The anatomy of a typeface

As a graphic designer, I’ve always been fascinated by how a font can completely transform a logo or document. It’s not just about picking one that you like; the right font can elevate a design to something truly iconic.

Consider how font logos like Disney (current one from 1956), Coca-Cola (1920s), NASA (1958), and Kellogg’s (latest one from 1955) have stood the test of time and become globally recognised. You can see the logo and you know how the brand wants you to feel.

This year, I’ll be sharing a series of short blogs exploring typefaces, logos, and colour theory. To kick things off, let’s dive into the anatomy of a typeface and explore the basics of classification.

The anatomy of a typeface

There are thousands of typefaces out there, with new ones being created every day. But did you know that there’s an entire anatomy of type?

Typography is made up of more than 30 anatomical parts that describe the visual elements of letterforms. These individual components can vary between typefaces, but they’re crucial to defining the font’s overall appearance, readability, and personality.

Take my name, for example. Who would have thought that so many elements could go into its design? Let’s explore some key terms that make up the anatomy of a typeface:

Typeface classification

Fonts can also be classified into categories based on their characteristics. Here are a few common ones:

1. Serif: Fonts with small lines or embellishments at the ends of strokes, like Garamond or Georgia. These are often used for traditional or formal designs.

2. Sans-serif: Clean and modern fonts without serifs, such as Helvetica or Arial. Perfect for contemporary and minimalist designs.

3. Script: Fonts that mimic handwriting, like Brush Script or Pacifico. They’re great for adding a personal or elegant touch.

4. Display: Highly decorative or bold fonts, used primarily for headlines or logos, like Lobster or Impact.

Understanding the anatomy and classification of typefaces is important, it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating something that communicates your message effectively. At ORX, we use Tahoma and Oscine, both are sans-serif and are associated with innovation and tech.

Finally, did you know the sentence, The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog shows all 26 letters of the alphabet. A good tip to see the letters immediately.