2. My Favorite Typeface

In class:

  • From memory, draw your name in your favorite typeface. No looking at examples. Must be from a real typeface. What is that typeface?
  • Try to pay attention to line weight, stroke endings, x-height, unique characteristics, etc. of your typeface as well as any special or unique letters in your typeface.
  • Draw them approximately 72 pts or 1 inch cap height

Now draw them a second time. This time  do the following:

  • You will need to print out the actual alphabet of your typeface to trace the letters.
  • Trace/Draw them with pencil approximately 72 pts or 1 inch cap height
  • Upload your tracings to this Canvas page.
  • Bring the pencil tracings and printouts to next class

Also bring to next class a photograph or actual print sample of bad typography.

  • a photograph or actual print sample of bad typography.
  • (an ad, an announcement, magazine article, sign, etc.)
  • (bad typography might be a result of choice of typeface, spacing, color, kerning, line length, etc.)

In class:

Bring to class:

Pencil tracings of your favorite typeface. 1st print out the alphabets for each typeface (both Helvetica and Garamond are below). Then use these letters to trace your name. Size majuscule letters at 72 pts tall (approximately 1 inch. Use tracing paper. The light table may also be helpful for this. Be precise and accurate with your tracing. Pay particular attention to subtitles of line weight, curvature, stroke endings, and angles. List at least 5 characteristics that are specific or unique to your typeface. These should be distinguishing enough that they would help you identify it. Attach a list of these characteristics to your drawing.

Examples of Letterform Characteristics:

  • x-height
  • geometric shape (condensed, extended, perfect geometry)
  • line weight (mono-weight, variable weight)
  • type of serif (slab, rounded, pointed, etc.)
  • stroke ending (rounded, squared, pointed)
  • calligraphic/mechanical
  • formal/informal
  • distinguishing or unique individual letters
  • Roman (Old Style, Transitional, Modern)
  • San-serif
  • Swash or Calligraphic
  • Decorative

Type Variables

Letterform