Comparing Typefaces
Objectives
To develop your eye for typographic detail.
To develop the ability to distinguish the characteristics that differentiate one typeface from another.
Coming into this project I felt as though I had a good understanding of being able to tell one typeface from another. I primarily looked at things like sans–serif/serif and the x–height of the typeface, but also traits such as the contrast of the strokes and the shapes of the counters. For instance, when comparing Univers LT and Helvetica, its easy to discern between the two when looking at the two–story, lowercase “a”. The counter on the lowercase “a” of Helvetica pitches upward where it meets it vertical stroke whereas Univers’ counter runs horizontally and perpendicularly into the major stroke.
Problem Statement
As designers, you must become facile with analyzing, identifying, and selecting and using typefaces. In the following in-class exercise, you will develop a critical eye by reviewing, studying, and using two sets of typefaces: serif and sans serif.
Before answering the questions below, you must have your typeface selections approved by your instructor.
Having come in being able to easily identify typefaces and be able to recognize them apart from others, I felt as though I needed to dig in and understand why these typefaces differ either so greatly, or so slightly; investigating how these differences affect their ability to communicate effectively serves me well as a designer, as I can more quickly iterate and choose the proper typeface for the project at hand.
For the comparisons I’ve chosen Didot — Regular and Adobe Garamond Pro — Regular as my serif typefaces, and Univers 55 and Futura Std — Medium as my sans–serif typefaces.
Click here to view the guide.