Typography: Then and Now

This online workshop will trace the historical development of typography, and look at the way typefaces are used in both historic and modern design. We’ll investigate the origins of familiar typefaces you may know from the digital world, pointing out their distinguishing characteristics. We’ll also look at examples of how type was and is used to emphasize and enhance the printed word, including a few examples from the “California In Print” exhibition at the Sacramento History Museum.

Students will virtually visit a working printshop and see how letterpress prints are made using wood and metal type on presses that date back to the 19th century and are still in use today. Each student will receive a print made one one of these historic presses in the mail after the class.

This workshop is taught in collaboration with the Sacramento History Museum and Design Sacramento.