What do we all see around us? the answer is simples: Typography!! You must be wondering how? See, if you observe carefully you will notice: In Books which we read or the websites we visit or even in everyday life on the street signs and on the various product packaging, Typography!
So if we have to define typography we can put it as – A style or appearance of text.
It can also be defined as the art of working with text. Something which we all do, all the time like while writing a document or projector while working on school projects, office projects or for ourselves.
It can be a hard subject but at the same time, it can’t be, as you only need to know a little to make a big difference in small things which we do every day. So let’s get started:
Let’s first look at some of the common types of fonts and what do we need to know about them.
Sans Serif fonts don’t have that kind of strokes which we see in Serif font, hence the name Sans Serif which is French and without Serif hence called Sans Serif. This style is considered more clear and modern than Serif fonts. Also, it tends to be easier to read on a computer screen and also on smartphones and tablets.
Serif font has some little strokes called Serif which is attached to the main part of the letters. Because of the classic look, they are a good choice for more traditional projects. They are also used in print publications like magazines, newspapers etc.
Display Fonts comes in many different styles like scripts, Blackletter, All caps and just plain Fancy. Because of their decorative nature display fonts are considered for a small amount of text like titles and headers and also some graphics heavy designs.
We can say that fonts have their own language they all have something to say beyond the words on the page. They can come as a casual, neutral, exotic or graphics. That’s why it is important to think about your message and then select the appropriate font for it.
Some fonts come with some extra baggage like comic sans, Curlz, Hobo, etc. There is nothing particular about these fonts as they have a certain reputation as being outdated and overused. If you find yourself surrounded by them then think twice and consider using something else, like many fonts with a similar look and feel that are less likely to detract from your message.
When deciding which fonts to use is: less is more. It’s best to limit yourself to one or two fonts for your project. If you need more contrast to try using repeating one of your fonts in a different size or style. This trick is practically full proof for creating interesting combinations that work.
You may know that opposites attract that same is true for fonts. Don’t be afraid of using fonts styles that are different but complementary like Sans Serif with Serif, short with tall, decorated with simple. This can be challenging at first but do not despair, look for other designs for inspiration. Maybe you have heard about terms like kerning, leading and hierarchy. For those who are experienced require those terms for creating professional designs.
As a beginner you do not need to know about these terms, Hierarchy is used to guide the reader’s eye to whatever is most important. In other words, it shows where to begin and where to go next using different levels of emphasis. Establishing a hierarchy is simple.
Just decide which element you want the readers to notice first then make them stand out. High-level items are usually larger, bolder and stick to just a few complementary styles. Leading is space between lines of text also called as line spacing. If you are not sure about how much line spacing to use do not worry, the default is usually fine.
The goal is to make your text as comfortable as possible. Too much or too less spacing will lead to unpleasant reading experience for readers. Tracking is the overall spacing most of the programs use. You can compress or expand it depending on your needs.
In some designs, you might be tracking to create a certain artistic effect it can also help you to fix fonts depending upon your needs. Kerning is the space between specific character. Unlike tracking it varies over the course of the word because each letter fixes together differently. Some fonts have bad kerning making certain letters looking properly spaced. If you find bad kerning it’s better to cut your losses and find a much better option.
Well, crafted text can be a difference between an ordinary project and an extraordinary project, even if you are just getting started with design.
Visit – Hostdens
You must log in to post a comment.