Advanced Typography | Task 1 : Exercises Typographic Systems & Type & Play
22/04/2024 - 20/05/2024 / Week 1 - Week 5
Eng Yan Ling
Bachelor's Degree in Creative Media (Hons) - (Taylor's University)
Advanced Typography GCD61004 | Task 1 : Exercises Typographic Systems & Type & Play
TABLE CONTENT
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1. Instructions
2. Lectures
3. Exercises
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
7. Quick Links
INSTRUCTIONS
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Basic margin and columns as guidelines using pen tool and shape tool to create the shapes based on the system.
Figure 2.11 is the final outcome of my attempt for dilational system
layout
Compared to a straight line of text, the curved text consists of irregular
spacing between each letters. Hence, minor kerning adjustments are made to
ensure an even letter spacing.
Grids and guidelines for transitional system layouts based on my previous
layouts.
Figure 2.25 is my attempt on the revised random system layout.
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TASK 1 / EXERCISE 2 : TYPE & PLAY
LECTURES
Week 1 / Typographic System
Typographic System
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complex system as elements is based on communication.
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form to content - communication is at the forefront of the front.
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criteria - hierarchy, order of reading, legibility, contrast.
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set of rules that is unique and provides a sense purpose focusing the direction of decision making; creating a solid framework to be guided in explorations while intuitions develops and mature.
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objection - following a system abligates your intuition.
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having a guide in the beginning helps along the way to understand the nuances (a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound) of typography.
8 Major Variations :
1. Axial
- elements organized to left/right of a single axis; grouped up
- can be bent or straight; there can be multiple axis
- extended from the a point of focus; spreads out from a point of focus
- expands from a central point in a circular manner; having multiple rings
- creating hierarchy; can be a simple or a complex organization
- difficult to adapt due to its random manner; a method whithin the chaos
- common system; structuring according to the grids
- layered bending; segregating information with different bents
- can also create an excitable nature to the composition through its weight, pt size, colors etc
- units of the squares is standardized
- units can be randomly placed
- 1 single unit = 1 box
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arranged symmetrically to the axis
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breaking free from rigid horizontal and vertical organization through understanding the organization of each system
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using appropriately
Week 2 / Typographic Composition
2 Aspects :
- creation of letters
- arrangement of text in given space, e.g. print, textile, building
7 Principles :
1. Principle of Design- dominant principles including emphasis, isolation, repetition, perspective, alignment, asymmetry, symmetry.
- ambiguous typographic compositions; more relevant to imagery than complex unit of info consisting different elements
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emphasis, symmetry
- shown in 2D and layout - translates easily as layout
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repetition, perspective
- not conducive in typographical composition & difficult to apply under any given circumstances
- developed for 2D designs, learning developing principles in cognitive learning ability to reproduce works that is appealing and engaging
- application = typographical composition > images
- photographic guide to compositions
- 3 column, 3 row - interesting point to place important info within/area but never used in typographical composition; decision-making on important info placement (within larger system of arrangement
- most used - grid, based on printing tech, versatile
- giving voice and expression while maintaining a certain amount of play to it
- can be manipulated into modular allowing infinite numbers of adaptation; pragmatic option due to reading preference of order > random
- post modernist era - chaos, randomness and asymmetry were explored; order replaced by chaos = excitement & new
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Environmental Grid
- based on exploration of existing structures such as architecture, paintings, interior or anything that creates structure.
- creates unique and exciting mixture of texture and visual stimulant
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element of structure and context > gut, intuition, feeling -
system develop around key feature of environment associated to the
communicators of the message
- exterior space - iconic ; using structure by extracting lines and curves as a frame structure - adapting an identity to create a unique visual appeal and tool
- Form & Movement
- exploration of existing grid system - explore multiple of option a grid offers
- dispel seriousness, seeing turning of pages as a slowdown animation constituting placement of text, image, colors
- info takes longer to digest = slow frames - creating movement from one spread to another is crucial to typographic designs
- info occupying space with multiply pages requires variation to key engagement; predictability - boring, less engagement
- why? replace black & non objective elements with visuals using this system or white space for images; unique composition - creates some amount of excitement, reduce how elements that are too decorative
Week 3 / Context & Creativity
Why is Handwriting important?
