Advanced Typography GCD61004 | Task 3 : Type Exploration & Application

12/06/2024 - 15/07/2024 / Week 8 - Week 13

Eng Yan Ling

Bachelor's Degree in Creative Media (Hons) - (Taylor's University)

Advanced Typography GCD61004 | Task 3 : Type Exploration & Application

TABLE CONTENT

<span id="LIST"></span>

1. Instructions

2. Task Instructions

3. Exercises

    3.1 Task Progression

    3.2 T3 Submission

4. Feedback

5. Reflection

6. Further Reading

7. Quick Links

INSTRUCTIONS

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TASK INSTRUCTIONS
With the knowledge and experience gained in the exercises and tasks, with the accumulated knowledge from the lectures and your own reading (library books and online sources), with the experience gained in the different software covered in the programme thus far, synthesise and apply the learning in the
tasks to be mentioned. Allow the knowledge gained to guide and inform your decisions for the effective execution of your final task.

Create a font that is intended to solve a larger problem or meant to be part of a solution in the area of your interest be it graphic design, animation, new media or entertainment design or any other related area not necessarily reflecting your specialisation. End result: a complete generated font (.ttf) with applications.
or
Explore the use of an existing letterform in an area of interest, understand its existing relationship, identify areas that could be improved upon, explore possible solutions or combinations that may add value to the existing letterform / lettering. End result: a complete generated font (.ttf) with applications.
or
Experiment. For your idea to qualify as an experiment it must be novel and unique — working with material that might be 3-dimensional, digitally augmented, edible, unusual, typographic music video or fine art. End result: defined by student.

The end outcome could be a designed font and its application in the form or format that it is intending to provide a solution to, or a designed font that adds value to an existing use, or an experimentative output that results in something novel and unique. The work can manifest into any kind of format related to the issue being solved or explored or experimented: animation, 3d, print, ambient, projection, movie title or game title, music video, use of different material etc.
EXERCISE
TASK 3 / TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION
Week 8 - 10/06/2024
1. Research
Figure 2.1 Research References

Source : Pinterest
Researching on potential mediums to experiment on to gain ideas of unique mediums that has yet to be explored in typography.
2. Proposal
Figure 2.2 Task 3 Proposal (Week 8, 10/06/2024)

Drive Link : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZxEXbZp3YE5PaFg1TfAJ6q_wu_rr9Pxv/view?usp=sharing

Ideas narrowed down into the 3 options of the following:
1. Strings (Yarn/Flexible Wire)
2. Shadow (Finger/Object)
3. Charcoal on Canvas

Week 9 - 17/06/2024
1. Experiment/Progression
Topic : Shadow
Using a torchlight shined against a white wall, several attempts is made to create a clear, defined and recognizable alphabet, numeral and punctuations. The light source is continuously readjusted to achieve a proper angle to ensure the shape of the shadow is showed clearly in the images.
The images below shows the selected attempts that can clearly show the forms of each letter, punctuation and numeral.

Figure 2.3 Experiment Attempts & Process - Shadow (Week 8, 10/06/2024)
2. Extraction (Attempt 1)
Figure 2.4 Extraction (Week 8, 10/06/2024)

Extracted letterforms from experimented images.

3. Digitization (Attempt 1)
Reference Typeface : Univers 75 Black
Topic : Shadow (Experiment)

Figure 2.5 Refined Extraction (Week 8, 10/06/2024)

Using the reference typeface, the letterforms is readjusted based on the typeface as a guide.

Figure 2.6 Attempt 1 - Uppercase (Week 8, 10/06/2024)

Figure 2.6 shows the refined and smoothened letterforms
Week 10 - 24/06/2024
1. Extraction (Attempt 2)
Figure 2.7 Extraction 2 (Week 10, 24/06/2024)

Using the same experimented images, the letterforms extracted are much more simpler in comparison to Attempt 1 (Figure 2.4).

2. Digitization (Attempt 2)
Reference Typeface : Univers 75 Black

Figure 2.8 Attempt 2 - Guidelines (Week 10, 24/06/2024)

Guidelines position cap height, x-height, baseline, and descenders based on the reference typeface & grids used to maintain the consistency of all alphabets, numerals and punctuations.
Figure 2.9 Letterforms Progression (Week 10, 24/06/2024)

The process of each letterform, numeral and punctuation process is as seen in Figure 2.9. The goal behind expressing the shadow in a typeface is a shadow casted on a ground extending from the source. The thicker and wider base of the letterform shows how a shadow extends because of a light source.
Figure 2.10 Attempt 2 - Completed (Week 10, 24/06/2024)

Attempt 2 completed letterforms, numerals and punctuations.

