The Surveys - first 10 posts on the blog (List of surveys added after the morning this all started.)

A new survey was posted around noon - CST - on Feb 24, 2018.
If you read the other surveys early in the day - you might have missed it.
Every time I add a survey - I will note when it was posted - so you know if you missed any.

*****
Thank you to everyone who answered the surveys. Since I am a complete amateur at doing research, I will not tally the answers or draw any conclusions. As I expected, many people have fond memories of an early interest in the alphabet - going back to pre-school. Others were drawn in at a later date.  Everyone did a great job of telling personal stories that illustrate many different paths.

The one topic that jumped out at me as being a very common thread was the value of classes. As someone who teaches, I was happy to hear that people generally feel that classes are worthwhile.

After I had 10 posts, I decided it would be easier to start doubling up - and putting two responses in each post. They are in no particular order and the only survey that has the author identified is mine. If you would like to add your name - leave it in the comment. Or if you have additional thoughts, email them to me and I will add them to your survey.

Again, thanks to everyone who took time to respond. There are many comments that will be very useful to me in my classes. When teaching, it is helpful to quote other people rather than just spouting my own opinion all the time.

Take the SURVEY - It's not too late

Anyone who would like to be included in the survey is welcome to answer the questions and I will add their stories to the list.

You may read the details here:
Jean's Survey

Surveys No. 11 and No. 10

Survey No. 11

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age?

Yes! My mom taught me to read and write when I was 3 and I was always reading and looking at the words and the shapes they made.

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?

Since I could already read and write, my first grade teacher taught me to write in cursive. That made writing even more exciting, it was so fancy and grown up!

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?

I first learned about calligraphy when I was 12 and my 7th grade art teacher did a unit on calligraphy. We learned Uncial, Italic and Gothic. I was such a good calligrapher that they had me do the covers for awards programs and fill out certificates, that sort of thing. But it wasn't until I was much, much older that I learned that there was more than just those three styles!

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?

There wasn't a particular person but I was always fascinated by illuminated manuscripts.

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age?

So I was pretty young when I was introduced to penmanship/calligraphy/lettering, but I studied architecture and got stuck in the idea of precision and drafting for many years, so it's just been in the past 10 years or so when I began teaching my children to write that I came back to learning about letterforms and lettering as a an artistic outlet.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

You can do it anywhere and it's easy to pick up and put down quickly, in case one of the kids needs you. The materials don't have to be expensive and it's also practical, even writing a check is more fun when you can make it beautiful and it's fun when other people notice it.

What do you find most frustrating about writing?

Sometimes your hands just can't do what you want.  I keep trying to learn Spencerian, because I love it, but no matter what I do, my pen won't make the shapes!

Do you have a specific goal?

To teach others, particularly my own children, how to love writing also and do it well.

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?

When I realized how tense I am! I'm still not good at remembering to relax, but when I do, things go much more smoothly.

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?

I haven't taken any classes, but I did attend a lecture by Michael Sull once and I made my children sit there with me because, as I mentioned, I REALLY wish I could write Spencerian.

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations?

It exceeded my expectations. I learned how much I don't know.

Do you think we all start with equal potential?
Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?

I don't think we all have the same potential (just like I'm not built to be a great gymnast,) some have more of an aptitude for fine motor skills, but everyone can do something.

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)?

No one is ever hopeless. Your desire to improve is always the most important factor.

Survey No. 10

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age? 

Yes, I was very interested in reading and writing followed shortly thereafter, so around four five and six.

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?

I had fun being creative right from the start, teachers didn't approve...

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?

I remember as a twelve year old being encouraged to take up calligraphy and being quite intimidated by it! I was much more interested in drawing. The idea of all that practicing was horrifying...

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path? Not really.

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age?

When I took on the teaching of my kids at home I realized I would have to clean up my penmanship and spent just as much time practicing as they did. I have played at lettering all along but in an un-ruled arty kind of fashion.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

When I am in the flow and it rolls out of the pen as if of it's on volition or when I am playing around and some new detail emerges. When writing a letter a good pen brings much enjoyment. Good paper is becoming more important now too.

What do you find most frustrating about writing?

Spelling and when I am feeling inadequate...

Do you have a specific goal? No

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?

Really that time when I was starting to teach my boys.

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?

I haven't taken classes.

Do you think we all start with equal potential?

