systems & type-ologies
Writing, Lettering, or Type? Writing, lettering, and type represent three distinct methods of creating letters. A written letter or word is created with very few strokes of the writing implement— think of cursive handwriting or a hastily scrawled note. Lettering builds the form of each character from multiple, often numerous, strokes or actions—a love note meticulously carved into a tree trunk or a hand-drawn letterform in graffiti, for instance. Type is a palette of ready-made shapes, enabling the reproduction of similar- or identical-looking letters through a single action—like summoning digital characters from a keyboard or pressing a rubber stamp on a sheet of paper. Writing emphasizes quick communication and execution above appearance. Until the development of typography and, crucially, the spread of digital correspondence, handwriting’s relative speed and ease made it the most reasonable method for written communication. Imagine how long it would take to carefully draw each letter of a grocery list, and the advantages of a legible and efficient writing system become clear. This is not to suggest that writing is unconcerned with the aesthetics of letters. On the contrary, many handwriting methods and primers throughout the centuries have espoused the handwriting styles that their authors considered most beautiful or legible. The ability to write well, in terms of aesthetics as well as articulateness, was regarded as an integral part of literacy and education. Lettered characters are constructed through multiple actions and may involve several tools or processes. A digitally drawn logo, a neon sign, and a chiseled inscription on a church doorway are all examples of lettering. Like writing, lettering is a one-of-a-kind creation, designed for a specific application. Even master letterers cannot duplicate exactly the same form from one instance to another—variations inevitably occur. Lettering differs from handwriting in that its main focus is usually on technique and visual appearance. While speed may be important, it is generally This faded, hand-lettered sign reveals the multiple brushstrokes used to build each character. Although it lacks the defining characteristics of type, careful lettering can mimic typography.
less so than the end product. More than it does in writing and type, context influences the way lettering looks. The uniqueness of each lettering treatment allows its designer flexibility and creativity to respond to a given context in very specific ways. Letters can be compressed, warped, or interlocked to fit a particular space. Words can be built from the most appropriate medium or material, from pencil to stainless steel to chocolate syrup.
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