Part 1
Create your own sample book of typefaces on your computer that you can refer to. Organise them into:
Serif for continuous text; readable at small sizes and those suitable for headings.
San-serif for continuous text; readable at small sizes and for headings.
Script fonts that look handwritten with a pen or brush.
Decorative fonts only suitable for headings or ‘fun’ uses.
Fixed width, techno and pixel fonts for use on the web or to give a computer appearance. Identify which typefaces have bold, italic, black or light fonts.
Part 2
Now identify which fonts you might use in each of the following commissions:
• A short story in a woman’s magazine entitled “I thought I loved him; now I’m not so sure”.
The story is 1300 words long so you will need to identify a text font and a headline font.
• An advertisement in a parish magazine asking for more helpers on the flower rota.
The finished size is A6 landscape and the text reads:
“Can you add that important artistic flourish to our church? We desperately need more volunteers to join the flower rota. If you can help or would like more information please contact Jennie jennie@vicarage.co.uk.”
• A poster to advertise an after-school club for boys aged 13 – 14.
The poster will be A3 size and the copy reads:
“Bored? Feeling got at? Nowhere to go? Then why not come and join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school in the Old Gym. We’ve got football, ping pong, table soccer, computers, Karate, cooking and lots more. All free just come along.”
• Your friends’ engagement party.
They want a flyer A5 size to send to their friends as if advertising a club night. The copy reads: “Mandy and Josh are finally going to do it...well almost!!!!! Come and join them on Friday 24 March from 8pm at the Golden Calf to celebrate their long awaited engagement... and yes lots of presents would be gratefully received particularly if we can drink them!!!!!"
Then have a go at mocking up each of these.
Try different fonts to see how each changes the feel of the text
and make notes in your learning log about which works best and why.
