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Typography

Introduction

Typography is the theory and practice of letter and typeface design. A typeface is basically what we know of now as a font. Fonts (or typefaces) are made up of individual characters called glyphs. They can be used to spectacular effect in order to make something interesting to read, however it is a tricky thing to get right.

Some people like reading detailed, ornate typefaces however it can get tiring on the eyes and be difficult to read. If you are an awkward reader or just starting to learn to read, you would need a plain font to make it easier for the letters to stand out. On the other hand, if you used a plain and 'boring' font on a birthday card you probably wouldn't like it. Choosing the right typeface is a 'balancing act'.

This page aims to give you a bit of insight into font design and typography.

This image explains the terms used to define the design of particular font

This diagram goes into a bit more detail. You are not expected to know all these terms!

Tools to help you get starter thinking about typography design.

You can cheat and use the Flaming Text tool (embedded below) or download a font to quickly design a very simple logo, but your teacher will know that you did. The best way however is to get set with a lined piece of paper and just have a go a doodling a design by yourself. Try it, it is fun!

Alternatively, if you are feeling really brave and just want to get stuck in designing, you can create your own typeface set using the free software program, embedded below called Glyphr Studio below. Be sure to read the tutorial below first!

Downloadable calligraphy paper for you to print and practice on.

This paper has got the ascender 1, ascender 2, body and descender lines on it so that it makes it easier for you to sketch your own designs.

1mm Typography Lines Black.pdf

Google Fonts

Google fonts will enable you to browse through hundreds of different fonts and download them to your computer. It makes it easy to find a suitable font.

This infographic / flowchart shows a useful method of choosing an (accepted) appropriate font for different types of graphic applications. Before you can use this, you will need to become a bit more familiar with the terminology (vocabulary) of font design.

Find the perfect font combination | CanvaCanva has taken the pain out of font pairing by putting together great font combos for your designs. Find the best matches to your favourite typeface.

Glyphr Studio

A free font family designer. Literally design your own fonts here, save them and use them in Windows on a normal computer!

Glyphr Studio Tutorial

This is a difficult program to jump straight into, so have a go at the tutorial first. You can leave both pages open and just scroll between the app and the tutorial.

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