Back to Introduction to Typography
California Institute of the Arts

Introduction to Typography

Typography is the art of manipulating the visual form of language to enrich and control its meaning. It’s an essential area of skill and knowledge for graphic designers. Typography predates modern graphic design by around 500 years; it is rich in rules, conventions, and esoteric terminology—but it remains an exciting space for invention and expression. In this rigorous introductory course, we will study, name, and measure the characteristics of letterforms. We’ll consider the pragmatic concerns involved in selecting and combining type. We’ll peek into the 
rich historical, cultural, and aesthetic histories of familiar typefaces. We’ll discuss time-tested conventions and best practices in setting type, as governed by principles of hierarchy and spatial organization. And we’ll explore the expressive, meaning-making potential of type. Informative lectures will be complemented by a series of three peer-assessed assignments, culminating 
in an opportunity to design a full-scale typographic poster. Please note that this is not a software course; a basic working knowledge of Adobe InDesign or other 
page layout software will be assumed. You will need access to a computer and page layout software, such as InDesign, to complete the assignments.

Status: Layout Design
Status: Visual Design
BeginnerCourse23 hours

Featured reviews

RG

4.0Reviewed Aug 2, 2019

I was excited to learn about typography, these assignments were fun to do. I wished there were more assignments to create more posters for this typography course, overall I enjoyed and learned a lot.

AH

5.0Reviewed Jun 28, 2023

I learned a lot from this course and it was the reason for my discovery of another dimension of letters and writing and a lot about typefaces and their history and I really loved it very much

SK

5.0Reviewed Jun 5, 2020

Loved that the main typeface study was carried out throughout this course. Loved beginning with the writing assignment and then evolving into a full on typographic poster. Very fun and informative

ER

5.0Reviewed Sep 17, 2018

Highly useful information to beginners in typography with very well made videos. Balanced exercises push students to implement the knowledge they acquired mixed with their own creativity.

EM

5.0Reviewed Jan 14, 2018

I highly enjoyed this class. I found it very helpful crash course on typography. The activities were engaging enough to help me understand more of the importance of typography in graphic design

ES

5.0Reviewed Mar 9, 2021

I enjoyed this course so much. It's incredible how the design can totally change with the type you use, and this course helps you notice that. Thank you! Great, friendly instructor too.

LB

5.0Reviewed Apr 8, 2016

Plenty of information on various aspects of typography presented in detail and in a comrehensive manner, as well as engaging exercises really boost your knowledge and broaden your design horizons!

HB

5.0Reviewed May 14, 2022

Terrifc and Helpful contents were supplied. I was not disappointes at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Thank you so much COURSERA for your collaboration with COVENANT UNIVERSITY it's like a dream I never had.

BP

5.0Reviewed Sep 22, 2023

Excelente curso para introducirse en el mundo de la tipografia. Yo entre sin saber nada y termine haciendo un diseño para el trabajo final que a mi consideracion y de mis compañeros ha sido muy bueno

SZ

5.0Reviewed Aug 28, 2020

i really enjoyed this course and i liked the part where we interact with other artists around the world. i learned a lot about typography and i think it'm ready to continue in my journey with art.

JH

5.0Reviewed Apr 30, 2016

I learned so much in 4 weeks! Knowing the terminology is wonderful, but I'm excited to start using a grid for my layouts and be able to choose fonts based on the psychology behind their design!

JR

5.0Reviewed Apr 5, 2020

Como estudiante de arquitectura, este curso me ha ayudado bastante para la diagramación de láminas y el correcto uso de la tipografía. Gracias Coursera y CalArts por este maravilloso curso.

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Lynda Roy
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