Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Digital technology has stimulated the design and production of
countless new typefaces whose visual characteristics defy standard
classification. The visual traits of these hybrid forms may fall into
more than one of the historical classifications presented on the
preceding pages. The following is a classification system derived
from the visual features common to letters throughout the typeface
kingdom. It may be used for comparative purposes to pinpoint
the most dominant traits of specific typefaces. Type designers use
these variations to create a family of typefaces. The type family is
discussed on pages 45-48.
Serifs
Serifs provide some of the most identifiable features of
typefaces, and in some cases they reveal clues about their
evolution. The serifs shown are those that appear most
frequently in typefaces (Fig.
2-27
).
2-27
straight
oblique
bracketed
unbracketed
squared
rounded
wedged
concave
pointed
hairline
sans serif
hybrid stroke terminals
Weight
This is a feature defined by the ratio between the relative
width of the strokes of letterforms and their height. On the
average, a letter of normal weight possesses a stroke width
of approximately 15 percent of its height, whereas bold is
20 percent and light is 10 percent (Fig.
2-28
).
2-28
ultra bold
extra bold
bold
normal
light
extra light
ultra light
Width
Width is an expression of the ratio between the black
vertical strokes of the letterforms and the intervals of white
between them. When white intervals appear larger, letters
appear wider. A letter whose width is approximately
80 percent of its height is considered normal. A condensed
letter's width is 60 percent of its height, and an expanded
letter's width is 100 percent of its height (Fig.
2-29
).
2-29
ultra
extra
expanded
normal
condensed
expanded
expanded
extra
ultra
condensed
condensed
Posture
Roman letters that slant to the right but are structurally
the same as upright roman letters are referred to as
oblique. Italic letters, which are based on handwriting,
are structurally different from roman letters of the same
type family. Italic letters with connecting strokes are
called scripts. The angle of posture varies from typeface to
typeface; however, a slant of approximately 12 percent is
considered normal (Fig.
2-30
).
2-30
italic
oblique
script
