-
Left-Handed Calligraphy and Hand-Lettering Links
Left-Handed Writing The man in this video on foundation pens explains the three main ways of that lefties write (I think I’m mainly an underwriter) starting at about 6 minutes into the video. Calligraphy Calligraphy pens frequently have a flat line tip and in order to make strokes, the pen must be held at a specific angle. Here is an explanation about the issue of calligraphy for lefties (the man is right-handed, but he explains and shows the difference). The strokes of calligraphy are dependent on an angle of the pen that is just extremely hard for us to achieve. And while some people manage to use the right-hander pens, I was personally thrilled to learn of specific pens for left-handers. Basically, these specially pens are cut at an angle so that I can write as I normally would, I could follow all the stroke instructions as written for all the different calligraphy lettering styles. I received the deluxe Manuscript left-handed calligraphy pen set from the John Neal Books left-handed section for Christmas two years ago. When I can get the ink to flow, I LOVE it, but I think I need to learn to clean and store my pens better in order to get the ink to run, maybe I need to clean with alcohol. I’d love to be able to try some of the left-handed dip pens listed as well. This man demonstrates his way of using right-handed pens. I believe he is doing the strokes opposite, up instead of down, etc. so that he can get the proper width with hand and wrist contortions. I personally would rather not have to unlearn and relearn basic writing direction, but this is an interesting adaptation. This girl demonstrates calligraphy with pens that seem to be point rather than straight across. I’m not sure how she gets this to work for her; I’d like to try it, but I’m not sure I could do this. Hand-Lettering Links While my personal style leans more toward the formal calligraphy, I do find hand-lettering pretty. I bought my sister brush pens and loved some things she’s done. She mentioned there being a learning curve, so I looked up videos, and then realized there is probably going to be WAY more of a learning curve for a left-hander although I’d be hard-pressed to explain exactly why since these tips are the same as any other pen, I guess the stroke width also depends on angle? I got my own brush pens and have recently tried them, but I’m not sure they are meant for lettering, rather for drawing and painting. I’m wanting Tombow pens and hoping those will be better. Tips for getting started hand-lettering as a lefty. A playlist for beginning lettering as a lefty. Also, in my searching, I gathered that Arabic calligraphy is done from right to left and may also require oblique pens (the cut of the pens for lefties) for right-handers. -
Confused Left-Hander
I was looking on YouTube for left-handed calligraphy videos, when I came across one of those “things that are hard for lefties.” All the comments and sharers are “OMG, yesssss!” Whereas my reactions are more, “I’ve been left-handed all my life, I had no other option, did you just suddenly become left-handed?!!!” I mean, its not like we’ve ever been able to do these another way.
Of course, there are things that when I discover they are harder for lefties, its like a light bulb goes on, calligraphy for instance, once I found leftie oblique cut pens and tried them, I felt all was explained. I pick up most crafts I’m interested fairly quickly, my handwriting can be lovely when I’m not being lazy, so I had been frustrated with this craft and not at all interested in twisting my hand in weird angles. Now I know why I found it so hard and how easy it can be.
I’m just saying its so much a non-issue, that I forget to account for when it will be. We have a straight handle rotary cutter which I can use, so I didn’t even stop and think when I bought a rotary cutter and brought it home. When I tried to use it, I realized with a shaped handle, I’d have to do some odd maneuvering to get it to work. Oops.
Most things, are merely less convenient, but I then I can’t really tell because I’ve always been doing them that way.
But there are some things, I just don’t understand. Writing goes in one direction, it can’t be perfectly mirrored. Some tools have specific places for specifics hands. But cutting can be mirrored with either handed scissors. The first time I understood people meant more than specific handed scissors, I was cutting fabric and the lady teaching me a sewing technique watched me cut and remarked that she was surprised that I could use scissors as her left-handed husband couldn’t. I was so confused as to why, I kept saying, “these aren’t right-handed specific.”
I don’t get that one. All the examples are of scissors that aren’t shaped to the palm; they hardly make those anymore. Obviously we left-handers can’t use those, we can’t put our hands in them. But regular scissors. Are. not. hand. specific. Cutting is mirrored. All the process can be mirrored.
That is why I wonder if there is something more at issue with some left-handed people, they aren’t merely mirror-handed. I think I’m just mirror-handed, only things that are right-handed or directionally specific are different for me. I knit right-handed quite easily. I don’t find the tasks of either hand harder or easier, I learned knitting as fast as any other person. Well, after I realized that you don’t knit back and forth; I had been knitting perfectly symmetrically, blending right and left style, but then so did my right-handed sister (although that may have been my fault), I just got confused, but once that was straightened out I was fine. Crochet on the other hand is much more like writing, and I always try it the left-handed way. I’m not a crocheter although I’d like to be better to make flowers and trim (I don’t care for the look of much else).
Now for commentary on this video. Okay, I know its dramatic and sarcastic. But most of the articles mention similar things (okay, okay, so they are probably all click-bait, but can we have serious discussion?). The scissor thing got me off and running.
I’d never thought about the mug thing; I’m not a big hot drinks user plus many mugs and cups have designs that got all around. I’m thinking I just turn the mug when I set it down and want to see the design.
I use a can opener like a right-hander because there isn’t any other way. That isn’t an angle thing for me, it’s a hand strength issue. I can make the first cut well with my strong hand gripping the bars, but the turning is with my weaker hand. We got a new can opener recently, that new blade makes turning the handle feel like a breeze.
I use a mouse with my right hand, I don’t remember that being hard either. Guys, I swear I’m not ambidextrous. That is REALLY rare.
The pen thing. I write underneath, so I don’t think I smear like that (I do when drawing, but wouldn’t right-handers as well, drawing is mirrored?). I do angle my paper; if I don’t my writing is angled.
Um, guys, notebooks and binders flip. When you write on the front the spiral is under the left-hand, when you flip the page and write on the other side, the spiral is under the right-hand.
Ice cream scoops, ha, this one of those, I don’t even think to consider; I’d just favorited some, I better see if there are left-handed specific.
The credit card thing (I wonder if that’s why I sometimes had to swipe so many times?!!! but not all were on the side, some are on the top), well we are going to the chip, for which we can use the left hand because it doesn’t matter.
I just felt like a long rambling post. I will make another post with links to videos I’ve found on left-handed calligraphy and hand-lettering.
