what is typography?
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘typography’? What does this word mean to you, and what role does it play in the work of a graphic designer?
Typography- the art and practice of designing type, books and other printed matter according to aesthetic and scientific principles.
Having read the definition above, do you feel like you know this term any better now…are you connected to this term anymore than you were before? Typography is the type of subject that you will either love or be indifferent towards—however, it is the type of subject that you must truly understand in order to be a solid designer. The less you know about typography, the less you care, and the more you know, the more you care.
I truly believe that we have become desensitized to the art of the written word due to all of the technology that has separated us so. Words surround is an almost dizzying assortment on a daily basis, and it is because of this overload, that we as humans, tend to dismiss the importance of the written word. An understanding and an appreciation for typography illustrates our connection to these letters, words and sentences.
What is a book, a brochure, poster or flyer without words? Imagine a website that doesn’t include a single sentence or a menu that used only one typeface in only one size, weight and color—now imagine how effective those pieces would be.
However, if it were as easy as just picking a random typeface that ‘looks cool’ and implementing it in our work, then everyone would be a great graphic designer. This unit is going to help us deepen our understanding of how to use typography to our advantage, as well as to explore the creativity that exists within our own written language. Typography isn’t always just font, size, color and weight, but an art form that we can express our creativity through—this unit will help us to develop both.
Typography- the art and practice of designing type, books and other printed matter according to aesthetic and scientific principles.
Having read the definition above, do you feel like you know this term any better now…are you connected to this term anymore than you were before? Typography is the type of subject that you will either love or be indifferent towards—however, it is the type of subject that you must truly understand in order to be a solid designer. The less you know about typography, the less you care, and the more you know, the more you care.
I truly believe that we have become desensitized to the art of the written word due to all of the technology that has separated us so. Words surround is an almost dizzying assortment on a daily basis, and it is because of this overload, that we as humans, tend to dismiss the importance of the written word. An understanding and an appreciation for typography illustrates our connection to these letters, words and sentences.
What is a book, a brochure, poster or flyer without words? Imagine a website that doesn’t include a single sentence or a menu that used only one typeface in only one size, weight and color—now imagine how effective those pieces would be.
However, if it were as easy as just picking a random typeface that ‘looks cool’ and implementing it in our work, then everyone would be a great graphic designer. This unit is going to help us deepen our understanding of how to use typography to our advantage, as well as to explore the creativity that exists within our own written language. Typography isn’t always just font, size, color and weight, but an art form that we can express our creativity through—this unit will help us to develop both.
meet your type
I think that many of you have witnessed just how little knowledge we naturally possess about the world of typography from taking that pretest. Now, it is time to obtain that information, and continue on in life as experts (read with enthusiasm).
I have found this excellent and easy to navigate resource called Meet Your Type, that was produced by a group of students under guidance at BYU, for Fontshop. It takes a whole bunch of information, and makes it accessible for beginners. Click on the image below to download the PDF file so that you have your own copy.
With your copy of Meet Your Type, legibly fill in the provided worksheet.
I have found this excellent and easy to navigate resource called Meet Your Type, that was produced by a group of students under guidance at BYU, for Fontshop. It takes a whole bunch of information, and makes it accessible for beginners. Click on the image below to download the PDF file so that you have your own copy.
With your copy of Meet Your Type, legibly fill in the provided worksheet.