Knowing the anatomy of letterforms lets you ask how properties like stroke contrast, axis angle, x-height, aperture size, ascender and descender length, terminal size and calligraphic origin all affect the feel of a typeface. Knowing what affects the feel makes it easier to pinpoint why a particular face isn't working.

If you don't already have a scrapbook of design inspiration, start one now. Keeping a diverse collection of type examples prevents reactionary choices and gives you a broader palette to base your decisions on. It's not important that you know why or when you'll use a particular typeface—only whether it resonates with you. If it does, grab it and tag it.

via Typecast.