TYPOGRAPHY - TASK 3

10/11/2023-21/12/2023 ( Week08-Week13)

Chan Suet Yee/ 0358427/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

GCD60104/ Typography

Task 3

LIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS : 








LECTURES



INSTRUCTIONS



TASK 3 | TYPE DESIGN & COMMUNICATION

This task requires us to design a set of alphabets with specific letters ('o', 'l', 'e', 'd', 's', 'n', 'c', 't', 'I', 'g', 'h', ',', '.', '!' and '#'. ) The process involves selecting an existing font as reference, studying its structure, creating rough sketches, exploring design options and digitising the drawing using Adobe Illustrator and FontLab. The goal for this task is to create a typeface with qualities such as subtlety or character, presence, legibility and readability. Once complete, We need to use the font to create a A4 poster which showcasing the design.


Deconstruction

At the outset of this assignment, we were prompted to select a preferred font from the 10 font provided, and I opted Gills Sans. Subsequently, I was tasked with deconstructing the letterforms (H,o,g,b) from this chosen font.



Fig 1.1 Letter 'H' deconstruction 




Fig 1.2 Letter 'O' Deconstruction 




Fig 1.3 Letter 'g' deconstruction




Fig 1.4 Letter 'b' deconstruction



Sketches

I sketched the letter (o,d,h,n,g) in either all uppercase or lowercase using various pens for diverse outcomes. Ultimately, I selected the sketches made with an orange highlighter as my final choice to proceed to the next step which is digitisation.





References

Here are the references that gives me inspiration for this tasks.



Fig 1.5 Reference 1




Fig 1.6 Reference 2



Digitisation

I established the x-height guidelines initially. Next, using the pen tool, I drew the letter 'd', 'I', and 'g', setting parameters such as ascender line, cap line, median line, baseline and descender line. Following this, I continue drawing the remaining letters and symbols based on my final sketches. Once the drawing phase was complete, I refines the strokes by adjusting anchor points using the ' Object > path > outline stroke ' function.



Fig 1.7  Process of setting the guidelines



At the outset, the stroke thickness across all letters lacked consistency and certain curved parts of the letterforms were not rendered smoothly. Additionally, upon inspection, I noticed that the letter 'e' seems somewhat disparate from others, so I made necessary adjustments to ensure visual cohesion. The subsequent slide demonstrates the refinement process ( slide 1 ) leading to the final outcome ( slide 1 no 3 ) and showcases the transformation of the letter 'd' and 'e' in slide 2.





FontLab

Following the completion of my typeface design in Adobe Illustrator, I proceeded to import my font in FontLab.



Fig 1.8 Process 1 in FontLab 




Fig 1.9 Process 2 in FontLab




Fig 1.10 Process 3 in FontLab, adjusting all the letter to baseline




Fig 1.11 Process 4 in FontLab, kerning



Upon transferring all the letterforms from Adobe Illustrator to FontLab and refining their side-bearing, I successfully prepared my font for export. 

The name 'Vintage' was chosen for this font due to its sophisticated and retro aesthetic, evoking a sense of classic elegance. Its gracefully crafted curves also imbue it with a playful and lively personality.



Final Submission 

Download the font here.


Fig 1.12 Final type construction 'Vintage' (jpeg)




Fig 1.13 Final type construction (pdf)




Fig 1.14 Final Poster (jpeg)




Fig 1.15 Final poster (pdf)



FEEDBACK

Week 8

General feedback : Consistency in sketching requires additional practice and refinement.
Specific feedback : -

Week 9

General feedback : Utilise shapes to build the letterforms would be more effective approach
Specific feedback : No specific feedback

Week 10

General feedback : Reducing the anchor point enhancing control
Specific feedback : The letter 'e' looks a bit off

Week 11

General feedback : Maintain uniform shape width throughout the construction of each letter without the need for subsequent adjustments.
Specific feedback : No specific feedback

Week 12

General feedback : Ensure uniformity in size across all letters while allowing for flexible composition similar to the arrangement demonstrated in breaking down the word. Consistency is crucial to enhance the visual impact of my font creation .
Specific feedback : Reduce negative space in the poster



REFLECTION

Experience
Designing a font for the first time was quite a challenge. Initially, I didn't anticipate the level of difficulty involved. It demanded a great deal of patience and a consistent approach throughout the process. Sketching the font manually was easy but digitising it proved to be much more complex. Despite the hurdles, reaching the point where I could create my own font and bring it to life was incredibly rewarding. Witnessing my font design materialize into a digital form was a fulfilling experience. Overall, I was pleased with the final outcome of my font design endeavour 

Observation
Crafting fonts requires meticulous attention to detail. Achieving precise lines and curves is essential, it's akin to a blend of artistic drawing and meticulous focus on every element . I realised that inadequate spacing or imbalance among letters significantly impacts the font's overall appearance. The cohesion of each element is vital to ensure a harmonious and visually pleasing result.

Findings
This assignment taught me numerous typography rules, emphasising the ability to bend these rules for more appealing designs. I discovers that simplicity often yields the best results, even minor design tweaks can significantly alter the overall appearance. It highlighted the importance of clear and balanced letterforms for readability, while also enhancing my skills in using design tools like FontLab. Overall, it was a fascinating learning experience that introduces me to the font-making process and the practical application of my designs.



FURTHER READING




'Typography Referenced' stands out as a compelling read due to its collective authorship by eight designers, providing a diverse array of perspectives. Upon completion, I discovered that this book diverges from the conventional, dry reading associated with typography. Rich with images and examples, it brings concepts to life vividly and goes beyond mere fonts, delving into the core of design.

This book not only decoded the language of typography but also uncovered the intriguing history of fonts, offering an enjoyable and enlightening journey through knowledge. Its practical insights on typeface selection and design crafting seamlessly merge theory with actionable advice, establishing it as an invaluable resource for design aficionados.

One particular memorable aspect was its exploration of contemporary design practices, steering away form dated trends and serving as a guide to current design sensibilities 

In essence, 'Typography Referenced' transcends the status of a mere book, it serves as a comprehensive toolkit for refining one's design prowess. It refreshingly departs from mundane textbooks, offering a wealth of knowledge through practical examples. With its guidance, I've gleaned unexpected insights, equipping myself to elevate every design endeavour.


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