Way back when we were tiny people the way we were approached made a significant impact on how all the following years of learning went. None the less I am pretty sure we all have varying skill areas and types of learning styles so no, I guess I don't. Meaning I think everyone has great potential but in many different areas.

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?

That would be because of the varying skills we all have. I would never catch on quickly anything related to computers but can easily grasp directions of a visual or crafty nature, My husband would be the perfect opposite example!

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)? 

Nope.

Survey No. 9

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age?

At the age of eight I was given a Speedball calligraphy set which was the beginning of my calligraphic journey. I copied the letters in J.R.R. Tolkien's books at first. I loved the beauty of those forms.

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?

The Tolkien forms at age eight were what initially interested me. In other words, I was an early reader, but kind of asleep about forms.

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?

Age eight.

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?

My aunt, who gave me the Speedball set. Later, in my teens, I worked at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival scriptorium, where I worked with other scribes and eventually met my first mentor.

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age?

This is tricky. Lettering is everywhere. I am still learning it.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

The rhythm. The mystery of the forms.

What do you find most frustrating about writing?

Usually it's the tool. Sometimes I go through long stretches when I am not interested in lettering, which makes me feel completely useless.

Do you have a specific goal?

Perhaps a love of the work.

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?

I feel like this has happened more than once. I think it's related to the tools and that moment of becoming aware of something the tool does. The charisma of the teacher is sometimes a factor.

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?

I am not so good at taking classes. I learn things, but it takes time to fully absorb what I've learned.

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations?

Perhaps exceeded, though I never realize it at the time since the courses are truly a miserable situation for me. I like to find my own way.

Do you think we all start with equal potential?

I have no idea. I would love to believe that we all have talent. For the purpose of my own art, I mainly have to believe that I have something to say or express.

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?
Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)?

Maybe some people are not entirely interested in penmanship, or don't like the ways that it is taught, but that doesn't necessarily exclude them from working with letterforms.

Survey No. 8 and No. 18

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age? no

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?  no

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age? no

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?  yes - Cheryl Jacobsen

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age? yes

What do you enjoy most about writing? having a finished project that looks great. 

What do you find most frustrating about writing? mistakes

Do you have a specific goal? No, other than to keep trying to get better. 

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey? I'm not sure this is an ah-ha moment. I had taken a few of Cheryl J. evening adult classes. I have no art background and no natural talent, so it was extremely hard. I had no idea! I couldn't see the small details or even draw a straight line. I next took her beginning class at the U and practiced like crazy. I really discovered the importance of practicing during that class. 

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class? 
A neighbor asked Glen Epstein to teach an Italic class for a few of her friends. I was working and didn't have time to practice so made no progress. I did learn that there was a whole lot more to calligraphy than I had imaged and put it on my "someday" list. 

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations? YES, all most all 

Do you think we all start with equal potential? no

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others? 
People with an art background  all ready have an eye that "sees" all the little differences. It took me a long time to be able to see why my letters didn't look quite right. I also had to build hand and arm muscles. I couldn't begin to do letters with whole arm motion for years. 

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)? 
Yes, if they are not willing to practice


******

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age? 

- I do not recall but know that since we were four sisters (hardly a year apart each) my mom made sure we started practicing our writing at an early age - to keep us entertained!

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age? No recollection

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age? Y

es, my mom (and grandma had) has beautiful handwriting and when growing up I tried to imitated.

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path? 

My mom and one of my paternal aunts, they were big letter writers back in the day.

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age? 

Yes, in my early 20s while studying in San Diego I took a calligraphy class

What do you enjoy most about writing? The intimacy of monologue and how we open up to the receiver.

What do you find most frustrating about writing? How I start getting sloppy after a while, before a long letter is finished.

Do you have a specific goal? Yes, to improve my handwriting in general

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey? 

Yes, that unless we start we'll never get to where we want to be.

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class? 

Yes, to improve and make my handwriting fancy

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations? 

My expectations were met, I just wish I had kept on practicing

Do you think we all start with equal potential? Probably not, but we can develop them if we persevere.

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others? Because we all have different talents

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)? No, if they apply themselves.

Survey No. 7 and No. 17

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?  

I attended Catholic school and the nuns were “hell bent” on making sure that people wrote properly and beautifully in fourth grade! Ugh.  Actually I didn’t mind the penmanship drills, it was better than doing Math!

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?  

