Master.

In these modern times, writing by hand is fast becoming a dying art form. People are communicating more and more electronically, whether it’s by email, cell phone, messenger apps, and so on, rather than by taking a pen to paper. Schools in America are even phasing out teaching cursive to students, national standards do not require such instruction, and it’s viewed as an unnecessary waste of time that will soon be obsolete.

One simple fact highlights how much the art form has died; there are now only 12 people left in the entire world who currently hold the title of ‘Master Penman.’ Jake Weidmann, from Colorado, is one of them and the youngest by far. From early on he was consumed by handwriting and would often choose to work on it rather than play outside or go to recess with all the other children. His whole life has revolved around working at, and perfecting, his penmanship. All of his time, energy, practice, and dedication to the art has paid off because he has since earned the title of Master Penman. Everything he does in his work, down to the pens and tools he uses, is in the old school way of writing and drawing. Oftentimes a piece he is working on will take well over a year to completely finish. If it’s not to his exact standards, he scraps it and starts over. All of this preciseness and the need for perfection is what earned him recognition and has helped make him a master at the art of penmanship.

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