Advanced Typography Task 1

30.08.2023-13.09.2023 ( Week 1- Week 3 )

Tiffany Tan Xuan /0362472

Bachelor of Design in Creative Media 

Task 1: Exercise 1&2

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LECTURES

WEEK 1

Introduction to Typographic Systems

1. Axial
2. Radial 
3. Dilatational
4. Random
5. Grid 
6. Modular
7. Transitional 
8. Bilateral

A typographic system is a structured and organised approach to using type in design, communication, or other visual contexts. It involves the selection, arrangement, and utilization of various typographic elements to convey information effectively and aesthetically.

Fig 1.0 Introduction to Typographic Systems

WEEK 2

Typographic Systems

Principles of Design Composition: 

Emphasis, Isolation, Repetition, Symmetry Asymmetry, Alignment, Perspective

Fig 1.2 Emphasis

The Rule of Third

he "rule of thirds" is a fundamental guideline in visual composition. It involves dividing an image or design into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, resulting in a grid of nine rectangles.

Fig 1.3 The Rule of Third

Environmental Grids

Based on the exploration of an existing structure or numerous structures combined.

Fig 1.4 Environmental Grids

Form and Movement

The placement of a form on a page, over many pages creates movement. Forms could represent images, text or colour.

WEEK 3

Context & Creativity

Studying handwriting is crucial since early equipment produced letterforms were designed to mimic handwriting. Mechanical type was designed to emulate the form, spacing, and traditions of handwriting. The chapter also discusses how the instruments and supplies used to write by hand, such as pens, charcoal, and bones, affected the distinctive shapes and lines of the written forms.

Letter form thru the ages:

Early Greek (5th century BCE): 

The Phoenicians created a phonetic alphabet with 22 letters based on the Egyptian logo-consonantal system.

Roman Uncials: 

By the fourth century, Roman letters had rounded shapes that required fewer strokes and enabled for quicker writing.

English Half Uncials, 8th C.: 

The uncial took on a more condensed and slanted shape in England.

Carolingian Minuscule: 

The writing style that established the standards for Humanistic writing in the fifteenth century used capital letters at the beginning of sentences, kept spaces between words, and used punctuation. In turn, this Humanistic design served as the basis for our current lowercase Roman font.

Black Letter (12th–15th century CE): 

This style, which was characterised by its close letter spacing and compact letterforms, was also notable for its evenly spaced vertical parts. In order to save money on expensive materials used to produce books, line spacing and letter spacing were compressed.

The Italian Renaissance:

The form of the recently uncovered Antica letterforms was scrutinised in the manner of Renaissance art and architecture. As a result, letterforms were improved upon and rationalised in an effort to achieve higher perfection.

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Task 1 / Exercises: Typographic Systems & Type

For this exercise, we were told to use the 8 typographic system to create the layouts below.

I look over the examples given and made some research of the systems and types.

The following content are: 

The Design School,

Taylor’s University

All Ripped Up: Punk Influences on Design 

or 

The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory 

or 

Russian Constructivism and Graphic Design 

Open Public Lectures:

June 24, 2021

Lew Pik Svonn, 9AM-10AM

Ezrena Mohd., 10AM-11AM

Suzy Sulaiman, 11AM-12PM

June 25, 2021

Lim Whay Yin, 9AM-10AM

Fahmi Reza, 10AM-11AM

Manish Acharia, 11AM-12PM

1. Axial

Fig 2.1 Axial system JPEG 6/9/2023

ITC New Baskerville Std

ITC Garamond Std 

2. Radial

Fig 2.2 Radial system JPEG 6/9/2023

Univers LT Std 

3. Dilatational

Fig 2.3 Dilatational system JPEG 6/9/2023

Gill Sans 

4. Ramdom

Fig 2.4 Random system JPEG 6/9/2023

Gill Sans 

5. Grid

Fig 2.5 Grid system JPEG 6/9/2023

Serifa Std 

6. Modular

Fig 2.6 Modular system JPEG 6/9/2023

Bodoni Std 

7. Transitional

Fig 2.7 Transitional system JPEG 6/9/2023

Bodoni Std 

8. Bilateral

Fig 2.8 Bilateral system JPEG 6/9/2023

ITC New Baskerville Std

ITC Garamond Std 

Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic Systems PDF with grids 6/9/2023

Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic Systems PDF 6/9/2023

Exercise 2 : Type & Play

We were told to find an image then analyse the letterform that contains in the image. The letterform and image must be related and combined seamlessly. 

