“Typographic Systems,” by Kimberly Elam
Author of this post: Tara MacKay | About Blog Authors »
I was just telling fellow blogger Nomi Altabef how I love textbooks-like books: classic, structured, almost cold, getting right to the point, and highlighting the importance of the topic. That’s what Typographic Systems is all about—rules, structure, organization. We’re not talking beach reading here, but that’s why I love it.
Following up on her books Grid Systems and Geometry of Design, Kimberly Elam walks us through eight geometric systems, frameworks for typography design that are far less rigid than they sound. In fact, they’re often downright approachable, flowing, and spontaneous.
Designers who are extremely skilled in software, color theory, and imaging still often have trouble with typography. Attempts to structure it creatively on a poster or website often result in chaos or even a total miscommunication of the message. This book helps tremendously to impart rules and guidelines that will help designers creatively break from the basic grid while maintaining hierarchy, readability, and the message.
Each of the eight systems (axial, radial, dilatational, random, grid, modular, transitional, and bilateral) is presented with loads of visual examples as well as fantastic vellum overlays that help you to see the underlying system within the examples. Most of the examples are printed in black and white with no imagery, which is actually a good thing as it prevents distraction from color schemes and other design elements. To support each system there are a few full color inspirational examples as well, giving you a sense of how the systems can be taken from typographic theory to real-life—just like how a math book takes you from simple computation to practical word problems.
I hope I didn’t scare anyone off with all this talk of math and structure. The book is a down to earth read, with intelligent writing that supports and expands on the examples. The systems are all presented with initial examples for beginners, ways to expand on them on an intermediate level, and ideas for taking them to an advanced phase. With so many strategies, variations, and room for expansion, you can apply any of the systems over and over without ever using the same layout twice. Additionally, you can apply the systems to any number of design types: posters, covers, web pages, packages, and more.
Readers who are beginners or advanced designers should definitely come away from this book with ideas on how to improve their typography and communicate information more elegantly, artistically, and (of course) effectively. You’re likely to refer back to it over and over as you plan out new designs. Kind of like a textbook, but much more fun.
