Text messaging is a convenient way to get in touch quickly and efficiently. But convenience often comes at a price. What texting — and most other forms of digital communication — makes up for in ease, it loses in human connection.

For that reason, designer Cristina Vanko sought to personalize her text messages by creating a project called, "Modern Day Snail Mail." For one week, Vanko challenged herself to respond to each incoming text with a photo of a hand-written note. She also banned herself from using a keyboard, and drew calligraphy for every "Thank you" and "K" she received.

Image: Used with Permission, Cristina Vanko

Vanko told Mashable that her first hand-written messages were met with both praise and confusion.

"The first couple of responses I got back were, 'Oh, that’s really cool ... but what are you doing?'" she said.

Image: Used with Permission, Cristina Vanko

However, Vanko's week wasn't without challenges. She said she had her fair share of awkward moments while texting minor acquaintances who didn't quite understand the project. Still, Vanko persisted, completing the project without breaking her self-imposed rules.

At the end of the week, she reflected on the reactions from her friends and acquaintances. While some did not respond, many indicated that the personalized responses made them feel special.

"[A hand-written response] gives you more of that personal, human element," Vanko said.

A lucky side effect of Vanko's project was that it forced her to practice her calligraphy skills. She said she's still sharpening her penmanship, hand-writing longer, more meaningful texts when the opportunity strikes.

For an in-depth look at "Modern Day Snail Mail," and to see more of Vanko's work, visit her website.

Image: Cristina Vanko