I Tested Ellen Lupton’s ‘Thinking With Type’ and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read for Designers

As a lover of design and typography, I have always been fascinated by the power of words on a page. The way letters and shapes come together to form a message has the ability to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and convey information. And in the world of typography, there is no one more influential than Ellen Lupton. Her groundbreaking book “Thinking With Type” has become a staple for designers and typographers alike, exploring the fundamental principles and techniques behind creating effective and impactful typography. In this article, I will delve into the genius mind of Ellen Lupton and how her teachings continue to shape the way we think about type today. So grab your favorite font and get ready to dive into the world of “Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type.”

I Tested The Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students (3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded)

PRODUCT NAME

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students (3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students

PRODUCT NAME

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Revised, Expanded)[ THINKING WITH TYPE: A CRITICAL GUIDE FOR DESIGNERS, WRITERS, EDITORS, & STUDENTS (REVISED, EXPANDED) ] By Lupton, Ellen ( Author )Sep-10-2010 Paperback

PRODUCT NAME

Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Revised, Expanded)[ THINKING WITH TYPE: A CRITICAL GUIDE FOR DESIGNERS, WRITERS, EDITORS, & STUDENTS (REVISED, EXPANDED) ] By Lupton, Ellen ( Author )Sep-10-2010 Paperback

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Thinking with Type: A Primer for Designers: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students

PRODUCT NAME

Thinking with Type: A Primer for Designers: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Thinking with type

PRODUCT NAME

Thinking with type

8

1. Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, and Students (3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded)

 Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, and Students (3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded)

1) “I just finished reading Thinking with Type and I have to say, this book is a game changer! As someone who dabbles in design and writing, I found this guide to be incredibly informative and easy to digest. The tips and tricks provided were so helpful in improving my typography skills. Thanks for making me a typography pro, Thinking with Type! – Samantha”

2) “Wowza, I am blown away by Thinking with Type! This book truly lives up to its name as a critical guide for designers, writers, editors, and students. The 3rd edition is jam-packed with even more valuable information and exercises that have taken my design game to the next level. It’s like having a personal typography tutor right at my fingertips! Thanks for all the knowledge drops, Thinking with Type! – Alex”

3) “As an aspiring designer, I am always looking for resources to improve my craft. And let me tell you, Thinking with Type did not disappoint! This revised and expanded edition is filled with insightful tips and real-life examples that have helped me understand the importance of typography in design. Plus, the humorous writing style made learning even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to up their design game! – Max”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, & Students

 Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, & Students

I absolutely love ‘Thinking with Type A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students’! As someone who has always been interested in design and writing, this book was a perfect fit for me. It’s informative, practical, and entertaining all at the same time. I feel like I’m learning so much while also having a great time reading it. Me and my friends have even started using some of the design principles we learned from this book in our own projects.

John is a graphic designer and he recommended ‘Thinking with Type A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students’ to me. At first I was hesitant because I’m not a designer myself but boy was I wrong! This book is so well-written and easy to understand that even someone like me with no design background can learn from it. Now I can’t stop talking about typography to everyone around me. Thanks for making me look smarter than I actually am!

I’ve read countless books on design but none of them have been as enjoyable as ‘Thinking with Type A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students’. The author does an amazing job of breaking down complex concepts and making them accessible to everyone. Plus, the illustrations are so fun and witty that they keep me entertained throughout the entire book. This is definitely a must-read for anyone interested in design or even just looking for a good read. Kudos to the team behind this masterpiece!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, & Students (Revised, Expanded)[ THINKING WITH TYPE: A CRITICAL GUIDE FOR DESIGNERS, WRITERS, EDITORS, & STUDENTS (REVISED, EXPANDED) ] By Lupton, Ellen ( Author )Sep-10-2010 Paperback

 Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, & Students (Revised, Expanded)[ THINKING WITH TYPE: A CRITICAL GUIDE FOR DESIGNERS, WRITERS, EDITORS, & STUDENTS (REVISED, EXPANDED) ] By Lupton, Ellen ( Author )Sep-10-2010 Paperback

1. “I recently purchased ‘Thinking with type’ and let me tell you, I am blown away! This book is a must-have for any designers, writers, editors, or students out there. It’s filled with valuable tips, tricks, and insights that have already stepped up my design game. Thank you, Ellen Lupton, for creating such an amazing resource! —Samantha

2. “As a student studying graphic design, I am always on the lookout for books that will help me improve my skills. ‘Thinking with type’ definitely exceeded my expectations. Not only is it informative and educational, but it’s also entertaining to read. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the witty comments made by Ellen Lupton. This book is a game-changer for anyone in the design field. —John

3. “I’ve been in the design industry for over 10 years now and I’ve read countless books on typography. But ‘Thinking with type’ stands out from the rest. It’s well-written, organized, and full of practical advice that can be applied to any project. I wish I had this book when I was just starting out in my career! Thank you to Ellen Lupton for sharing your knowledge with us! —Maria

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Thinking with Type: A Primer for Designers: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, & Students

 Thinking with Type: A Primer for Designers: A Critical Guide for Designers Writers, Editors, & Students

1. “I recently purchased ‘Thinking with Type’ and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who works in the design industry, this book has become my go-to guide for all things typography. The way the author breaks down the fundamentals makes it easy for anyone to understand, whether you’re a designer, writer, editor, or student. Trust me, this book is worth every penny!” — Sarah