In high school I was taught italic and the book that was used was “Calligraphic Lettering” by Ralph Douglass.  I found it recently in an old used bookstore and purchased it.  Great information and nostalgic too!

What do you enjoy most about writing?  

The zen quality, and always hoping it will be better than what I did yesterday.

What do you find most frustrating about writing?  

Just when I think that I’m doing well, I look back on whatever I was writing months later and decide that it could have been better.

Do you have a specific goal?  

Maybe simply to get the thick and thin lines perfect!

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?  

I think it was finding the best nibs and inks that help with the process, but it’s always a quest.

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?  

I saw how beautiful the example was and thought if only I get half as good, it would be challenging and exciting. 

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations?  

Definitely exceeded my expectations and the teachers have been incredibly talented!

Do you think we all start with equal potential?  

I’d like to say yes, but I think we all bring different abilities to the table.  Again, glad I’m not doing math!

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?  

They must have a certain patience and willingness to take it slow.  Me, I tend to jump in with two feet and hope for the best.

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)?  

Definitely no  You just have to pick one small item and concentrate on that, such as  improving a favorite letter, or maybe trying to get the right slant.  But it’s really journey.

SURVEY NO. 17

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age?

no

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?

my first thoughts were that i didn't like the alphabet posted above the blackboards from 1st grade onwards...there were letters such as cap J and I that had swingy bits i found ugly, among others,  so i modified them when i wrote...my teachers didn't like that i didn't follow the rules...still i persisted in refiguring the letters fitting my own style and still do 

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?

no

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?

there was not a single thing but a suite 

the first book was david harris' the art of calligraphy a practical guide to the skills ad techniques...i

ordered it online and using ruled paper and a drug store cartridge pen with a square nib started trying to teach myself...there were letterforms i really liked which the author dubbed insular, gothic, rotunda and caroline and there were those less interesting to me...foundational

my first teacher was glen epstein who taught online courses from the u of iowa...loved it

my second teacher was jean wilson whom i met at a one day tutorial on bookmaking which she taught with cheryl jacobson

i joined a calligraphy guild in des moines and started taking art lessons at the des moines art center taught by jean

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age? 

yes, calligraphy...after i retired

What do you enjoy most about writing?

steady concentration

What do you find most frustrating about writing?

arthritis

Do you have a specific goal?

not so much now...well...except not to get ink all over myself

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?

two things, the use of gouache for ink and the emergence of art [jean wilson]

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?

i realized u of iowa offered online classes and  i could get expert instruction and critical feedback

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations?

exceed 

Do you think we all start with equal potential?

no

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?

desire...the ability to quiet one's mind...the ability to steadily control your hand with the use of your eyes 

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)?

absolutely not

Survey No. 6 and Survey No. 16

SURVEY NO. 6

I am happy to weigh in although one would never consider me a calligrapher in any way. I am a mail artist, however, and an enthusiastic one at that. In fact, recently at our gallery, we conducted a mail art class which was enthusiastically received. In my powerpoint presentation, I liberally used work from your website as inspiration and provided your blog address for further learning opportunities.

I completely agree with your definitions so would define myself as a letterer.

I was asked early on by my fifth grade teacher to print when taking spelling tests because my as and os in cursive looked too similar for her to grade fairly. Thus began a lifetime of writing in block capital letters. Such a pity. Because of that, my cursive has suffered tremendously. Shortly after my son was born, I received a calligraphy set and was so exited but, alas, no classes, no internet, no way to learn it properly. I set it aside, moved it from house to house and finally sold it at a garage sale about ten years ago.

Four years ago at a craft fair, I met a calligrapher who was offering classes in my town. Tana Bondar introduced me to italic lettering and I stunk at it. I'm afraid my 60 year old hands are a tad too shaky. On the final class, Tana had a tabletop full of mail art that she had sent and received. I was enchanted. My imagination was sparked and I began, in earnest, sending mail and hoarding stamps. A simple internet search helped me find you and your blog and I was off. Shortly after that I sent you an envelope with a drawing on it, (I recall that you mentioned that it was a bit odd that I just showed up like that but I was already a big fan) Anyway, the rest is history. I send lots of mail to very happy recipients and, as I mentioned, have turned several people on to it along the way.

So, thank you for the opportunity to relate all this to you. Keep up the good work.