Week 11 - 01/07/2024
1. Reference
Based on the feedback received, my third attempt is a change of direction towards improving the typeface displayed in action films or poster.

Direction of Topic :
To briefly explain how my typeface is an improved version, rather than regular thick weight or bold fonts, my typeface aims to incorporate details of a bullet dent and suit-like shape into the typeface.

Explanation :
As referred to my references, most of the typefaces designed around the concept of a "bullet" is mainly a rounded and shiny texture reflecting the material of a bullet or either a shot surface or a target. Therefore the goal of my typeface is to incorporated a "mark" of a bullet into the typeface. The purpose of this typeface is to improve the font used in action movie films or action movie scenes.

Figure 2.11 Attempt 3 - Idea References (Week 11, 01/07/2024)

Figure 2.12 Bullet References (Week 11, 01/07/2024)

More research conducted on the type of shapes of a bullet.
Reading Material : https://www.berrysmfg.com/17-different-types-of-bullets-and-their-uses/

<back to top>

2. Digitization (Attempt 3)
Figure 2.13 Attempt 3 - Guidelines (Week 11, 01/07/2024)

Uppercase and lowercase guidelines set according to the reference typeface. The image above shows an uppercase letter and a lowercase letter with descender completed on on a baseline with the guidelines.

Uppercase :
Figure 2.14 Attempt 3 - Uppercase Constructing Process (Week 11, 01/07/2024)
Progress of uppercase in my 3rd attempt is shown in Figure 2.14 where the typeface focuses on a more bold and thick stroke to express a typeface that looks strong. Grids and guidelines used to maintain the consistency of the typeface constructed.

Lowercase :
Figure 2.15 Attempt 3 - Lowercase Constructing Process (Week 11, 01/07/2024)

Whilst constructing lowercase letterforms, vertical strokes maintains a dent on the outer line or both left and right of the stroke.  The progression of how each lowercase letterforms are experimented and created can be seen in Figure 2.15.

Attempt 3 - Completed Uppercase, Lowercase, Punctuation

Figure 2.16 Attempt 3 - Completed Typeface (Week 11, 01/07/2024)

Week 12 - 08/07/2024
1. Digitization Progression
(lowercase, numerals & punctuation)

Lowercase :
Figure 2.17 Attempt 3 - Lowercase Progression (Week 12, 08/07/2024)

Based on the feedback received in Week 11, the consistency of the lowercase letterform is not there and does not look like it is part of the same typeface family as the uppercase because of the size of lowercase letterforms and the inconsistency in the stroke thickness. The feedback received also points out the size of the descenders being too large. Therefore, in Figure 2.17, shows my progression on the lowercase letterform redone to achieve the consistency of the letterforms. All dents in the lowercase is positioned on the same level using a guideline set to maintain the consistency of the letterforms. Most of the stroke weight details such as curved (p, q, r, s, u, y) or diagonal (u, v, w, x, y) areas of the lowercase are derived from the uppercase letterform. The length of the descenders are also decreased. The progression of how each lowercase letterforms are experimented and readjusted to achieve a consistency in the letterforms.

Numerals :
Figure 2.18 Attempt 3 - Numerals Constructing Process (Week 12, 08/07/2024)

Using the same features as the lowercase, the vertical strokes maintains the same dents used in the lowercase and thickness is same as the uppercase vertical strokes. The first row of construction in Figure 2.18 uses the form of the letter "O" to construct the bowl of numeral "6", "9" and "8". To differentiate clearly between the letter "O" and numeral "0", the dents on the vertical strokes is added to  "0". The progression of the numerals can be seen in Figure 2.18.

Punctuations : 
Figure 2.19 Attempt 3 - Punctuation Progression (Week 12, 08/07/2024)

Using the Attempt 2 punctuations as a guide to improve my punctuations, the comma and period is derived from the center part of "W" whereas the exclamation mark uses the vertical stroke to construct and the question mark deriving from "2". Figure 2.19 shows the progression of my punctuations. 
Figure 2.20 Punctuation Height Comparison (Week 12, 08/07/2024)

Arranging the letters constructed with the punctuations, the height of the question mark is compared to the referenced typeface to ensure a suitable height for my typeface.

