What does your handwriting and your signature say about you? 

There’s a lot of controversy about how much you can read into handwriting. 

But at the very least it says something about your own aesthetic. 

This early set of Beatles signatures is full of features - kisses, underlinings - and big, confident names on their way to the top. Click the image to buy the document.  

And we know at least some stars design their signatures to look the part: The Beatles are a well-known example. 

They even changed them as they moved along in their career. 

For many stars it was another domain of self presentation. 

Graphology for fun 

We’re not suggesting that you should look for anything beyond some fun in this guide.

Graphology shouldn't be used to look for serious psychological or personal insights.  

Most of us take on board that a signature says something about us - but there is no science here. 

We’re using the work of best-selling author Vanessa Van Edwards of Science of People to take a look at some star signatures. 

She looked at six personality clues in signatures derived from graphology. 

For Fidel Castro, the only way was up. Click the image to buy the autograph. 

1 - What angle do you sign at? 

An upward slope to a signature may indicate positive outlook, ambition, and energy. 

Sloping down and it might mean you’re more pessimistic. 

Straight across and it could mean you’re an organised and together sort. 

2 - How big is the signature? 

As you’ve probably guessed, bigger signatures belong to more confident folk. 

And, at least one study suggests that they may be linked with narcissism. 

Smaller names are likely to coincide with less confidence. 

Even in a private letter, Muhammad Ali had plenty of confidence in a name he chose for himself. Click the image to buy the autograph. 

3 - How clear is it? 

Do you scrawl your name?

That might mean you’re a quick thinker. 

But, if you take your time to clearly spell out your name graphologists suggest you’re an open book. 

A fairly clear and easy to read Mrs Thatcher, but what do we make of the floating line over her surname? Click the image to buy the signature. 

4 - Is it finished 

Initials. Nicknames. Abbreviations. 

All might indicate a wish for privacy. 

But, far from hiding a true persona, a nickname might indicate the creation of a larger-than-life alternative you. 

Would Richard Starkey have signed with the panache that Ringo does? Click the image to buy the autograph. 

5 - Are there any extras?

Decorations, dashes, symbols, underlinings, kisses. 

All could be symbols of complexity. 

Some marks, says Vanessa, have a particular meaning.

A full stop at the end of a signature? 

A serious, self-possessed signer. 

Marilyn underlined her new married name in this signature, not done for a fan. What a fascinating insight. Click the image to buy this unique record album. 

Underlining? 

Ambitious and determined. 

6 - How much pressure? 

Consistent heavy pressure, which may show up with thick, darker pen strokes, might be indicative of an intense, obstinate character - determined if you prefer. 

Consistently light pressure could mean the signer is uncommitted somehow, or willing to be flexible to give it a more positive spin. 

A mix between the two and we’re looking at somewhat unstable moods to match the pen pushing. 

What do you make of this mystery signature. Click through to find out the extraordinary young man who made these marks. 

Graphology v science

Like Vanessa Van Edwards we want to be very clear here. This is just meant to be fun. 

There’s no good evidence that graphology can yield real psychological insights. 

But, as autograph dealers we’re pretty sure signatures do say something about anyone who signs one. 

Particularly stars, who often make sure they have an attractive, well-presented autograph. Or one that’s quick and easy to do. 

Well before he was a star, does the young James Dean's name stand out here? Click through to discover this extraordinary year book that you could own.  

Buying celebrity autographs today 

If you’d like to study these star signatures yourself then we’re very happy to help. 

A signature is deeply personal, a real hand-to-hand link to your favourite celebrity. 

We have a large collection here. 

With more coming and going all the time. 

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