Advanced Typography
Week 1-4
Chan Meiling// 0337771// BDCM
Task 1/ Exercises: Typographic Systems, Type and Play
LECTURES
Week 1
AdTypo_1_Typographic Systems8 Typographic Systems
- Axial System - Elements are organised to the left or right of a single axis
- Radial System - All elements are extended from a point of focus (spreading out)
- Dilatational System - All elements expand from a central point in a circular fashion
- Random System - Elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship
- Grid System - A system of vertical and horizontal divisions
- Transitional System - An informal system of layered banding
- Modular System - A series of non-objective elements that are constructed in standardised units
- Bilateral System - All text is arranged symmetrically in the centre
AdTypo_2_Typographic Composition
Typographic arrangement pertains to the creation of letters and an arrangement of a large amount of text in a given space.
The most pragmatic and used system is the grid systems.
Environmental Grid
- Based on the exploration of an existing structure or numerous structures combined
- Using the environment structure to extract lines and curves from it, further reduced and arrange the pieces of information based on the frame structure.
- A unique mixture of texture and visual stimuli is associated with the communicators of the message.
Figure 1.0 Example of placement of information based on existing structures
Avoid using elements that are too decorative while planning layouts to avoid complexity in the form and movement.
Figure 1.1 Example of layout design with increasing level of complexity
AdTypo_3_Context&Creativity
Handwriting:
- Important because the first mechanically produced letterforms were made to imitate handwriting
- It would become the basis or standard for what mechanical type would try to mimic. The shape and lines were influenced by the materials that are used to make them such as sharpened bones, plant stems, brushes, feathers and it contributed to the unique characteristics of the letterform.
- Additional material included the material that was written on for example clay, papyrus animal skin, etc.
History of handwriting from all over the world:
Figure 2.1 Lecture Notes_01
Figure 2.2 Lecture Notes_02
Figure 2.3 Lecture Notes_03
Figure 2.4 Lecture Notes_04
Sir explained the reason why we talk about Greek influence on Rome but not Egyptian or Near Eastern influence on Greece is that in the 19th century is due to the rise of the modern British Empire, it became out of style to credit Africa or Africans with anything of value. Greece and Rome were then elevated over much older and impactful civilisations especially for Ancient Egypt, including Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, China, etc.
The development of typefaces kept the handwriting of many centuries back by the typographers, they studied and understand about the history, kept them alive for different uses in the modern days resulting in books and recreation of the handwritten styles into mechanical forms for printing which is respectable. Sir reminded us that instead of blindly appropriating cultures that have no context and relatability, it is important for us designer to really examine the past histories, civilisation, culture and bring these past developments to further development in the future.
AdTypo_4_Designing Type
"Why design a new typeface when there are so many typefaces that have been designed all over the world?"
- It carries a social responsibility so one must continue to improve its legibility
- A form of artistic expressions
Adrian Frutiger
He was the one who designed Univers, Frutiger (A sans-serif font named Concorde for news use in regular and bold styles for Parisian), Avenir (a more human version of geometric sans-serif types) and Devanagari (designed for Indian Typeface Institute).
Figure 2.5 Frutiger typefaces
Frutiger was designed to be seen easily, clean and distinctive from both close-up and far away as it was developed specifically for the international airport in France.
While developing typefaces for the Indians, it was a hard challenge for him because there were not enough different Indian typefaces to study on as it was destroyed during the colonisation. Besides, coming from a westerner who has not much understanding of the insights of Indian typeface and cultures also plays a huge challenge in developing a new foreign typeface.
