Anatomy of Typography — Letter features and characteristics
Sometimes it can be difficult to explain and identify the different features of a typeface. So, let’s take a look at the anatomy of typography!
Type and lettering is something we see every day of our lives. It’s used for print media such as signage, brochures, in store, flyers and so on. It’s also used digitally on the web, whilst we sift through Facebook and Instagram posts, blogs, or the latest Reddit news.
So what did I do to help indentify features of type? I’ve put together a poster, which I have hanging up in my office! It contains all the significant features of type, pointing out features such as a stem, eye, bowl, counter, arm and so on. I’ve also included x-height, leading and baseline, which identify features outside of the characters themselves. Not only does it help explain certain features, but is also super interesting to have a little bit of extra knowledge regardless of if you’re a Graphic Designer or not.
I have excluded a few type features, but the everyday, common features have all been included.
You’re welcome to download the file (it’s on my portfolio) as a reference or bookmark this page.
Have fun with type!