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Typography is the formal term for the design and use of text. Although Flash has the capability to deliver finely designed typography to your audience, this is no guarantee that it solves all type design challenges. Unfortunately, no matter how well Flash renders text, it can't disguise bad design or make up for a designer's lack of knowledge about working with type. As with color, sound, animation, or any other specialized area of production, the amount you can learn about typography is really only limited by your interest.
Although many people can get by without ever studying typography formally, they are missing the chance to leverage one of the most powerful and complex tools of graphic design. Computers have changed the way that final designs are created, but they have not changed the fundamental principles and uses of typography. The best part about studying typography is that your knowledge will be equally useful no matter what medium or digital tool you are working with.
Because type is such an important and long-standing aspect of design, there are innumerable resources available to guide and inspire you. Just wander through the graphic design section of any bookstore or do a search online for typography, and you will find something that can introduce you to the basics or help develop the skills you already have.
This chapter includes some common typography terms that are familiar to most people who have designed with text. Although a more detailed explanation of the source and meaning of these terms is beyond the scope of this book, you will be able to follow visually how things like tracking and leading apply to text in Flash.
If you are unfamiliar with typography, here are some excellent resources to get you started:
The Non-Designer's Type Book by Robin Williams (Peachpit Press, 1998): This is a classic book that is still helpful to anyone who needs a friendly introduction to the world of type and some ground rules for using text effectively.
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst (Hartley and Marks Publishers, 2004): This is a manual of typography and book design that concludes with appendices of typographic characters, currently available digitized fonts, and a glossary of terms.
Jan Tschichold: A Life in Typography by Ruari McLean (Princeton Architectural Press, 1997): This is an inspiring and informative biography of the life and work of one of the most influential masters of modern typography.
Type in Use: Effective Typography for Electronic Publishing by Alex W. White (W. W. Norton & Company, 1999): This book offers a concise primer on the history of publication design and includes many useful examples of effective strategies for designing pages with type.
The End of Print by Lewis Blackwell and David Carson (Chronicle Books, 2002) and David Carson 2ndsight: Grafik Design after the End of Print by Lewis Blackwell (Universe, 1997): These colorful books chart the creative evolution of one of the most legendary mavericks of contemporary graphic design who has become an inspirational teacher and lecturer.
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