Originally posted on July 10, 2019 @ 4:49 am
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TYPOGRAPHY
You will find Typography wherever you look. We have an innate tendency to scan websites just as we have the tendency to scan books as we read. In modern day living, we find typography on street signs, bumper stickers, and merchandise packaging. Simply put, typography is the look and feel of the text. It also includes the art that accompanies the text. We work with typography all the time. If you create any kind of word documents for work, school, or for yourself, then you have definitely worked with fonts.
Let’s look at some of the most commonly used styles, and dissect them for more understanding
We all know the Serif fonts. This font has very little strokes in the different parts of the letter. Because of their classic look, they are commonly used in print publications, like magazines and newspapers. The name Sans serif is French for “without a line”. The font tends to be easier to scan on pc screens, as well as smartphones and tablets.
Display fonts are available in many alternative designs, like the script, blackletter, all-caps, and just plain fancy. Because of their ornamental nature, display fonts are best for little amounts of text; for example, titles and headers, and additional graphic-heavy styles. In a way, fonts have their own language. Fonts can be casual or neutral; exotic or graphics. That’s why it is important to believe your message and choose a font that matches the message. Some fonts go together with additional baggage, like Comic Sans, Curlz, Papyrus, and lots of additional fonts. There’s nothing notably wrong with these fonts they simply have a precise name for being overused. If you discover yourself tempted by them, consider experimenting with another font type.
When deciding what fonts to use, simpler is better. It’s best to limit yourself to at least one or two fonts per project. If you want to create some distinction, try repeating the same fonts in different sizes, weight, or styles. This is a good way of creating attention-grabbing fonts. Don’t be afraid to mix font designs that are totally different yet complimentary, like sans serif with the line, short with tall or ornamental with straightforward. This can be difficult initially, however, look at alternative styles for inspiration, and shortly you will get an idea of how to play with it
Let look at a few more advanced concepts in typography mainly
For those with additional expertise, these components are essential for making professional-looking designs. As a beginner, you do not have to be compelled to understand everything concerning these terms. You just need to understand enough to personalize your work and use fonts with confidence.
KERNING
Kerning is the area between specific characters. Unlike following, it varies over the course of the word, as a result of every letter fits along differently. Some fonts have a “bad kerning,” which makes letters look improperly spaced.
Well-crafted text is often the distinction between a good project and a great project. Even if you are simply starting to experiment with fonts, all it takes is a little interest in typography, and you may begin to note visual improvements in your own work.
LEADING
Leading is the area between lines of text, additionally called line spacing. If you are not positive about what line spacing to use, do not fret. The default is sometimes fine. The goal is to form your text as snug as possible so that the user is able to scan it visually. Too much or deficient spacing will make it unpleasant for the reader.
TRACKING
Tracking is the overall area between characters, generally known as character spacing. Most programs allow you to condense or expand this based on your preference. In some styles, you may change it to create a specific outcome. It also can assist you to fix fonts that are poorly spaced to start with.
HIERARCHY
Hierarchy is employed to guide the reader’s eye to matters that are most significant. In alternative words, it shows them where to start and where to travel next in the content structure. Establishing hierarchy is simple: decide what parts you would like the reader to note and then make the most important parts of your content stand out. For the most significant parts use larger, bolder, or totally different fonts. Remember to say it straightforward and persist with simple designs.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF LAYOUT & COMPOSITION
Layout and composition in a way are the inspiration for the design. They give your work structure and makes it easier for the user to navigate, from the margins on the sides to the content in between. The composition is important in all mediums. From graphic style, web design, and much more. Without a well-composed layout, your work would essentially fall apart.
The following principles of composition and layout will assist you to remodel your work and sharpen your eye for design:
Let’s go through them in the order of most importance
PROXIMITY
Proximity creates a relationship between different elements of your content. In application, it’s pretty simple, all you’ve got do is ensure interrelated elements are grouped together; to Illustrate, blocks of text or components during a graphic. Groups that aren’t concerning one another ought to be separated, to visually emphasize their lack of a relationship. All in all, this makes your work easier to know at a glance-whether it’s strictly text or a lot of visuals.
