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Introduction to Typography

Typography is the art of manipulating the visual form of language to enrich and control its meaning. It’s an essential area of skill and knowledge for graphic designers. Typography predates modern graphic design by around 500 years; it is rich in rules, conventions, and esoteric terminology—but it remains an exciting space for invention and expression.

In this rigorous introductory course, we will study, name, and measure the characteristics of letterforms. We’ll consider the pragmatic concerns involved in selecting and combining type. We’ll peek into the  rich historical, cultural, and aesthetic histories of familiar typefaces. We’ll discuss time-tested conventions and best practices in setting type, as governed by principles of hierarchy and spatial organization. And we’ll explore the expressive, meaning-making potential of type.

Informative lectures will be complemented by a series of three peer-assessed assignments, culminating  in an opportunity to design a full-scale typographic poster.

Please note that this is not a software course; a basic working knowledge of Adobe InDesign or other  page layout software will be assumed. You will need access to a computer and page layout software, such as InDesign, to complete the assignments.

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Syllabus

Week 1: Talking Type

This week, we’ll take an up-close look at typefaces, both as physical artifacts and as works of design.  We will study the formal elements that define and give character to type, and understand where they came from and why they look the way they do. We will review the terminology and measuring system used to describe type, and look at the way the form and proportion of letters relate to the practical concerns of selecting and combining typefaces. The week will wrap up with a graded quiz.

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Examines the history, culture, and aesthetics of typefaces, providing depth in knowledge

Imparts the principles of hierarchy and organization in typography

Develops mastery in typography, including form, proportion, and terminology, building a solid foundation for graphic design

Emphasizes the practical implications of typography, equipping learners to effectively use type in design

Builds proficiency in Adobe InDesign or equivalent software, essential for graphic design projects

Suitable for beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to typography

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Reviews summary

Foundational typography: history, theory, and practice

According to learners, this course offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to typography, focusing on its historical context and fundamental principles rather than software. Many find the lectures engaging and the instructor's explanations easy to follow. Students appreciate learning the rich history and terminology, describing it as a solid foundation for further design study. However, some note the InDesign prerequisite is crucial and might be a barrier for absolute beginners or those without access. The peer-assessed assignments are seen as valuable for practice, though the quality of peer feedback can vary.

Strong emphasis on history and theory.

"Loved learning the history behind typefaces, it adds so much context."

"This course is heavily theoretical, focusing on history and principles."

"Gives a deep understanding of *why* certain rules exist based on historical evolution."

Assignments apply learned principles.

"The assignments really make you practice what you learn."

"Designing the final poster was a great way to pull everything together."

"Hands-on exercises helped solidify the concepts discussed in lectures."

Provides a strong base for design work.

"This course is essential for anyone serious about graphic design."

"Gave me the fundamental understanding I needed for more advanced work."

"A perfect starting point for understanding type, beyond just using software."

Core typographic ideas are explained well.

"The instructor explains everything so clearly, breaking down complex ideas."

"Really helped me grasp the fundamental concepts and terminology."

"Lectures were engaging and easy to follow."

Peer feedback quality can vary.

"Peer reviews were sometimes unhelpful or generic."

"Got great feedback on some assignments, useless on others depending on the reviewer."

"The peer assessment system felt like the weakest part of the course delivery."

Requires basic software knowledge.

"Make sure you know basic InDesign before starting, it's essential for assignments."

"The course assumes you can already use page layout software, which surprised me."

"Assignments were challenging without prior InDesign experience, contrary to my expectation."

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 Introduction to Typography with these activities:

Review the basics of typography

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Reacquaint yourself with the fundamentals of typography before starting the course.

Browse courses on Typography

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Read articles or watch videos on the basics of typography.
Review your notes from previous typography courses or workshops.
Take a practice quiz or test to assess your knowledge.

Organize your learning materials

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Ensure that your notes, assignments, and other course materials are well-organized for easy reference and review.

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Set up a dedicated folder or notebook for the course.
File your notes and assignments in a logical and easy-to-find manner.
Regularly review your materials to reinforce your learning.

Practice identifying different typefaces

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Improve your ability to recognize and distinguish between different typefaces.

Browse courses on Typography

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Visit websites like Typewolf or FontSquirrel that provide examples of different typefaces.
Look at the typefaces and try to identify their characteristics, such as serif or sans-serif, weight, and style.
Take quizzes or play games that test your ability to identify typefaces.

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Read "Type on Screen" by Erik Spiekermann

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Familiarize yourself with the principles of typography as they apply to digital screens.

View Stop Stealing Sheep & find out how type works... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to learn the basics of typography.
Read chapters 4-6 to understand the challenges of typography on screen.
Complete the exercises in chapters 7-8 to practice applying the principles you've learned.

Watch tutorials on typographic hierarchy and spatial organization

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Learn how to use typographic hierarchy and spatial organization to improve the readability and impact of your designs.

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Search for tutorials on typographic hierarchy and spatial organization on YouTube or Skillshare.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
Apply the concepts you've learned to your own design projects.

Participate in a peer review session

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Provide constructive feedback to your peers and receive feedback on your own work, fostering a sense of community and improving your understanding of typography.

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Find a partner or group of peers who are also taking the course.
Exchange your work with your peers.
Provide constructive feedback on your peers' work, focusing on both the strengths and weaknesses.
Incorporate the feedback you receive into your own work.

Create a typographic poster for a local event

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Reinforce your knowledge of typography by designing a poster that meets specific design requirements.

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Choose an event to promote.
Write a brief description of the event.
Select images or graphics that represent the event.
Use your typography skills to create a visually appealing poster.
Print and distribute your poster.

Design a full-scale typographic poster

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Synthesize your learning by designing a comprehensive and polished typographic poster that showcases your skills.

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Choose a topic or message for your poster.
Research different typefaces and styles to determine the best fit for your message.
Create a rough sketch of your poster.
Use a design software to refine your design and add elements like images or graphics.
Print your poster or share it online.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Typography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, advertisements, magazines, and corporate reports.

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Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual style and concepts of a variety of media, including magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and websites.

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UX Designer

UX Designers enhance the interaction between users and products by studying user behavior and creating user-friendly interfaces.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They are responsible for the visual appeal of a website, as well as its functionality.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers develop and maintain a positive public image for their organization or clients.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers develop and execute social media strategies to promote their organization or clients.

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Copywriter

Copywriters write text for a variety of purposes, including advertising, marketing, public relations, and journalism.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and revise written material for a variety of purposes, including books, magazines, newspapers, and websites.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They may work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and colleges and universities.

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Professor

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge in a variety of fields.

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Writer

Writers write creativa content, such as novels, short stories, plays, and poems.

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Journalist

Journalists write news and feature articles for a variety of publications.

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Reading list

We've selected 28 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 Introduction to Typography.

Psychological Assessment and Testing

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This comprehensive reference book provides a wealth of information on typography, including typefaces, terminology, measurement systems, and printing techniques. It is an invaluable resource for designers, editors, and anyone working with type.

Introduction to Typography

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundational typography: history, theory, and practice

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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