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Graphic Design Essentials: Introduction to Typography

Gain the typography skills to take your graphic design career further with this online course from Leeds Art University.

Graphic designer writing typography

Graphic Design Essentials: Introduction to Typography

  • 6 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Master typography to elevate your graphic design skills

Type is all around us. It’s in the books we read, the websites we visit, and the logos we recognise. The study of typography allows us to understand type and how it enables us to communicate and express meaning in creative and informative ways.

On this six-week practical course from Leeds Art University, you’ll gain a basic introduction to typography and receive guidance on creating a strong portfolio to showcase your work.

By the end, you’ll be able to apply your new skills in graphic design projects and create type that is both visually appealing and functionally effective.

Learn to develop custom type skills

You’ll start by understanding type classification, terminology, and anatomy to enable you to make informed design choices.

Next, you’ll gain custom type skills by experimenting with weight, contrast, and tone, allowing you to design unique, impactful letterforms that enhance visual communication.

Delve into grid and layout techniques

To further your skills, you’ll learn to utilise grids and layout techniques, enabling you to craft clean, structured, and professional layouts.

You’ll then move onto modular type, using geometric forms to design your own letterforms. This hands-on approach will help develop your creativity as you draw inspiration from diverse sources.

Build your graphic design portfolio

Finally, you’ll learn to professionally assemble your work into a compelling portfolio to showcase your typographic designs professionally for education, clients, or employers.

By the end, you’ll have the confidence to display your designs, setting a strong foundation for your graphic design career.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to Typography

    • "Week 1"

      Welcome to the Course

      A warm welcome to the course, the tutor and week 1 of your learning content. This week we start with some basic definitions and examples.

    • Question mark created using word 'typography'

      What is Typography?

      Introduction to the fundamentals of typography, including key terminology and concepts, and how to identify types of photography in their environment.

    • "End of Week 1"

      End of Week 1

      A quick summary of what you've learnt this week and what to expect from week 2.

  • Week 2

    Type Anatomy

    • "Week 2"

      Welcome to week 2

      A brief look at the week ahead and what you'll be learning.

    • Parts of type anatomy labelled (for decorative purpose)

      The Anatomy of Type

      In this activity we will be defining what we mean by type anatomy, and exploring the components which make up letterforms.

    • Stages of letter 'd' being disassembled in to a circle and rectangle

      Shape Analysis

      In this activity we'll explore how basic geometry can be used to inspire and create letterforms.

    • "End of Week 2"

      End of Week 2

      A quick summary of what you've learnt this week and what to expect from week 3.

  • Week 3

    Modular Type

    • "Week 3"

      Welcome to Week 3

      A brief look at the week ahead and what you'll be learning.

    • Construction of modular type from geometry in to word "ben"

      Modular Type

      In this activity you'll build on your shape analysis from week 2 to then creating your own typography using a 'modular type' approach.

    • "End of Week 3"

      End of Week 3

      A quick summary of what you've learnt this week and what to expect from week 4.

  • Week 4

    Grids

    • "Week 4"

      Welcome to Week 4

      A brief look at the week ahead and what you'll be learning.

    • Letters 'G', 'n' and 'm' depicted using a grid

      Grids in Type Design

      In this activity we explore the power of grids and how they can guide the consistency of type design. You'll get hands on and create your own type within a grid.

    • "End of Week 4"

      End of Week 4

      A quick summary of what you've learnt this week and what to expect from week 5.

  • Week 5

    Weight, Contrast and Tone

    • "Week 5"

      Welcome to Week 5

      A brief look at the week ahead and what you'll be learning.

    • 'H', 'n' and 'm' as a modular type, and using varied line weights

      Weight Contrast and Tone

      In this activity we'll take a look at the effects of weight and contrast, and that can impact the tone of type design. You'll get hands on with experimenting these with your modular type.

    • "End of Week 5"

      End of Week 5

      A quick summary of what you've learnt this week and what to expect from the final week.

  • Week 6

    Building a Portfolio

    • "Week 6"

      Welcome to Week 6

      A brief look at the week ahead and what you'll be learning.

    • Example of a portfolio layout, comprising 3 images of content made during the course.

      Develop your Portfolio

      In this activity we'll discuss what makes a good portfolio and put it in to practice by arranging the work you have created during this course.

    • "End of the course"

      End of the Course

      Time to celebrate completing your course by reflecting on what you've learnt on the course.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe key typography concepts
  • Explore the anatomy of letterforms and the visual elements that make up typefaces.
  • Develop skills in creating modular letterforms
  • Practice effective use of grids in type design
  • Investigate the impact of weight, contrast, and tone on typography's mood and communication
  • Experiment with a hands-on, playful approach to type design
  • Engage with an iterative design process, using visual research to inform and guide creative decisions
  • Practice presenting work for a professional portfolio

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in designing and understanding typography. This includes those aspiring to study graphic design at university, or enter into graphic design roles such as printmakers, publishers, web designers, User Interface and User Experience designers (UI/UX).

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

Leeds Arts University Logo

Leeds Arts University

Leeds Arts University is the only specialist arts university in the North of England.

  • Established

    1846
  • Location

    Leeds

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 7 Apr 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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