Where to start?

rob.mooney
23.Aug.2007 7.12am

So I have received a BFA in graphic design at a school with a minimal type course selection. Typography has always been a small interest of mine, but its so easy to get demoralized by the depth of people’s knowledge of typefaces and their sometimes bizarre tastes and hatreds of specific families. I, technically, understand a decent amount of information about typefaces, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions if I want to get into it more.

I can recognize the “big” type families, but whats the best way to get to know type better? Should I pick up some specimen books and spend hours studying them?

I understand that the more I use type the more I’ll know about them, and be able to recognize faces. But you gotta start somewhere. What do you guys think, is there any wisdom you can bestow on me?

I’m in Boston, MA if there is any regional specific wisdom you can provide.

timd
23.Aug.2007 7.20am

For actual identifying I often use Rookledge which, although limited compared to the huge selection available, does allow the comparison of faces with similar characteristics.

http://www.amazon.com/Rookledges-Classic-International-Typefinder-Christ...

Tim

James Puckett
23.Aug.2007 8.23am

Should I pick up some specimen books and spend hours studying them?

You know that part in Helvetica where Erik talks about how some people look at girl’s bottoms, whereas a typomaniac looks at letters? I’m just sayin...

rob.mooney
23.Aug.2007 8.37am

But I really like girl’s bottoms. Does one need to renounce worldly things and embrace the religion of type?

dtw
23.Aug.2007 8.58am

Opportunity for someone to design some womens’ jeans with nice letters on the back pockets; that way you can do both at once...
Just don’t use a fat-face font :-(

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Ever since I chose to block pop-ups, my toaster’s stopped working.

Ricardo Cordoba
23.Aug.2007 9.32am