Matthew Carter
- Many of his fonts were created to address specific technical challenges (posed by early computers) for example, Verdana
- The font was tuned to be very legible even at very small size on the screen (popularity of internet and electronic devices)
I find it quite interesting knowing that the rise of controversy from designers due to the change of font from Futura to Verdana which are used in Ikea. I searched up the reason and it is stated that Ikea abandoned its own version of the Futura font because it wanted one that would be effective in many different languages and on the Web and that Verdana was designed for just that purpose
Edward Johnson
He was asked to design a typeface with bold simplicity (modern yet rooted in traditional)
He applied the proportion of Roman capitals letters si it is rooted in history and traditional calligraphy but has elegance and simplicity which fits in the modern theme when he was developing a new typeface for London Underground, which the font is now known as Johnson typeface.
Figure 2.6 Johnson Typeface
Besides, it is also quite a pity to know that Gill sans typeface was actually very much based on Johnson's Underground typeface but somehow gill sans got popular and Johnson typeface wasn't the one who was given the recognition.
Process of type design
- Research (understanding type history, anatomy and type conventions, purpose)
- Sketching (using traditional and digital toolsets both have its pros and cons, for example, digital is much accurate and persistent but sometimes impede the natural movement of handstrokes)
- Digitizing (readability is heavily dependent on it)
- Testing
- Deploy
Visual Corrections
Using grids with circular form can help in the construction of a letterforms
Some examples:
Different form and constructions need to be taken into account
Extrusion of the curve, the distance between letters
AdTypo_5_PerceptionAndOrganisation
Perception in typography deals with the visual navigation and the interpretation of a reader via contrast, form and organisation of the content.
Figure 2.7 Contrast
Figure 2.8 Form
Organisation/ Gestalt
Meaning: "placed" or "put together"
In design, the components/ elements that make up the design is only as good as its overall visual form
Figure 2.9 Designer's social responsibility in making perceptions of information
INSTRUCTIONS
EXERCISES
Task 1: Typographical Systems
For our first task, we are required to make 2 layouts for each of the typographical systems we've learned, but we only have to submit 1 as our final work. We were given 3 different topics with dummy text and we are allowed to choose from the 3 topics.
All Ripped Up: Punk Influences on Design
or
The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory
or
Russian Constructivism and Graphic Design
Open Public Lectures:
November 24, 2020
Lew Pik Svonn, 9AM-10AM
Ezrena Mohd, 10AM-11AM
Suzy Sulaiman, 11AM-12PM
November 25, 2020
Muthu Neduraman, 9AM-10AM
Fahmi Reza, 10AM-11AM
Fahmi Fadzil, 11AM-12PM
Lecture Theatre 12
The Design School,
Taylor's University.
Figure 2.5 Progress_Grid System
Figure 2.6 Progress_Modular System
Figure 3.0 Axial system 1st attempt
Figure 3.1 Axial system 2nd attempt
Figure 3.2 Radial system 1st attempt
Figure 3.3 Radial system 2nd attempt
Figure 3.4 Dilational system 1st attempt
Figure 3.5 Dilational system 2nd attempt
Figure 3.6 Random system 1st attempt
Figure 3.7 Random system 2nd attempt
Figure 3.8 Grid system 1st attempt
Figure 3.9 Grid system 2nd attempt
Figure 4.0 Transitional system 1st attempt
Figure 4.1 Transitional system 2nd attempt
Figure 4.2 Modular system 1st attempt
Figure 4.3 Modular system 2nd attempt
Figure 4.4 Bilateral system 1st attempt
Figure 4.5 Bilateral system 2nd attempt
Figure 4.6 2nd Grid System after feedback
Final - Task 1 (8 Typographic Systems)
Figure 5.0 Final Axial System
Figure 5.1 Final Radial System
Figure 5.2 Final Dilational System
Figure 5.3 Final Random System
Figure 5.4 Final Grid System
Figure 5.5 Final Transitional System
Figure 5.6 Final Modular System
Figure 5.7 Final Bilateral System
Figure 5.8 Final 8 Typographic Systems PDF
Type and Play: Part 1
Week 3-4
In this exercise, we are allowed to choose any image to analyse, dissect and identify potential letterforms within the image. We are allowed to choose images that are man-made objects, structures and nature.
