Advanced Typography Task 1: Exercises 1 & 2

Week 1 - Week 5
31/8 /2022 - 29/9/2022
Leong Jiahui / 0353469
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
GCD 61004 / ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY

Exercise 1:Typographic Systems / Exercise 2: Type & Play Part 1 & 2

Contents

Lecture Notes

Exercise 1:Typographic Systems

Exercise 2: Type & Play Part 1

Exercise 2: Type & Play Part 2

Feedback

Reflection

LECTURE NOTES

WEEK 1 (31.8.2022)

Typographic Systems

Axial: all elements are organised to the left or the right of a single axis

fig 1.1.1 axial system example

Radial: all elements are extended from a point of focus

fig 1.1.2 radial system example

Dilatational: all elements expand from a central point in a circular fashion

fig 1.1.3 dilatational system example

Random: elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship

fig 1.1.4 random system example

Grid: a system of vertical and horizontal divisions

fig 1.1.5 grid system example

Modular: a series of non-objective elements that are constructed in as a standardized unit

fig 1.1.6 modular system example

Transitional: an informal system of layered banding

fig 1.1.7 transitional system example

Bilateral: all text is arranged symmetrically on a single axis

fig 1.1.8 bilateral system example

Typographic Composition

Layouts, basically.

Emphasis

fig 1.2.1 emphasis

The Rule of Thirds: a photographic guide to composition. It suggests that a frame (space) can be divided into 3 columns and 3 rows. The intersecting lines are used as a guide to place the points of interest, within the given space. Intersecting points are the focus points of the layout

fig 1.2.2 Rule of Thirds

Modernization of the old typographic systems (particularly the grid system) brings about new models like the Environmental Grid system & the Form and Movement system.

Environmental Grid system: a system based on the exploration of an existing structure or numerous structures combined (super-structure) which includes non-objective elements to create a unique and exciting mixture of texture and visual stimuli.

fig 1.2.3 Environmental Grid System (Left to right: Paula Scher, Jonathan Barnbrook and David Carson)

Form and Movement: A system is based on the exploration of the existing Grid Systems.The placement of a form (irrespective of what it is) on a page, over many pages creates movement

fig 1.2.4 Form and Movement (static ver)

Context and Creativity

Evolution of handwriting to letterforms
The first print was developed in Korea
It’s all history basically, refer to slides for more info
Main point: looking behind gives you context. Looking forward gives you opportunities. Strive and do your best in advanced typography.

Programmers and Type Design: Big companies like Google has started to develop more vernacular typefaces.

Fig 1.3.1 Multi-script

Designing Type

Type design carries a social responsibility so one must continue to improve its legibility. It is a form of artistic expression.

Depending on the typeface category (display type/text typ) the readability and legibility of the typeface become an important consideration. However, it is not as crucial if the typeface is a display type, where the expression of the form takes a little more precedence.

The general process of Type Design:

Research: determine the type's purpose & examine existing fonts for reference & context
Sketching: done traditionally/digitally. Both methods have their pros and cons.
Digitization: emphasis on the form and readability of the typeface. Uses software like adobe illustrator as well and professional type softwares like FontLab & Glyphs App.
Testing: the process of refining and correcting aspects of the typeface. Prototyping is also part of the testing process and leads to important feedback.
Deploy: further refining of prototypes created so that the teething issue remains minor.

Typeface construction:

Roman capital
using grids (with circular forms) can facilitate the construction of a letterforms and is a possible method to build/create/design your letterform
An important visual correction is the extrusion of curved (and protruding) forms past the baseline and cap line. This also applies to vertical alignment between curved and straight forms as well as the distance between letters.

fig 1.4.1 construction & considerations

fig 1.4.2 constructions and considerations

Perception & Organisation

Perception in typography deals with the visual navigation and interpretation of the reader via contrast, form and organisation of the content.

