More Than Words: An Introduction to the Art of Typography

Typography: an introduction

 

 

ty·pog·ra·phy:

Design or selection of letter forms to be organized into words and sentences and printed or displayed electronicallyEncyclopedia Britannica

When a person thinks of typography, what would immediately come to mind? Thoughts of different fonts, editorials and designs involving typographic elements would most likely be the first to come to mind. All of these possibilities are both synonymous to and would each be a part of what is considered typography. Typography is anything having to do with typefaces and their arrangements; more specifically it would refer to creating a functional design using type in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Typography in our Surroundings

Everyday we are bombarded with typography. Every street we walk down, product we use, and every program we watch on television. It is found everywhere and in everything we do.  Right below we have some prime examples of typography that are all from different times and very different places.  Finding new typography everyday can be quite fun.  It is truly interesting to see how a designer decides to accomplish a task using the layout of type.

Typography in Design

Typography has become an important element in both print and web design. It allows designers to mix shapes and placement of letters and words along with the meaning that these characters represent in order to reinforce design and concept in a clever and unique way.
The type will be manipulated to convey specific points while moving your focus in a specific way around the design.  Typographic design is clean and direct.  Below I have a few found examples of typographic design which are aesthetically pleasing and display a point in a creative way.

 

 

Typography has existed for a long time and is in everything we see. It is both useful aesthetically and practically for conveying an idea.  Using typography for these means just requires some imagination.
The art of typography has many facets, please subscribe to our RSS Feed or follow us on Twitter to stay updated when new typography articles become available.

After reading this post, what typography are you going to now notice today?

Please tell us in the comments section below…

Refreshing and Tasty Design Inspiration

Art is a fruit that grows in man, like a fruit on a plant, or a child in its mother’s womb.
Jean Arp

When in need of inspiration I always turn to nature. Curves, colors, shades, reflections, beauty; You name it, she’s got it.

Here’s a healthy dose of inspiration:

INDIVIDUALISM POSTER by fatihtokoz

Rebuild the Aesthetic Poster by gomedia

poster by solo designer-d32lw4j

Killer Grapes Poster by GraphZ

Tropical by Creatunco

Print Infographics by Rhysbol

Fruit by sweetchantal1989

FRUIT RAIN by illugraphy

cherry stick heart-shape by dkraner

updated fruit poster by sweetmisery11

Becoming Reality vII

 

Quick Fun Fruit Facts:

  • Avocados are commonly used as vegetables. Botanically they are fruits.
  • Very few fruits contain fat: avocados, olives and nuts are the only ones with significant amounts.
  • Cranberries, Concord Grapes and Blueberries are the only major fruits native to North America.
  • Strawberries, bananas, grapes, apples and oranges are Americans favorite fruits in that order (2008).
  • The Red Delicious is the most widely grown variety of apple in the world.
  • There are 3,236  people in the U.S. listed on whitepages.com with the last name ‘Orange’
    (Mark Morton, ‘Gastronomica’, Fall 2010)
  • Grapes are about 80 percent water.

 

Is there something in nature that you find inspirational to your design?

Brochure Printing – Guidelines for a Successful Design

Full Color Brochure Design and PrintingBrochures are a wonderful way to relay information about your product, service or business in general. Many times customers will find themselves waiting around or standing in line… that is the perfect time to present your brochure and inform them of your products and services while they wait.

  • A captivating brochure will make an impact on the decisions your customers will make regarding your products and/or services.
  • Creating a one of a kind, intriguing, call-to-action brochure requires planning, copy writing, graphic design and patience.
  • A brochure is more than just information and pretty pictures, it is a sales tool that can be very effective when implemented correctly.

Full Color Brochure PrintingFull Color Brochures can be the first connection you make with a new customer. Their simplicity and ease of access allow current and prospective customers to learn about you and to quickly get acquainted with what your company offers. With 1, 2 and 4 color brochures you can do that effectively, and at a low price. Working with an 11″ x 17″ size sheet of paper gives you the flexibility you need to be creative and to include all the information you need. Flexibility is very important when trying to create unique looks that will make your brochures stand out from those of your competitor.

Things to keep in mind:

  • SizeBrochures are measured unfolded. There are three standard sizes: 8.5’’ x 11’’, 8.5’’ x 14’’, and 11’’ x 17’’. 11’’ x 17’’ brochures work great when you are trying to stand out, and when you have a large selection of products to introduce or there is simply a lot to say about your product or service.
  • Paper Stock80# Gloss Text, 100# Gloss Text, 80# Gloss Cover and 60# uncoated offset stock are some of the possibilities. The weight of your brochures will affect your cost, but also will affect the impact of your final product.
  • Folding Options– With so many folding options it can be hard to decide which fold option is right for you, but you must always understand what the specific folding does for you, from pull viewers in, to split your ideas well, to even be at all necessary.

When these general guidelines are followed, you can expect a higher return on investment in the form of purchases, inquiries or an increase in exposure of your brand, products or services.

 

Have you designed marketing brochures for any outside-the-box situations that you would like to share?

Please add your comment below.