How I do my guidelines for my writing is something that I get asked all the time.
The answer: I use a special grid sheet that I create and then draw the lines with a coloured pencil.
I can see the grid lines through the Stillman and Birn Alpha paper but if using thicker paper I simple eyeball it by having the grid page hanging out as shown in this photo. So with thicker paper I am more or less drawing the lines freehand but with the grid sheet as a guide for the spacing.
Over the years my grids have changed. Used to have two sizes and then one time I was working in my moleskine book and conforming to a three column grid. That was fun. I create them using a CAD programme and make the lines thick so easier to see through the pages of my sketchbook. Someone on Instagram had a great suggestion of using Excel or a similiar spreadsheet programme
My current grid is 7mm, but I have also used 6mm and 8mm depending on what feels the best for my handwriting. It’s interesting that my handwriting size has changed over the years – I used to use an EF nib and thererfore wrote smaller and neater!
As for handwriting… here is a simple article from last year
NOVEMBER 2018 UPDATE: I now use a Fountain Pen for the lines. A TWSBI ECO F nib with J Herbin Diablo Menthe ink (water soluble).
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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