Final Compilation & Reflection

on
Week 14
29/6/2022 
Leong Jiahui / 0353469
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
GCD 60104 / TYPOGRAPHY
Final Compilation & Reflection 

INSTRUCTIONS 
SUBMISSIONS 

Task 1 Exercise 1 - Type Expression
Week 1 - Week 3 ( 30/3/2022 - 13/4/2022)
fig 1.1.1 Exercise 1 Final Outcome (13/4/2022)

fig 1.1.2 Exercise 1 Animation Final Outcome (14/4/2022)

Task 1 Exercise 2 - Text Formatting
Week 4 - Week 5 ( 20/4/2022 - 27/4/2022)
fig 1.2.1 Text Formatting Final Outcome (27/4/2022)


TASK 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication
Week 6 - Week 7 ( 4/5/2022 - 11/5/2022)
fig 2.1 Task 2 Final Outcome (13/5/2022)
Font: Bembo Std (body text), Futera Std (Title), ITC Garamond Std (Sub-heading)
Typeface: Gill Sans MT regular & bold italic (body text), Futera Std bold condensed (Title), ITC Garamond Std bold narrow(Sub-heading)
Font size:  10pt (body text), 20pt (sub-heading)
Leading: 12pt
Paragraph Spacing: 12pt
Average characters per line: 50 - 60
Alignment: Left Align
Margins: 12.7mm (top, bottom, left, right)
Columns: 2 (per page)
Gutter (for columns): 5mm
TASK 3A: Type Design and Communication (Font Design)
Week 8 - Week 10 (18/5/2022 - 1/5/2022)
fig 3.1.1 Task 3A sketches (23/5/2022)
fig 3.1.2 Task 3A - Stuffed Final Outcome (5/6/2022)

fig 3.1.3 Poster Final Outcome white ver (5/6/2022)

fig 3.1.3 Poster Final Outcome black ver (5/6/2022)



TASK 3B: Type Design and Communication (Greeting Sticker Design)
Week 11 - Week 13 (8/6/2022 - 22/6/2022)
fig 3.2.1 Task 3B Sketches (6/6/2022)

fig 3.2.2 Task 3B Final Outcome coloured (22/5/2022) 

fig 3.2.2 Task 3B Final Outcome b&w (22/5/2022) 

fig 3.2.3 telegram sticker final outcome - telegram app (22/6/2022)

Telegram sticker download link: 

REFLECTION 
Experience
I have pretty mixed feelings about this module as a whole. It was entertaining in a way that it was something completely new to me, but frustrating in a way that it has too many rules to follow. I guess Typography in comparison to other forms of art does have a more rigid outline to follow and sometimes I can't get it right. I really struggled at the beginning of the module as it felt pretty info-dumpy with all the lectures on top of the supposedly-simple-but-in-reality-is-not assignments. But as we progress through the module I've managed to find my footing and my working style to cope with the assignments better. And that's just the way of life. We live and we learn. 
Most times, the tasks are very time-consuming with all the edits after edits after edits that I feel that it took away all the fun for me. But in hindsight, its extensive process made producing the final outcome more satisfying and fulfilling. 
Module content-wise, it was fun. I didn't expect to be able to try such a wide variety of things in this module from simple type expression to typesetting to designing our own typeface?? The net was cast wide, yes, but not deep enough to truly understand them as a whole. Though I guess it serves well enough as an introduction to each branch in typography. If so, it has certainly achieved its aim. 

Observations
I am not kidding when I tell you that I started paying attention to the line spacing, tracking, kerning etc, all the technical stuff WHEN READING NOVELS. I read a lot, but I've never quite given much attention to these technical aspects unless it looks extremely off. Now though? Paying attention to these technical tidbits is like second nature to me when I read. I still remember the first time I caught myself appreciating & admiring the typesetting of a book (it was Piranesi, a good book, highly recommend!). We were in the middle of Task 2 at that time, and I had to set my book down and think to myself: "What have I become?" Now I start nitpicking any of the text that doesn't look right when reading and I'm not sure if that enhances my reading experience or the other way around. 
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but this module has truly elevated my respect towards typesetters and type designers. It's always facinating to deconstruct letterforms and analyse each and every letter of a typeface. That letter looks symmetrical to you? Think again. 

Findings
Throughout the module, I have also picked up a bunch of software skills like Illustrator, InDesign and Fontlab. Sure I'm no where near proffecient in any of them, and I probably cannot manuever them without the step by step tutorial videos, but I still consider them baby steps. 
One of the main takeaways// findings from this module is that Typography is so much deeper than what it looks. Like,, A LOT deeper. Yes I expected rules and stuff but this is A LOT. It can be an industry all on its own and rightfully so. There are so many layers to a good typeface/typeset than one could imagine. The emphasis on readability above anything else really taught me that most times, less is more. 

Any Last Words...? 
I can't believe we're at the end of the module already. It was certainly a rollercoaster and I'm honestly surprised I made it out alive. Giving myself a pat on the back bacause I'm truly happy of my growth throughout the module. A quick thank you to Mr Vinod for everything. He's good at what he does and knows it. That's something you gotta appreciate. 
We have advanced typography in the next semester. 
I fear for my sanity. I really do. 

Comments

Post a Comment