Typography

Videos

I watched a few videos to start learning about typography. Although they weren't always the most exciting, I did learn a lot that I didn't even realize I needed to know. I learned about how critical fonts can be in getting a message across and how they are often the first impression that a consumer gets of a product. I then started to learn a lot about the technical side of typography. I learned that bracketed serifs are curved whereas unbracketed serifs are sharper. I learned what type families are and how you can properly use them to their full potential. I learned that kerning is the adjustment of space between two letters, and tracking is the overall amount of space applied within a body of text. I also learned that leading is the space between lines of text and that it is typically two points greater than the font size. Finally, I learned about expressive typography and how you can really use typography as its own art form.

The biggest thing I took away from these videos is that typography is important. At first, I kind of just laughed at the videos and thought that they were making way too big of a deal out of typography. However, as I continued to watch the videos, I started to understand how important typography really is and the great effects that it can have on a consumer or viewer. Although I still don't think that I needed all the information that I got from the videos, I am starting to have a greater understanding and appreciation for typography.

"10 Golden Rules You Should Live By When Combining Fonts"

This article mostly reiterated a lot of what I learned from the videos. The first rule that it mentioned was "choose complementary fonts." This means that you need to choose fonts that aren't exactly the same but aren't too opposite either. Your fonts should complete or complement each other, not be repetitive.

The second rule was "establish a visual hierarchy." This rule explained that a visual hierarchy is how important the different words seem and how they all fall into place with one another. You can establish visual hierarchy by making the most important words big, bold, and placed at the top, with the other words following by importance. 

Next, the article said that you need to "consider context." This talked about making sure that words are always readable to the right people in the right time and place. For example, you need to make sure that important words on a poster are large enough to be read from far away.

The article then said that you need to "mix serifs and sans serifs." Serifs are fonts with heads and feet, such as Georgia. Sans serif fonts are ones without heads and feet, like this font. When using multiple fonts, you should always combine serifs and sans serifs.

Then, the article talked about how you need to "create contrast." Contrast can help bring together multiple ideas and other rules previously mentioned. This can be achieved through the use of different colors, weights, styles, etc.

The sixth rule mentioned was "steer clear of conflict." This just means that you need to make sure that your fonts complement each other instead of clashing.

Going with the sixth rule, the seventh rule said "avoid pairing fonts that are too similar." This again just says that you need to make sure that you fonts aren't too repetitive.

Next, you should "use fonts from the same family." This isn't necessarily a rule, but more of a suggestion. Font families are groups of the same font just with different weights, slops, etc. This is an easy way to make sure that your fonts work well together.

The ninth rule was to "limit your number of fonts." You should typically use 1-3 fonts.

Finally, you need to "practice!" Again, not really a rule, just a suggestion. Practice pairing different fonts and get used to what works and what doesn't. Practice makes perfect!

Key Points

If I had to choose, I'd say that the three most important points from what I learned are "choose complementary fonts", "establish a visual hierarchy", and "consider context." I feel like these are the most basic yet most important rules of typography that you should always remember and use.

My favorite thing that I read was all about practice. I think it's very important to keep honing your skills, especially when you aren't under pressure from a boss or teacher. That is when you'll really discover what you like and what works best for you.

In Conclusion...

I learned a lot from watching videos and reading about typography. I feel like I now have a greater respect and understanding for typography and the people who use it on a regular basis.