Classification
There are 2 main types of fonts that are employed today.
The more traditional or older type of font is called serif. Serif fonts are characterized by having little tails that dangle at the ends of each letter.
The second main type of font is sans serif. Literally, sans serif means “without serif”. These typefaces do not have the little tails that dangle at the end of each letter.
Describing Type
As you try to describe a particular typeface to another person, it is important to be clear in what you are referring to. Typographers have created a specialized vocabulary to help provide consistency and accuracy in describing the different typefaces. This is referred to as the “anatomy of type”.
Size
The size of a particular letter is referred to in units of points.
[guided search]
The internet has a number of excellent resources, both websites and videos, on typography. Whether you are using text for traditional print media like posters or billboards or digital electronic media like computer screens, resources tailored for each interest can be found. Using your computer internet browser, try entering the search term “typography” or “anatomy of type”. One excellent website can be found at http://philiplikens.com/stuff/dottype.swf. After you study several other websites and/or videos, ask yourself if you feel confident in your ability to discuss typefaces using technical language. If not, speak with your teacher for additional help.
[Multimedia]
View the following video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXGSyzCJpcQ to learn more about the anatomy of type.
[Self-check]
Using your internet browser, go to http://philiplikens.com/stuff/dottype.swf and try the quiz that is available on this website.
[Discuss]
Type a sentence on the screen. (ie. Today the sun is shining brightly) Try to incorporate as many different letters of the alphabet. Make several copies of the sentence on the screen below your original sentence. Change each copy of the sentence so that they are displayed using different fonts. Keep track of which sentence is which font.
Today the sun is shining brightly (Arial)
Today the sun is shining brightly (Times New Roman)
Now describe the typeface of one of the sentences on your screen without the other person viewing your computer screen. The object of this activity is to see if you can provide enough technical detail about the typeface so that the other person can “guess” which font you were describing to them. Have the other person view your computer screen and guess which font you were describing. Repeat this activity with you trying to guess the font that your classmate is describing to you.