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t y p o g r a p h y
Typing is the process of writing or inputting text by pressing keys on a typewriter, computer keyboard, cell phone, or calculator. It can be distinguished from other means of text input, such as handwriting and speech recognition. Text can be in the form of letters, numbers, and other symbols. The world’s first typist was Lillian Sholes from Wisconsin, the daughter of Christopher Sholes, who invented the first practical typewriter
Calligraphy vs. Typography
Calligraphy is the art of writing letters and is related to the idea of penmanship. It traditionally uses specific tools like a nib and ink, and it is marked by a variation in width for the upstrokes and down strokes of each letter (which is what separates it a bit from cursive writing.)
Typography is a repeated system of letters. It’s the style and appearance of printed material or the art of arranging type. It’s not a specific style of writing or creating letters and words, but more the arrangement of how those letters appear together in a system.
Typeface vs. Font
You might be wondering what the difference is between a font and a typeface. Most people use these terms interchangeably, but if you’re interested in the very slight nuance, here’s a great definition from Fontshop: “A collection of letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols used to set text (or related) matter. Although font and typeface are often used interchangeably, font refers to the physical embodiment (whether it’s a case of metal pieces or a computer file) while typeface refers to the design (the way it looks). A font is what you use, and a typeface is what you see.”