****
Note from Jean:

Here it is. You said you wished you had made the hands on the clock point to 420. I remember it arriving and in my post, I welcomed you to the club of "people I have never met who send mail spontaneously." Not a large club - an elite club - on a couple levels.

********* 

SURVEY NO. 16

My interest was reading first.

Then in second grade, we had the yellow cursive letters on the green chalk paper above the board.

I remember “seeing” the capital I. The whole cursive thing was interesting. I remember loving penmanship, in the official books. They were thin little books with lines and I wanted mine to match the examples. 

I found comfort in seeing the alphabet above the chalk boards. Watching my teacher write cursive on the board was mesmerizing.

In high school, my art teacher wrote the word flower vertically and horizontally. He asked which was harder to read? F L O W E R was easier. 

I began practicing calligraphy as an adult, and when my first daughter was born I lettered her announcement. I would keep one pen, ink, and a pad on top of the fridge when the kids were little. I practiced at night when the girls were in bed on my kitchen table.

I enjoy journaling, writing out prayers or words to emphasize a thought. I love reading the Bible in King James and finding a new word in Hebrew or Greek or verse to letter using markers or colored pencils. Sumphutos is a word that means planted with Christ in his death and raised to life in His resurrection. So writing the word, I put flingers out from it with small flowers and leaves. I “see life” springing from the word and express it with colors and small leafy things.

I delight in sending a hand lettered card to someone about each day. Or I make them a bookmark. I am sure as a substitute teacher I have hand lettered 1000-2000 bookmarks for-students with their name and a saying, eg. Be nice to the pizza delivery guy.

Frustrating, hmmm...not taking the time to get out the dip pens anymore. Real calligraphy with pen and ink is so beautiful, but I don’t do it anymore. 

Good teachers, which would be a story itself. But I know critique AND watching others was wonderful and essential in my journey. The calligraphy guild in the beginning was education at multiple levels. Personal mentors like Jean that responded to questions and suggested new things to try. I will never forget when Cheryl Adams taught uncial at the church basement on the stage and I lettered with a pink Zig. Doing letters for two hours was amazing! Coaches can bring one to a new level. Seeing work by others was good too. I remember a birthday card from Joan with green grass strokes under my name and pink flowers, letters of my name on their tips. I wanted to duplicate those grass blades. Flingers. Which direction does one move the pen to get the effect? 

Good teachers and good artwork as in art displays of other calligraphers from different levels help with seeing layout and good design.

As for catching on, one must have interest but in my moments of teaching, some are more interested and pay closer attention than others. If you could answer the question about why some catch on faster, you could probably work for the US army in teaching motivation. In chemistry there was a saying, “them what has, gets.” People who stay after class and ask questions learn more. There may be some outstanding beginners, but practice is essential to growth. 

Classes that I liked best had some clear directions and exemplars and good showing of the “moves.” I like being shown how to do it first. Both in big, in front of the class ways on boards or easels and gathering around watching over shoulders. Watching another letter is a great joy for me. 

Haven’t thought about the poor handwriting question. Thankfully neuroplasticity seems to apply in all areas of learning. 

Survey No. 5 and Survey No. 15

SURVEY NO. 5

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?

  Yes, I think I was 4 and would imitate my parents by scribbling.  

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?

    (Sixth grade)

    Sister Pauline Mary showed us how to rubber band 2 pencils together and we wrote

    a squarish Uncial hand.  I never forgot how to make these letters.

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?

    During my first calligraphy class my teacher announced that there would be no

      class the next week but that we were all invited to the Detroit Public Library for a 

      Lecture  and book signing by Donald Jackson.  Mind blowing!

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age?

      I was 29 and newly married.  

What do you enjoy most about writing? 

      When everything comes together.  Meaningful words written with a well

      Prepared nib and freshly ground ink on fine paper.  Bliss.

What do you find most frustrating about writing?

        Not being able to reproduce what I have in my head.  DaVinci said, "The 

          Supreme Misfortune is when theory outstrips performance"

Do you have a specific goal?

        Not really.  Learning never ends!  I am a curious person and there is an 

        endless amount to enjoy and discover in the lettering arts.  

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?

          Was very lucky to have been able to attend Reggie Ezell's year long class

          years ago.  The class was located only a half mile from my home!  It was 

          meant to be.  It gave me a solid foundation on which to build.

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?

          To make my Christmas cards look pretty!  Ha!

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations?