Contrast

fig 1.5.1 contrast

size: size provides a point to which the reader’s attention is drawn, usually by making the title noticeably bigger than the body text.
weight: how bold type can stand out in the middle of a lighter type of the same style.
form: the distinction between a capital letter and its lowercase equivalent, or a roman letter and its italic variant, condensed and expanded versions
structure: the different letterforms of different kinds of typefaces
texture: Formed by putting together the contrasts of size, weight, form, and structure, and applying them to a block of text on a page.
direction: the opposition between vertical and horizontal, and the angles in between. Mixing wide blocks of long lines with tall columns of the short lines can also create a contrast.
colour: a second colour is often less emphatic in values than plain black on white. This allows them to be emphasized.

Form: represents a concept in a visual form. When a typeface is perceived as a form, it no longer reads as a letter because it has been manipulated by distortion, texture, and enlargement, and has been extruded into a space.

fig 1.5.2 form

fig 1.5.3 manipulation of typeface

Organisation / Gestalt

Perceptual Organisation / Groupings:

Law of Similarity: elements that are similar to each other tend to be perceived as a unified group
Law of Proximity: elements that are close together tend to be perceived as a unified group
Law of Closure: the mind’s tendency to see complete figures or forms even if a picture is incomplete, partially hidden by other objects. Our minds have to complete the rest of the picture.
Law of Continuation: The alignment of the objects or forms plays a major role in this principle taking effect as humans tend to perceive each of two or more objects as different, singular, and uninterrupted objects even when they intersect.
Law of Symmetry
Law of Simplicity (Praganz)

fig 1.5.4 gestalt principles

Task 1: Typographic Systems & Type & Play

Instructions

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15W7Re3azkac99vicNWnsN8-YtEaSjspi/view

EXERCISE 1:Typographic Systems

Progress

WEEK 1 (31.8.2022)

I made these 2 days before class because I missed the announcement last week and it shows.

I didn't know why I just told you that.

Anyways,

fig 2.1.1 exercise 1 drafts (Top to bottom row, left to right: axial, radial, dilatational, random, grids, modular, transitional, bilateral)(6.9.2022)

None of these designs are close to the final ver, so I'm calling them drafts. There are still some systems that I'm struggling to compose, especially the transitional system, but I'll consult Mr Vinod and we'll see what we can sort out.

WEEK 2 (6.9.2022)
After getting some feedback and peeking through my peer's works, I decided to start over. Getting into the punk spirit, I'll try to work towards being loud and bold in my next designs.

Axial:

What punk and what bold? I am embarrassing myself.

fig 2.2.1 axial attempt 2 (8.9.2022)

Grid:

fig 2.2.2 grid attempt 2 (9.9.2022)

Modular:

fig 2.2.3 modular attempt 2 (10.9.2022)

Random:

fig 2.2.4 random attempt 2 (11.9.2022)

Bilateral:

fig 2.2.5 bilateral attempt 2 (11.9.2022)

Radial:

fig 2.2.6 radial attempt 2 (11.9.2022)

Transitional:

fig 2.2.7 transitional attempt 2 (11.9.2022)

Radial:

fig 2.2.8 radial attempt 2 (12.9.2022)

The 2nd attempt overall looked better compared to the 1st draft, which I count as a win. There are parts I wished I could have refined more but I've spent around 30 hours on this task already, and exercise 2 won't just start itself, so I think they'll pass, for now.

Final Outcome: Exercise 1

fig 2.3.1 Final axial system JPEG (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.2 Final dilatational system (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.3 Final radial system (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.4 Final random system (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.5 Final bilateral system (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.6 Final grid system (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.7 Final transitional system (12.9.2022)

fig 2.3.8 Final modular system (12.9.2022)

Final outcome PDF:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1is9WRaBgy8idlk-9y7x2_YVT5NfUVPkr/view?usp=sharing

Final outcome PDF with guides & grids:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lydz-sOo4jIkLdl9NyxFLkA8N_3KReVL/view?usp=sharing

EXERCISE 2:Type & Play pt 1

WEEK 2 (6.9.2022)

In this task, we're required to make a selection of images between man-made objects (chairs, glass, etc.) or structures (buildings), and nature and extract letterforms from them.

