Friday 29 January 2010

Philosophy of Modernism in Typography

These are notes from some reading I have done from an article by Douglas C. McMurtrie.


The underlying principle of new design is that "Form follows function".

The main function of typography is to convey a message to the reader with the greatest speed and ease. Nowadays there is so much printed matter trying to get the attention readers who lead busy, fast paced lifestyles. This means that good typography has become even more important and must be as direct and vivid as possible.

  • Symmetrical Layout is not Effective
If lines are centred on a median axis, significance falls in the centre of the lines. It also brings the eye to a centre of rest which interrupts the movement across the type.

The most rational positioning of type is flush to the left, where the eye automatically returns to after reading the previous line. Line length is also not as disruptive in left hand arrangements than in centre arrangements, maintaining an attractive and readable layout.

  • Ornamentation in excluded in Modern typography
Ornamentation makes the layout attractive, however the key aim of modern typography is to get the message conveyed as clearly as possible.

An exception to this rule is if the layout promotes comprehension of the copy, without becoming an object of interest itself.

  • Typefaces should not detract from the copy
Typefaces should not attract attention to themselves or detract from the meaning or message of the copy.

Thursday 28 January 2010

Daily Drop Cap!

Daily drop cap is a project by New York based typographer and illustrator Jessica Hische. Every working day she publishes 1 decorative initial drop cap which you can use for non commercial use in your own blogs! Here is today's drop cap:


A great idea for a project, nice and quick to look at as well! Lots more interesting typographic and design work on her website.


http://dailydropcap.com/
http://jessicahische.com



Hello!

As part of a typography module this semester I am required to create a blog solely devoted to typography. In this I will include typography that is of interest to me, notes from lectures and reading, and assignment research!

I also have another blog devoted to all types of design. The link for this is www.ali-bitsnblogs.blogspot.com!

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