Lettering

Lettering Introduction Alphabets derived from the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt. Through the ages, letterers or scribes modified and decorated letters and their designs according to the preferences and fashions of the day. As printing replaced lettering, people lost the knowledge and understanding needed to make good letter forms. Lettering Lettering, not printing, is the correct term for making letters by hand. versus printing Lettering may be drawn freehand or by mechanical methods. Printing means the production of printed material on a printing press. Printed matter done with type is known as typography. Typography also involves the style, the arrangement, and the appearance of typeset material. Lettering Lettering is any letter created for display, headlines, flyers, name tags, banners, and signage, executed by hand or with lettering aids. Lettering may be plain or ornate. When selecting lettering, consider the image you want the job to convey and select a letter style consistent with the attitude of the material. Legibility should also be a primary concern. Figure 5-1 shows legible and illegible letter selections. Figure 5-1.—Legible and illegible letter selections. Continued on next page 5-3