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Technology and Craft in Typography: A Required Reading Range for Designers

Dwight Bell

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Published in Reinventing Print: Technology And Craft In Typography (Required Reading Range)

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Typography, the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and aesthetically pleasing, is a field that has been transformed by technology in recent years. However, despite the advances in digital tools, the craft of typography remains essential for creating effective and beautiful communication. This article explores the relationship between technology and craft in typography, providing a comprehensive reading range for designers who wish to deepen their understanding of this complex and rewarding field.

Technology has played a significant role in the evolution of typography, from the invention of the printing press in the 15th century to the development of digital typesetting in the 20th century. Today, designers have access to a wide range of software tools that can automate many aspects of the typographic process, from font selection and kerning to layout and printing.

One of the most significant benefits of technology in typography is the ability to create and edit fonts quickly and easily. In the past, fonts were created by hand, a time-consuming and laborious process. Today, designers can use software to create and modify fonts in a matter of minutes. This has led to an explosion in the number of available fonts, giving designers more choice than ever before.

Reinventing Print: Technology and Craft in Typography (Required Reading Range)

by Jason Tselentis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	199225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

Technology has also made it possible to produce high-quality typography on a variety of devices, from desktop computers to smartphones and tablets. This has made typography more accessible than ever before, allowing designers to create beautiful and effective communication for a wide range of audiences.

Despite the advances in technology, the craft of typography remains essential for creating effective and beautiful communication. Craft refers to the knowledge, skills, and techniques that designers use to create typography that is both legible and aesthetically pleasing.

One of the most important aspects of typographic craft is the ability to select and combine fonts effectively. Fonts can convey a wide range of emotions and messages, from playful and informal to serious and formal. Designers must carefully consider the tone and style of their message when choosing a font.

Another important aspect of typographic craft is the ability to set type in a way that is easy to read. This involves choosing the right font size, line length, and leading (the space between lines of text). Designers must also be mindful of the overall layout of their text, ensuring that it is balanced and visually appealing.

The following books provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between technology and craft in typography. They are essential reading for designers who wish to deepen their understanding of this complex and rewarding field.

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students by Ellen Lupton. This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of typography, from font selection to layout and printing. Lupton covers both the technical and aesthetic aspects of typography, providing designers with the tools they need to create effective and beautiful communication.
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst. This seminal work is a must-read for anyone interested in typography. Bringhurst provides a detailed explanation of the principles of typographic design, from the basics of letterforms to the subtleties of page layout.
Typography: A Manual of Design by Emil Ruder. This influential book provides a practical guide to the principles of typography. Ruder covers a wide range of topics, from font selection to layout and printing. His clear and concise writing makes this book an essential resource for designers of all levels.
Mega Type: Visual Strategies for Digital Publishing by Steven Heller and Mirko Ilic. This beautifully illustrated book explores the creative potential of typography in the digital age. Heller and Ilic provide a wide range of examples of innovative and effective typography, from website design to social media campaigns.
Type on Screen: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, and Typographers by Erik Spiekermann and E.M. Ginger. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities of typography in the digital age. Spiekermann and Ginger cover a wide range of topics, from font selection to web design and e-book typography.

Technology and craft are two essential elements of typography. Technology provides designers with the tools they need to create and edit fonts quickly and easily, and to produce high-quality typography on a variety of devices. Craft provides designers with the knowledge and skills they need to use these tools effectively, to create typography that is both legible and aesthetically pleasing. By mastering both technology and craft, designers can create effective and beautiful communication that will reach and engage their audiences.

Reinventing Print: Technology and Craft in Typography (Required Reading Range)

by Jason Tselentis

5 out of 5