What's your type?

Here's something you may not know about me: I've a very specific preference when it comes to the letter 'a'. I like an 'a' that's a circle with a short, vertical line to the right of it, with the centre of the line touching the circle. Like this one: a. It's how I was taught to print this letter, and other versions I find difficult to read.

Clearly, typeface and fonts are something I think about a fair amount. Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they're actually two different things.

Typeface is a broader term than font. Typeface refers to a specific set of design features for letters, numbers, and other characters. For example, Copperplate is a typeface.

Although the origin of serifs is unknown, some believe it comes from the marks and end strokes produced by brushes and quills during handwriting. Penmanship evolved to include creative ways of writing, and the use of decorative strokes.

It's also been widely believed that sans serif fonts are preferable for digital display, since they've been easier to read on screens over the years. Serif fonts are often preferred on paper. That said, today our screen have such high resolutions that reading serifs are largely no longer an issue.

Some people have very particular taste when it comes to typography. Others enjoy a variety, often having preferences for time and place. For example, cartoon fonts would likely feel inappropriate for an obituary and child-like sans-serif fonts are likely to get a pass when it comes to wedding invitations. However, either may be a great fit for a birthday celebration.