'Good' Typography
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- nowherehead
I had an excellent typography tutor. He had lots of little rules of thumb about what constitutes 'good' typography - no more than 13 words a line, no hiphunation etc - but does anyone know of a worthy site or resource that sets these all out?
I need to convince a client later today that clarity is the way forward on this job and "My old tutor used to say..." doesn't really cut it. Thoughts?
- Baskerville0
I find the internet a pretty bad source of information on typography. Maybe it's because typefaces don't really work on screen and especially on websites, unless they are embedded etc.
What you really need is to photocopy some passages or pages from some good typography books.
I'd recommend Robert Bringhurst's 'Elements of typographic style'
Or for a more swiss feel, anything by the infamous Joseph Müller Brockman.
I've had this problem with clients before, trying to show them what good typography is. What usually works is to create a sheet explaining the origins of typography and why it's important. Then create two examples of layout: one which is clear and legible (good typography) and one which is the opposite. If they have a brain then they will see what the obvious choice is.
- nowherehead0
That's a good shout Baskerville, I'll put something together. I've sourced the RNIB's guidelines - I thought I should present these as it a medical client - but Brockman has plenty to bring to the party.
- Baskerville0
I did some work with the RNIB. Their guidelines are quite mixed up really, so they might not necessarily be your friend. Still if they are a medical client then at least they will pay attention to them.
Just checked out your site. There's some reallly nice work on there. I really like the Harry Beck typeface (because I'm a nerd) and the 'talk to the hand' logo. Keep up the good work!
- nowherehead0
Thanks fella, pleased you like. I'm particularly fond of your Braille typeface, it's a lovely idea.
I'm thinking of putting some more of my typefaces up. They're mostly useless but I've a feeling you might like my Continental Morse Serif :)
I'm about to update my site actually for Christmas, I'll send you an email when I do.
- uncle_helv0
hiphunation, Brockman - clearly your tutor didn't have much time for spelling eh?!
This helped me through Uni'...
Stop stealing sheep - Erik Speikermannand I bought this about two years ago...
About Face - David Jury
both very good primers for typographic design.
- Baskerville0
Joseph Müeller-Brockmann
please excuse me.
Stop stealing sheep, I didn't find very useful. I hated the magazine style layout. Easy to pick up when you're first learning that stuff I guess.
About face is ok, that's more about type design than layout which I think is more the issue here.
A really good book about layout is Derek Birdsall's 'Notes on book design'
- Typographica0
Make a cheatsheet or use this one:
http://www.typophile.com/node/12…
- nowherehead0
Grief, people picking me up on my spelling on a multi-national design forum. How embarrassing.
- plamensk10
Show your client this site as a good example of BAD typography.