Beginning Graphic Design

1/18/2021 Beginning Graphic Design: Typography
Beginning Graphic Design

Typography
What is typography?
Typography is everywhere we look. It's in the books we read, on the websites we visit,
even in everyday life—on street signs, bumper stickers, and product packaging.
But what exactly is typography? Simply put, typography is the style or appearance of
text. It can also refer to the art of working with text—something you probably do all the
time if you create documents or other projects for work, school, or yourself.
Watch the video below to learn more about typography.
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/beginning-graphic-design/typography/1/ 1/13
Beginning Graphic Design: Typography
Common types of fonts

Typography can be an intimidating subject, but it doesn't have to be. You only need to
know a little to make a big di erence in the stu you do every day. So let's get started.
First, some common types of fonts and what you need to know about them.
Serif fonts
Serif fonts have little strokes called serifs attached to the main part of the letter.
Because of their classic look, they're a good choice for more traditional projects.
They're also common in print publications, like magazines and newspapers.
Sans serif fonts

Sans serif fonts don't have that extra stroke—hence the name, which is French for
without serif.
This style is considered more clean and modern than serif fonts. Also, it tends to be
easier to read on computer screens, including smartphones and tablets.
Display fonts
Display fonts come in many di erent styles, like script, blackletter, all caps, and just
plain fancy.
Because of their decorative nature, display fonts are best for small amounts of text, like
titles and headers and more graphic-heavy designs.
Choosing a font
In a way, fonts have their own language. They all have something to say beyond the
words on the page. They can come across as casual or neutral, exotic or graphic. That's
why it's important to think about your message, then choose a font that fits.
Fonts to avoid
Some fonts come with extra baggage, including Comic Sans, Curlz, and Papyrus.
There's nothing particularly wrong with these fonts—they just have a certain reputation
for being outdated and overused.
If you find yourself tempted by them, think twice and consider using something else.
There are many fonts with a similar look and feel that are less likely to detract from your
message.
Combining fonts
When deciding which fonts to use, less is more. It's best to limit yourself to one or two
per project. If you need more contrast, try repeating one of your fonts in a di erent size,
weight, or style. This trick is practically foolproof for creating interesting combinations
that work.
You've probably heard that opposites attract. The same is true for fonts. Don't be afraid
to combine font styles that are di erent but complementary, like sans serif with serif,
short with tall, or decorative with simple. This can be challenging at first, but don't
despair. Look to other designs for inspiration, and soon you'll get the hang of it.
Other important terms
Maybe you've heard terms like kerning, leading, tracking, and hierarchy. For those
with more experience, these concepts are essential for creating professional-looking
designs. As a beginner, you don't need to know everything about these terms—just
enough to inform your work and help you talk about design with more confidence.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy is used to guide the reader's eye to whatever is most important. In other
words, it shows them where to begin and where to go next using di erent levels of
emphasis.
Establishing hierarchy is simple: Just decide which elements you want the reader to
notice first, then make them stand out. High-level items are usually larger, bolder, or
di erent in some way. Remember to keep it simple and stick to just a few
complementary styles.
Leading
Leading (rhymes with wedding) is the space between lines of text, also known as line
spacing.
If you're not sure how much line spacing to use, don't fret—the default is usually fine.
The goal is to make your text as comfortable to read as possible. Too much or too
little spacing, as in the example below, can make things unpleasant for the reader.
Tracking
Tracking is the overall space between characters, sometimes called character
spacing. Most programs let you condense or expand this depending on your needs.
In some designs, you might adjust your tracking to create a certain artistic e ect. It can
also help you fix fonts that are poorly spaced to begin with.
Kerning
Kerning is the space between specific characters. Unlike tracking, it varies over the
course of the word because each letter fits together di erently.
Some fonts have what we call bad kerning, making certain letters look improperly
spaced. If a font you're using has bad kerning, it's best to cut your losses and choose
something else.
Putting it all together

Well-cra ed text can mean the di erence between something ordinary and something
extraordinary—even if you're just getting started with design. All it takes is an interest in
typography and you'll start to notice more, see more, and be able to do more in your
own work.
We hope you enjoyed learning the basics of typography!

Be sure to check out the rest of our graphic design topics, including:
▶ Color
▶ Layout and Composition
▶ Images
▶ Fundamentals of Design
▶ Branding and Identity

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1/18/2021 Beginning Graphic Design: Typography

Watch the video below to learn more about typography.

Beginning Graphic Design: Typography

Common types of fonts

Sans serif fonts

Other important terms

Putting it all together

We hope you enjoyed learning the basics of typography!

▶ Layout and Composition

▶ Branding and Identity

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