1 - The Language of the Letterform

Did you know that letters have shoulders, arms, and ears? In Lesson One, you'll jump right into the fundamentals, looking at the historical origins of typography and learning to identify the component parts of letterforms. You'll explore the applications of typography through case studies on two professional typographers: one designs type, and the other designs with type. You'll also look at contemporary typefaces and their uses.

Project - Type Research

2 - Type Classification

Lesson Two embarks on a trip through the 12 ATypI categories of typeface. Serif or sans serif? Venetian or Glyphic? You'll learn how to identify a typeface by its defining characteristics, and choose the right "face" for your project.

Project - Page design

3 - Quirky and Loving It

Lesson Three explores the theatrical aspect of the display typography used in posters, advertisements, and online. You'll take a look at the emotion, drama, or whimsy a display typeface can bring to a project, looking at the work of leading designers over the years.

Project - Famous type

Students in this course can expect to learn to:

• Develop an understanding of the basic terminology of typography and the historical origins of typographical terms and concepts.
• Identify classic and contemporary typefaces and their use by modern designers.
• Analyze a letterform, identifying its distinctive features and anatomical elements.
• Develop a basic proficiency in identifying and classifying type by looking for the main features in a typeface.
• Identify the 12 ATypI categories of typeface by their characteristic elements.
• Use type categories and characteristics to select typefaces and structure text on a page.
• Select and manipulate type to depict a concept or mood.
• Develop an understanding of the applications of display typography and expressive applications of typography in print and on screen.
• Create a type composition that represents a theme typographically.

Interested in this course? Scheduled and self-paced enrollment options are available. Ask Admissions about taking this course as part of a degree or certificate program.

Software and Supplies

To take this course you'll need:

• Computer with Internet connection.
• Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop or equivalent programs.
• Basic experience in the above software.
• Basic drawing materials (pencil, paper) and ability to scan or photograph sketches.