 Zaner was able to streamline the Spencerian script method—which was widely used in the 19th century—by adapting a handwriting approach that was more practicable for modern business documents and personal communication.Zaner’s enthusiasm about this utilitarian art inspired him to open a school that would prepare students for successful careers in the penmanship industry.In 1891, Zaner sold shares of the Zanerian College of Penmanship to another skilled penman, Elmer Ward Bloser (forming the partnership that later created the Zaner-Bloser Company).