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3.10 AM Typography its appearance and style |
What is typography? Typography is everywhere we look. It's in the books we read, on the websites we visit, even in everyday life - on street signs, bumper stickers and on the packaging of all products. But what is typography? Simply put, typography is the style or appearance of text. It can also refer to the art of word processing—something you probably do all the time if you create documents or other projects for work, school, or yourself. Common Font Types Typography can be a difficult topic to grasp, but it doesn't have to be. You only need to know a little to have a minimal understanding of the value in what you do every day. So let's get started. First, some common font types and what you need to know about them. Serif fonts Serif fonts have small strokes, called serifs, attached to the body of the letter. Their classic look makes them a good choice for more traditional projects. They are also common in printed publications such as magazines and newspapers. Sans serif fonts Sans serif fonts do not have this extra stroke—hence the name, which means sans serif in French. This style is considered cleaner and more modern than serif fonts. It is also easier to read on computer screens, including smartphones and tablets. Display fonts come in a variety of styles such as script, blackface, caps, and plain fancy. Because of their decorative nature, screen fonts are best suited for small amounts of text, such as headings and headings, as well as richer graphic designs. Font selection In a sense, fonts have their own language. They all have something to say beyond the words on the page. They can be casual or neutral, exotic or graphic. That's why it's so important to think about your message and then choose the appropriate font. Fonts to Avoid Some fonts come with extra baggage, including Comic Sans, Curlz, and Papyrus. There's nothing particularly wrong with these fonts - they just have a certain reputation for being outdated and overused. If they tempt you, think twice and consider using something else. There are many fonts with a similar look that are less likely to distract from your message.
Combining fonts When deciding which fonts to use, less is more. It's better to limit yourself to one or two per project. If you need more contrast, try replicating one of your fonts in a different size, weight, or style. This technique is almost foolproof for creating interesting combinations that work. You've probably heard that opposites attract. It's the same with fonts. Don't be afraid to combine font styles that are different but complementary, such as sans serif with serif, short with tall, or decorative with simple. It may be difficult at first, but don't despair. Look for inspiration in other designs and you'll soon get the hang of it. Other important terms You may have heard terms like kerning, leading, tracking, and hierarchy. For those with more experience, these concepts are essential to creating professional-looking designs. As a beginner, you don't need to know everything about these terms - just enough to inform your work and help you talk about design with more confidence. Hierarchy Hierarchy is used to guide the reader's eye to what is most important. In other words, it shows them where to start and where to go next, using different levels of emphasis. Establishing a hierarchy is simple: just decide which elements you want the reader to notice, and then make them stand out. High level items are usually larger, bolder, or different in some way. Remember to keep it simple and stick to just a few complementary styles. Leading (rhymes with "wedding") is the spacing between lines of text, also known as line spacing. If you're not sure what line spacing to use, don't worry—the default is usually fine. The goal is to make your text as easy to read as possible. Too much or too little spacing, as in the example below, can make things unpleasant for the reader. Tracking is the total distance between characters, sometimes called intercharacter spacing. Most programs allow you to shorten or expand this depending on your needs. In some projects, you can set up tracking to create a specific artistic effect. This can also help you fix fonts that are poorly spaced to begin with. Kerning is the space between certain characters. Unlike tracking, it varies depending on the word because each letter matches differently. Some fonts have what we call poor kerning, which makes certain letters appear misplaced. If the font you're using has poor kerning, it's best to cut your losses and choose something else. Well-written copy can mean the difference between something ordinary and something extraordinary, even if you're just starting out in design. All it takes is an interest in typography and you'll start to notice more, see more, and be able to do more with your work. |
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