Figure 113. Balanced line spacing
Figure 114. Balanced word and line spacing
9.
Centering.
The letters of the alphabet vary in width. This characteristic of
lettering makes it difficult for the letterer to center a line of text.
a. One method that you can use to minimize this difficulty is to
letter the required line of letters on a piece of scratch paper. Then
determine and mark its center using a printer's rule or other graduated
ruler. Align the center mark on the scratch paper with the center mark on
your project and use the scratch paper as a guide to construct your
project.
b. Centering lines is an effective means of drawing attention to
information. The observer's eye is naturally drawn to centered text.
There is a difference between the true center and the optical center. Due
to an optical illusion, text located in the true center will appear as if
it were below center. To achieve balance in your centered work, do the
following:
(1) Determine and mark the exact (true) center. This is the point
on the work area that is of equal distance from each corner.
(2) Measure the vertical length of the work area and divide this
length by 10. Make a mark on the work above the
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