0403 Draw rounded glyphs

Rounded Letters in Typography

1. Basic Principles

  • Glyphs with straight stems, shoulders, and proper O's provide a foundation for creating rounded letters.

  • Lowercase letters c and e should be designed based on the round shape of the capital O.

  • The c and e end with a thin terminal on the lower right known as an aperture.

2. Characteristics of c and e

  • Apertures:

    • The right opening of the c and e can vary, being very open in old styles or partially closed in modern styles.

  • Serif:

    • The top right serif of the c is typically a ball serif.

3. Importance of Counter in e

  • The counter area (inner space) of the lowercase e, referred to as the I, is crucial in defining a font's characteristics since e is one of the most frequently used letters in the Latin alphabet.

4. Sequence of Letters

  • Set the following letters in sequence to analyze their shapes: b, d, p, q.

  • These letters will borrow their bowl shapes from the lowercase o, making careful adjustments where they overlap with the stem.

5. Exiting Stroke Characteristics

  • b: Has a sharp terminal exit on the bottom left.

  • d: Features an inverted wedge serif on the bottom right.

  • p and q: Follow the serif structure similar to lowercase l's bottom.

6. Unique Features of p and q

  • p: Contains a standard wedge serif at the top left.

  • q: Adopts a spur shape at the bottom left of the lowercase b, with variation in design.

7. Designs of c, g, and q

  • c: Its bowl shape and width are derived from the capital O. Generally has a half serif at the top right.

    • Can terminate in a thin stroke as well.

  • g: Features a highly variable bottom right stem, can be tall or stout with various serif options.

8. Features of q

  • The letter q can be perceived as an O with a tail.

  • d: Its bowl takes shape and width from O but should not sag at the bottom right.

  • p: Has a tighter and smaller bowl compared to d.

9. Comparison and Adjustment

  • The bowl size at the bottom of the b should be similar to the top of p.

  • The top bowl of r corresponds in size to the top bowl of b.

  • Adjust the leg of r and the tail of q as they hold variable features.

  • Compare and judge all glyphs in sequence, making necessary adjustments for consistency and style.