Final Font (Approved)
Completed Lowercase, Numerals, Punctuations
Figure 2.21 Attempt 3 - COMPLETED TYPEFACE (Week 12, 08/07/2024)

Choice of Font name : Scintilla
Meaning : A tiny trace or spark a specific quality of feeling.
Reason : A trace of a bullet mark on the vertical strokes.

2. Font Presentation

Figure 2.22 Font Presentation Layouts (Week 12, 08/07/2024)

Based on my fonts, the font is presented in different ways to be able to present as a regular text. Figure 2.22 is my several attempts for font presentation.

Week 13 - 15/07/2024
1. FontLab7 - Kerning
Figure 2.23 Typeface on Baseline (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Letterforms, numerals & punctuations positioned and sized according to baseline, cap-height, x-height, ascenders and descenders to be transferred into FontLab.

Figure 2.24 Font Info (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Baseline, cap-height, x-height, ascenders and descenders values.
Cap Height : 923pt
Ascenders : 909pt
x-height : 629pt
Baseline : 0pt
Descenders : -343pt

Figure 2.25 FontLab (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

All letterforms, numerals & punctuations imported into FontLab & font info input into respective sections.


Figure 2.26 FontLab - Kerning Process (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Once the side bearings for all letterforms, numerals & punctuations is adjusted according to the guidelines provided by Mr Vinod, the letters are tested out in various methods to ensure an even kerning for all letters in general. Kerning pairs are also done for "T", "V", "j" and other letters as seen in Figure 2.26.

2. Font Presentation
Figure 2.27 Font Presentation Layouts (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Exploration on font presentation layouts.
Figure 2.28 Final FONT PRESENTATION (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Final choice of Font Presentation layouts.

3. Font Application
Figure 2.29 Font Application Layouts & Posters (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Exploration on font application posters for mockup.

Figure 2.30 Font Application Mockups (Week 13, 15/07/2024)

Posters inserted into mockups. Selection of mockups focuses on movie poster advertisements.

FINAL SUBMISSION

1. Font Download
Scitilla Regular by Eng Yan Ling

2. Font Presentation
(JPEG)
Figure 2.31 FONT PRESENTATION 1, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.32 FONT PRESENTATION 2, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.33 FONT PRESENTATION 3, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.34 FONT PRESENTATION 4, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.35 FONT PRESENTATION 5, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.36 FONT PRESENTATION 6 (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

(PDF)
Figure 2.37 FONT PRESENTATION PDF (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

3. Font Application
(JPEG)
Figure 2.38 FONT APPLICATION 1, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.39 FONT APPLICATION 2, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.40 FONT APPLICATION 3, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.41 FONT APPLICATION 4, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.42 FONT APPLICATION 5, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

Figure 2.43 FONT APPLICATION 6, JPEG (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)

(PDF)
Figure 2.44 FONT APPLICATION PDF (WEEK 13, 15/07/2024)
FEEDBACK
Week 8 - 12/06/2024
General Feedback :
If you find that you lack confidence or time to complete at a pace that allows you to finish by week 12, do it at a unicase instead.

Specific Feedback :
- very medium-led, but not thought of how or why it serves a purpose or exist.
- shadow is a bit more different; not many have been done. how i intend to do it - ex contextualize to something more regional or local = more originality. suggest creating shadow puppets in the form of letter; move like shadow puppets. As you create the letterform - physically working - can do only upper and numbers if it is any experiment. You can do other mediums, however it must be unique from existing experiments.

Week 10 - 24/06/2024
General Feedback :
Make sure to have progress of work.

Specific Feedback : So far there’s no structure to the letterforms, you need to have a base/grid as a guideline to develop letterforms. Develop based around shapes but give a senses of shadows with vector art - lines light grey shapes/light glow, initial - you can base on experiment to create its form; the outline of the letterforms can be a bit blurry and not defined. You can use the shadow images you’ve done to research more to understand the shadow forms as a letter.
Week 11 - 01/07/2024
General Feedback:
When constructing uppercase and lowercase, construct them side by side to compare the caps height and maintain the thickness of stroke in both uppercase and lowercase.
Specific Feedback:
Overall looks very rustic, based on the letter W to construct the rest the of letterforms. There inconsistencies such as the D, O, Q.