- first designed to imitate handwriting becoming the standard for form, spacing, convention (unwritten rules)
- influence by tools used to make its shapes & lines; sharpened bones, charcoal, sticks, plant stems, brushes, feather, steel pens
- materials taken into consideration; clay, papyrus, palm leaf, animal skin, paper
Figure 1.1 Evolution of Latin Alphabet
bce - before common era, ce - common era
- where documentation takes a turn where we base on sound > pictograph / what it represents
- opportunity and produce something that is original
Cuneiform
- 3000 years ago
- result of pressing blunt end of reed stylus into wet clay tablets
Figure 1.2 Hieroglyphics Chart
- fused with the art of relief carving
-
first link to future alphabets
- ideograms - things they depict
- determinatives - show signs of preceding meant as phonograms & indicate general idea of word
- phonograms - represent sounds that spells out individual word
Short Breakdown - evolution
Early Greek
- direction of reading is not set - left right → right left
- no serifs - crude inscriptions
- grew thicker, serifs appear
- all letterforms were created base on handwritten letterforms
4th Century
- more rounded, curved for less strokes and written faster
8th Century
- standardization took place
- become basis for roman lowercase type
Press Printing
Printing
- practiced by China, Japan, Korea
- first printed illustration by Buddhist
- Korea - discovered movable type in bronze, allowing dismantling and resetting text → introduced 1000-1100 ce before Gutternberg’s bible - earliest printing press
Egyptian influence on Greece is included into other civilization in
the later days.
Westerns understood history, revitalized & recreated type.
Eastern development in typography
- script influenced by hieroglyphic and hieratic / derived from sounds
- documentation important for Chinese to learn about their own countries
Develop a lot languages and writing system = central
Indus Civilization
- extremely advance that makes up a modern civilization in city planning
Brahmi
- parent script of most of subcontinent script in India
- most influential in Southeast Asia
- derived from one or more semitic scripts
- believed to have a missing link
Close to southeast Asia
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oldest existing - India script (Pallava)
- basis for writing system across Southeast Asia
- Kawi - Indo (scripts used to contact other kingdoms)
Jawi - teaching Jawi to learn about Islam
EXERCISES
TASK 1 / EXERCISE 1 : TYPOGRAPHIC SYSTEM
Week 1 - 22/04/2024
1. Research
Figure 2.1 Research
Source : Pinterest
2. Sketch
Figure 2.2 Sketch Exploration (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Based on my research and understanding on this topic, I sketched out a few
ideas to have an idea of the type of layout to explore the possibilities of
layout using each system.
3. Exploration
Fonts used throughout layouts
Heading : Univers LT Std 65 Bold
Sub-Heading : Univers LT Std 65 Bold Oblique
Text Heading : ITC New Baskerville Std Bold
Text : ITC New Baskerville Std Roman
a) Axial
Figure 2.3 Axial Guidelines (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Setting up margins, columns and guidelines before placing the text in the
layout.
Figure 2.4 Text Formatting (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Formatting text by Kerning & Tracking to make minor adjustments for
texts to appear balance before it is arranged according to the layouts in my
sketches.
Figure 2.5 Axial System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Exploring several layouts.
b) Radial
Figure 2.6 Grids and Guidelines - Radial (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Basic margin and columns as guidelines using pen tool and shape tool to create the shapes based on the system.
Figure 2.7 Radial System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Based on my understand on radial system, Figure 2.7 are several attempts
with radial system applied.
c) Dilational
Figure 2.8 Grids and Guidelines - Dilational (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
In order to set up the grids and guidelines for dilational system, I used
the circular shape tool to layout the positions of the texts based on my
sketches. Both grids and guidelines along with the circle guidelines are
used throughout the layout to position each element.
Figure 2.9 Layering - Dilational (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Text are insert using "Type on Path" tool and position adjusted according
to my sketches. Some text are also flipped inwards to place it at the
bottom of the circles as shown in Figure 2.9
Figure 2.10 Kerning & Tracking Comparison - Dilational (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.10 shows a comparison of the text with and without Kerning and
Tracking as certain areas appear more spacious and the pt size of each
group of text are adjusted according the space to ensure the layout is
balance .
Figure 2.11 Dilational System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
d) Random
Figure 2.12 Random System Layout (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
This layout is designed as if the words are randomly falling out of the
colon in the heading text.
e) Grid
Figure 2.13 Grids and Guidelines - Grid (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Setting up the grids and guidelines for grid system layouts based on
my sketches.
Figure 2.14 Paragraph Spacing - Grid Layout #3 (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
In comparison to a regular white background, the text in the red
background appears more tight hence, the line spacing for the body text
is increased.
Figure 2.15 Grid System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.15 is the several attempts on the grid system layout.
f) Transitional
Figure 2.16 Grids and Guidelines - Transitional (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Grids and guidelines for transitional system layouts based on my sketches.
