8 Simple Ways to Improve Typography In Your Designs

Posted on April 6, 2009January 19, 2013 Posted in Design, TypographyTagged graphic design, leading, Measure, Principles, Typography, widows

I wrote this article for Smashing Magazine and it was published last Friday on their site. I’m re-publishing it here for your reading pleasure. Enjoy.

Many people, designers included, think that typography consists of only selecting a typeface, choosing a font size and whether it should be regular or bold. For most people it ends there. But there is much more to achieving good typography and it’s in the details that designers often neglect.

These details give the designer total control, allowing them to create beautiful and consistent typography in their designs. While these details can be applied across different types of media, in this articles we’re going to focus on how to apply them to web design using CSS. Here are 8 simple ways you can use CSS to improve your typography and hence the overall usability of your designs. Continue reading “8 Simple Ways to Improve Typography In Your Designs” →

Design by Silnt

Posted on April 3, 2009April 3, 2009 Posted in Design, International Typographic Style, MerchTagged exhibit, graphic design, International Typographic Style, minimalism, modernism, typeface6 Comments

I’ve been meaning to write about these guys for sometime now and this new project was a nice kick–in–the–butt to finally do it. Silnt is a studio based in Singapore and led by Felix Ng.

Pictured above is a lovely special edition box set containing the artwork and sounds created by the participating artists for the Dual City Sessions / Art with Sound exhibition. 1290gsm cardboard is used for the packaging and the artwork is printed on 300gsm Recycled FSC Certified Wove Fresh White. Best of all, it’s all set in the gorgeous Alte Haas Grotesk typeface.

You can purchase the set at The Asylum.

Scenario

Posted on April 2, 2009April 2, 2009 Posted in Design, Grid SystemsTagged baselines, branding, graphic design, Grid Systems, identity, print3 Comments

I’m always amazed at the amount of quality work coming out of Australia and New Zealand. Add another firm to the list. Scenario is a multi-diciplinary firm with office in Auckland and Wellington producing stellar work. I’ve also been informed that their site is built on a 12 column—sub-divided in 24 column grid, all aligned to a baseline grid throughout. Very nice!

Aurèle Sack

Posted on April 1, 2009April 1, 2009 Posted in Design, TypographyTagged graphic design, Swiss, type, typeface, Typography7 Comments

Quality graphic design and typeface design by Aurèle Sack. Pictured above is a cotton bag designed to present Aurèle’s AS Black typeface, which is just damn gorgeous. Where the hell can I purchase a copy?

His typeface Purple was designed in collaboration with Norm and is available on Lineto.

Tip of the Iceberg Poster

Posted on March 30, 2009March 30, 2009 Posted in Design, International Typographic Style, TypographyTagged graphic design, helvetica, International Typographic Style, modernism, poster, Typography10 Comments

I love this poster done by Double Standards for a photography exhibit. Great use of the photography and the overlaying of the type gives it a nice sense of depth. Definitely check out the rest of their work.

Jacqueline Evans

Posted on March 27, 2009March 27, 2009 Posted in DesignTagged branding, graphic design, indentity, minimalism, packaging8 Comments

Talk about beautiful packaging. I love this packaging for Jacqueline Evans Naturopathic Skincare products designed by Australian firm Swear Words. The combination of the simple typography, the flour de lis and the excellent pastel colors not only look great but they also create a visual system that works well.

I’m really love pastel colors. I’ve been chatting with Duane King on how great these colors are and how little they’re used, especially on the web. Gotta work these colors into my next project.

Via Lovely Package