TypographyClassifying Typefaces

Typeface Classification - Serif, Sans and Script

Type can be classified into 3 broad categories:

SERIF, SANS SERIF and SCRIPT.

SERIF has 5 sub divisions:

1. Humanist, VenitianExamples:Centaur

Serifs are bracketed. Cross bar of lower case e is oblique. There is not much contrast between thick and thin strokes.

A AASerif Sans Serif Script

Centaur

Typeface Classification - Serifs

2. Old FaceExamples:Bembo, Caslon, Garamond, Plantin

Letters have classical elegance and proportions. These typefaces are good for large areas of text. Greater contrast between thick and thin strokes compared with Humanist faces.

Old Face

Baskerville

Garamond

3. TransitionalExamples:Baskerville, Janson, Caledonia

Developed during the 18th century, they are lighter in colour than Old Face faces. Excellent for large areas of text. Classical elegance with clean strong line. Typefaces in which the axis of the curves is vertical or slightly to the left. Bracketed serifs.

Classification - Serifs

3. ModernExamples: Bodoni, Didot, Carousel

Introduced in the 1770’s by the Frenchman Firman Didot. Great contrast between thick and thin strokes. Good for short amounts of text. Not good when reversed out of textured backgrounds.

4. Slab Serif (Egyptian)Examples:Rockwell, Clarendon, Glypha, MemphisTypefaces with heavy square-ended serifs.Introduced during the19th century for headlines and posters. Best used for advertising. Lighter designs have been introduced that are suitable for text.

ModernDidot

Rockwell

Slab Serif

Classification - Sans serifs

SANS SERIF - Typefaces without serifs

Examples: Gill Sans, Univers, Helvetica

There are several categories:

• GrotesqueSans serifs with 19th century origins ie.Grotesque 9, Franklin Gothic.

• Neo Grotesque1950/60’s sans serif designs based on the 19th Century versions ie.Helvetica, Univers.

• GeometicConstructed with strong geometric form. First appeared in 1920’s. Single thickness strokes ie. Futura, Kabel.

• HumanistSans serif with proportions of Roman capitals. Noticeable stroke contrast ie.Gill Sans, Frutiger.

• Neo HumanistSans serifs of the1980’s that have definate tendency for varying stroke thickness with roman charcater influence ie.Optima, Meta, Scala Sans.

Sans serifHelvetica

Classification - scripts

SCRIPTS Examples:English Script, Mistral connectingZapf Chancery, Vivaldi non-connecting

These are typefaces that imitate cursive writing. Some join letter to letter (called connecting scripts) and others that do not join are called non-connecting. Not suitable for text, or as all caps. Good for dramatic impact.

ScriptBrush Script

Zapf Chancery

Hybrid examplesFrudoni - Frutiger & Bodoni

A poster which uses Caslon No 471 and Avant Garde Bold