The Expressivity of the Typographic Composition

In the early stages of teaching graphic design, in addition to the typographic rules, it is essential to train for the mastery of spatial composition and typographic expressivity. In this context – using the methodology of critical literature review – it seems vital to focus on the various manifestations that, throughout the history of graphic design, assumed the word as expressive matter – namely, visual poetry, Futurism, Dadaism, and Postmodernism. Furthermore, besides establishing this historical compilation, we also reflect on the factors that influence the expressive character of typography, trying to identify a set of fundamental principles to transmit in initial education in graphic design. Finally, we also seek to critically reflect on an exercise of an initial training course in graphic design that addresses the topics mentioned, pointing out suggestions for improvement to enhance the applicability of the knowledge extracted from the exercise to works of greater complexity.