Iconic Signatures Reveal Personality

Sign Pen Business Document #48195, Pexels.com CC0

Have you ever had someone hand you a document and say, "Put your John Hancock there?"

Here in the U.S., we all understand that to mean, sign on the dotted line. Most of us know that phrase came from John Hancock when he signed the Declaration of Independence.

We were told in history class, he declared, "I'll sign it big enough so King George can read it without his spectacles."

Guest Blogger Today

I'm please to welcome my guest Emma Welsh representing Invaluable.com. Emma has written a fascinating article about Signatures and has some stunning infographics to accompany the article. Ever wonder what a signature says about a person? She's here to answer that question.

Invaluable was kind enough to offer this post to SlingWords. However, the article is so long I simply couldn't post it all here. I'm excerpting part of the text and 4 of the graphic images here.

Please read the rest of the article and look at all the amazing signature graphics about some of the most famous people who ever lived. Read the full text of the article by clicking here to visit Invaluable.

US: PD-1923

Famous Signatures & Their Meaning
by Emma Welsh, Invaluable.com

Autographs have long been a treasured collectible. Many collect them for sentimental reasons, to serve as a reminder of a specific event like a sports victory or artistic legacy.

For ardent collectors, autographs can hold significant monetary value as well. Many historical figures weren’t as generous with autograph signing as their modern counterparts, and thus their signatures have become extremely valuable and cherished.

George Washington’s Act of Congress, ( from blog, Gemr.com post 10 Most Valuable Signatures) of the most notable recent examples at auction, was sold at Sotheby's in 2012 for $9.8 million.

Photo by Joan Reeves

Though the act of collecting famous signatures is a popular hobby to this day, the practice has been around since the 1st century.

Ancient Greeks and Romans understood the importance of preserving history and culture, and thus held autographs in the highest esteem.

They displayed original manuscripts of literary greats in temples and gathered signatures from popular playwrights and philosophers.

The Study of Handwriting

Graphology, the study of handwriting, is so fascinating to this day, that prominent museums dedicate entire exhibits to its craft.

Such is the case with “The Magic of Handwriting”, an exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York that showcases 140 items from Brazilian collector Pedro Corrêa do Lago.

White Ruled Paper Pexels.com #99462, CC0

Included are neatly drawn letters from Queen Victoria, signed photographs from the likes of Frida Kahlo, and even a parchment papal bull signed by Anastasius IV that dates back to the 12th century.

Each artifact furthers the intrigue behind how and why each artist wrote and signed things the way they did.

Apart from their ability to preserve a moment in history, handwriting and autographs are each unique in their own right, which can make them even more valuable.

Photo of John Hancock Painting, US: PD

John Hancock’s signature is now a living legend, and even synonymous with the word “signature,” after its large, grandiose placement on the Declaration of Independence made quite a statement.

Historians disagree as to why Hancock signed as he did, but regardless, there’s no denying its bold, prominence among all others. So what exactly does this mean?

We’ve highlighted some of the most famous signatures as well as their individual characteristics and significance below.

Signatures Analysis

While some autographs are toned down and modest, others can be more ostentatious. Signatures are central to a person’s identity because they are part of how we present ourselves to the outside world.

Signature analysis experts evaluate each distinctive feature, down to the slants and angles, to determine different signatures’ meanings in relation to their creators. Here's how they do it.

Size

Centimeters Length Measure Pexels.com #47040 CC0

The size of a signature is seen as a big determinant of a person’s self-esteem and awareness of how others perceive them. In theory, the bigger the signature, the more outgoing and affable a person presents to the public.

Large: generally associated with greater self-esteem, wants to be recognized, strong sense of self-confidence and mastery of craft.

Medium: balanced sense of self, modest, firm understanding of how you are perceived to the outside world.

Small: low self-esteem and confidence, doesn’t recognize worth, might be deliberately holding back.

Low angle...Pisa by Palo Cech, Pexels.com #286746CC0

Slanting

Which way does it lean or slant?

Much can be said about the slanting and angles of a person’s signature. Inclination correlates with a person’s expression of feelings and emotions.

