Objective

To study the differences between various typeface designs. To learn how typefaces evolved throughout history. To begin to recognize and name specific typefaces based on the design of the letterforms.

Discussion

The key to recognizing the difference between one font and another is studying the shape of specific letterforms. The letterform "O" won't look too different from one font to another. But the letterform "R" will usually be dramatically different. Once you get to know one font, you'll never forget it. So instead of trying to recognize a lot of different fonts, start with just a few core fonts and become intimate with its design. Then move on to more fonts as you grow. In this exercise, we'll examine some of the most important fonts that you should be familiar with.

Procedure

Recognizing different serifs

1. launch Illustrator
2. file > new "serifs.ai" (letter, portrait)
3. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
4. type tool: type "RTWMEKQhaegtyf&1234", change size to 36/96
5. copy and paste the first line of type so that you have a total of 6 lines of type
6. typeset each line of type in the following fonts: Adobe Garamond Pro, Adobe Garamond Pro (OSF and SC), New Baskerville, Bodoni, ITC Century Light, Lubalin Graph
7. compare and contrast each line of type (examine the design,
   x-height, stress, stroke weight, serifs)
8. save

Recognizing serif italics

1. save as "italics.ai"
2. change each line of type to italics
3. compare and contrast each line of type
4. save

Recognizing different sans-serifs

1. save as "sans-serifs.ai"
2. change each line of type to Helvetica Medium, Univers 55 Medium, ITC Franklin Gothic Book, Gill Sans, Futura Book, Avant Garde
3. compare and contrast each line of type
4. save

Recognizing weights

1. save as "futura.ai"
2. change each line of type to Futura with the following weights: Light, Book, Medium, Heavy, Bold, Extra Bold
3. compare and contrast each line of type
4. save

Recognizing web fonts

1. save as "web.ai"
2. change each line of type to Andale Mono, Arial, Georgia, Times, New Roman, Trebuchet, Verdana
3. compare and contrast each line of type
4. save

Recognizing display fonts

1. save as "display.ai"
2. change each line of type to Birch, Eurostile, Goudy Text, Mistral, OCR, VT Corona
3. compare and contrast each line of type
4. save

Grading

1. add your name to the bottom all 6 files
2. file > save for web: preset=GIF 32 no dither, image size=800px wide
3. publish all 6 GIFs as links from your projects page
4. submit b&w laser proofs with your name on it for grading
5. file graded proofs in your 3-ring binder for individual review