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Graphic Design: Basic Design Typography cover imageGraphic Design: Basics Typography 1 spreadGraphic Design: Basics Typography 2 spread

Basics Design: Typography

Gavin Ambrose & Paul Harris


Basics Design: Typography examines a fundamental area of graphic design. Typography is the means by which a written idea is given a visual form. The selection of this visual form from hundreds, if not thousands, of typefaces can dramatically affect the legibility of the written idea and a reader’s feelings towards it.

Effective use of typography can produce a neutral effect or rouse the passions, symbolise artistic, political or philosophical movements, or express the personality of a person or organisation. Typefaces vary from clear and distinguishable letterforms that are suitable for extended blocks of text, to more dramatic and eye-catching typefaces that grab attention and are used in newspaper headlines and advertisements.

Basics Design: Typography aims to impart a comprehensive understanding of typography, to explore its history, theory and practice. Aimed at both students and practising designers, it provides a thorough examination of how typography informs other aspects of creative design.

Key features

  • An in-depth exploration of typography and its use in design.
  • Includes case studies and examples from the best of contemporary design.
  • Presented in a visually engaging, graphic style, supported by student exercises, tips and resource directories.

Readership: Intermediate

  • Our Basics books provide readers with an in-depth exploration of each of the topics introduced in the Fundamentals titles. These books offer both a theoretical and practical approach, supported by examples and exercises.
  • Individual titles can form the basis of specific modules, while the series as a whole functions as a comprehensive reference tool, and can be called upon at any stage of a student’s education.

Gavin Ambrose achieved his Masters in Communications at Central St. Martins and is a tutor on both the Typographic and Information Design courses at the London College of Printing. He has written and designed several books on branding and packaging.

Paul Harris studied at the London College of Printing and has gone on to become a freelance writer and editor. His work has appeared extensively in magazines and journals on both sides of the Atlantic, including style bible Dazed & Confused.

We have recommended the Basic Design series to all third and fourth year design students as affordable, accessible and key texts.

IADT Dunlaoghaire, IE

978 2 940373 35 2

$24.95 srp

176 pages
200 colour images
230mm x 160mm
Paperback with flaps

Summer 2005

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