the wide downward strokes will be found easy.

Then try, on the chart, the curves which enter into the making of the letter “o.” All such curves are made from the top downward, and this is an important point. Also remember that there must also be a swing of the pen from LEFT—DOWNWARD. Then, TOWARD THE RIGHT—AND DOWNWARD. Two strokes form the letter “o.” The next strokes are simple.

With the letter “s”, you must use “THREE” strokes. Note the chart.

Then come the strokes with curves which enter into the construction of “h”, “m”, “n”, “w” and “y”.

Bear down on the pen sufficiently to get a wide stroke.

Use a sweeping motion to get the curves.

Follow faithfully the outlines on the chart, and you will soon be able to make a beautiful alphabet.

The capitals are a series of easy curves, also the numerals.