From the course: Learning Type Design

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Draw glyphs with shoulder-like curves

Draw glyphs with shoulder-like curves

From the course: Learning Type Design

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Draw glyphs with shoulder-like curves

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- [Narrator] Seven characters have shoulder-like elements, the a, f, j, r, t, u, and the cap J and cap U. The lowercase a is idiosyncratic; it has four chief components, each an opportunity for expression. The a shoulder echoes the shoulder of the lowercase n. The terminal on the upper left is generally punctuated with a ball terminal, similar in shape to other ball terminals in the font. The bowl is the smallest one in the font and is variable in size and shape. At the bottom right, the stem generally ends in a small hook though it sometimes ends in a half serif. All of these aspects come together to make the a, one of the most unique glyphs in the font. The lowercase f borrows its stem from the lowercase l, and references the lowercase n in the curvature of the overhang. The arch of the overhang terminates in a ball serif similar to the lowercase c. The crossbar should be similar in weight to the thins of a lowercase o, but may be heavier if it appears too light. The top of the…

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