WHITE SPACE
White Space is a crucial part of each composition. Now, this does not literally mean a white space but simply suggests the use of negative space. Just like the areas between your content, between lines, and even the outer margins. There is no fixed method to use white space in design but it’s sensible to know its purpose. White Space helps you outline and separate different sections; it offers your content room to breathe. If your work ever starts to feel untidy or uncomfortable adding a bit of negative space would do the trick to tidy things up.
ALIGNMENT
Alignment is something you encounter all the time, though you do not know it. Whenever you create an email or type a document, the text is aligned mechanically.
When you start orientating objects by yourself, for example, pictures or separate text boxes, finding the right alignment might initially be tough. The best way to practice it is by imagining your content organized inside a grid. Notice however there is an invisible line centering every image to the text. Each grouping is additionally equally spaced and aligned, with equal-sized margins. It’s that focus to detail that creates the composition which is easier to navigate. The most vital factor is to be consistent.
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF IMAGES
No matter what the topic, we’re naturally drawn to them. From stunning, high-definition photos to eye-catching illustrations. Even simple things like logos and icons. In design, they are the hook that pulls the viewer in. Compelling visuals will assist you to connect with the audience and create a powerful impression even before they’ve browsed one word. You don’t have to be a creative person to use amazing pictures in your work. All it takes is a disposition to think outside the box. With the correct resources, you’ll be able to learn to create some uniqueness.
STOCK IMAGES
It all starts with finding high-quality pictures for any sort of project. Perhaps you are handy with a camera or have some graphics expertise which is great but even if you don’t, it’s alright. There are multiple sources online that provide pictures for precisely this purpose. The general public and professionals have free or affordable pictures known as stock. Stock is ideal when you want one specific thing—for example, a photograph of a small dog in a teacup and you do not have the time or resources to create it yourself. Most stock image sites allow you to browse or search their offerings. rummage around for results that are relevant to your project. As viewers, individuals are naturally drawn to pictures that feel authentic; let’s say, photos and graphics that tell a story.
The most effective pictures are open-ended—they set the tone for your project however leaves area for interpretation. Some stocks are simply too generic to be effective. For a trendy, skilled style, avoid pictures that lack context or are too literal. Instead, look for images connected to your work in a relatable way. The quality of the image you choose will have an enormous impact on your work. An excellent image, if blurred or pixelated, might not provide the correct impression. Look for high-quality pictures which are sharp, clear, and free of any distortions. In general, larger is better. A large, high-resolution image can invariably be cropped or sized down based on the needs of the project. Unfortunately, it does not work the opposite way. If you enlarge a smaller image, it loses quality. Images are made up of thousands of pixels. When you read a formation image at its original size or smaller, the pixels are invisible—they’re just too tiny to envision. But if you center or enlarge it the results are not pretty.
VECTOR IMAGES
Vector graphics are completely different from pixel graphics. You can create them at any size, huge or tiny, while not losing any quality. That’s because they are manufactured from one thing additionally advanced than pixels—they’re rendered using a special variety of pure mathematics. It always a good idea for a designer to be familiar with vector graphics even if they might not use them all the time.
IMAGE EDITING TOOLS
Rarely will you find stocks that are ready to use for your project. The image will generally be the wrong size or the colors might use some work. Fortunately, even basic programs allow you to create straightforward changes these days. If you want to mend or enhance a picture there are so many software with a wide range of tools to choose from. Basic editing tools allow you to crop an image to amendment the dimensions, shape, or focus of a picture. You can also make cosmetic changes like enhancing image quality, brightness, contrast, saturation, and color. If your favorite program offers filters or presets, you’ll be able to amendment your image dramatically with little or no time and energy. Resizing a picture can guarantee it is excellently suitable for your project. Just remember: you cannot create pictures larger than their original size while not affecting their quality. If the image you are operating with merely is not large enough, it is best to decide on something else
Adding photos, graphics, and different visuals to your work could be a good way to enhance user engagement.
