Seeing Ovals in the Hairline/Shade Transitions

Letterform Analysis: Seeing Ovals in the Hairline/Shade Transitions

By Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo http://www.zanerian.com

Seeing Ovals in the Hairline/Shade Transitions The lowercase letter ‘v’:

‘Like’ Transitions are created by Symmetrical ovals having their Long axis ON the slant angle. This Also helps with spacing issues.

Slant Angle © Image created by Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo

Asymmetrical Ovals Cause Asymmetrical Hairline/Shade Transitions

Š Image created by Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo

This oval is beyond the slant angle of the letter and is also larger than the bottom oval. This can lead To wider letter spacing.

A little too wide due to less acute transition angle. This last stroke of the ‘m’ transition is formed on a wider oval that is the top transition oval that starts the finishing ‘m’ shade.

Before

After Computer Re-touching

Making this transition on slant angle with a slight compound curve will help to close gap between these types of shade to shade transitions. This gives a more harmonious spacing.

© Image created by Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo

The Study of Letterforms Original

Ovals

The Compound curve and the ovals forming it.

One Primary Shade

4 Secondary Shades

Script from WA Baird, The Zanerian Manual. Š Image created by Dr. Joseph M. Vitolo