Define typography?
The art of expressing ideas through the selection of appropriate typefaces
Where did the word "typography" originate from?
Type
What does typography involve?
Creating and modifying type using a variety of illustration techniques
What is a typeface?
Distinctive designs of visual symbols that are used to compose a printed image/design
What is another term for typeface?
Fonts
What is a character?
Individual symbols that make up a typeface
What is type style?
Modifications in a typeface that create design variety while maintaining the visual style of the typeface
What does type style "create" within a design?
It gives the design variety but still keeps the same typeface
What is the waist line and what does it indicate?
Imaginary line drawn in the middle of the characters
What is a base line and what does it indicate?
Imaginary line drawn at the bottom of the characters
What is an ascender?
The part of the character that extends above the waist line
What is a descender?
The part of the character that extends below the base line
Describe a serif?
Smaller line used to finish off a main stroke of a letter, usually at the top and bottom of a character
How can the size of the typeface be identified?
The vertical measurement is used to identify the size the size of the typeface. It measures from the top of the ascender to the bottom of the descender
What is a point?
What the point size is measured in
How many points are in an inch?
72 points per inch
What is a pica and how many are in an inch?
Unit of type size and length equal to 12 points
How many points are in a pica?
12 points
What is body type and where can it be found?
Type sizes that range from 4 pt through 12 pt type. These sizes are found in places where there is a lot of text to be read
What is the key to selecting appropriate typefaces to be used as body type?
Depends on how much space and what the design is
What is display type and how is it used?
Type sizes above 12 pt. Typically, these sizes are used to draw attention to a message (headlines, sub headlines, etc.)
What is reverse type and when would it be used?
Consists of white type on solid black or darker color background. If the text is too small, reverse type can be difficult on the readers eye. Display type is necessary
What is a typeface classification?
A basic system for classifying typefaces was devised in the 19th century when printers sought to identify a heritage for their own craft
When was Blackletter invented and how was it used?
Earliest of the typefaces. It was used in the inventions of the printing press in the mid 1400s
Describe the characteristics of a Blackletter typeface?
Resembles the calligraphy of the time and are highly ornamental with elaborate thick to thin strokes
When was Old Style invneted and what was is based on?
Based on ancient Roman inscriptions and created to replace blackletter typefaces
Describe the characteristics of an Old Style typeface?
Wedge-shaped angled serifs and a low contrast of their thick and thin strokes
When were formal scripts developed?
From formal writings from the 17th and 18th century handwriting masters. They will lend a formal quality to a composition
When were casual scripts developed?
20th century
Describe the characteristics of a Script typeface?
Should not be used as small body text. It would be too difficult to read
When was Modern typefaces developed and why?
Late 18th and 19th centuries as radical break from traditional typography of the time
Describe the characteristics of a Modern typeface?
Sharp contrast between thick and thin strokes and have thin, flat serifs
How early can Sans Serif typefaces be found? What happened?
20th century was when it started
When did they become popular?
It became popular in the 1920s
What does "sans serif" mean?
It means without serifs
Describe the characteristics of a Sans Serif typeface?
Uniform in weight and have a monotone appearance
When was Slab Serif developed and why?
19th century for advertising purposes
Describe the characteristics of a Slab Serif typeface?
Uniform line, weight and thicker, square serifs
Describe Decorative typefaces?
Most distinctive design style and were designed with a specific purpose, or theme in mind
Why were they developed?
Uses a variety of typefaces and typically those that don't belong to other classifications
What are they best used for?
They are used for larger point sizes or display type
