Page 68 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

56 Chapter 3. Design Elements, Design Principles, and Compositional Organization
Modern

Figure 3.14 Example of Modern type

Modern fonts are also known as Didones and take the contrast started by the transitional fonts much,
much further (see Figure 3.14). Bodoni is an excellent example font as nearly everyone can bring to
mind the extreme contrast of its thick and thin strokes. The Frenchman Didot and the Italian Bodoni
were the first to bring this design style to the public. Its major attributes align with the Romantic period’s
aesthetics.

Romantic letters can be extraordinarily beautiful, but they lack the flowing and steady rhythm of the
Renaissance forms. It is that rhythm which invites the reader to enter the text and read. The statuesque forms
of Romantic letters invite the reader to stand outside and look at the letters instead. (Bringhurst, 2004, p. 130)

The major characteristics of modern fonts are extreme contrast between thick and thin strokes, clean,
unbracketed, hairline serifs, and a completely vertical axis. These fonts have an almost mechanical look
because of their precise, sharp, and clean appearance. They also possess an elegance that complrments
the time period they emerged in. Modern fonts are often used as display fonts and can sometimes be
used for text, though very carefully.

Examples of modern fonts include Fenice, Zapf Book, New Caledonia, Bodoni, and Didot.