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LinkedIn Learning

Learning Type Design

via LinkedIn Learning

Overview

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Gain a foundational understanding of typography, and learn how to design your first typeface.

Syllabus

Introduction
  • Welcome
  • What you should know
  • What this course is and isn't
  • Who are type designers?
  • Why study typography?
1. What Makes a Typeface Great?
  • Pedigree
  • Consistency
  • Readability and legibility
  • Utility
  • Novelty
  • Ubiquity
2. What Makes a Great Typeface?
  • Serifs
  • Stroke angle, weight, and contrast
  • General shape
  • x-height
  • Proportion
  • Fit
  • Shape variations
  • Display and decorative faces
3. Pre-Production
  • Find good models
  • Explore tools, methods, and materials
  • Typeface vs. lettering
  • Why is a plan necessary?
  • Original or revival? Text or display? Serif or sans serif?
  • What glyphs are needed?
4. Drawing the Basic Glyphs
  • Draw glyphs with straight stems
  • Draw the o's and shoulders
  • Draw rounded glyphs
  • Draw glyphs with shoulder-like curves
  • Draw glyphs with arms
  • Draw lowercase angled glyphs
  • Draw uppercase angled glyphs
  • Draw the s, S, and g
  • Set keywords
5. Producing a Functioning Font
  • Digitize
  • Print, critique, and revise
  • Complete the character set
  • Adjust the space around glyphs
  • Adjust the problem pairs
  • Test your font files
Conclusion
  • Expanding your knowledge: Read, look, and listen

Taught by

Charles Nix

Reviews

4.8 rating at LinkedIn Learning based on 95 ratings

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