#project:differenttypefaces

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Learning log, research & exercise

Summary

Over the years typographers have developed numerous ways of describing and categorizing typefaces into different families.

The groupings can seem complex and it requires an understanding of the history of typography to start to understand the categories.

Serif typefaces

A number of historical categories fall under Serif typeface: Humanist, Roman, Garalde, also known as old face/style.

San - Serif typefaces

Often used in uppercase for headings in the 19th century. Typeface without Serifs.

Script typefaces

Broadly, typeface that reference handwriting, Calligraphy or the swirls of engravings.

Blackletter

Based on the handwritten scripts of medieval manuscripts. Sharp angels emulate the line qualities of a flat quill or pen.

Decorative typefaces

Popular among Victorians, been produced in all sorts of forms. Might include dingbats, logos, symbols, clipart or decorative borders.

Fixed width, techno, pixel & computer fonts

Lots available on the internet, give a high tech feel or computer appearance.

Different fonts

A typeface is made up of all the fonts that particular type design. Fx Gill sans typeface will contain the regular version, the bold version, and the italic version, all different sizes. When designing make sure to use the real version not just push italic or bold button.

Sample books

Before the digital age, typography sample books were essential tools for graphic designers. They contained the range of typeface available from a foundry that produced them, showing all the letters and characters available as well as the different fonts.