0305 Original or revival Text or display Serif or sans serif

Understanding Typeface Design Intent

• Establishing Usage Intent

  • Determine how the typeface is intended to be used (e.g., display vs. text).

  • Design proportions, widths, x-height, and thick-to-thin ratios according to the intended usage.

Font Creation Decisions

Original vs. Revival

• Original Font

  • A completely new typeface created by the designer.

• Revival Typeface

  • Existing typefaces from past eras that are not digitally available.

  • Considerations for Revivals

    • Rights Management

      • Ensure rights are clear; obtain permissions if necessary.

    • Existing Versions

      • Check if a digital version of the typeface already exists in the market.

Typeface Type

Display vs. Text Fonts

• Display Fonts

  • Designed for headlines; every detail is scrutinized.

  • Proportions are tailored for visibility.

• Text Fonts

  • Characters are wider, sturdier, and more loosely spaced.

  • Aimed for readability in extended text settings.

Style Considerations

Categories

• Text Face

  • Decide on serif or sans serif.

  • Determine if it will be a single face or part of a family of fonts.

• Display Face

  • Choose between serif, sans, script, or novelty styles.

Script Fonts

• Type of Script

  • Decide if it is formal or informal.

  • Determine connection style (connected, semi-connected, unconnected).

  • Script fonts usually use both upper and lower case (UNLC).

  • Legibility Concern

    • Formal scripts are generally less legible in all caps.

Designing with Flexibility

• Recognize that usage can vary, even if you design with intent.

  • For example, a well-crafted text face may be used as a headline.

• Naming and Description

  • Clearly signal intended use in the font name and description while remaining open to its reimagined application by users.