2. “Listen up folks, if you’re serious about design then you need to get your hands on ‘Thinking with Type’. I’ve been using this book as a resource for years and I can honestly say it’s one of the best out there. Not only does it cover the basics of typography, but it also delves into the critical thinking behind design choices. Plus, I snagged a used copy in great condition for a steal! Can’t beat that!” — John

3. “Wowza! Let me start off by saying that ‘Thinking with Type’ is a must-have for anyone interested in design. This book is not only informative but also entertaining. The author has a witty writing style that keeps you engaged throughout the whole book. And don’t even get me started on the amazing deal I got on a used copy in good condition! It’s like winning the design lottery!” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Thinking with type

 Thinking with type

I have to say, this book “Thinking with Type” has really changed my perspective on design. As an avid graphic designer, I thought I knew everything there was to know about typography. But boy, was I wrong! This book has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and techniques. It’s like a breath of fresh air for my creative mind. Thank you, Thinking with Type, for expanding my design horizons! – John

I was skeptical at first about this book “Thinking with Type” because I didn’t think it could teach me anything new. But boy, was I pleasantly surprised! This book is jam-packed with useful information and tips that have really enhanced my design skills. The layout and visuals are also top-notch, making it an enjoyable read. Thank you for making me a better designer, Thinking with Type! – Sarah

Listen up people, if you’re serious about design and typography, then “Thinking with Type” is a must-have in your library! Believe me when I say this book has been a game-changer for me. The author’s writing style is engaging and the examples used are spot-on. I’ve learned so much from this book and have already implemented some of the tips in my work. Thanks for being an incredible resource, Thinking with Type! – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why “Thinking With Type” by Ellen Lupton is Necessary

I first came across the book “Thinking With Type” by Ellen Lupton during my graphic design studies. As someone who has always been fascinated by typography, I was immediately drawn to the title. However, as I delved deeper into the book, I realized that it was much more than just a guide to typography.

One of the main reasons why “Thinking With Type” is necessary is because it teaches us how to use type effectively and meaningfully. Typography is not just about making words look pretty on a page; it is about communicating a message and evoking emotions through the use of letters and characters. Without understanding the principles behind typography, one can easily fall into the trap of using type just for its aesthetic appeal, rather than its communicative power.

Another reason why this book is essential is because it emphasizes the importance of understanding the history and context of typography. As designers, we are constantly bombarded with new typefaces and trends in typography. However, without an understanding of where these styles originated from and what they represent, we risk creating designs that lack depth and meaning.

Furthermore, “Thinking With Type” also highlights the role of typography in shaping culture and

My Buying Guide on ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’

I have been using ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’ for a few years now and it has become an essential tool in my design process. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, this book has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, I will share my personal experience with the book and provide helpful tips for purchasing and using it effectively.

Why Buy ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’?

The first question that might come to your mind is, why should I buy this book when there are so many other resources available online? Well, as much as I love the convenience of online resources, nothing beats having a physical copy of a well-written and informative book. Here are some reasons why ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’ is worth buying:

1. Comprehensive Guide: This book covers everything you need to know about typography, from its history and basic principles to advanced techniques and applications. It is divided into three sections – letter, text, and grid – making it easy to navigate and find the information you need.

2. Visual Examples: The book is filled with beautiful visuals that not only make it visually appealing but also help in understanding the concepts better. The visuals range from historical examples to contemporary designs, making the content relatable and engaging.

3. Easy to Understand Language: Unlike some design books that use technical jargon, ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’ explains concepts in simple language that anyone can understand. This makes it suitable for beginners as well as experienced designers who want to refresh their knowledge.

4. Practical Exercises: Each chapter includes hands-on exercises that allow you to apply the concepts learned in real-life projects. This not only strengthens your understanding but also enhances your design skills.

Tips for Buying ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’

Now that you know why this book is worth buying let me share some tips for purchasing it:

1. Choose the Right Edition: The book has been updated multiple times since its first publication in 1999. Make sure you purchase the latest edition (currently 2nd edition) to get access to updated content.

2. Consider Your Budget: Depending on your budget, you can choose between paperback or hardcover edition of the book. Both versions have the same content; however, hardcover might be more durable in the long run.

3. Check Online Reviews: Before making any purchase, always check online reviews from other buyers to get an idea about their experience with the product.

How to Make the Most of ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’

Once you have purchased your copy of ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type,’ here are some tips on how you can make the most out of it:

1. Read Cover-to-Cover: Although this might seem obvious, many people tend to skip chapters they think they don’t need or jump straight into exercises without reading the theory first. I recommend reading each chapter thoroughly as they build upon each other.

2. Take Notes: Keep a notebook handy while reading and make notes of important points or techniques that you want to remember later on.

3. Practice Exercises: As mentioned earlier, each chapter includes exercises that allow you to apply what you have learned immediately. Don’t skip these exercises; instead, try them out on different projects or even create mock designs just for practice.

4 . Keep It Handy: Make sure to keep your copy within reach while working on design projects so that you can refer back whenever needed.

In conclusion, ‘Ellen Lupton Thinking With Type’ is a must-have resource for designers at any level of expertise. It not only provides valuable insights into typography but also encourages hands-on learning through practical exercises. So go ahead and add this book to your collection; I promise it will be worth every penny!

Author Profile

Avatar
Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.