Typography is something that I have just recently realized I have always been quite fascinated by. I have always taken notice when there is a new or amusing type layout put in front of me whether it be in a magazine add or a beautifully designed web page. Think about it the next time you pick up a book or magazine while wandering through your local bookstore, did it have to do with the type? I am not sure if this sudden awakening came about as I attempt to create a more pleasing website or if it has to do with some of the recent advertising I have done for AS|ONE Clothing, but the bottom line is the layout and choice of fonts can make or break any graphic design project and therefore I need to learn more.

As I browsed through recent del.icio.us posts yesterday, as I have come into the habit of doing, I stumbled across this post entitled “16 Best Loved Font Bits in Web Design”. A interestingly informative post that covers 16 fonts and how they came into being. It is interesting, but should come as no surprise just how many of them where designed or adapted specifically for Microsoft. After reading I immediately began my search for all things related to typography and came across a handful of interesting sites as well as some good definitions.

“The design and use of typefaces as a means of visual communication from calligraphy to the ever-developing use of digital type is the broad use of the term typography. However, the art and practice of typography began with the invention of moveable type and the printing press. Typography is sometimes seen as encompassing many separate fields from the type designer who creates letterforms to the graphic designer who selects typefaces and arranges them on the page.” About.com:Desktop Publishing

In the past I have relied solely on my natural eye for creating a pleasing design or layout, but with the proper knowledge so much more could be achieved. So what do I hope to learn in beginners study into the art of typography?

• The history behind typography for starters, a building block.
• What makes a good typeface and why where certain fonts developed?
• Aside from the obvious reasons why do some work well together and others look horrible?
• Who is responsible for some of the greatest achievements in the field?
• How can I incorporate this knowledge into future projects?

So where shall I begin my study? This list of books seems to be a good place. “The New Typography” has some very intriguing reviews so that will be at the top of my list. Next I will have to move on to “The Thames and Hudson Manual of Typography” and I know this is a standard but beyond that I have always been drawn to that cover. And of course I will feverishly google the subject as I find that reading brief posts on various topics helps to provide a break to my seemingly endless days. If you need a good place to start in the realm of the internet I would recommend googling fonts and logos of web2.0. We are bombarded by them on the daily so why not learn why they exist right?

I will of course be journaling my research as always so check back, if nothing else learn from my mistakes, it’s free.