Right slant: generally associated with one who takes initiative, is affectionate and more outgoing.

Left slant: less motivated, lacks self-esteem, finds it harder to assert themselves emotionally.

Straight: strong grasp on work-life balance.

Legibility

Many signatures are completely illegible, which reflects a desire to remain more mysterious and
an inclination towards deflection.

The style is not always used in a malevolent manner; rather, it’s possible that the notary is a less efficient communicator.

Legible: (name easily recognizable): balanced, strong sense of duty, socially open and
straightforward, assertive.

Semi-legible: impatient, anxious

Illegible (completely unrecognizable): lack of self confidence, tendency toward
avoidance.

First name more legible than surname: approachable and direct, friendly

Surname more legible than first name: closed off, reserved upon first contact, craves
familiarity.

Underlining

The use of excess lines in autographs often reflects feelings of assertiveness and the appetite for recognition.

[Joan interjects: Some greeting cards I get from a certain person has words throughout the sentiment underlined. *g*]

No underline: unassuming, self-assured, doesn’t feel the need to make presence known

One underline: wants existence to be recognized but not excessively, could mean lack of confidence in certain circumstances.

Multiple underlines: takes credit, makes presence well-known, yearning for importance and recognition.

Adornments

More elaborate signatures have different embellishments in the form of shapes, lines, and
initials.

Strike-throughs: self-critical

Circles or loops: craves reassurance, overthinks most circumstances

Dotting: makes presence known, not easily forgotten

Use of initials: private person.

Have you recognized yourself in some of this signature analysis? Read on for an analysis of four famous authors.

Famous Signatures and the Meanings Behind Them

Graphic Courtesy of Invaluable

What do these authors' famous signatures truly reveal about their personalities?

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Charlie Chaplin was known as the greatest comic actor who ever lived.

Not only was he a film star, but he was also a producer, writer, director, and composer.

His Signature Style: bold, upward, right slant.

Explanation of his Signature: Chaplin was known as a more demanding figure on set, a perception that is suggested by his bold, prominent signature.

The upward, right slant shows how he took initiative and made his presence known.

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Graphic Courtesy of Invaluable

E.E. Cummings was known for the brevity of his poetry and for using only lower case in his poems.

Signature Style: capitalized initials.

Explanation: Cummings’ signature represents the nonconformist nature of his poetry.

Though much of his work is written in lowercase, he purposely capitalizes the letters in his signature to assert pride and recognition.

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Graphic Courtesy of Invaluable

J.K. Rowling known of course for Harry Potter and friends is famous all over the world for those books.

Her Signature Style: small “o” contrasted by stark “k.”

Explanation: Rowling’s unique signature exemplifies her expansive imagination.

The small “o” in the middle shows that she originally came from a place of insecurity, but it’s contrasted by the stark “k” that represents her strong-willed, fighting spirit.

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Graphic Courtesy of Invaluable

William Shakespeare who clearly is one of the most recognizable writers to have ever lived.

His Signature Style: exaggerated curves, stylistic

Explanation: Shakespeare’s exaggeration of certain curves and different stylistic variances represent his freedom and ability to create different characters dependent on his mood.

Similarly, the ascending nature of his signature suggests strong ambition.

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A Big Thank You to Emma Welsh and Invaluable for providing today's content.

Takeaway Truth

Did you recognize any traits in your signature? If so, leave a comment and tell us.

If you have any questions for Emma, leave that in comments also.

I hope you will visit Invaluable and look at the other infographics with portraits, signatures, and explanations. I guarantee you'll be intrigued.

Sources

In case you'd like to know the Sources Emma used, here's her list:

http://www.handwriting-graphology.com/handwriting-analysis-signature/

https://pairedlife.com/compatibility/what-does-your-signature-say-about-you

http://atozhandwriting.com/signature-analysis/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jazzedloon/famous-authors-signatures-71g1?utm_term=.rdRW
jRwwQ#.xt686Zbbn

https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/signatures-of-famous-people-handwriting-analysis/

https://diply.com/

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-hancock-and-bull-story/