I debated over choosing soap bubbles or rice grains, which ultimately I chose the latter.

fig 3.1.1 image selection (12.9.2022)

From the picture, I traced out what looks to be sad excuses for letters. How I am supposed to refine them so that they looked like letters and rice at the same time is still beyond me.

fig 3.1.2 rice font extraction (12.9.2022)

Yeah... It is a bit of a stretch but I think that's sort of the whole point...?

fig 3.1.3 rice font progress (13.9.2022)

This is looking kinda...cute? I think the pointy ends of the rice can be refined further. Right now it only looked like rice because I know it's rice.

WEEK 3 (14.9.2022)

fig 3.1.4 more refining (15.9.2022)

After the feedback on week 3, I tried refining it further. It was mentioned that the curve for P needs to actually be a curve instead of stacking rice grains on each other to make a pointy circle. V looked the most decent amongst the 5 letters. I think I can try widening the little gaps in the letters to make them more noticeable. It looks pretty consistent already, I think I hope.

WEEK 4 (21.9.2022)

fig 3.1.5 Struggling with P (21.9.2022)

fig 3.1.6 the refinement progress from start to finish (21.9.2022)

Who's gonna stop me from naming this font rice rice baby?

fig 3.1.7 font showcase (22.9.2022)

Final Outcome: Exercise 2 pt 1

fig 3.2.2 Final Outcome compilation (22.9.2022)

fig 3.2.1 Final font showcase (22.9.2022)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_6_22KxGpS1jrBEyHKDJXxy70UA4nG4G/view?usp=sharing

EXERCISE 2:Type & Play part 2

In this exercise, we're required to look up stock images or take our own picture and combine it with a letter/word/sentence. The

objective is to enhance/support the interplay between the

letter/word/sentence and the selected visual. The text must be

woven into a symbiotic relationship with the image.

Given that we're killing two birds with one stone by entering the HONOR talents award with our final piece, we have to follow the theme set: Cultural Prosperity · Celebration & Renewal of life · Return.

WEEK 3 (14.9.2022)

fig 4.1.1 photo 1 (17.9.2022)

fig 4.1.2 photo 2 (17.9.2022)

These are the only photos I've taken recently that somewhat fit the theme of Cultural Prosperity · Celebration. Going to refine them a bit in photoshop. For the wording, I'm thinking of playing with shadows & smoke from the incense sticks. The problem here is what phrase I can potentially use. Because no way am I writing "Gong Xi Fa Cai".

Phrase ideas:

Fleeting colours in flight
Tale as old as time
Lunar realm
May our prayers be heard
All that glitters
Beneath the light

Yes they're pretentious but I'm in no place to be picky rn.

fig 4.2.1 Exercise 2 pt 2 Attempt 1 (20/9/2022)

Tried playing around with the pictures I took to no avail. Hence, this stock photo I found on Pexel. Can be better, definitely.

WEEK 4 (21.9.2022)

After the briefing for the task, we were told that we are ~~forced~~ encouraged to use images we took ourselves to avoid getting sued.

Submission details:

size 6,000 x 3,000 px (scale it down for e-portfolio submission)
JPG format
size ≤ 20M
fonts from the 10 typefaces, or good typefaces from google fonts & fontshare

fig 4.2.2 process montage (26.9.2022)

fig 4.2.3 Drafts (27.9.2022)

WEEK 5 (28.9.2022)

That feeling when your lecturer says the one you took the least time making is the one with the most potential. Played around with the saturations and adjusted the font size.

fig 4.2.4 wallpaper variations (30.9.2022)

Final Outcome: Exercise 2 pt 2

fig 4.3.1 Exercise 2 Part 2 Final Outcome White ver. (30.9.2022)

fig 4.3.2 Exercise 2 Part 2 Final Outcome Black ver. (30.9.2022)

fig 4.3.3 Exercise 2 Part 2 Final Outcome Colour ver. (30.9.2022)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TB7Rzrj4DndDKqZftvL2JfSCK6lXpnZ4/view?usp=sharing

Submission for HONORS talents:

fig 4.3.4 Honors Talents wallpaper submission (6.10.2022)

fig 4.3.5 Honors Talents personalized cards submission (6.10.2022)

FEEDBACK

WEEK 2 (6.9.2022)

General feedback: Make sure layouts are properly centred. Make sure all information presented is inter-relatable. Downsize numbers by 0.5pts to make everything look more cohesive and smooth.

