Agency Dictionary
Typography
noun
In Portuguese: Tipografia
DesignWhat does “Typography” mean?
The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. It encompasses typeface selection, point size, line spacing, tracking, and spatial kerning.
Etymology
From French typographie, from Medieval Latin typographia, a learned formation on Greek týpos ('blow, impression, mark') and -graphía ('writing'). The word entered European languages with the spread of the printing press.
Usage note
Typography covers the selection of typefaces, sizes, spacing, and layout; it is a distinct discipline from graphic design, which is broader, and from type design, which creates the letterforms themselves.
Often confused with
- typeface
- A typeface is a specific set of letterforms with a consistent design; typography is the art and practice of arranging type. Knowing a typeface is not the same as practising typography.
Word family
- typographer
- typographic
- typographically
Usage examples
This includes determining the colour palette, typography, imagery style, and overall look and feel.
Design.3 - The Disciplines of Design This includes determining the colour palette, typography, imagery style, and overall look and feel.
Concepts
- Art DirectionArt direction is the discipline responsible for formulating and overseeing the visual style of a creative piece. It translates conceptual briefs into concrete aesthetic…
- Graphic DesignGraphic design is the craft of communicating through static visual compositions that combine images, shapes, icons and typography. The Agency editorial presents it as the…
- Packaging DesignPackaging design is the discipline of creating the exterior container, label, and graphics for physical consumer products. It protects goods during transit while…
- Visual HierarchyVisual hierarchy is the arrangement and presentation of design elements in an order that implies importance. By adjusting size, contrast, color, and spacing, it guides…
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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Also from these editions: terms
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