ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY - TASK 3
10/6/2024 - 21/7/24 (Week 08-14)
Chan Suet Yee 0358427
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Advanced Typography | GCD61004 | Sec 03
Task 03 | Type Exploration & Application
LIST
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
LECTURES
INSTRUCTIONS
Task 03
[TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION]
INSTRUCTIONS
In this assignment, we are tasked with designing a font that serves a specific purpose or addresses a problem within our chosen area of interest, such as graphic design, animation, or new media. The goal is to apply the knowledge gained from lectures, exercises, and personal research to create a complete, usable font (.ttf) with practical applications.
Three Options to Explore:
- Design a New Font
- Create a font aimed at solving a specific problem or enhancing an existing use in your field of interest.
- Refine Existing Letterforms
- Improve upon an existing letterform, identifying weaknesses and exploring solutions that add value.
- Experimental Typography
- Innovate with a novel approach, such as 3D typography, digital augmentation, or unconventional materials, aiming for a unique outcome.
SUBMISSIONS
- Eportfolio
- Document our journey logically and chronologically on our blog. Include sketches, visual research, successes, failures, and epiphanies.
- Image Quality
- Capture images with even, natural lighting and proper labeling (e.g., fig 1.), ensuring clarity and visibility.
- Final Submission
- Upload our final typeface in .ttf format, along with process documentation as PDF and JPEG files.
PROCESS
Proposal
Fig 1.0 Proposal
Sketches & Digitisation
Fig 1.2 Sketches for letter P-Z
Guideline Setup
Use a ruler for guidelines, and the letter "E" to decide on the baseline, median line, and cap line to ensure consistent heights across letters.
Fig 1.3 Task 3 Process
Refinements
- Refine all letters, numbers and punctuation by adjusting the thickness of strokes and the smoothness of curves.
- Ensure consistency in design, focusing on stroke weights, proportions and overall style.
Fig 1.4 Task 3 Process
FONT PRESENTATION (PROCESS)
Research & Collection
- Begin by researching and collecting background images that complement and enhance the visual appeal of your typeface.
- Select images that match the theme, tone, and style of the typeface, enduring they will provide a suitable backdrop for showcasing the font.
Process in Adobe Illustrator
- Open Adobe Illustrator and place the chosen background images into the workspace.
- Arrange the images to create a cohesive and visually appealing layout that highlights the typeface.
Colour & Positioning
- I experiment with different colour schemes to ensure the typeface stand out against the background.
- I also adjust the colour of the text and background to achieve a balanced contrast that enhances readability and visual interest.
- Then I test different position of the text, ensuring it is prominently displayed and harmoniously integrated with the background.
FINAL FONT PRESENTATION
Fig 2.0 Final Font Presentation #1
Fig 2.1 Final Font Presentation #2
Fig 2.2 Final Font Presentation #3
Fig 2.3 Final Font Presentation #4
Fig 2.4 Final Font Presentation #5
FINAL FONT APPLICATIONS
Tote Bag
I create a stylish and professional tote bags that feature the typeface, showcasing its versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Fig 2.5 Font applications
Posters
Design visually appealing posters that effectively present the typeface, highlighting its strengths and uses
Fig 2.6 Font Applications
I also apply the typeface in book designs, ensuring readability and enhancing the overall visual experience of the content.
Fig 2.7 Font Applications #3
Vinyl Album
The vinyl album design aims to evoke a sense of romance. The typeface is central to this theme, reflecting the delicate and nuanced nature of romantic experiences.
Fig 2.8 Font Applications #4
T Shirt
The typeface was designed to convey a sense of charm. It aims to evoke emotions of sweetness and playfulness, making it an ideal choice for messages that are meant to be endearing and cute.
Fig 2.9 Font Applications #5
Final Outcome
Download the font here.
Fig 3.0 Task 3 Final Outcome
Fig 3.1 Task 3 Final Outcome
Fig 3.2 Task 3 Final Outcome
Fig 3.3 Task 3 Final Outcome
Fig 3.4 Task 3 Final Outcome
Fig 3.6 Task 3 Final Outcome
Fig 3.7 Task 3 Final Outcome
FEEDBACK
Week 8
General Feedback
- No General Feedback Given
Specific Feedback
- No specific feedback given
Week 9
General Feedback
- No General Feedback Given
Specific Feedback
- No specific feedback given
Week 10
General Feedback
- Avoid using textures initially
- Build the letterforms with clean strokes and add textures later
- Start by setting the width and thickness of the letterforms
Specific Feedback
- No specific feedback
Week 11
General Feedback
- Check an Instagram video for guidance on punctuations.
- Ensure input ascenders, descenders, cap height, x-height, etc.
- Before transferring letterforms from Illustrator to FontLab, make sure they are already combined.
Specific Feedback
- Keep the widths same
- Ensure all the letters looks consistent
- The letter "O", "C" an d "G" looks weird
Week 12
General Feedback
- No General Feedback
Specific Feedback
- No Specific Feedback
Week 13
General Feedback
- No General Feedback
Specific Feedback
- No Specific Feedback
REFLECTION
Experience
Working on this project has been a deeply enriching experience, blending creativity with technical precision. Starting from the sketches of the letters A-Z, I embarked on a journey that involved meticulous digitization, consistent refinement, and thoughtful application of the typeface. Each phase, from using Adobe Illustrator to trace and perfect the letters, to leveraging FontLab for final adjustments and kerning, demanded patience and attention to detail. Applying the typeface to practical designs such as tote bags, posters, and books through the Monkey tool allowed me to see the tangible impact of my work. Overall, the process was both challenging and rewarding, enhancing my skills in type design and application.
Observation
Throughout the project, several key observations stood out. Firstly, the importance of consistency in typography became evident. Ensuring uniform stroke weights, proportions, and alignment was crucial for creating a harmonious typeface. The use of guidelines and reference points, such as the baseline and cap line, proved essential in maintaining this consistency. Secondly, the iterative nature of design was highlighted as I repeatedly refined the characters based on feedback and testing. This iterative process underscored the value of collaboration and critique in achieving a polished final product. Lastly, the practical application of the typeface revealed the need for adaptability. Designing for different mediums required adjustments to ensure the typeface remained effective and visually appealing in varied contexts.
Findings
From this comprehensive task, several significant findings emerged. One major finding is the critical role of the initial sketching phase. The hand-drawn sketches laid the groundwork for the entire design process, emphasizing the importance of a strong conceptual foundation. Additionally, the transition from manual sketches to digital formats underscored the need for precision and technical skill in type design software. Another key finding was the impact of feedback and real-world testing. Engaging with other designers and typographers provided invaluable insights, leading to improvements that might have been overlooked otherwise. Finally, the process reinforced the importance of versatility in typeface design. A successful typeface must perform well across different applications, from print to digital media, and adapt to various design needs while maintaining its core aesthetic and functionality.
FURTHER READING
Typographic Design : Form and Communication
Typographic Design: Form and Communication by Rob Carter, Philip B. Meggs, Ben Day, Sandra Maxa, and Mark Sanders is an essential resource for understanding the art and science of typography. The book delves into the principles and practices of typographic design, offering a thorough exploration of type as a form of visual communication. It covers historical perspectives, practical techniques, and contemporary applications, illustrated with professional examples and exercises. This comprehensive guide is invaluable for students and practitioners aiming to enhance their typographic skills and create effective visual communication.





























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