Figure 2.17 Kerning & Tracking - Transitional (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.18 Transitional System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.18 is the several attempts on the transitional system layout.
g) Modular
Figure 2.19 Grids and Guidelines - Modular (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Grids and guidelines for modular system layouts based on my sketches.
Figure 2.20 Compilation of Modular System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.20 is the several attempts on the modular system layouts.
h) Bilateral
Figure 2.21 Grids and Guidelines - Bilateral (Week 1, 22/04/2024)
Grids and guidelines for bilateral system layouts based on my sketches.
Figure 2.22 Bilateral System Layouts (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.22 is the several attempts on the bilateral system layout.
Week 2 - 29/04/2024
a) Radial
Figure 2.23 Grids and Guidelines - Revised Radial (Week 1,
22/04/2024)
Figure 2.24 Radial System Layouts - Revised (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Figure 2.24 is the several attempts on the revised radial system layout.
b) Random
Figure 2.25 Compilation of Random System Layouts - Revised (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Figure 2.25 is my attempt on the revised random system layout.
c) Transitional
Figure 2.26 Compilation of Transitional System Layouts - Revised
(Week 2, 29/04/2024)
4. Final
FINAL SUBMISSION - TASK 1 EX1 TYPOGRAPHIC SYSTEM
Heading : Univers LT Std
73 Black Extended
65 Bold
Subheading : Univers LT Std
65 Bold Oblique
55 Oblique
Body Text : ITC New Baskerville Std
Bold
Roman
a. Axial
Figure 2.27 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Axial System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
b. Radial
Figure 2.28 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Radial System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
c. Dilational
Figure 2.29 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Dilational System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
d. Random
Figure 2.30 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Random System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
e. Grid
Figure 2.31 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Grid System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
f. Transitional
Figure 2.32 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Transitional System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
g. Modular
Figure 2.33 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Modular System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
h. Bilateral
Figure 2.34 FINAL SUBMISSION JPEG - Bilateral System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Order of PDF:
1. Axial
2. Radial
3. Dilational
4. Random
5. Grid
6. Transitional
7. Modular
8. Bilateral
Figure 2.35 FINAL SUBMISSION PDF without Grids & Guidelines - Axial
System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Figure 2.36 FINAL SUBMISSION PDF with Grids & Guidelines - Axial
System (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
TASK 1 / EXERCISE 2 : TYPE & PLAY
1. Reference
Figure 2.37 Extracting Image
Images chosen to complete this exercise. I have decided to extract
letterforms through the natures of these images because I would like to
compare between to different forms of letterform extracted.
2. Extraction
Figure 2.38 Extraction 2 Comparison (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Using Sketchbook on the Ipad to roughly mark the possible letterforms found
within the images (Figure 2.38)
Figure 2.39 Extracted Letterforms - Option 1 (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Figure 2.40 Extracted Letterforms - Option 2 (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Using Figure 2.38 as a guide, I outlined each letterforms in
illustrator as detailed as possible.
Letters Extracted :
Option 1 - A, E, F, H, L, O, R, S (Uppercase)
Option 2 - A, C, E, H, J, S, W (Uppercase) & b, r (Lowercase)
3. Refining/Exploration
Option 1
Figure 2.39 Resized Letterform - Outline & Filled (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
A baseline and cap height is placed as a guideline for the following
refinement process. Figure 2.39 shows the resized letters in its outlines
and filled.
Figure 2.40 Refining Progress with detailed description (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Figure 2.41 Refining Progress with detailed description (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
(refer to Figure 2.41 for detailed description of process)
Figure 2.42 Reference Typeface (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Reference Font : Univers LT Std Light Ultra Condensed (106pt)
Figure 2.43 Initial Extraction & Refined Extraction (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Figure 2.44 Final Extraction & Refinement - Option 1 (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Option 2
Figure 2.45 Resized Letterform - Outline & Filled (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Figure 2.46 Refining Progress with detailed description (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Figure 2.47 Refining Progress with detailed description (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Figure 2.48 Reference Typeface (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Reference Font : ITC Garamond Std Ultra (122 pt)
Figure 2.49 Initial Extraction & Refined Extraction (Week 2, 29/04/2024)
Figure 2.50 Final Extraction & Refinement - Option 2 (Week 2,
29/04/2024)
Week 3 - 06/05/2024
Based on the feedback given, I used another picture which would best fit the instructions given by Mr Vinod of extracting something with its characteristics and can be formed as a whole from a few of its element.
Figure 2.51 Extracted Letterforms (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
The letters extracted from the image are E, C, S, P, H as seen in Figure 2.51.
