Type Specimen

mimi mimi
Somewhat too tight
Rythmically correct
unworthy unworthy
Too close. The w makes holes
Correct. Rythmically perfect
It is generally assumed that it is simple to put lower
case letters together. This overlooks the fact that
lower case also have some open characters (k, r, t, v,
w, x, y, z) and that they too contain the o which so
often makes a hole in the line. Furthermore, we are
too conditioned by the low level of lettering that
surrounds us to be aware of the faults of most lower
case word images, even the printed ones.
If one takes the trouble to investigate why today’s
lettering does not look as well as the most perfect of
past lettering specimens, he will find that the past
used a different rhythm. The lower case letters were
not as crowded together as they are today.
The old lettering master followed the rule that
all the basic strokes of a word should be spaced at
approximately equal distance. This rule is disregarded
today; lower case letters are pushed together.
This is why much lettering and even the better typefaces
look deficient. The old rule, however, is still
valid. Only if it is observed will the letters k, r, t, v,
w, x, y, and z cease to create gaps in the word image,
and the letters b, d, o, p and q cease to make holes.
T
L
M
F
R
A
S
W
B
A
E
—
D
03 ARRANGING LOWER CASE LETTERS | ILENE STRIZVER