Typography

Learn the fundamentals of typography.

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Course details

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$299

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Registration details

Typography

Learn the fundamentals of typography.

What you’ll be able to do — competencies

  • Describe the history and purpose of typography 
  • Describe the anatomy of typeface 
  • Describe typeface terminology and classifications 
  • Explain units of measure associated with type 
  • Describe and demonstrate letter-spacing techniques such as kerning, tracking and leading 
  • Explain and demonstrate methods of handling text such as measure, good leading, smart hanging quotes, even grid alignment, orphans and widows, applying emphasis, and handling rags 
  • Describe the management of hierarchy with text 
  • Describe and demonstrate the use of numerals 
  • Explain theories around typeface selection 
  • Demonstrate the use of Decks, Callouts and Pull Quotes 
  • Demonstrate management of margins and gutters in text-based designs 

Course description

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This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the fundamentals of typography. Students will learn about type weight, scale, style, font, kerning, leading, alignment and more. Class includes lectures, discussions and group exercises. 

Syllabus

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Session 1 

  • History of typography 
  • Purpose of typography 
  • Anatomy of typeface 
  • Emphasis 
  • Quote marks 
  • Hyphen, en and em dashes 
  • Using numerals 
  • Dingbats and pictograms 

Session 1 Assignments 

  • Letterforms as images 
  • Bring in 3–5 examples of type in use 
  • Reading: pages 8–57 

Session 2  

  • Managing hierarchy with text 
  • Kerning 
  • Upper and lower case 
  • Limiting type faces 

Session 2 Assignments 

  • Working with font families 
  • Bring in 3 or 4 magazines, brochures or annual reports 
  • Reading: pages 58–107 

Session 3  

  • Tracking and leading 
  • Type “Color” 
  • Optimum line lengths 
  • Orphans and widows 

Session 3 Assignments 

  • Design a 1–panel 2-sided brochure 
  • Bring in a magazine or newspaper 
  • Reading: pages 108–157 

Session 4  

  • Type alignment 
  • Text grids 
  • Typographic furniture 
  • Callouts and pull quotes 
  • Margins and gutters 

Session 4 Assignments 

  • Keep looking, thinking and making! 
  • Reading: pages 160–205 

Next available start dates

Register

Online — Evenings

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Typography
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Total classroom hours

10 hours

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Schedule

Online

Evenings, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM, 4 Th - 5/25/2023 - 6/15/2023

Quarter: Spring

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Total cost

$299

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Instructor: Iole Alessandrini

Born and raised in Italy, Iole Alessandrini is an artist who has been active in Seattle since 1994. She earned her degrees in Fine Arts and in Architecture. It is the intersection between these two creative expressions – art and architecture –through which her designs are created. She utilizes light, digital media and physical space in her design work to redefine space.

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Notes

Online courses require an internet connection and the ability to interact both through audio and video using either a web cam/microphone, speakers/headset using a computer or via a mobile phone connection. Any costs associated with connectivity or equipment are the responsibility of the student.

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