Today I learnt to do type setting, which is very exciting!Hand and Eye seems to have established a real program for all the interns, we all get to do a page of type setting, and these are later dissembled by the next intern. Anyway here it is, quite a lot to do.....
The Process;
1. Sounds silly but basic really - first you need to know what you are type setting, the type you want to use and its size, and whether you want any variation within, such as bold, italic or small caps etc. I chose Garamond.
2. You then decide on the total overall width you want for the lettering and get some foundry squads, each measuring 4 Ems, so for 36 Em length I need 9 to set the measuring tool, and also double check with the brass measuring rule.
3. I chose to have a 36 length, I then use it on the measurement tool, where I start picking individual type as shown. Try to keep you thumb on the type so they don't fall off and move both hands around so they don't remain stationary and you get tired.
4. A test for the type they fit the measurement correctly at the end is by tilting them slightly, they should sit at an angle with their own weight nicely, meaning they are tight enough, but make sure they are not too tight otherwise it will cause problems later on, when you try to lock them in place. Fit them with a point space ( hair) or 1/2 point where necessary.
5. Here is the types and lines slowly building up, a quick tip is to just pick types and check them at the proofing stage, otherwise it will be too slow, when you pick the letters you have to assume they are all correct. Make sure you use leading , 6 pt at least on either side to secure the line of types! Once done we can move on to Proofing tomorrow.
TIP:
Handy to use the brass measuring rule at the bottom where you pick the type as it has a smooth surface and they sit nicely there, and hence more accurate.
You can check whether the types are lining the right way but checking whether the nick is there on the surface half way down the font metal line ( a little dent in the middle of the side of the type as clearly shown) They are on the spacing as well except hair and 1/2 points.
