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Elbow
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Home
page
TYPE
DESIGN
Design
notes
Basics
Decisions
Modules
Bold
Italic
Scans
Spacing
Elbow
grease
Curves
Width
Likeness
Density
Proportions
Glossary
Let’s
assume that you have digitized your design right down to the
last glyph. You have spaced your letters. They no longer
bump into each other. The odd gaps between them are gone.
What comes next?
Now
what?
You’ve got a rough cut. Getting lettershapes out of
your head and into the computer is only the first step.
There’s more to do.
Maybe you
are one of the rare individuals who get things absolutely
right the first time. Mozart did. Or your letters are
actually meant to look awkward. Then you can skip this part.
Otherwise, it’s time to apply elbow
grease.
You need
time to stare at your letters, looking for flaws. Try
smaller size: Matthew Carter uses a reduction glass. (Mine
has gathered dust for years.) Turn your printouts
upside-down. Squint.
Criteria
What should you look for? You probably recognize lumps and
bumps when you see them.
Knowing
which questions to ask can help. I’ve got a little
list.
