Typography Research

Typography Research

I want to create a series of posters which raise awareness of dementia so I decided to read 'Just my type' to gain a better understanding of typography.

Garfield explains the difference between legibilityand readability-the impact of size. Using the album cover The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds as his example. He states that 'at small sizes, Cooper Black is legible but not very readable,' Garfield, S. (2011) 'Just My Type', London: Profile Books. Legibility and readiblity are something I will bear in mind when making my typographic posters.

Garfield explains the notion of kerning, which is the science of spacing letters. 'The 'kern' is that part of a character that overhangs or underhangs its body and invades the space of the letter next to it' Garfield, S. (2011) 'Just My Type', London: Profile Books. Although tastes have changed and it now may be possible to create a workable typeface which has its letters resting against each other. This is something I will play about with.

Garfield also helps us understand a type's legacy is in its social impact. Garfield shows how the invention of the first mechanical printing press, which was the inception of type in the 1440s, directly resulted in a more learned world. He discusses how the use of  'a type consciously chosen to suggest forward thinking without frightening the horses,' Garfield, S. (2011) 'Just My Type', London: Profile Book, helped elect President Barack Obama. This font, called Gotham, was more sophisticated, more contemporary and more flexible than the team’s original choice, Gill Sans. Gotham is available in over 40 different varieties. Before Obama's typographic change campaigns would choose numerous typefaces, but choosing one font helped create an association between the font and the person thereby strengthening the campaign.