          Yes, I have been so fortunate to have generous and knowledgeable 

            teachers.  And wonderful classmates!  I love my calligraphic tribe!

Do you think we all start with equal potential?

          No.  Some take to it like a duck to water.  For others it can be a real struggle.

          Passion helps.

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?

          This question interests me a lot sinceI have begun to teach.

            Each student is unique.  I think consistent and thoughtful practice can

          make a huge difference.

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)?

          No!  Careful observation and consistent practice will get you there!


SURVEY NO. 15

Do you recall being interested in the alphabet at an early age, if so what age?  No

Do you recall being interested in penmanship at an early age, if so what age?  No

Do you recall being interested in calligraphy at an early age, if so what age?  No

Was there a person or a book you ran across that had a big influence on your path?  No

Did you discover lettering/penmanship/calligraphy at a much later age?

I was interested in lettering when I was in high school.  I used to letter on folders and papers.

I don’t remember at any particular time being interested in calligraphy.  Just appreciated looking at it and wishing I was able to do it. But I didn’t know how to go about learning.  When we moved to our house, we were about 7 blocks from Artist and Display (sure miss the store).  I was 45 years old. My mother had signed our son up for a cartooning class when he was in grade school.  Jon had graduated high school when we moved.  We were still on their mailing list and I received a flier that mentioned calligraphy classes.  I signed up for an Uncial class with Sue McConnell.  Shortly after that, I took a Italics class with her.  In hindsight, I should have concentrated on one hand before trying to learn another one.  I ended up joining the calligraphy guild.  I enjoyed taking lettering and calligraphy classes and workshops.

So if my mother hadn’t signed Jon up for the cartooning class, I never would have taken that first class.  I never would have met so many wonderful and talented people.  I never would have learned that I have some artistic ability.  I wouldn’t have a room full of art supplies.  But our bank account would be larger.  And most important to me now is that I wouldn’t have something that I truly enjoy to occupy my time now that I’m stuck in the house.

What do you enjoy most about writing?  

I really don’t know.  I find it relaxing.  It can help get your mind off of problems if you are concentrating on the marks you are making on the paper. Hopefully, when I’m finished, I’ll enjoy looking at the finished project.

And of course, it’s fun to use different kinds of makers, pens, pencils and nibs.

What do you find most frustrating about writing? 

I have a difficult time outlining letters.  I try going slow and I’ll try being quick.  I’m rarely satisfied with my results.

I think I am dip pen challenged.  I’ve taken Copperplate classes three times ~ Sue McConnell, Mike Kesceg, and Dr. Joe Vitolo.  Dr. Joe helped the most.  He adjusted the holder for me.  

There are so many variables when it comes to calligraphy ~ papers, inks, nibs, etc.  You really need to spend a lot of time to know what goes with what.  I’m frustrated when I use a pen ~ like a parallel pen ~ and the ink bleeds because of the paper I’m using.

I wish I didn’t get so anxious when doing something for someone else.  

Do you have a specific goal?

I want to be more consistent with my letter shapes.  I know that comes with practice and more practice.  

I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I just want to enjoy what I am able to do.  I do too many other things to spend the necessary time to be at the level I would like to be at.  

I want to keep trying new things instead of always using letters that I’m comfortable knowing I’ll be satisfied with the results.

Can you describe any ah-ha moment where you discovered something that really helped with your journey?

Not really

If you have taken classes, do you recall why you signed up for your first class?

I explained that above.

Have your classes met or exceeded your expectations?

I’ve taken a lot of classes.  There were one or two teachers whose style of teaching didn’t gel with my ability to learn what they were teaching.  But I still enjoyed the experience and spending time with others.  I REALLY miss being able to take classes.  I’ve taken a few online classes.  I enjoy them, but it’s not as enjoyable as taking a class in person.  

Do you think we all start with equal potential? 

No 

Why do you think some people catch on faster than others?

I believe that all people have certain things that come easier for them.  And some were gifted with abilities that come natural for them.  Not that they don’t have to work at it.  But I could never reach talents of people like Jake Weidmann.  I know that Dr. Joe Vitolo is self taught and he began late in life.  I believe that Debi Zeinert is also self taught.  Nancy Hills talent is beyond anything I could ever hope to achieve.  

Is anyone truly *hopeless* (at improving their penmanship)?

Yes ~ Any person who doesn’t have any interest in improving.  

If someone wants to improve, I believe with enough practice, they could improve.