Introduction
ypography is the study of the design and use of typefaces as a means of communication on a printed page or display screen. The origins of typography are generally attributed to have begun with the invention of the moveable metal type printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1450’s. With the ability to print letters on paper using individual blocks, often referred to as letterforms, designers were now able to create whole sets of letters and numbers that could be consistently reproduced across different printing presses.
Over the ages, the style of these typefaces has changed to reflect the time period that they were used. Recently with the advances of the computer and other digital technologies, it has become possible for many more people to become designers of their own typefaces.
Outcomes
Upon completion of this training room, you will be able to:
-
discuss typography as it relates to the use of text in visual messages
-
explore the meanings of common terms used in typography; e.g., capline, topline, midline, baseline, beardline, serif, san serif, ascender, descender, bowl, counter
-
discuss the use of the elements and principles of design in purposeful text creation; e.g., attention-getting text versus readable text
-
discuss the role of whitespace in the use of text
-
Focus
This training room is intended to provide you with a general understanding of the way typography can influence the visual message that you are conveying through a visual composition. COM1025: Typography will provide you with a more in-depth study of typography and the creation of your own typeface.