Typography and layout are essential skills for any graphic designer who wants to create effective and attractive visual communication. But how can you learn more about these topics and improve your practice? Here are some tips and resources that can help you.
Before you dive into the details, you need to understand the fundamentals of typography and layout. Typography is the art and technique of arranging type, including fonts, sizes, spacing, alignment, and hierarchy. Layout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, such as text, images, shapes, and colors. You can learn the basics of typography and layout by reading books, articles, blogs, or online courses that cover the principles, terminology, and best practices of these fields. Some examples are The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst, Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton, and Canva's Design School.
One of the best ways to learn more about typography and layout is to analyze examples of good and bad design. You can find examples in magazines, books, websites, posters, logos, or any other medium that uses type and layout. Pay attention to how the designer used typography and layout to convey the message, mood, and style of the project. What fonts, colors, sizes, and alignments did they choose? How did they balance the elements and create contrast and harmony? How did they guide the eye and the attention of the viewer? Try to identify what works and what doesn't, and why.
Another way to learn more about typography and layout is to experiment with different tools and techniques. You can use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, or online platforms like Canva, Figma, or Sketch to create your own designs. You can also use tools like FontPair, TypeWolf, or Typographica to discover and compare fonts, or tools like Grid Calculator, Layout Grid, or Modular Grid to create and adjust grids. You can also use tools like Adobe Color, Coolors, or Color Hunt to generate and test color schemes. By experimenting with tools, you can learn how to apply typography and layout principles in practice and develop your own style and preferences.
Learning from others is also a great way to learn more about typography and layout. You can get feedback from your peers, mentors, clients, or online communities. You can ask for feedback on your own designs, or offer feedback on others'. You can also participate in challenges, contests, or projects that involve typography and layout. Feedback can help you improve your skills, learn new perspectives, and discover new ideas and inspiration.
Typography and layout are constantly evolving and changing, so you need to keep learning and updating your knowledge and skills. You can follow blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or social media accounts that share news, trends, tips, and examples of typography and layout. You can also attend webinars, workshops, or courses that teach advanced or specialized topics. You can also explore other disciplines or fields that relate to typography and layout, such as psychology, history, art, or culture. By keeping learning, you can stay curious and creative and expand your horizons.