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Textual Elements of Design

Fonts, Typography, and Spacing

Lori Poole

Graphic design is telling a story by using both images and text. With that definition in mind, this course will focus on the textual elements of graphic design. From the history of typography, the difference between type, fonts and text as well as exposure to typography spacing, students will learn the value of selecting the best kind of type and combinations of fonts to get their message across in a visually pleasing manner.

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What's inside

Syllabus

History of Typography

This module will cover the history of typography, baseline basics and the anatomy of a typeface.

Typography, Fonts and Text

This module will cover the two main types of fonts and font pairings and hierarchy.

Typography Spacing & Sizing

This module will cover typographical spacing and sizing, as well as the concepts of alignment, leading, tracking and kerning.

Design Programs and User Experience

This module will review using type in various computer design programs. You will also get a chance to practice your skills in designing a brochure or postcard, focusing on the use of type in your design.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops typography skills, which are core to graphic design

Explores typography spacing and sizing, which are essential elements of design

Covers the history of typography, providing a strong foundation for understanding its evolution

Reviews using type in various computer design programs, ensuring practical application of skills

This course is taught by Lori Poole, who are experienced in graphic design

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Reviews summary

Well-received typography course

Learners say this well-received course on typography is great for beginners. They praise the engaging assignments that allow them to practice their new skills. Students commend the clear explanations and informative lectures from the knowledgeable instructors. This course also provides insight into the graphic design industry.

Assignments are engaging and help students learn.

"Easy and informative course!"

"Nice course well instructed!"

"I have learned a lot about using the right kinds of fonts, spacing, and typography."

Instructors present material clearly and understandably.

"Easy to understand and well explained by the professors."

"I really liked the course. Lori Poole is a great teacher."

"I really liked the course, directly to the point, short and intersting."

Concepts are well-suited for those new to typography.

"Very useful..Thank You Coursera Team"

"Well-informative, great for beginners."

"it is very interesting the Typography, to the begin i have not idea the importance of these factor at the moment of design.I recommend it."

Design projects and feedback may be inadequate.

"The course had some useful information , but the assignments and feedback are so disconnected/vague they really don't support each and find them lacking in help learn anything practical."

"Design projects seem cursory and not well devised."

"The professor's many mistakes on the videos made me almost not want to watch them. The narration is truly horrible."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing with these activities:

Organize and review course materials

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Organize your notes, assignments, and readings to enhance your understanding and retention.

Browse courses on Organization

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Gather all course materials.
Create a system for organizing your materials.

Read: *The Elements of Typographic Style*

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Read a foundational text about the principles of typography to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on key concepts and principles.

Typography exercises

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Exercises will help reinforce the fundamentals of typography and improve your skills in selecting and combining type.

Browse courses on Typography

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Find typography exercises online or in textbooks.
Practice different exercises, such as identifying typefaces, pairing fonts, and adjusting spacing.

Five other activities

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Design a typography mood board

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Creating a mood board will help you visualize and experiment with different typography combinations.

Browse courses on Typography

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Gather images and samples of typography that inspire you.
Create a digital or physical mood board to organize your collection.

Attend typography conferences or workshops

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Conferences and workshops provide opportunities to connect with experts and learn about the latest trends in typography.

Browse courses on Typography

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Research and identify relevant conferences or workshops.
Attend the events and participate in discussions and networking sessions.

Redesign a website or app using typography

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Applying typography principles to a real-world project will solidify your understanding and showcase your skills.

Browse courses on Typography

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Choose a website or app that you want to redesign.
Analyze the existing typography and identify areas for improvement.
Redesign the typography using the principles you have learned in the course.

Contribute to open-source typography projects

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Participating in open-source projects will give you hands-on experience and contribute to the typography community.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Research and find open-source typography projects that align with your interests.
Review the projects' documentation and contribute bug fixes or new features.

Tutor or mentor students in typography

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Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of typography and help you develop leadership skills.

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Identify students who need support in typography.
Offer your assistance and provide guidance and feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic designer

A Graphic Designer uses visual concepts to communicate ideas with visual content. This can include logos, brochures, posters, websites, and more. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder can help Graphic Designers learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Graphic Designers create more effective and visually appealing designs. For example, the course covers the history of typography, which can help Graphic Designers understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects. The course also covers typography spacing and sizing, which can help Graphic Designers create designs that are easy to read and visually appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Web Designer

A Web Designer creates and maintains websites. They use their knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder can help Web Designers learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Web Designers create websites that are easy to read and visually appealing. For example, the course covers typography spacing and sizing, which can help Web Designers create websites that are easy to read on different devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Art Director

An Art Director oversees the visual aspects of a project. They work with clients to develop a creative vision for the project and then work with designers and other creative professionals to bring that vision to life. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder can help Art Directors learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Art Directors create more effective and visually appealing projects. For example, the course covers typography, fonts and text, which can help Art Directors understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Creative Director

A Creative Director is responsible for the overall creative vision of a project. They work with clients to develop a creative brief and then work with a team of creative professionals to bring that brief to life. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder can help Creative Directors learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Creative Directors create more effective and visually appealing projects. For example, the course covers the history of typography, which can help Creative Directors understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer (UX Designer) designs and evaluates the user experience of a product or service. They work to ensure that the product or service is easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder can help UX Designers learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help UX Designers create user interfaces that are easy to read and visually appealing. For example, the course covers typography spacing and sizing, which can help UX Designers create user interfaces that are easy to read on different devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Product Designer

A Product Designer designs and develops new products. They work with engineers and other stakeholders to bring a product from concept to market. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Product Designers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Product Designers create products that are both visually appealing and functional. For example, the course covers the history of typography, which can help Product Designers understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager plans and executes marketing campaigns. They work to promote a product or service and increase sales. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Marketing Managers create marketing materials that are visually appealing and effective. For example, the course covers typography, fonts and text, which can help Marketing Managers understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager creates and manages social media content. They work to promote a brand or product on social media platforms. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Social Media Managers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Social Media Managers create social media content that is visually appealing and effective. For example, the course covers typography spacing and sizing, which can help Social Media Managers create social media content that is easy to read on different devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Content Writer

A Content Writer creates and edits written content. They work with clients to develop and execute content strategies. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Content Writers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Content Writers create written content that is visually appealing and effective. For example, the course covers the history of typography, which can help Content Writers understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Copywriter

A Copywriter writes marketing and advertising copy. They work to persuade customers to buy a product or service. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Copywriters who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Copywriters create marketing and advertising copy that is visually appealing and effective. For example, the course covers typography, fonts and text, which can help Copywriters understand the different types of fonts and how they can be used to create different effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and edits technical documentation. They work with engineers and other technical professionals to document products and services. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Technical Writers create technical documentation that is visually appealing and easy to understand.

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Editor

An Editor reviews and edits written content. They work to ensure that content is accurate, clear, and concise. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Editors who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Editors create written content that is visually appealing and easy to read.

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Librarian

A Librarian helps people find and use information. They work in libraries, schools, and other organizations. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Librarians who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Librarians create library materials that are visually appealing and easy to read.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. They work in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Teachers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Teachers create educational materials that are visually appealing and easy to read.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research on a variety of topics. They work in universities, research institutes, and other organizations. The Textual Elements of Design course from University of Colorado Boulder may be useful for Researchers who want to learn about typography, fonts, and spacing. This knowledge can help Researchers create research reports that are visually appealing and easy to read.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing.

The Ridge

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Classic work on typography and is considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on the subject.

Textual Elements of Design

Fonts, Typography, and Spacing

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Well-received typography course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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