Figure 2.52 Referenced Typeface - Univers LT Std (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
Reference Typeface - Univers LT Std 93 Extra Bold Extended (77pt)
Figure 2.53 Refining Progress (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
Before refining the letterforms, it is readjusted to fit the stroke weight and height base on the referenced typeface. Then, unnecessary anchor point within the stroke is removed to minimize the points on the stroke for smooth and easy adjustment on the stroke. Lines that does not seem to improve the visual appearance of the letterform is also removed to minimize the amount of strokes but maintain its original nature.
The letterform stroke are outlined to remove the inner area of the letterforms. I was not able to fill the letterform instead because there are areas that will not be covered as seen in Figure 2.53.
Figure 2.54 Refining Progress (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
Once the unwanted areas of the letterforms are removed, I proceed to smoothen and delete unnecessary anchor points on the stroke to achieve a consistent and smooth stroke of the letterform.
Figure 2.55 Final Extraction & Refinement Process (Week 3,
06/05/2024)
Figure 2.56 Initial & Final Refined Extraction (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
Figure 2.56 shows the final refined and digitized letterforms.
Poster (1024px x 1024px)
Univers LT Std
65 Bold
67 Bold Condensed
Figure 2.57 Poster Image
Figure 2.58 Poster Guidelines (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
Figure 2.59 Photoshop Logos (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
Clipping masks are applied to logos and imported into Illustrator.
Figure 2.60 Type & Play Poster (Week 3, 06/05/2024)
First attempt on Type & Play poster.
Week 4 - 13/05/2024
Figure 2.61 Bg & Photoshop Foreground (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
Clipping mask applied to the foreground based on how much space my letterforms takes to interplay the poster and letterform by creating a "cave" to place my letterforms. It is then imported into AI along with its background.
Image source : Freepik
Figure 2.62 Logo (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
Logo sourced from the internet and clipping mask applied to shape of logo. Logos that were not originally white in color were changed by adding an additional white layer with the logo clipping mask selection.
To apply a textured letterform, the clipping mask in PS is applied with the image reference and clipped together into the shape of the letterforms.
The letterforms are combined with another set of semi transparent (50%) to create the shadows of the letterings to interplay the letterforms with the foreground layer.
Figure 2.64 Letterform Texture Image (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
Image used to apply texture to my letterforms.
Figure 2.65 Intertwine (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
Both the foreground and letterform is intertwined using the intertwine tool for some of the letterforms to appear before the foreground.
Figure 2.66 Poster Attempts (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
Several attempts on Type & Play poster. My final choice is option 4.
FINAL SUBMISSION TYPE & PLAY
LETTERFORM EXTRACTION
Figure 2.67 Extraction & Refining Process (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
Figure 2.68 Initial Extraction & Final Letterform (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
POSTER (1024px x 1024px)
Figure 2.69 FINAL TYPE & PLAY POSTER SUBMISSION (Week 4, 13/05/2024)
FEEDBACK
Week 1 (22/04/2024)
General Feedback :
Start off with good research and reading, generating ideas from there and
explore through sketches/digitization → narrowing down your options
(evident in portfolio). Describing process in portfolio inherently
analyzes your work/design benefitting critical thinking skills;
explanation = analysis of work.
Week 2 (29/04/2024)
General Feedback :
Command space in a layout not just by filling it in a space but sits well
in a space that gives the feeling of sense of balance even though it may
seem unbalance. If design doesn't not work without the graphical layout
then its not possible, it must be able to stand alone without any
elements. layouts with tying contrast reduces the ability to read, makes
viewers go back and forth both sides resulting in dissatisfaction of the
layout. Your task as a designer is to ensure readability.
Specific Feedback :
Avoid having content slanted diagonally as it creates an awkward spread.
Contents should never be placed in corners. Arrangement is important to
attract, but once you grab attention the type setting is important - pt
size, leading, kerning, tracking Radial - everything is aligned to one
point; if its too big becoming a central point becomes a distraction
instead. Random - uses an area of attraction, it is more of an artwork
> layout by using a method in the madness providing a sense of
artisticness for random - loud, big, attractive = artistic approach of
random; random layout doesnt really work. Dilational - Layout #2 and #3 is
too artistic, #1 is more towards a radial system Axial - One of the layout
is totally wrong as it does not maintain on the axis line.
Week 3 (06/05/2024)
General Feedback :
Look at the entire shape of your subject for it to make sense and represent your subject. Consistency in weight and across the letters should be made to mimic all the letterforms, looking at proportionality as well. Avoid misplacing focus from the reference image, focusing it as a whole rather than its details = loosing characteristics. You’re not held hostage and you can introduce elements that you see overall into your letterforms.