I have chosen an image of a giant water lily structure to dissect the potential letterforms.
Figure 6.0 Original giant water lily structure image
After choosing my structure image, I began to analyse and extract 5 possible letterforms from the image.
Figure 6.1 Tracing process
Figure 6.2 Letterforms extracted
Figure 6.3 Letter A
Figure 6.4 Letter F
Figure 6.5 Letter G
Figure 6.6 Letter H
Figure 6.7 Letter Y
Figure 7.0 Comparison between original letters with first refinement letters attempt
For my second refinement, I've decided to choose Futura as a guide for me so that it will look more consistent for all the letters.
Figure 7.1 Second letters refinement attempt
Then, I realised that some of my letters looks a little off symmetry and I decided to use circles as a guide for me for the construction of letters.
Figure 7.2 Letter A Construction
Figure 7.3 Letter H Construction
After receiving feedbacks from Mr Vinod, he suggested to try increasing the stroke width to see how it will look and decide which looks better. After increasing the stroke with up to 2pt, I feel like it does not resemble the original core features as much compared to the letterform with thinner strokes. So I decided to increase the stroke up to 0.75pt.
Figure 7.4 Progress
Final- Type and Play 1
Figure 8.0 Final Letterforms Jpg
Figure 8.1 Final Letter A Jpg
Figure 8.2 Final Letter F Jpg
Figure 8.3 Final Letter G Jpg
Figure 8.4 Final Letter H Jpg
Figure 8.5 Final Letter Y Jpg
Figure 8.6 Final Letterforms PDF
Figure 8.7 Final Individual Letters PDF
Type and Play: Part 2
Week 4
Figure 9.1 Idea Inspiration
Figure 9.2 Original Image
Figure 9.3 First attempt
Figure 9.4 Second attempt
Figure 9.5 Third attempt
Figure 9.6 Fourth attempt
Figure 9.7 Fifth attempt
Figure 9.9 Seventh attempt
Figure 10.0 Eighth attempt
Figure 10.1 Refinement after feedback
Figure 10.2 Refinement after feedback
Final- Type and Play 2
Figure 10.4 Final Type and Play 2 PDF
FEEDBACKSWeek 1
General Feedback by Mr Vinod that is relatable to my work:
The angle of 45 degrees is too diagonal which makes the readability goes down, the strong contrast in colours are overpowering the text. ''Colour is just an element to enhance and add dimensions to your artwork. Sometimes, Less is More.''
Peer feedbacks:
The composition of the text looks good.
Week 2
Feedback from Mr Vinod:
Axial system 2: Interesting placement of the triangle and layout
Radial system 2: Very interesting placement of text, it's weird but it works
Dilational system 2: The triangles look like if it is breaking out from the circle, interesting
Grid system 2: The title looks too stretched out, introduce small graphic elements to balance the space on the right.
Transitional system 1 and 2: Excellent work done
Bilateral system 1: The dot in the middle creates a connection to the line on top and it draws attention as a point of the information being spread out
Bilateral system 2: Good job on the different use of typefaces and it looks interesting off-centred
Peer Feedbacks:
Axial system 1: Lecturers names are not cross-aligned, need to align before rotating them, good hierarchy, works well
Axial system 2:Triangle can be removed, I like how u strike through the RC, doesn’t adhere to axial ( there are 2 axes that aren’t connected)
Radial system 1: Good hierarchy, placement for Nov 25 is a bit weird
Radial system 2: Good composition, maybe use UPPERCASE for the title, red lines for the pulley can be removed, viewers will be able to draw a connection
Dilatational system 1: Excellent
Dilatational system 2: Remove triangles, circles at corners a bit awkward, I'd suggest you make some big some small then move around, overlap with other circles
Random system 1: Nice play of words and letters, maybe make some letters/words bigger to make it more dramatic
Random system 2: 1st one works better
Grid system1: Amazing looks like a magazine layout, maybe at the lt12 to the bottom right corner inside the margin
Grid system 2: 1st one is more impactful
Transitional system 1: Odd, point size should be bigger for the title
Transitional system 2: Interesting placement, if u move RC to the right it looks like smoke
Modular system 1: The title font seems to be squeezy and hard to read, time: maybe reduce the size of numbers to match small caps AM PM, reminds me of Japan, feels empty, love the way u duplicate open public lecture and highlight one of them
Bilateral system1: Weird, too many fonts
Bilateral system 2: Simple and nice placement
Week 3
Peer feedbacks:
The strokes consistent in style & weight, the number of stages is enough and retained the core features
and the curving part of the letter G could be improved on.