Week 12 - 08 & 10/07/2024
General Feedback (08/07/2024):
Ensure all info such as x-height, caps height, ascenders and descenders are insert correctly. All strokes should be merged into one using pathfinder.
Specific Feedback:
(08/07/2024)
Overall capitals are fine, however lowercase are clearly inconsistent and not consistent as uppercase strokes. Lowercase x-height is too low and needs to be at least 3 quarters of uppercase, ascenders and descenders are too large.
(10/07/2024)
All good, can move on to FontLab kerning & tracking. Take note uppercase should be at least at 700px. Week 13 - 15/07/2024
Specific Feedback:
Ensure the direction of the font created aligns to the completed font and its application.
REFLECTION
Experience
While carrying out Task 3, there many challenges I encounter to be able to progress throughout the remaining weeks in this semester. One of the challenges was being able to express the selected topic to construct a typeface that clearly reflect its meaning/keyword. Through the feedback received and constant determination in creating a typeface for this task, I was able to overcome this. Additionally, juggling between other responsibilities as student was a slight challenge this semester as we progress more as a design student, the challenges in improving and striving to be a better designer increases as well. Other than that, my overall experience throughout this task was a learning journey to thrive and become a better designer professionally.
Observation
Throughout Task 3, I observed that designing takes a lot of effort and determination in trial and error to achieve a design/outcome that meets both the requirement of the project and designer's satisfaction. Under the frustration in failed attempts is a source of motivation in pushing a designer's limit and expanding/creating a design. Additionally, I have also observed that besides consistency being an important factor mentioned in the first semester, it is important in all forms created throughout a typeface including its uppercase, lowercase, punctuation and numeral. Through this task, I was able to gain a better understanding to prioritize simple requirements such as consistency and other factors while designing.
Findings
Through Task 3, I was able to gain a better experience and understanding in designing a complete typeface whether it is the consistency in stroke weight or details. Additionally, the challenge in balancing my time between other responsibilities as a student has also allowed me to enhance my time management skills. Other than that, the skills and knowledge gained throughout this task will definitely equip me with valuable experiences and skills for my future career/project as a designer.
FURTHER READING
1. "Lettering & Type"

Figure 3.1 Lettering & Type by Willan, B. & Strals, N.

Reference : Willan, B, Strals, N. (2009), Lettering & Type, Princeton Architectural Press

Week 8 - 10/06/2024 - Week 9 - 17/06/2024
Chapter 2 - System & Type-ologies
The following chapter of this book further discusses on the typographic system as in grids and guidelines used to construct new typefaces. Type and lettering all starts with a concept regardless if its straightforward or elaborated. This chapter also deconstruct the structure of a letter form in roman, italics and even different types of serifs with its name.
In this chapter, the author also discusses and provides examples of the basic classification of letters such as scripts, slab serifs, etc for a more detailed understanding of how type is generally classified.

Week 10 - 24/06/2024 - Week 11 - 01/07/2024 
Chapter 3 - Creating Letters
In this chapter, it explains how before each type is digitized/finalized. Designers always sketch their type before digitizing it with just a rough sketch. The importance of thinking before sketching a design allows designer to to properly visualize their design and the amount of times designers sketch until the design is perfected result in a good outcome. Whether it takes hours, days or weeks, this is the process of designing.
This chapter also talks about the different type of letterings such as handwritings, screen, script, distressed or others, elaborating the uniqueness of each category in comparison to digital type.

Week 12 - 08/07/2024 - Week 13 - 15/07/2024
Chapter 4 - Making Letters Work
In this chapter, the author suggests that designers should create their own typeface rather than settling for a type that is just right, giving designers an individual and new voice to speak through their designs. However, an important factor to bear in mind is the foundation/fundamentals of type design. Before attempting to break the "rules" of typography, one should have an understanding on its fundamentals well. 
Diving deeper into the final chapter, the author further discusses on the difference between imagery and type as the focal point of a design. Examples were shown where past designers have challenged the norm in different forms of type designed where some have been done successfully whereas some poses some certain level of difficulty in deciphering. However, the author states that what is loss in legibility can be recovered through heightened graphic or narrative importance of the letters. it ,ay also enhance the visual or editorial statement of a design.
QUICK LINKS
Blogs
Task 1 : Click Here
Task 2 : Click Here
Final Compilation : Click Here
Google Drive : Click Here

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