The A to Z of typography terms

Do you know your aperture from your apex? How about the difference between a finial and a flag? If not, then this infographic/typography tutorial from Fontsmith will get you up to speed in no time.

Type designers can get immersed in an insular typographical bubble at times

"As type designers, we can get immersed in an insular typographical bubble at times," explains Type Design Director Phil Garnham. "It's easy to forget that our language, the lingo, words and terms that we use to discuss, critique and refine our designs is under the constant pressure of discourse and scrutiny within, often redefining itself.

"We thought that it would be an interesting project to research and illustrate a few of the key words that we use everyday here in the Fontsmith studio but then before we knew it we were up to nearly 80 terms! Unable to cut the list down we've prepared this infographic that lists all the vocabulary in one place."

Dom Carter is a freelance writer who specialises in art and design. Formerly a staff writer for Creative Bloq, his work has also appeared on Creative Boom and in the pages of ImagineFX, Computer Arts, 3D World, and .net. He has been a D&AD New Blood judge, and has a particular interest in picture books.