ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY ✿ TASK 3: TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION ✿
ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY ✿ TASK 3: TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION ✿
16.10.23 - 01.12.23
week 1 - week 14
✿ TAN JIA JIA 0350577 ✿
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 3
✿ LECTURE ✿
Please refer to
Task 1.
✿ INSTRUCTION ✿
Figure 1.1 MIB
✿ TASK 3: TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION ✿
In Task 3, you are tasked with leveraging your reading and software skills
gained in the program to undertake a creative project. The options include:
Create a Font
- Develop a font to address a significant problem or contribute to a solution in an area of interest.
Explore Existing Letterform
- Investigate an existing letterform in an area of interest, identify areas for improvement, and explore solutions or combinations.
Experiment
- Conduct a unique experiment using unconventional materials or formats, aiming for novelty.
1.0 RESEARCH
After Mr. Vinod provided a briefing on Task 3, he instructed us to conduct
research and decide on the design direction for the task. Once the direction
is confirmed, the next step involves drafting a proposal outlining the
chosen design approach and the intended outcome for Task 3.
Proposal
Figure 2.1 Proposal
2.0 SKETCHES
Prior to delving into the Illustrator work, I opted to commence the creative
process by crafting initial sketches on Procreate. In the initial stages, I
utilized an existing font for the sketch; however, Mr. Vinod expressed
reservations and advised against this approach, emphasizing the need for a
more original and personalized design.
Figure 2.2 sketches
3.0 DIGITALIZATION
After completing the initial sketches on Procreate, I proceeded to transfer
and refine those sketches using Illustrator. This transition allowed me to
leverage the advanced tools and precision offered by Illustrator to further
develop and enhance the design elements initially conceptualized in
Procreate.
Prior to delving into the sketching phase, I took the strategic step of
establishing key typographic parameters. These included defining the cap
height, which denotes the height of uppercase letters, the x-height,
representing the height of lowercase letters, and the baseline, providing a
foundational reference for character alignment.
Figure 2.3 Attempt 1
Figure 2.4. Attempt 2
Figure 2.5 Attempt 3
Figure 2.6 Process uppercase
Figure 2.7 Process lowercase
Figure 2.8 Printed outcome
After presenting my process to Mr. Vinod, he pointed out that the lowercase
letters were not similar to the uppercase, particularly in terms of letter
thickness. Consequently, he suggested adding a stroke to the lowercase
letters to achieve uniform thickness and maintain visual coherence
throughout the font.
Figure 2.9 Refinement
Final Outcome
Figure 2.10 Final Outcome
✿ FONTLAB ✿
After completing the design processes in Illustrator, I smoothly transitioned to FontLab, importing each letter for meticulous refinement. This crucial step blends creative ideation with technical precision, where I fine-tune metrics, kerning, and spacing to ensure a harmonious typeface.
Figure 3.1 Import to fontlab
I dedicated a substantial amount of time to kerning, ensuring meticulous
adjustments for optimal spacing and visual harmony within the font.
Figure 3.2 Kerning
After completing the kerning adjustments, I decided to type out a few words to
test the letter spacing and overall visual cohesion of the font.
Figure 3.3 Testing
After completing the font, we were tasked with creating a font presentation,
and I chose Halloween posters as the central theme for my presentation.
Final Outcome
Figure 3.4 Final Outcome 1
Figure 3.5 Final Outcome 2
Figure 3.6 Final Outcome 3
Figure 3.7 Final Outcome 4
Figure 3.8 Final Outcome 5
Figure 3.9 Final Outcome 6
Figure 3.10 Final Outcome 7
Figure 3.11 Final Outcome 8
Figure 3.12 Final Outcome 9
Figure 3.13 Final Outcome 10
Figure 3.14 Final Outcome in PDF
Figure 3.15 Final Outcome in PDF
Figure 3.16 Final Outcome in PDF
✿ FEEDBACK ✿
Week 8
General Feedback: --- Independent Learning Week ---
Specific Feedback: --- Independent Learning Week ---
Week 9
General Feedback: We need to have the progress when you're creating a
font, if don't, we will in trouble because we can't prove that's your font.
