Graphic Design Essentials: Introduction to Typography

Master typography to elevate your graphic design skills

Type is all around us. It’s in the books we read, the websites we visit, and the logos we recognise. The study of typography allows us to understand type and how it enables us to communicate and express meaning in creative and informative ways.

On this six-week practical course from Leeds Art University, you’ll gain a basic introduction to typography and receive guidance on creating a strong portfolio to showcase your work.

By the end, you’ll be able to apply your new skills in graphic design projects and create type that is both visually appealing and functionally effective.

Learn to develop custom type skills

You’ll start by understanding type classification, terminology, and anatomy to enable you to make informed design choices.

Next, you’ll gain custom type skills by experimenting with weight, contrast, and tone, allowing you to design unique, impactful letterforms that enhance visual communication.

Delve into grid and layout techniques

To further your skills, you’ll learn to utilise grids and layout techniques, enabling you to craft clean, structured, and professional layouts.

You’ll then move onto modular type, using geometric forms to design your own letterforms. This hands-on approach will help develop your creativity as you draw inspiration from diverse sources.

Build your graphic design portfolio

Finally, you’ll learn to professionally assemble your work into a compelling portfolio to showcase your typographic designs professionally for education, clients, or employers.

By the end, you’ll have the confidence to display your designs, setting a strong foundation for your graphic design career.

This course is designed for anyone interested in designing and understanding typography. This includes those aspiring to study graphic design at university, or enter into graphic design roles such as printmakers, publishers, web designers, User Interface and User Experience designers (UI/UX).

This course is designed for anyone interested in designing and understanding typography. This includes those aspiring to study graphic design at university, or enter into graphic design roles such as printmakers, publishers, web designers, User Interface and User Experience designers (UI/UX).

• Describe key typography concepts
• Explore the anatomy of letterforms and the visual elements that make up typefaces.
• Develop skills in creating modular letterforms
• Practice effective use of grids in type design
• Investigate the impact of weight, contrast, and tone on typography's mood and communication
• Experiment with a hands-on, playful approach to type design
• Engage with an iterative design process, using visual research to inform and guide creative decisions
• Practice presenting work for a professional portfolio