Typography 1 - PC - January 21st

 

Analyze

The script lettering above is display. All the letters are located between the mean line and baseline, except for:

-       the cap height “G” located between the descent line (with a small descender between the descent line and the base line) and the cap line,

-       the x-height “l” located between the baseline and the cap line (with a ascender)

-       the x-height “g” with a descender, located between the mean line and the descent line.

Classify

Display

Script

Geometric

Define

All the counters are irregular and look like they have been sharpened with a X-Acto. All the serifs are also very sharp. The different shapes evoke a feeling of aggressiveness and hostility. The small shining star which hits the second low case “a” reinforces this feeling. The entire main strokes seem to be balanced.

The geometric proportions allow a good legibility even for larger sizes. It appears that letters seem connected between each other.

Comment

Galaga font is very representative of the golden age of the arcade games, which began with Space Invaders, released in 1978. The mix of warm (tangerine) and cool (2 shades of green) colors implies a well-balanced contrast.

 

 

Analyze

I’m going to focus on the Ms Pacman font. The lettering is also display. All letters are upper case and located between the cap line and the baseline except for the “s” of Ms. There are no descenders but there is a majority of ascenders. All the counter have been replaced by yellow dots. Some letters like the “M, C and N” can be defined by the design principle of closure This font is a mix of cap and small-cap letters.

Classify

Display

Sans Serif

Geometric

Define

The letters are designed to evoke the game and especially the main character. All the serifs are sharped and remind the mouth angle of Ms Pacman. The “power pellets” have replaced the counter of certain letters. Collecting the power pellets is the main goal of the game. The letters are legible even with the closure on some letters and are intended to be seen at large sizes.

Comment

This font is another good example of the creativity of the 80’s. I really like the boldness and the integration of design principle (closure). I also like the embossed touch of the font. It can give an impression of heaviness but the contrast and color choice make the difference.

Analyze

The lettering is display. All letters are caps and there are no descenders. This font is a cap height font. There is no tittle on the “I”. All the counters are straight and thin. The entire main strokes are thick. It’s a cap height font.

Classify

Display

Sans Serif

Monster

Define

The legibility is slightly more difficult from a up close but easier from a far away. It is also due to the perspective of the letters. Indeed, we can see a continuance going from the top to the bottom and over. Each letter has 3 levels with 3 different shades of color. It could be interpreted as a 3D style.

Comment

Space Invaders was released in the late 70’s. The sharp shapes and the lack of width of the counters are not legible. It reminds me of the army. This font can easily fit on the front of the military truck or tank. It’s also a very narrow font, which increases the lack of legibility.