This is the first of what will be a series of 5 posts regarding different aspects of design theory. This first lesson concentrates on Typography. Coming up we will have grid based design, color theory, design theory, and UI/usability.
written by Danny Outlaw via PSDTuts
While many of us can create something that looks good in Photoshop or attractive when spliced into CSS, but do we actually understand the design theory behind what we create? Theory is the missing link for many un-trained but otherwise talented designers. Here are 50 excellent graphic design theory lessons to help you understand the ‘Whys’, not just the ‘Hows’.
1. Typography, Part 1
“Good typography depends on the visual contrast between one font and another, and the contrast between text blocks and the surrounding empty space.”
2. Five simple steps to better typography
“The kind of typography I’m talking about is not your typical “What font should I use” typography but rather your “knowing your hanging punctuation from your em-dash” typography.”
3. Typography tips for graphic design students
“What basic typographic advice would you give a third year graphic design student? I read the comments with great interest and here I’ve picked out a few of the most useful typography tips.”
4. Typeface Terminology
“An extensive collection of terms and definitions that relate to typography.”
5. How do I choose paring fonts ?
“It really does boil down to a judgment call. Usually, pairing type is done to create contrast, so, as DavidR points out, a good general rule is to not pick two fonts that are so similar they can be confused for each other at a glance.”
6. Learning About Type
“There are quite a few terms thrown around with regards to typography. Hopefully this article will help you understand more about the world of typography.”
7. A Guide to Web Typography
“Today we’re going to talk about web typography in terms of a recipe of four fundamental ingredients. If you’ve ever tried to cook a soufflé, you’ll know how important the recipe is. Follow this recipe and your typography will rise up like…that’s enough of the culinary metaphors, let’s cook.”
8. On Choosing a Type
“Fundamentally, the responsibility we bear is two-fold: first we owe it to the reader not to hinder their reading pleasure, but to aid it; second, we owe a responsibility to the typeface or typefaces we employ.”
9. Who shot the serif?
“Well, what you will discover, is that learning just a little about the terminology will help you to have a greater appreciation for type; it will also help you to identify different typefaces and fonts — and that in turn will help you make better, more informed choices about the fonts you use.”
10. Master Web Typography: 8 Detailed Typography Tips for the Web
“One of the most under–rated elements of beautiful Web design is the subtle art of typography. Part of this, I know, is a lack of a solid font support for Web sites. But never fear! Today I’ll show you some quick things you can do to appear to be a type master.”
Next up: Grid Based Design //
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