Typography is more than just choosing a font. The typographic elements of a brand influence many things—from readability to aesthetics. Regardless of one’s day job, anyone can develop an interest in typography—whether they’re a graphic or fashion designer, a gardener, a teacher, a pilot, or even a lawyer.
Typography is more than simply choosing a font. The font element in a brand can influence many things, from readability to its overall aesthetic. Regardless of what you do for a living, anyone can develop an interest in typography. Whether you are a graphic or fashion designer, gardener, teacher, pilot, or even a lawyer. Anyone, really. And perhaps you are already one of them. As long as you know where to look for reliable sources, there is no need to worry about getting lost. Written has eight book recommendations about typography for you to explore.
1. Tipografi Dalam Desain Grafis
Tipografi Dalam Desain Grafis, Dok. Gramedia
This is the first book about typography ever published in Indonesia. Written by Danton Sihombing and later edited by Wagiono Sunarto, the book discusses visual communication design from the POV of letterforms. What you can take away from this publication is an understanding of typographic elements through a concise overview of the history of design.
From this book, published in 2001, you will learn about the role of typography in different eras. Techniques and terminology used in the world of typography are also covered. Even the things that are often overlooked despite being surprisingly significant, such as the origins of Lorem Ipsum, or why there are novels you never seem to finish, or perhaps the opposite.
For those of you studying graphic design or visual communication, Tipografi Dalam Desain Grafis is a fitting choice.
2. Percakapan Huruf: Prinsip Tipografi Desain
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Percakapan Huruf: Prinsip Tipografi Desain, Dok. Gramedia
More modern than the first recommendation, this book written by FX ‘Koskow’ Widyatmoko was published in the middle of the pandemic in 2021. As an observer, Koskow has always processed ideas through the conversations that happen in everyday life.
In this book, he also writes about the role of typography in design. What it influences, and how it contributes to the whole. Koskow’s name is familiar to students studying design, especially typography. Through this book, you will delve deeper into two factors in typography: internal and external.
3. Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students, Dok. ellenlupton.com
A sentence by Ellen Lupton, author of Thinking with Type, was used as the opening of a Written article about understanding typography in broad terms. Thinking with Type is often recommended for beginners.
The book guides you through the cognitive aspects of typography. Ellen is particularly skilled at doing this. Like the Harry Potter novels, this book is easy to understand and accessible to just about anyone. Think of it like a movie rating: it falls into the ‘all ages’ category. Every designer probably owns a copy, a writer has likely read it at least once, and students studying the discipline often treat Thinking with Type as their “dictionary.”
4. Just My Type
Just My Type, Dok. Amazon
A play on the title!
The title itself reflects the message Simon Garfield wants to convey. As its author, Simon is not going to judge you if you happen to like Comic Sans or Comic Sans MS. Everyone likes different things. And unlike other typography book recommendations, Just My Type simply explains why certain fonts and typographic styles suddenly become popular.
What also makes it into this roundup is the evolution of typography over time. (Yes, just like the previous recommendations too.) Just My Type can be a light read for anyone looking to understand typography. Simon presents his explanations in a unique way. For example, did you know why Vicki Walker, an accountant in New Zealand, was fired after using all caps?
5. Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works
Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works, Dok. Amazon
Erik Spiekermann delivers fundamental information about the topic through his book with a healthy dose of humor. Published in the early ‘90s, it contains plenty of examples dissecting the use of typography across print media, including fax machines. Its latest edition also covers the use of typography in online media.
However, not everyone will agree with what Erik has to say in this book. Some argue that it is too playful, leaving little that feels substantial. It all depends on how you look at it. Here, Erik does not spend much time highlighting design elements. Instead, he talks about the letters themselves.
This strange and rather lengthy title is a reference to an American designer, whom you may know through one of his creations: Goudy Old Style.
6. The Anatomy of Type: A Graphic Guide to 100 Typefaces
The Anatomy of Type: A Graphic Guide to 100 Typefaces, Dok. Amazon
This book really is a guide. Written by Stephen Coles, The Anatomy of Type takes an in-depth look at the letters found in the modern world. For beginners, the book offers plenty of stories about letterforms, their creators, and even the foundry or factory behind them.
For those of you who already have experience in this field, let Stephen take you on a nostalgic trip. Think of it as a little refreshing.
7. Type on Screen
Type on Screen, Dok. ellenlupton.com
Like a sequel, Type on Screen is a continuation of Thinking with Type, written by Ellen Lupton. Its cover looks similar to the previous book. The difference is Ellen’s role as editor. The research and writing, meanwhile, were carried out by students at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where Ellen teaches.
Narrowing its focus to typography in technology, Type of Screen explores online publications, websites, videos, and the smart gadgets we carry around every day. We move through our daily lives looking at screens filled with words. Type on Screen can serve as a guide for choosing fonts on a screen, arranging the aesthetics of animated text, and even playing with systems through code.
On her Instagram account, @EllenLupton often shares interesting content about typography that is easy to understand and relatable.
8. On Web Typography
On Web Typography, Dok. Amazon
In short, Jason Santa Maria’s book explores how to apply the principles of typography within a digital context that is constantly changing and in motion.
On Web Typography is one of those books that is easy to understand. Jason begins his book with a section called How We Read, which you can read online. From there, you can already guess that the author of On Web Typography is tackling important questions that he has encountered in his own everyday life.
From the serious to the playful, from everyone’s favorite to not everyone’s cup of tea, Written has laid it all out above. These eight recommended books about typography are guaranteed to give you a solid foundation for stepping into the world of typography.
