A Basic Guide to Understanding Each Part of a Letter Typography is present in almost everything we see: books, websites, apps, posters, packaging, brand identities, and social media. However, even though we’re constantly surrounded by letters, we rarely stop to observe how they’re constructed. Understanding the structure of a letter may seem like a topic reserved for specialized designers, but it’s actually useful knowledge for anyone who works with visual communication. Understanding why a typeface conveys certain feelings or how one typeface family differs from another starts with knowing its components. This article serves as an accessible introduction to typographic anatomy—a guide to learning how to identify the fundamental parts that make up letters and to developing a more conscious understanding of typographic design.
@glori_sanabria
Graphic Designer
Wrocław, Poland
By Tina Touli
Illustration
A course by Allison Cole
2008 - 2012
