Day 15: Texture of Text

Tracking is the overall spacing of a block of text; leading is the space between lines. Together they define the colour and texture of text — whether it feels dense and dark, or open and light. Tight tracking with tight leading feels urgent; generous settings feel calm and luxurious. Text can be read and seen at the same time.

Objective. Use tracking and leading to change the mood and texture of text.

Design a poster that features a paragraph of text — a favourite quote, a recipe or a poem — as its main visual.

• Text block must cover at least half the poster
• One typeface
• Experiment with at least three tracking and leading combinations before choosing
• Black, white and one colour

• Text functions as both content and image
• Settings chosen deliberately to suit the words
• The text remains readable up close

Vary leading across the block to make the text feel like it is getting louder or quieter.