What is Typography?
Whether you are reading an article on your phone, skimming a book, or scrolling through a website, you are constantly digesting words.
Typography is all around you.
It involves all types of font styles, structure, and appearance. Typography is the art and technology of arranging fonts in a way that makes written language not only legible but enjoyable to read.
Types of Fonts.
I’m sure we’ve all written an email, an essay, or sent a text at some point. But have you ever stopped to notice the font you’re using? Two fonts that pop up almost everywhere in everyday text are serif and sans serif.
When you hear the word “serif,” does your mind immediately picture a sheriff? Mine does! It’s the perfect way to introduce the difference between serif and sans-serif fonts in a fun, creative way. Think of serif font as the “sheriff” of the typography world—it’s bold, used in a body of text, authoritative, and stands out with its little embellishments at the ends of each letter. On the other hand, sans serif is like the sheriff’s trusty deputy. It may not have the extra flourishes, but it’s sleek, modern, used for headlines, and makes the sheriff’s job easier by enhancing readability. Together, they create the perfect team.
Why is Typography important?
Typography is important because it affects how people perceive and interact with written content. “It has two main purposes. The first is to promote legibility, and the second is to help communicate the messaging, tone, and sentiment of a design piece” (Corrigan)
Typography plays a crucial role in how we consume written content every day. From emails to books to websites, the choice of fonts impacts readability, aesthetics, and overall communication. Serif fonts, like the “sheriff” of typography, provide authority and structure, while sans-serif fonts offer a sleek and modern touch for easy readability. Ultimately, typography enhances both function and design, making written language not just legible but also engaging and effective.
