The “Italic” is a very necessary alphabet in card writing.
The name is derived from the slanting appearance of the letters. In using this style of lettering be careful to have the “slopes” or “slants” uniform.
The angle as shown on the chart is the preferred “slant.” In practice work, to maintain uniformity, students should rule off their cards or practice sheets as indicated by the broken lines. This compels uniformity, and many professional card writers use a specially “slanted” ruling guide or “T” square for making such lines.
This alphabet is designed for either the broad pointed pen or brush. The round speedball pens may also be used for a “slanting” alphabet, if desired.
Compare the similarity of this with other alphabets and it will be found easy to make. Take time to analyze this and previous alphabets, and it will be found very simple.
Words lettered in “Italic” on a showcard break up the monotony. When there is considerable reading matter on a card or sign, a few lines in Italic will relieve the denseness of the lettering and invite reading.
Italic is also much used for catch lines—the short lines—which often occur between the important lines on a card.
The words “the”, “our”, “on” and many others are usually written in Italic.
The last line of lettering on the adjoining reproduction shows some slight variations preferred by showcard writers, in that the spur at the top of some of the staffs is sharper, and on other letters the bottom spur of the first stroke is omitted. In working under pressure many showcard writers omit the spur in all first strokes on the h, k, m and n.
The “Italic” numerals are simple—and much used for prices on any style card. In fact, the Italic is much preferred when there is considerable small lettering to do and the work must be hurried.