UNIT 3 TYPE COMPOSITION
In modern terms, type composition simply refers to the process of feeding materials into the computer, following the copy editor’s instructions and arranging them in a proper, meaningful way. After the compositor or typesetter has done these, he prints out a proof, which is simply a sample of what is going to be printed. Usually, the proof comes out with a number of typographical errors which the proofreader works on.
There are various kinds of types or typefaces, and they are grouped into different families or classes, based on shared identity. The conventional classification of types yields the following categories:
(a) Modern (b) Old style (c) Sans serif (d) Script (e) Venetian.
But the average computer has over 37 fonts from which the compositor may select, depending on the instructions he receives and his judgment on how best the instructions can be carried out. The fonts that are common on the computer include the following among others:
i) New Times Romans ii) Arial
iii) Tahoma iv) Georgia v) Arial black vi) Arial Narrow vii) Book Antiqua viii) Bookman old style ix) Century Gothic x) Comic Sans Ms xi) Courier New xii) Enstrangello Edessa
xiii) Franklin Gothic Medium xiv) Garamond
xv) Guatami
xvi) Haettenschweiler xvii) Impact
xviii) Latha
xix) Lucida Console
xx) Lucida Sans Unicode xxi) Mangal
xxii) Marlett
xxiii) Microsoft Sans Serif
xxiv) Monotype Corsiva xxv) MS Outlook xxvi) MV Boli
xxvii) Palatino Linotype xxviii) Raavi
xxix) Shruti xxx) Sylfaen xxxi) Symbol xxxii) Trebuchet Ms xxxiii) Tunga
xxxiv) Verdana xxxv) Webdings
While some of these fonts are variants of others, some are special and are on their own.
A simple exercise which you can do to get to know these fonts better is to type a short piece on the computer, and to change it repeatedly from one font to the other. This way, the peculiarities and differences of the various fonts will be better appreciated.
During type composition, various types are used in the “right”
proportion, using the subeditor’s judgment as communicated to the compositor. What is uppermost in the mind of the copy editor as well as the compositor is readability. “How readable is this stuff to the reader?”
the copy editor and the compositor ask. This is their primary concern, but that is not all. In addition to readability which is a basic concern, other things are achieved during type composition and these include the following among others.
(a) Harmony
The types selected must cohere (go together) smoothly. Some combinations may look odd or inappropriate. They can even distract the reader. Both the copy editors and the compositor are desirous of achieving unity among the types selected during composition.
(b) Style
Style or uniqueness can be achieved during type composition.
The compositor thinks of how best to make the print distinct, unique and appealing.
(c) Colour
Colour, for now, does not simply mean black, red, yellow, green etc. It refers, instead, to the emotion or the mood that is created.
A colourful composition is one that conveys the message vividly and creates a desired mood.
The aim of most type compositors is to achieve readability and then add the above qualities so that the work can be attractive and appealing to the reader. A well-composed work should have such visual appeal that even from afar; the reader’s attention can be flagged down and retained.
The phrase “typographical pluralism” is often used to describe a well- composed work that combines different types and achieves a beautiful pattern.
Among the many “tools” available to the compositor is space. He uses different types of space along with the selected types in different point sizes to create different effects as the need arises.
The compositor can be likened to a sculptor who works diligently on a statue to give the best possible expression to an idea. Although the idea of how the publication should look like has come from the copy editor, it is the duty of the compositor to ensure that this is achieved. This is even better appreciated when it is remembered that in the past, type composition was done manually. At that time, the type compositor physically selected types and arranged them in a way that maximum effect, in line with the copy editor’s vision, could be made. The “craft”
of the type compositor in physically selecting and arranging the types was changed when the process was mechanised. He needed then to manipulate machines in order to compose type. But machines did not take away his creativity. Instead, he was aided to express his creativity better and faster. Today, computers have come to his aid, giving him an array of choices to select from. But in making those choices, he must still bear in mind that readability is still the principal thing. He also remembers that readability is not enough, since many other things, including many other printed matter, are trying to get the attention of the very reader he needs. So, he goes into his creative arsenal, aided by the computer, to select the most cohesive pattern that can project beauty, class and harmony, thereby helping both to get and also to keep the much – needed attention of the reader.
Self Assessment Exercise 3.1
(a) Write a half-page article on type composition
(b) Change the font three times and write down your observations on the fonts.
4.0 CONCLUSION
Have you ever listened very carefully when a wedding cake is being cut? The cutting of a wedding cake is usually presided over by the person who baked the cake, and most times, the baker takes time to explain the various ingredients that were combined to produce the sumptuous delicacy. Some of the ingredients, standing alone, are either sour or bitter. Some, for example raw egg, are even repulsive. But when combined in the right proportion, they produce a delicious cake that both the guests and the newly wedded couple would love to savour.
The work that is done in type composition is like mixing the ingredients that produce a cake. There is a right proportion, and when this is achieved, harmony, style and colour result. When it is not achieved, the opposite will manifest.
Type composition is a very important aspect of printing. A good compositor or typesetter who handles the job excellently and in line with the subeditor’s instructions promotes the publication and advertises his or her own skills. This, in turn, opens up a world of opportunities for both the publication and the staff that have worked on it.
5.0 SUMMARY
In this unit we have looked at type composition. Type, it was explained, refers to the individual characters, letters, numbers, etc, which are selected and combined to form a printed work. The process of selecting and combining the different characters or types is called type composition. The types are composed because standing alone, they cannot convey the desired meaning, but when selected, combined and arranged in a given way, the desired meaning is conveyed. The eight conventional classifications of type as well as some of the common fonts on computer systems were also listed. It was explained, among other things, that proper type composition brings about readability, harmony, style and colour, all of which enhance a publication. The term
‘typographical pluralism’ was used to refer to a well–composed piece that combines different types and achieves a beautiful pattern.
Space, which is one of the tools that a typesetter or compositor uses, was also mentioned, and it was explained that the work of a typesetter or a compositor is akin to that of a sculptor who carefully sculpts a pre- designed figure. Both the compositor and the typesetter, work carefully to execute the instruction of the sub editor.
6.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT (TMA)