How to make a signature

The five steps

1. Choose the name shape. Full name, first initial plus surname, or initials only. The shorter it is, the faster it repeats.
2. Shape the first capital. Make it the largest letter and give it one feature: a loop, a crossbar or a hook.
3. Decide how letters connect. Either flow the whole name in one line or let the rest sink into a simple wave after the capital.
4. Add one closing stroke. A short tail, a dash or an underline, never more than one.
5. Drill it. Write it 20 times at normal speed until it looks the same each time.

Try each step on the pad above. Undo removes the last stroke, so you can test a capital without starting over.

Shapes to try

A tall looped capital with a plain name behind it. A crossbar from the first capital that runs under the rest. A name that climbs toward the right and ends in a flick. Letters compressed into a narrow zigzag. See each one on your own name in the handwritten generator, or browse capitals in signature ideas.

Making it stick

Keep the signature legible enough that the first and last letters can be read. Use the same pen type and the same speed every time; slowing down to copy a shape makes it look different. Print the practice sheet for tracing, then save your pad drawing as a PNG when you are happy with it.