A Typographic Workbook: A Primer to History, Techniques, and Artistry

by Kate Clair

Quickly master the concepts and skills you need to successfully design with type

a typographic WORKBOOK

To help you gain a deeper understanding of the effects produced by various fonts and typographic techniques, designer Kate Clair takes you on a fascinating tour of the innovative potential of type. Extensive visual examples illustrate the use of type as an expressive communication tool. From selecting the right font, to spacing it, to the creative integration of fonts, she explains the decisions made by successful designers. At the same time, she provides step-by-step guidance and numerous practice exercises that help you develop the confidence and skills needed to put that knowledge to work in your own designs. In addition, a detailed history of type is included.

A valuable professional resource for working designers and an indispensable training tool for graphic design students, A Typographic Workbook
* A historical overview of type and typographic technologies
* In-depth explanations of the formal qualities of different typefaces
* Skill-building exercises and projects to sharpen your skills
* Quizzes and review questions that help you gauge your progress
* An overview of computer terms and principles

Genres: Design, Art, Reference, Nonfiction, History

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 1999

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

yet another useless book, a vague digest of other people's books. it is about ancient writing systems, because, you know, egyptians used the movable type so it is relevant. they will add all sort of crap about all sort of vaguely related crap, making it a book about nothing. pick one subject, write about it. only clair can barely write a two part blog post on any of the subjects.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just a book on typography - it's a workbook on the history of writing from the era of pressing a stylus into a tablet of clay through Gutenberg, from Roman rustic and cancellaresca through Bodoni and modern typeforms. It's a thorough overview of the evolution of the written word, and it's lovingly typeset - each page is in a different font and the illustrations are lavish. I found it to be a wonderful overview of the journey that typography (and writing in itself!) has taken: from reed pens and papyrus to today's digital means. If you're a graphic artist or just interested in history, this is an excellent teaching book. Comes with quizzes and review questions on each chapter's contents. I'm actually reading the updated 2nd edition now - I also own this book's first edition.

[Edcy Irizarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

It is a very creative way to learn History, not only type! If all history books were like this one I would make it to the last page of each one and never quit half-way! the different designs used in the book really help with memorizing and learning the deets about the history and the illustrations prompt interest in the topic!