If you are looking for a way to build your handwritten typography skills, I have a project for you.

Step 1: Find a Source of Quotes that you Like

Where to look: all of those underlined books on your wall; the highlighted sections of text on your Kindle or iPad; that bookmarked link to your favorite quote site; that file on your computer with all of those quotes that you have copied and pasted; your memory.  Whatever the source, start collecting quotes in a place that is easy to get to.

Step 2: Gather Writing Materials

To write on: note cards, sketchbooks, whiteboard, poster paper, chalkboard. To write with: pens, pencils, markers, chalk.

Step 3: Find Some Typographic Inspiration

Suggestions: books, newspapers, magazines, the Sketchnote Army.  Find a typeface you like.  Imitate it.

Step 4: Go to Town

Start writing.

Step 5: Celebrate

Put it on a wall.  Post it to a site.  Mail it to a friend.  Hand it to a loved one.

Step 6: Repeat

Do this over and over again and your skills will improve.  As will your ability to pull out quotes in conversation (please quote responsibly).

By focusing on your writing and not having to think about the ideas themselves, you will isolate the individual skill of typography and practice it independently before doing it on the fly.  To follow me as I complete the steps above in order to become a more skilled and versatile graphic recorder, bookmark my Handwritten Quotes page or start listening for my tweets (@TheGraphicRcrdr).