More Bounce Per Ounce
Why some serif styles produce more dynamic lettering
When it comes to drawing dynamic letterforms, not all styles are created equal. While practically any letter can be given a lively look, some styles are naturally easier to animate than others. One secret to creating energetic letterforms lies in the shape of their serifs.
Simple yet strategic shifts in the letters’ stems bring serif lettering to life
It's generally less difficult to shift horizontal stroke endings along the baseline and x-height or cap line when serifs are significantly thinner than the stems or taper to a point. With less visual mass to deal with, high-contrast Ionics, crisp Modern faces, wedge-shaped Latins, and flared serif styles are ideal candidates.
Successful animated lettering starts with the right serif style
Of course, you can bounce slab serifs and other chunky letters, but their beefier forms often require dramatic vertical shifts, which can look awkward. Another option is to overlap neighboring serifs, though this can create unwanted areas of excessive weight, so each adjustment requires more careful consideration.
Animating chunky serifs takes more finesse and thoughtful planning
We'll show you how to squeeze the most bounce out of your serif letterforms in our upcoming Dynamic Lettering workshop. You'll receive a free PDF guidebook, the option to add a bonus workbook, and access to the complete recording if you can't attend the live session. Perfect for artists of all skill levels—registration is now open!
Keep on bouncing!
Ken and Lynn