New
New
Year 5
Learn to draw typographic letter forms
I can create and understand impactful typographic letter forms
New
New
Year 5
Learn to draw typographic letter forms
I can create and understand impactful typographic letter forms
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Understand how to draw and design typographic letterforms by focusing on shape, spacing and proportions
- Learn how different letterforms communicate different moods or themes in graphic design and typography
- Practice designing your own letters with attention to detail and creativity
Keywords
Typography - arranging letters and text in a way that makes them readable and visually appealing
Typeface - a set of letters that share a similar shape and design
Letterform - the shape and design of a single letter
Serif - small lines or strokes added to the ends of letters
Common misconception
The content of text conveys all essential information.
Typograhy, typefaces, and letterform designs can change the emotion and message of written text.
Provide lettering grids, templates or tracing guides to help with basic letterforms. Encourage pupils to focus on clean, simple designs. A whiteboard may also be useful to demonstrate the construction of different letterforms.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
What are basic shapes used for in art and design?
Only as random doodles
Only for symmetrical patterns
Q2.
What does typography refer to?
The cost of a printed item
The size of paper
Q3.
What is calligraphy?
A mathematical shape
A specific colour palette
Q4.
What is a typeface?
The size and weight of letters
The arrangement of pictures and words in design
Q5.
What is one way emotions can be expressed in an artwork?
By adding numbers
By using rulers
Q6.
What can enhance the impact of typography?
Avoiding creative layouts
Using random letterforms
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
How can typography convey emotion?
Only the word content conveys emotion
By using random shapes
Q2.
A letterform is...
A set of letters that share a similar shape and design
A handwritten letter, such as a birthday card or event invitation
Q3.
How are pictures and words used in graphic design?
They cannot be changed frequently
It only decorates the page
Q4.
Consistency in letterforms can be created by considering...
Colour, pattern and texture
Context, audience and purpose
Q5.
A serif typeface...
Has even width strokes throughout
Is not used for professional writing
Q6.
Personality can be added to typographic letterforms by adding…
An artist’s signature
A border design
Additional material
Download additional material