Specific Feedback: I cannot work with an existing font; I need to
sketch the font from scratch for my design. I can use existing fonts as
references, but I won't edit them. It's important to document the entire
process while I'm designing the font.
Week 10
General Feedback: --- MC ---
Specific Feedback: --- MC ---
Week 11
General Feedback: This week, Mr Vinod required us to print out the
final outcome and show him to get his feedback.
Specific Feedback: Mr. Vinod said I couldn't use the existing font to
work on it, so he asked me to redo the lowercase.
Week 12
General Feedback: We were doing the refinement of the letters we
create.
Specific Feedback: no specific feedback
Week 13
General Feedback: We need to follow the instructions given by Mr
Vinod in Teams and also show him before we do it.
Specific Feedback: The font is not the same, but it is too late to
redo it, so Mr Vinod suggested I add the stroke around the letter so it can
turn thicker.
Week 14
General Feedback:
Specific Feedback:
✿ REFLECTION ✿
Experience
Task 3 was a comprehensive exploration of font creation, encompassing
planning, sketching, refining in Illustrator, and fine-tuning in FontLab.
The iterative design process, from creating a melted wax effect to
addressing feedback on letter thickness, demonstrated the importance of
attention to detail. The technical phase involved extensive kerning and
testing, ensuring the font's visual harmony. Choosing a Halloween poster
theme for the font presentation added a practical context to its
application, emphasizing real-world design considerations. Overall, Task 3
provided valuable insights into font creation, emphasizing the iterative
nature of design and the importance of precision and practical application.
Observation
Task 3 provided valuable observations in font design, emphasizing the
delicate balance between creativity and technical precision. From initial
planning to iterative refinements, including a melted wax effect, the
process showcased the nuanced aspects of creating a cohesive and visually
appealing font. The technical phase in FontLab underscored the importance
of meticulous kerning for optimal visual harmony. Testing the font's
functionality through word typing and aligning it with a Halloween poster
theme highlighted the practical applications of font design. Overall, Task
3 offered a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between
creativity, precision, and real-world usability in font creation.
Finding
Task 3's findings underscored the intricate balance between creativity and
technical precision in font design. The importance of establishing
fundamental design parameters, the impact of iterative refinement based on
feedback, and the creative possibilities within technical constraints were
highlighted. The technical phase emphasized the critical role of kerning
in achieving visual harmony, while real-world testing and thematic
alignment demonstrated the practical usability of the font. Overall, Task
3 provided valuable insights into the nuanced interplay of artistry and
precision in creating a polished and functional font.
✿ FURTHER READING ✿
Figure 4.1
"The Elements of Typographic Style" by Robert Bringhurst is considered a
seminal work in the field of typography and design. Here are some key
details about the book:
Author:
Robert Bringhurst: A Canadian poet, typographer, and author,
Bringhurst is widely recognized for his contributions to typography and
his deep understanding of the art and science of designing with type.
Publication:
The first edition of "The Elements of Typographic Style" was published in
1992. The book has since gone through multiple editions, with each edition
incorporating updates and refinements.
Content:
The book is an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of
typography.
Bringhurst covers a wide range of topics, including typefaces, page
layout, letterforms, spacing, and the historical evolution of typography.
It delves into the artistry of typography, emphasizing the importance of
balancing aesthetics with functionality.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Coverage: Bringhurst provides a comprehensive overview of
typography, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced
designers.
Historical Context: The book offers historical insights into the
development of typography, providing readers with a deeper understanding
of the cultural and artistic aspects of type design.
Practical Guidance: It includes practical advice on font selection, layout
design, and the finer details of typesetting.
Elegance in Design: Known for its elegant and thoughtful design, the book
itself exemplifies the principles it teaches.
Impact:
"The Elements of Typographic Style" is widely regarded as a foundational
text for anyone involved in graphic design, typography, or related fields.
It has influenced designers, educators, and students, shaping the way they
approach and understand typography.
Audience:
The book is suitable for a broad audience, including students,
professional designers, and anyone interested in the art and craft of
typography.
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