typeworkshop.com   home : type-basics : references : archive
mailing list



type basics



100% practical. Sketches have been made to explain some basic issues in type design during the workshops. They get used to point out some problems which raise while creating a new typeface. Only some foundations are shown, no deep sophisticated details.
Any suggestions? Let us know.
[Type-basics in hungarian] : [Type-basics in spanish] : [Type-basics in german]




same size for all

type terminology

fluent shapes

calligraphy

spacing

black vs. white

italic vs. cursive

one for all

readability

proportions

small caps

swash caps

x-heights

bold-faced

digitizing

copy-paste?

balance shapes

kerning

ligatures




   picture 14 of 19

Bold-faced. Since the introduction of the computer, type design has become available to a wide audience like never shown before in history. Of course the digitalization makes many acts easier and particularly faster. This doesn't mean it automatically gets better, but that's another story. For example, many font software programs have included an option to 'bolden up' your regular weight. The outlines of the perfectly designed font get expanded, but the program is trying to fool you. That's not a bold. It's a limousine which got quickly extended by a local blacksmith. The contrast will probably be destroyed (see the second 'a' in the drawing). Doing this by hand will give a much more pleasurable result. No matter how well font software programs will improve in the future, there is only one thing that really counts in the end: your critical eye.



  background information :  I have a question :  contact : browse :  site-map