Graphic-iti

As a graphic designer, I have noticed that we use a different vocabulary than our clients. Some times we use terms of art and design that they do not understand. I don’t mean to say that the customers don’t know, but often get confused. It is not for less, because when someone talks to me about accounting I am left puzzled. Our fields are different, so the terms change. In an attempt to cross the chasm that divides designer and client, I have created this list of definitions.

I shall begin with the anatomy of typography. Because typography is full of many words, I thought it would be the best way to start.

Baseline

Invisible line where the character sits. The base may vary due to the font; however, it is constant within that font. Round letters like the letters “e” may pass slightly below the baseline.

Meanline

The top line falls on top of many small letters like “e”, “g” and “y.” Also lies in the curved letters like “h”.

x height

X height is the distance between the top line and the baseline. Is called x-height because it is the height of a lowercase “x”. This height can vary greatly between typefaces.

Cap Height

The cap height is the distance from the baseline to the top of uppercase letters like “H” and “J.”

Ascendant

The part of a character that extends above the meanline is known as an ascender. Note that this is the same as extending above the x-height.

Descendant

The part of a character that extends below the baseline is known as a descender, such as the bottom stroke of a “y.”

Serif

Trace of a terminal pole, arm and tail. It is a decorative highlight that it is not essential for defining the nature, having scripts that lack them.

Stem

Main feature of the letter that defines its essential form, without it the letter would not exist.

Mounting Stem

Are the major poles of a vertical or oblique type, such as L, B, V or A.

Bar

Feature is the horizontal letters A, H, the graph t. Also called cross-mast.

Arm

Terminal part that is projected horizontally or upwards and is not included within the character, as in E, K or L.

Bowl

Closed curve which encloses the internal target such as the letters b, and p.

Counter

Space contained within a bowl.

Tail or Leg

The bottom stroke of a letter, such as the base of an “L” or diagonal stroke of a “K.”

Shoulder

Curved stroke coming out of the stem in some letters with no closing.

Written by: Juan Rivera