SUBJECT: FINE ART

CLASS: JS 2
TERM: EASTER
WEEK: FOUR
TOPIC: LETTERING CONSTRUCTION
Lettering Construction and Formation
In order to construct letters, gridlines must first be constructed on which letters/word would
later be drawn. Vertical lines with corresponding horizontal lines cutting across each other at
right angle are referred to as gridlines. This will produce small boxes of the same size e.g
1cm x 1 cm. (See image below)

In lettering construction, 5 vertical boxes (6 horizontal lines) and 3 horizontal boxes (4

vertical lines) are needed. (See image below)
1 2 3

5
In the construction of letters, the following are very important and should be carefully noted.
There is a need to understand the component part of letters as this will greatly help in
presenting legible letters.

 The Ascender: In the construction of lower cases, some letters such as b, d, f, l have
some of their part projecting upwards. Such parts are called ascenders.
 The Descender: Some letters such as j, p, g, q have some of their parts projecting
downwards, such part are called descender.
 The Cap line/Height: This is the line that borders the uppercase at the top. It
determines the height of the upper case and the ascender.
 T-line: is a special letter when present in lower case. Even though it projects upwards
a little bit, it is not as tall as the ascenders. Its height is just about half way between the
body of the letter s and the cap line.
 The body/X- Height: Body is a very vital part of letters especially in lower case.
Most letters have their main body falling to this part. Even letters with ascenders and
descenders have part of them falling into this. They includes a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, j, k,
l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z.
 Spacing: To enhance legibility of lettering, correct spacing of letters must be ensured.
Some letters have peculiar spacing, while a group of others have common spacing
 1) x-height; 2) ascender line; 3) apex; 4) baseline; 5) ascender; 6) crossbar; 7) stem; 8) serif; 9) leg;
10) bowl; 11) counter; 12) collar; 13) loop; 14) ear; 15) tie; 16) horizontal bar; 17) arm; 18) vertical bar;
19) cap height; 20) descender line.

Assignment
1. Construct letters A – Z in your notebook.
2. Construct any of the following on a cardboard:
i. Health is Wealth
ii. No Bullying Zone
iii. Readers are Leaders