typography classifying typefaces. typeface classification - serif, sans and script type can be...
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TypographyClassifying Typefaces
Typeface Classification - Serif, Sans and Script
Type can be classified into 3 broad categories:
SERIF, SANS SERIF and SCRIPT.
SERIF has 5 sub divisions:
1. Humanist, VenitianExamples:Centaur
Serifs are bracketed. Cross bar of lower case e is oblique. There is not much contrast between thick and thin strokes.
A AASerif Sans Serif Script
Centaur
Typeface Classification - Serifs
2. Old FaceExamples:Bembo, Caslon, Garamond, Plantin
Letters have classical elegance and proportions. These typefaces are good for large areas of text. Greater contrast between thick and thin strokes compared with Humanist faces.
Old Face
Baskerville
Garamond
3. TransitionalExamples:Baskerville, Janson, Caledonia
Developed during the 18th century, they are lighter in colour than Old Face faces. Excellent for large areas of text. Classical elegance with clean strong line. Typefaces in which the axis of the curves is vertical or slightly to the left. Bracketed serifs.
Classification - Serifs
3. ModernExamples: Bodoni, Didot, Carousel
Introduced in the 1770’s by the Frenchman Firman Didot. Great contrast between thick and thin strokes. Good for short amounts of text. Not good when reversed out of textured backgrounds.
4. Slab Serif (Egyptian)Examples:Rockwell, Clarendon, Glypha, MemphisTypefaces with heavy square-ended serifs.Introduced during the19th century for headlines and posters. Best used for advertising. Lighter designs have been introduced that are suitable for text.
ModernDidot
Rockwell
Slab Serif
Classification - Sans serifs
SANS SERIF - Typefaces without serifs
Examples: Gill Sans, Univers, Helvetica
There are several categories:
• GrotesqueSans serifs with 19th century origins ie.Grotesque 9, Franklin Gothic.
• Neo Grotesque1950/60’s sans serif designs based on the 19th Century versions ie.Helvetica, Univers.
• GeometicConstructed with strong geometric form. First appeared in 1920’s. Single thickness strokes ie. Futura, Kabel.
• HumanistSans serif with proportions of Roman capitals. Noticeable stroke contrast ie.Gill Sans, Frutiger.
• Neo HumanistSans serifs of the1980’s that have definate tendency for varying stroke thickness with roman charcater influence ie.Optima, Meta, Scala Sans.
Sans serifHelvetica
Classification - scripts
SCRIPTS Examples:English Script, Mistral connectingZapf Chancery, Vivaldi non-connecting
These are typefaces that imitate cursive writing. Some join letter to letter (called connecting scripts) and others that do not join are called non-connecting. Not suitable for text, or as all caps. Good for dramatic impact.
ScriptBrush Script
Zapf Chancery
Hybrid examplesFrudoni - Frutiger & Bodoni
A poster which uses Caslon No 471 and Avant Garde Bold
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