#thinking with type

73rd Book I Read in 2024

Title: Thinking with Type

Author: Ellen Lupton

Words taken from Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton:

pantograph (n.) an instrument for copying a plan or drawing etc. on a different scale by a system of jointed rods.

bodacious (adj.) outstanding, excellent.

black letter (n.) a medieval European typeface, characterized by heavy vertical and angular strokes without curves.

frontal (adj.) of, at, or on the front.

arcology (n.) a portmanteau of architecture and ecology, is a field of creating architectural design principles for very densely populated, ecologically low-impact human habitats.

marginalia (n., pl.) marginal notes.

revile (v.) abuse; criticize abusively.

Cajun (n.) a descendant of the French-speaking settlers who were expelled from Acadia in the mid-18th c., living primarily in S Louisiana.

cherub (n.) a member of the second order of the nine ranks of heavenly beings (cherubim, pl.).

Words taken from Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton:

polyglot (adj.) ❤ of many languages.

insular (adj.) of or like an island.

kilter (n.) good working order.

logotype (n.) printing. a single piece of of type that prints a word or group of separate letters.

affable (adj.) friendly, good-natured.

foible (n.) a minor weakness or idiosyncrasy.

antiquarian (adj.) of or dealing in antiques or rare books.

sequestrate (v.) confiscate, appropriate.

almanac (n.) an annual calendar of months and days, usually with astronomical data and other information.

What are the advantages of a multiple column grid?

It provides flexible formats for publications that have a complex hierarchy or that integrate text and illustrations. The more columns you create, the more flexible your grid becomes.

How many characters is optimal for a line length? words per line?

The number of characters is relative to the length of the line. For example, text in columns will have fewer words per line then a body of text that is not separated into columns. Line length should be relative to type size when using justified text.

Why is the baseline grid used in design?

Modular grids are created by positioning horizontal guidelines in relation to a baseline grid that governs the whole document. Baseline grids serve to anchor all (or nearly all) layout elements to a common rhythm.

What are reasons to set type justified? ragged (unjustified)?

Justified type makes a clean shape on the page. Its efficient use of space makes it the norm for newspapers and books. The downside is that ugly gaps can occur. Using ragged type helps to avoid the uneven spacing that plagues justified type. Flush left respects the organic flow of language and flush right can be a welcome departure from the familar.

What is a typographic river?

When working with justified text, sometimes the spaces between letters line up vertically creating rivers.

What does clothesline, hangline or flow line mean?

Using the grid, you can also divide the page horizontally. For example, an area across the top can be reserved for images and captions, and body text can “hang” from a common line. Graphic designers call this a hang line.

What is type color/texture mean?

Type color is how dense tor heavy the type appears on a page.

How does x-height effect type color?

The smaller the “x” height, the less noticeable the type color.

What are some ways to indicate a new paragraph. Are there any rules)

Ellen Lupton Tribute Poster 2014