CREATIVE INDUSTRIES I
LETTERING
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WHAT IS TYPOGRAPHY
CONTENTS
FONTS AND TYPEFACES ANATOMY OF A LETTER DEFINITION OF TERMS RESOURCES
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES I
TYPOGRAPHY COLM
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES I
WHAT IS TYPOGRAPHY? The design or selection of letterforms to be organized into words and sentences. - Britannica Typography is a very useful art. It has to look visually appealing and legible. Therefore, it is important that the fonts used in a design must complement each other and be easy to read.
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FONTS AND TYPEFACES The terms 'font' and 'typeface' are used interchangeably these days, but traditionally these were two different things. Typeface was the specific design of letters, while font is the size or style. Fontshop describes it as, "A font is what you use, and a type is what you see."
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Serif Serif is a short line found at the ends of a letterform. These are often decorative in function and gives fonts a traditional look. Serif is also used to refer to the category of typefaces with this characteristic. COLM
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Sans Serif Sans Serif is the typeface or category of typefaces without the serif. This gives fonts in this category a modern and minimalist look. "Sans" means "without." COLM
TYPES
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Type Foundations Cap Line
X-Height Baseline
Typography Kerning
Character
Character
Cap Line
X-Height
Baseline
Kerning
An individual symbol that is part of a set that forms a typeface. It includes letters, numbers, and punctuation marks.
The line that marks the upper boundaries of capital letters, as well as that of some lowercase letters' ascenders.
The height of a typeface's lower case letters, excluding ascenders and descenders.
This is the imaginary line on which letters and other characters rest on.
The horizontal space between two consecutive letters or charcters.
Anatomy of a Letter Bar
Stroke
A horizontal stroke that is not connected to a stem on one or both sides.
A single linear element, either curved or straight, that makes up a character.
Counter The space enclosed (or partially enclosed) inside a letter bound by curves, stems, or strokes.
joint The part of a letter where the stroke connects to the stem.
Ascender The part of a letter (usually lowercase) that goes above the x-height.
Shoulder The stroke that curves downward from a stem.
Typography Stem The main stroke of a letterform. This is usually vertical.
Descender
Loop
The part of a letter that goes below the baseline.
The curved lower portion of a lower case "g".
Bowl The part of the letter that is closed, rounded, or curved.
Foot The part of a letter's stem that falls on the baseline.
Tail Another name for the descender.
HOW TO USE TYPOGRAPHY IN LAYOUTS Limit the number of typefaces used
d l o B y a w e l Ra Raleway Ralew ay Thin
There are a lot of beautiful fonts out there, but don't overwhelm your audience with too much. Use up to a maximum of three kinds.
Use the same font family Using the same font family creates harmony or visual coherence.
Fonts can set the mood Match the typeface with your content. Soft, rounded fonts give a light and friendly feel. Sans serif fonts with solid, straight edges are straight-forward and serious. Serif fonts show elegance, and script fonts are great for display.
Heading
Sub Headi
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Body c opy te xt
Tips White space is your friend Don't be afraid of white space! It gives your design room to breathe, and can even help focus on certain elements.
C la r it y
C lu t t
Work with a limited color palette Have up to 3 primary colors, and about the same amount of secondary colors that complement one other. Having less colors creates harmony and is pleasing to the eye.
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References: Kliever, Janie. “A Beautifully Illustrated Glossary of Typographic Terms You Should Know.” Canva Learn, 2018, www.canva.com/learn/typography-terms/. Preece, Warren E. and Wells, James M.. "Typography". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/technology/typography Pack, Poppie. “25 Graphic Design Tips for Non-Designers and Beginners.” Canva Learn, www.canva.com/learn/graphic-design-tips-non-designers/.