Week 4 (Type and Play 1)
Feedback from Mr Vinod:
Good job, letters looking good. Try adding a thicker stroke and see how will it turn out
Peer Feedbacks:
The letter A, H and Y looks interesting, the strokes look consistent as well
Week 4 (Type and Play 2)
Feedback from Mr Vinod:
The word “limitless” does reflect the image that I’ve chosen well and the idea of the person breaking through the glass is interesting but maybe try changing an image that is not taken from a studio that has a background.
Week 5
Feedback from Mr Vinod:
Summer in the pool: Interesting idea and placement of the text "in the pool" floating in the pool, however, the text could be improved on better with water ripples and some effects on it, try adding shadows for the words "summer" at the background and see how it goes.
Think before you act: Good choice of word use but definitely needs more refinement to work on it.
Peer Feedbacks:
"Summer in the pool" is interesting, the placement of the text floating is a good idea. My peers suggested adding ripple effects and show that the letters are floating on the surface of the pool.
REFLECTIONS
Week 1
The first week of advanced typography was honestly a little tiring as there are lectures to watch and the exercises for typographic systems took me a longer time than I expected. Throughout all these exercises, it really made me appreciate more and see the beauty and efforts that were put into all those typographic compositions found in posters, magazine etc. In this exercise, the hardest system that I find to arrange the text in is the transitional system while the artworks that I've done for radial systems are the ones I like the most.
Week 2
In this exercise, I find it quite fun extracting the letterforms from images we've chosen. To be honest, I find advanced typography much more enjoyable than typography. This could possibly due to the flexibility and creativity we are allowed to incorporate in and having a better understanding of how typography works to be compared to the first semester.
Week 3
For our type and play exercise 1, it is actually very interesting to see all the work that has been done by everyone in the class because the structure of image chosen from everyone is different, and it is also interesting to see their progress to develop out letterforms from what they have chosen. But after seeing everyone's work, I then realised that the structure that I've chosen is quite direct, as the letterforms that I've extracted doesn't require a huge difference in forms. Even though my peers' feedback was good, I was a little sceptical and wanted to rework by choosing another structure image. However worrying about the time constraint of redoing this exercise, I decided to stick with this and refine it to make sure it looks better.
Week 4
This week during the peer feedback breakout room, Mr Vinod joined us and gave some feedback to some of my classmates which I find really useful and could apply to me as well. However, I had to leave early this week during class to run some errands so I showed sir in advance for the exercise we are doing this week and left the class.
Week 5
This week, Mr Vinod started the class with an explanation of what graphic design actually is and he explained some different type of graphic designs that are required in different industries. He also gave some suggestions regarding our complementary studies and he said that sometimes choosing something different to learn could possibly be a pathway to discover what we really like and what we would like to do in future. This made me reconsider my decision on choosing my free electives on what I really interested in or what I think will be better for my future.
I find this book very informative, they explain many different aspects and contexts about typography and the type transformation and evolution throughout the centuries, and also introducing type designers who created great fonts.
In this book, there's a line saying "Obsessions make my life worse and my work better,” by a typographer. I find this line quite relatable as I feel like the more we pay attention to those small little details, the more we are able to produce better work but of course in return, it requires much more effort and time.
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