Type Etiquette 101

The text block is fundamental to creating any typographic system, whether on the page or on screen. But what typeface to use and at what size? How do we determine line length and leading? And what about readability and hierarchy?

Over the course of four Wednesday evenings (July 12 through August 2), this in-person workshop will examine typographic details and overarching principles, from the letter to the page. It will begin by considering the interdependence between type size, leading, line length, ragging, and justification and use resources, like Letterform Archive's library of historic type specimen books. After an introduction to traditional methods of shaping the page, students will set continuous text within the grids of a single-column and multicolumn page.

This workshop is for beginning typographers, or for anyone in need of a refresher on setting a well-behaved text block.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn to pay attention to the details of letterforms.
• Become mindful of the intervals of space between letters (kerning and tracking).
• Refine awareness of typographic grain, color, and density as well as the silhouette of the text block.
• Learn to establish hierarchy and organization in page layout.
• Practice type etiquette!

Required Materials

• A laptop with Adobe InDesign installed (Basic knowledge of InDesign is required.)
• Pencil
• Sketchbook

Diversity and Equity Scholarship

Diversity and Equity are important to all of us at Letterform Archive, and we are committed to increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups within the type and design communities.

We are offering one BIPOC/Equity scholarship seat in this workshop.

To apply for this scholarship, please complete and submit to us the short form linked here at least a week prior to the start of the workshop.

Please note that we limit class size for this workshop, so everyone may receive one-on-one feedback from the instructor.