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.
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