The Anatomy of Type

Typography is more than just selecting a typeface or pairing fonts—it’s an art form that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of design principles. As part of my Typography I class at SCAD, I embarked on a multi-step project that challenged me to hone my skills in type form and craftsmanship. This assignment was all about strategy, planning, time management, and paying attention to even the smallest details.

According to the project brief, this assignment required creating both physical and digital deliverables. It emphasized the importance of craft, urging us to aim for pristine timework and execution. Along the way, we’d explore practical applications such as type design, prototyping, and hand lettering.

When I first started this project, I was skeptical. Before returning to school, I had taken some time off after high school to work in graphic design and print production, building on a foundation I gained from a graphic communications course in high school. When I heard that graphic design majors at SCAD are required to take three typography classes, I worried it might feel repetitive. But I was quickly proven wrong. This project alone taught me so much—not just about typography and craft but also about tools like Photoshop.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Letterforms

The first step was to select letterforms with the most anatomical parts to identify. Naturally, I avoided simpler letters like lowercase “L” or uppercase “O” and instead explored options in Illustrator using the typefaces assigned for the project. From there, I began building my 5x5 boards, labeling each letter’s anatomy and noting ascent lines, cap lines, mean lines, baselines, descent lines, and x-heights.

Step 2: Printing and Preparing the Letterforms

Once the Illustrator files were complete, I printed each board and carefully cut them out. I taped each printed letterform to a piece of tracing paper and began the process of inking. Starting with a pencil outline, I meticulously traced the letters with a Micron pen, focusing on capturing every curve and line with precision.

Step 3: Scanning and Editing in Photoshop

After tracing each letter, I scanned them individually and opened the files in Photoshop. This step involved fine-tuning the scans by adjusting curves, brightness, contrast, and levels to achieve a clean black-and-white contrast. Any marks on the white areas were cleaned up using the brush tool, while shaded areas were enhanced for consistency.

Step 4: Printing and Mounting

Once the edits were finalized, I printed the enhanced images and prepared for the final step: mounting. I measured my pre-cut illustration board to map out where each letter would be placed. Using an X-Acto knife and a ruler, I carefully cut out each letter along the crop marks and attached them to the board with rubber cement.

What I Learned Through This Project

This project taught me so much more than I expected. Craft and attention to detail were stressed throughout the process, and I made sure to keep that in mind at every step. The end result was work I’m truly proud of.

Beyond improving my time management and crafting abilities, I gained a stronger understanding of typographic anatomy. Terms like cap lines, x-heights, and descent lines now feel like second nature to me. Additionally, I learned how to use the scanners and refine my Photoshop skills to create crisp, high-contrast black-and-white images.

One of the most valuable takeaways for me was completing so many of the steps by hand. While digital tools are indispensable, there’s something about physically tracing and mounting letterforms that enhances your understanding of type form and precision. This hands-on approach made me more confident in my craft and production skills.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this Typography I project was an incredibly rewarding experience. It challenged me in ways I didn’t expect and reminded me of the value of taking time to perfect the smallest details. Not only did it deepen my appreciation for typography, but it also gave me skills that I’ll carry into future projects. This assignment proved that even when you think you know something, there’s always more to learn—and for that, I’m truly grateful.

What did you think of my process? If you’ve ever taken on a project like this, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!