This is a foundation course in typography with an emphasis on using type for a multiple of industry related applications.
Some of the things we covered during the last class included some we should not do when dealing with type;
Tracking and Type Alignment
We took a look at how to digitally control tracking and the different type alignment options. We were able to see what happens when tracking is too tight or too loose. We also took a closer look at what happens when we use justified text alignment. I discovered that one of the advantages of using justified text is that it can save space when a lot of text is used. We also saw a disadvantage that is awkward or bad word spacing that creates too much white space in paragraphs. Sometimes we see streams of this white space, which we call rivers (rivers of white space).
This is an example of what can happen when text is justified. The paragraph can end up with rivers–indicated by the red lines.
This class was dedicated to the variations in type styles that are available. We discussed the differences in type — width, weight, posture, stress, serifs, and contrast.
width – condensed or extended
weight – light or bold
posture – italic or oblique (fake italic)
stress – vertical or diagonal
contrast – extreme or medium or low/none
serif – bracketed or unbracketed
We have discussed the five families of type since the early days of the semester. Sometimes these are referred to as type categories. Make sure you learn to identify the differences.
Here is quick review:
Old Style: Garamond
(15th-17th century)
Here’s a brief recap from Wednesday’s class. We had a quick introduction to the grid system and templates as they will be used with InDesign.
A grid is a non-printing system of horizontal and vertical lines which help the designer align the elements of the layout. This system of alignment helps to create a more organized layout. In multiple page documents, the grid assists in the consistent placement of design elements. Think of the grid as the skeleton of the layout—similar to the frame that you see on the construction site when a building or house is being built. We will go more in depth with grids a little later.
In InDesign we learned how to use a template, and how to name files before submission. We did this as we were introduced to the Type Book project.
We also covered using the line tool to create rules, strokes, and arrows in InDesign.
During our second week, we not only covered The History of Typography and the Five Families of Type, but we also were introduced to Typographical Anatomy.
So, we’ve made it through the first week. Hopefully everyone is feeling a bit more relaxed and you’ve made some new friends.
Here is a recap of the topics that we covered the first week of class. Hopefully this will be helpful if you need to review.
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