Specific feedback:

Overall: Focus on the arrangement, and make sure the body text remains at 8-12pts. Mind the gap (paragraph spacing), and keep it consistent. Focus on hierarchy (size & hierarchy)

Axial: leading & paragraph spacing is not consistent. To balance the off-diagonal axis.

Radial: align the info at the dot. Try to anchor to ONE or TWO points only and make sure the points are clear. Does the date need to be so weighted when it is already big in size? Try using a more subtle hierarchy to show contrast. Don't make the viewer have trouble knowing what to read first. Readability first, design second.

There is also no point in having text skewed.

Dilatational: can go more fancy, clear but not memorable. The non-objective elements too strong.

Random: the left design is better, but overall designs could be more chaotic.

Grid: Lacks cohesiveness, don't try to fill in EVERY grid. Use a less weighted typeface as the counter space looks too heavy and affects readability.

Modular: No need for italic, focus more on movement. need to be more cohesive. Rethink the choice of font.

Transitional: Straightforward but not particularly memorable.

Bilateral: Too complex for expansion. Try starting with a central line. Current designs look too complex and bilateral elements are not obvious.

WEEK 3 (14.9.2022)

General feedback: Having consistency in angles is important to provide a more cohesive look & feel.Tone down on the little elements coming out from the type. The reference is important to study the strokes.

Specific feedback: consistency in the gap needs to be improved. Create an outline, increase the stroke, minus front and create better consistency (refer to lecture recording). P needs to form a curve. Introduce a curvature shape into the type while still considering the form of the rice. When there is a cavity space, it has to be visible even in small sizes.

WEEK 4 (21.9.2022)

Specific feedback: More improvements can be made to the curvature of P.

WEEK 5 (28.9.2022)

General Feedback: The wallpaper needs to be smoother and looks more cohesive. Avoid having contrasting elements that are too strong. Consider how the wallpaper may hinder user viewing when apps sit on it. Words should be more prominent as well.

Specific Feedback: The last one has more potential to be wallpaper. 1st 2 are too contrasting. The final "renewal" needs to be more weighted & more prominent. Can select a few leaves to be more saturated than others.

REFLECTION

Through repetition comes variation

Experience

Exercise 1 was surprisingly enjoyable. Yes, I was sort of in crunch mode because I missed the task announcement, but as I start to get into the mood of designing the 8 systems, I actually really enjoyed the process.

Exercise 2 pt 1 has been... Interesting. I think I might've chosen a less interesting motive to work on, or I'm just very burnt out to be able to create a creative-looking font from something so rigid. Though the process was pretty fun, I think I could've done better. oh well, you win some you lose some I guess.

Exercise 2 pt 2 was fun, and having to take our own picture is an added challenge. One I did not enjoy as much 🤡 but overall I'd still rate the experience a nett positive.

Observations

As a designer, we are bound to find loopholes in a rigid framework and work around them. Breaking the rules allow us to create something different, and while not always better, opening up to more possibilities allows us to grow more. That sounded deeper than it was, really, but I had the epiphany, especially when working on exercise 1 lol.

Findings

Through repetition comes variation. Mr Vinod mentioned how heavily referencing good work can be useful in studying each element in detail and I really experienced that in exercise 1. Studying my senior's works and trying to create something similar at the same time not is truly challenging and truly helped me develop my own style of creating my version of the systems.

Dying is good as long as you're not dead.