typographic basics
DESCRIPTION
Based on Design for the Non Designer by Robin WilliamsTRANSCRIPT
Typographical
Font features
TypographyCap Height Ascenders
DescendersBaseline
X-Height
Character parts
Typ-o-graf-e
Axis Ear Hook Bar
Counter Terminal
Serif
Letter form
Hxg Hxg Hxg HxgAriel Times NR Geo Slab Hattenschweiler
Kerning
Inter-character spacing
Time Unkerned type
Time Kerned type TNT
Tracking
Leading (Line spacing)
Leading refers to the space between lines. It can be tightened or expanded as needed to fill space. (1)
Leading refers to the space
between lines. It can be
tightened or expanded as
needed to fill space. (1.4)
Leading refers to the space
between lines. It can be
tightened or expanded as
needed to fill space. (1.25)
Leading refers to the space between lines. It can be tightened or expanded as needed to fill space. (.8)
Relationships
Type is a building block
Three types of relationships
Concordant
Conflicting
Contrasting
Concordant
Use one font
Use variations on that font Size
Italic
Bold
Color
Seen as calm, formal
For example . . .
Conflicting
Use of two or more fonts that
are similar (same family)
Creates a visual dissonance
Should be avoided
For example . . .
Contrast
Strong contrast attracts
Simple way to create interest
Creates energy on a page
May involve 2 or more fonts
Requires careful planning
For example . . .
Oldstyle
Diagonal stress
Serifs on lowercase
letters are slanted
Moderate thick/thin
transition in the stroke
Oldstyle
Modern
Vertical stress
Radical thick/thin transition
in the stroke
Serifs are thin
and horizontal
Modern
Slab serif
Serifs are
horizontal and
thick (slabs)
Little or no
thick/thin transition
of contrast in the
strokes
Little vertical stress
Slab serif
Sans serif
No stress because
there’s no thick/thinNo serifs
No thick/thin transition
in the strokes
Sans serif
Connected Script
Unconnected Script
Decorative
Typography exists
to honor content
Robert Bringhurst, The Elements of Typographic Style