We never got direction or advice on our signatures in school. We learned how to spell then write our names very early on. I expect many notable people have created their signatures, but for most of us, it just happened.
Today is different. There are young people who can't read or write cursively so can't really "sign" their name. A printed name or a big "X" does not make it for most legal documents and transactions.
That's why there is now advice on creating a signature. Here's the sort of advice I came upon:
A good signature gives you brand and identity awareness. Decide what you want your signature to convey and to reflect you as a person. Consider making it clear and unique so as not to be easy to forge.
Determine what parts of your name you want to include Consider which parts of your name you want to emphasize. For example, while some people sign their full name, others only sign with their first name or their initials. If you are known by your first name, consider only using that name. If you are a teacher who goes by their last name, consider signing using only your surname.
Experiment with different styles Once you have an idea of how you want your signature to look, start experimenting. Rewrite your signature multiple times to discover new possibilities and ideas. Playing with different styles can help you determine the direction you want to go in. If you are updating your old signature, consider what you like about your current style and identify what needs work.
Think outside of the box It is important to create a signature that is uniquely yours. Since it is not like your everyday writing, you do not need a legible signature—especially if your signature can make up for it in distinctiveness. Use your creative skills to come up with fun ways to make your signature stand out.Try making a letter larger to make it stand out or making a letter smaller for it to blend in with the rest of your signature. For example, consider emphasizing the first letter of your name and making the rest of your letters small. You can also have fun with certain elements of your name or underline your signature if you want to add emphasis. Add flourishes, loops, zigzags, and other designs as you see fit.
Aren't you now interested in what signatures look like? Take a browse through historical figures and celebrities HERE.
The most expensive signature sold at auction is George Washington's personal copy of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights - $9.8 million in 2012. Second most valuable is William Shakespeare, with only six known signatures to exist. All of them incomplete - and so another one of the Shakespeare mysteries. Here they are.
