Do you know your signature can reveal a lot about you. Letโs take a look at 14 famous signatures and the meanings behind them.
Signature Analysis
While some autographs are toned-down and modest, others can be more ostentatious. Signatures are central to a personโs 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 signaturesโ meanings in relation to their creators.
Size
The size of a signature is seen as reflective of a personโs 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. Authorย Jack Kerouac often signedย with just his first name in large letters, which could indicate a favorable view of his personal accomplishments.
- Large: generally associated with greater self-esteem, wants to be recognized, strong sense of self-confidence and mastery of craft
- Medium: a balanced sense of self, modest, firm understanding of how you are perceived to the outside world
- Small: low self-esteem and confidence, doesnโt recognize worth, might be deliberately holding back
Read What Does Your Signature Say About You?
Slanting
Much can be said about the slanting and angles of a personโs signature. Inclination correlates with a personโs expression of feelings and emotions. Inventorย Orville Wrightโs signatureย slants slightly upward near the end, suggesting a sense of optimism that is paralleled in the brilliance of inventions.
- Right slant: generally associated with one who takes initiative, is affectionate and more outgoing
- Left slant:ย 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, itโs possible that the notary is a less efficient communicator. Activistย Susan B. Anthonyโs signatureย is written clearly and definitively, suggesting an accomplished, approachable sense of self.
- Legibleย (name easily recognizable): generally associated with 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. English authorย J. R. R. Tolkienโs signatureย is underlined, suggesting a sense of self-importance, allowing his accomplishments to shine without explanation or commentary.
- No underline: generally associated with those who are unassuming, self-assured, doesnโt 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. Inย Albert Einsteinโs signature, the famous physicist only uses his first initial โAโ when signing to highlight his family name.
- Strike-throughs: generally associated with those who are self-critical
- Circles or loops: craves reassurance, overthinks most circumstances
- Dotting: makes presence known, not easily forgotten
- Use of initials: private person
Read Revealing Things Your Signature Says about You
Famous Signatures
Every influential creative has their own unique signature. Weโve gathered some of the most famous signatories from various art forms to determine their signaturesโ meanings and how those qualities are reflected in their life and work.
Autographsย are valuable to collectors for a variety of reasons. Not only do they represent a particularly memorable event or bear historical significance, but they can also reveal a bit about the interests of those who collect them.
The practice of collecting famous signatures dates back to the ancient Romans and Greeks and becomes even more relatable after understanding what a signature can reveal an individualโs personality. As time goes on, signatures will continue to hold value and prestige, depending on scarcity and other important factors.
Looking for more?ย Click hereย to explore more famous autographs on Invaluable.
Written by Emma Welsh
Source โ Invaluable.com
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