Everything You Need To Know About Becoming a Typographer
One can make an argument that we are all default typographers. Our unique handwriting styles and the way we place and write certain alphabets on a piece of paper give them their unique personality and identity. That's basically what typography is at its core.
We are surrounded by typography every day. If you are the one that recognises the nuances and subtleties that various fonts have to offer, you are ready to enter the world of a typographer.
Prerequisite Skills
• Idea in font psychology
• Colour Theory Knowledge
• Font technicalities such as Kerning, Leading etc
• Efficient white space utilisation
Softwares
• BitFontMaker2
• Fontifier
• iFontMaker
• Text Fixer
• Illustrator
• Cinema 4D
• Mocha AE
Salary Range
Work in:
• Advertising agencies
• Software firms
• IoT companies
• Freelance
• Manufacturing industry
Career Wayforward
• Senior Typographer → Lead Typographer
• Freelancer
Good typography is essential in solidifying a brand’s identity
Although brand identity relies heavily on visuals, stylistic, legible, clean, hierarchic typographic elements elevate brand identity by evoking emotions within the viewer. It showcases the brand in a positive light and garners positive attention from its target audience.
What does a typographer do?
In essence, a typographer’s role is to lay down a typeface that is cohesive with the brand’s visual language. Typographers have to take into consideration how the text reflects and uplifts the overall brand recognition.
From creating layouts of the text to finalising the colours, size, composition, etc., typographers have to focus on a few important things. These are clear communications with the audience via typeface. This is achieved through the legibility of the typeface. Then comes the setting down of an attractive tone and design sentiment, which will translate well to the audience and draw them in for brand engagement.
What are the skills required to become a typographer?
Typographers need to be well versed in typefaces, their font sizes, the concept of leading, alignment, and much more. A good idea of colour theory helps in choosing great contrasting colour schemes that enhance the visuals.
Playing with white space is crucial for typographers. This helps in the positioning of fonts, lines, and graphics cohesively in a strong layout, which is easier to read. A strong idea of font selection is also needed to give brands their true authentic identity.
Where do typographers get employed?
Typographers are hired mainly by dedicated type design firms. They also have a foothold in the book publishing world. Typography is extremely crucial for text publishing. Typographers can also be hired by advertising agencies to create text-based ad campaigns and much more. Typographers can also find a home in printing houses.
What is the career scope of typographers?
Although the world of typography falls under the broader scope of graphic design, typographers can still choose from various options for their own exposure. Typography is one of the main essential elements of graphic design. Hence, it keeps expanding as the world of graphic design does. With leaps in technology and other such various avenues, the world of typography, along with graphic design, keeps getting propelled forward to newer heights.
Type is a beautiful group of letters, not a group of beautiful letters.