# Manual Mail Art Craig Oldham's The Hand.Written.Letter.Project Pays Tribute to a Dying Art F By Meghan Young | Published 2011-08-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hand-written-letter-project References: [itsnicethat](http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/the-hand-written-letter-project) & [kkoutlet](http://www.kkoutlet.com/art/2011/handwrittenletterproject) The Hand.Written.Letter.Project pays tribute to this [dying form of communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usps-stamp) in a creatively poignant way. Interestingly enough, however, the Hand.Written.Letter.Project happens to involve a lot more illustration than actual writing. In fact, whenever a contributor opted to write, he or she often included a bashful apology for their messy scrawl. This shows just how uncomfortable the act of writing has become in a society that has come to rely so heavily on social media networks, email and word processors to correspond with people. Aside from these imaginative and [creative illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tissue-box-collection), the thoughtful messages seen throughout the Hand.Written.Letter.Project is what will make a meaningful impact on its audience. Put together by Craig Oldham, the Hand.Written.Letter.Project is currently showing at the KK Outlet in London’s Hoxton Square. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Revival of Handwritten Communication:** The Hand.Written.Letter.Project highlights the dwindling art of handwritten communication, creating a potential market for products and services that cater to this nostalgic trend. - **Integration of Art and Writing:** The Hand.Written.Letter.Project combines illustration and handwritten messages, suggesting opportunities for collaborations between artists and writers. - **Meaningful Personalized Messaging:** The thoughtful messages in the Hand.Written.Letter.Project emphasize the importance of authentic, personalized communication, paving the way for innovative messaging platforms and services. ### Where This Applies - **Stationery and Greeting Cards:** The revival of handwritten communication presents opportunities for the stationery and greeting card industry to create unique products and experiences. - **Art and Design:** The integration of art and writing in the Hand.Written.Letter.Project opens up possibilities for collaboration and innovation within the art and design industry. - **Digital Communication Platforms:** The emphasis on meaningful personalized messaging in the Hand.Written.Letter.Project indicates potential for disruption and improvement in digital communication platforms, enhancing user experience and authenticity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Written Printed Letters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snappysnail.md) - [Hybrid Mail Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-letter-card-co.md) - [Analog Creativity-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unleash-your-genius.md) - [Digital Handwriting Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindly-ink.md) - [Mailbox-Shaped Scanner Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tou.md) - [Immersive Greeting Card Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anything-roots-post.md) - [AR Message Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/favor-ar.md) - [Redesigned Father's Day Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fathers-day-redesign.md) - [Sculptural Writing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experimental-pencils.md)