The Anatomy and Terminology of Type.

In today's studio lecture we were informed on the application, anatomy and terminology of type. Typography is something I have an ever growing affinity for, so I was very much looking forward to adopting a greater understanding of it. Although I had already been informed on the basic anatomy and terminology of type previously during my graphic design A-level, I was eager to learn a more extensive, higher level of information. 

Firstly, a presentation was shown to us detailing the importance of context when selecting a typeface to be used. It was both interesting and beneficial to see how small changes held such significance when the type was applied to its point of delivery. I believe it is important to always see the type featured in its prospective hierarchy / composition - as it is here and only here that you can be truly sure of a typefaces success, something today's lecture reiterated and confirmed.

Next we were acquainted with an in-depth anatomy and terminology of type. It was a great reminder and refresh on some of the details I was already aware of, and also featured numerous extensions to my earlier level of understanding and knowledge - kerning, colophon and subscript for example. I am hoping that I can put my new-found comprehension to use in the coming weeks. 

Also introduced to me today was the Italian designer Massimo Vignelli - his six basic typefaces to be specific. It is his view that these six typefaces are the only six to be considered an absolute necessity in a designers arsenal of type. These typefaces are:

• Garamond
• Bodoni
• Century Expanded
• Futura
• Times Roman
• Helvetica

I look forward to exploring this theory further through research and also studio practice to determine whether or not I agree with Vignelli's bold statement.

Today's session also featured a short video - TED x UCLA - Andrew Byrom  - If "h" is a chair. The video gave insight into graphic and type designer Andrew Byron's process in creating not only typefaces, but objects and installations inspired by his type designs. The video really showcased how just about anything can act as an inspiration, a trigger or starting point for a piece of work, no matter how mundane the object is in everyday life. Byron made innovative, exciting works stemming from chairs to venetian blinds - proving that the possibilities are endless and there are no boundaries to creativity: something I will try to remember when approaching future design tasks.