Specific Feedback :
1 - problematic, as mentioned do not look at it as a whole and does not show what a “bricks” show - consider extracting a whole as from a group of bricks rather than just looking at its crack. only thing that shows the form of the bricks is its condensed form.
2 - difficult if image is not sharp to do what will be extracted is not good and you must be able to capture the details, study and introduce into your extraction.
Week 4 - 13/05/2024
General Feedback :
Creating a title for a movie, there must be movement seamlessly in relation to both the subject and type. Study of light and shade of the type and image. Elements added shouldn’t dominant your main movie title but introducing the elements one by one.
Specific Feedback :
Integration and interplay of letters and image - transparency, integrating with objects, etc. Overall type does represent what is extracted.
REFLECTION
Experience
In Week 1, we learn the basics of different existing typographic system and
completed exercises to further understand the application in typography. It
was quite challenging at the start to use these system but it was also
exciting to use my creativity to design the layouts based on each system. In
Week 2, we are required to revise our layouts based on the feedback given by
Mr Vinod which was helpful in allowing me to improve my layouts overall. We
were also tasked to extract letterforms from an image based on the
guidelines stated in the MIB which as a very interesting exercise that
allows me to explore different forms of letters we can extract from an
image. My experience throughout Week 3 was quite challenging in terms of extracting a letterform from an image because I was always in question whether or not does the letterform retain its natural element with it or does it abide to the instructions given on the task. The following week mainly challenges me to interplay both the extracted letterforms and images which was not an easy process for me to come to terms with a version I am satisfied with and abides to the conditions set on this assignment.
Observation
One of the system which was random was challenging as mentioned in the
lecture due to its unorganized nature. Based on observation in Week 2, I
have conducted further reading to enhance my understanding on the
typographic system. I was not very familiar with Transitional System which has made me confused of its application in a layout. Additionally, the
exercise on Type & Play allows me as a beginner designer to learn more
about typography in general through creating letterforms from nature. Based on my observation, it takes a lot of time to analyze and understand the nature of the picture that I am extracting the letterforms from as mentioned in class that we can extracted and add its elements into the letterform at the same time. My observation in the following week is that exploring and designing a poster that comes to terms with the assignment condition and the designer's preference requires time and trial error process to achieve a better composition.
Findings
Findings in Week 1 were the typographic system I have learned where I am not
only limited to the classic grid system but I am able to use my knowledge of
these system to create more diverse layouts. My findings in Week 2 is my
knowledge and understanding the typographic system has improved to ensure
each system are applied correctly. Moreover, I have also found that
letterforms can be extracted through various images such as nature, etc to
form and refined into an interesting shape of letterforms. My findings in Week 3 is that I have learned how I can make type more interesting regardless if it extracting from an image or even adding an element into the letterforms to improve its visual appearance. My findings in Week 4 is learning to interplaying both letterforms and a poster that reflects the meaning of its title while considering the color combination, layout & composition and the readability of the texts.
FURTHER READING
1. "Typographic System" by Kimberly Elam
Figure 3.1 "Typographic System" by Kimberly Elam
Reference : Elam K. (2007), Typographic System, Princeton Architectural Press
Week 1 - 22/04/2024
Introduction to typographic system with basic definition and images to
understand the application of each system in a typographic system.
Additionally, it also touches on constraints and options that applies to a
layout including the nonobjective elements, circle and compositions.
Week 2 - 29/04/2024
The remaining chapters of this book further explains a more define
definition with various layout examples from past designers, allowing me to
gain a solid understanding on each typographic system and its application in
a layout. Moreover, I was also able to gain insights of how simple elements
such as shapes, transparency or weight of text could be used to enhance a
single layout.
2. "Finding Type: A Novel Typographic Exercise" by Vinod Nair
Figure 3.2 "Finding Type: A Novel Typographic Exercise" by Vinod Nair
Week 3 - 06/05/2024
The formation of our exercise of Type & Play to enhance student abilities and knowledge in typography. It introduces the breakdown of this exercise namely - finding an image, deconstructing an image, identifying letterforms, extracting letterforms, identify a reference, and refining letterforms. It teaches students to introduce consistency in height, width and contrast, deliberate on retaining or removing characteristics, decide what areas require simplification when refining letterforms.
QUICK LINKS
Blogs
Task 2 : Click Here
Task 3 : Click Here
Final Compilation : Click Here
Google Drive : Click Here
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