This is the image I have chosen.

1. Picture selection

Fig 3.1 cloud picture selection 13/9/2023

2. Letterform extraction:

Fig 3.2 Letterform extraction 13/9/2023

3. References:

Firstly, I use a cloud image to find the letterforms. I like the texture of clouds. when I look on the clouds I feel relaxin g and so that I create the letterforms by imitating the clouds.

I found some letters on the image. So, I trace it out. T O U I E is the final letters that I decided to create it. 

Fig 3.3 Letters curves out 13/9/2023

This was the first outcome that I didn't made any changes. I just trace it from the image without modify anything. It looks so cute with the natural curves.

Fig 3.4 Refining letters 13/9/2023

This was my first try to modify the letters. I made it more balanced but I still keep the cloudy shape because I was afraid that ik made too much changes and become the letters not related to the image.

Fig 3.5 last attempt  13/9/2023

This was my last attempt. I changed the letter T to a more balanced side and the outline are smoother than before.

Fig 3.6 screenshot of artwork 13/9/2023

Final: 

Fig 3.7 letterform artwork JPEG 13/9/2023

Fig 3.8 letterform artwork PDF 13/9/2023

I started design my movie poster by using the final outcome of my letterform.

I found some similar pictures that could match my letterforms as the movie poster background. 

Fig 3.9 Background references  20/9/2023

Fig 3.10 Background references  20/9/2023

But I found out these pictures does not match my letterforms. So ended up I chose the first image that I created these letters as the movie background. 

Fig 3.11 progress of poster 20/9/2023

Final movie poster: 

Fig 3.12 Tak 1 Exercise 2 -JPEG 20/9/2023

Fig 3.13 Tak 1 Exercise 2 -PDF 20/9/2023

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FEEDBACKS

Week 2 General Feedback: Mr. Vinod looked at our exercises this week and gve us feedbacks through it. Random system can be random but need the words must be readable. The colour is also important in the layout.

Week 3 General Feedback: Mr. Vinod said the letters and the images must be related and the letters must be extracted as the same shape.

Specific Feedback: The letter T is too wide just need to modify the letter T and the rest letter I made it in a correct way.

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REFLECTIONS

Experience: 

At first I was so stress when doing the typographic system, because I think that was much more harder than homework that we usually do. I never done exercises like that. After I start doing it I think maybe it was not that hard as I think. This homework take so much of my time but overall it was fun. I like the second exercise. We have to find an image and create letterforms from the image. Our letterform need to be related to the image and make a movie poster with the letterforms we designed. 

Observations: 

There are guidelines to follow, as well as many systems that designers might use.  In exercise 2, I discovered that the each letterform's size is important, and they all need to be uniform.

Findings: 

I now have a stronger understanding of each typographic system and how to use them properly as a result of this learning experience.

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FURTHER READING

The elements of typographic style is by Robert Bringhurst is indeed an excellent recommendation for a book on typography. It is considered a definitive guide in the field and is highly regarded by designers and typographers.

In "The Elements of Typographic Style," Bringhurst covers a wide range of topics related to typography, including typefaces, spacing, layout, and the historical development of typography. The book is known for its insightful analysis, in-depth exploration of typographic principles, and its elegant and well-crafted design.

The book provides practical advice and guidance for typographic decisions, making it valuable for both beginners and experienced designers. Bringhurst's writing style is engaging and informative, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in typography and design.

"The Elements of Typographic Style" is widely considered a must-have resource for anyone working with typography, from graphic designers and typographers to writers and editors. It is a timeless reference that will help you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art and craft of typography.

In a conclusion, I think this book is really fun and helpful for those beginner learners. It offers a comprehensive guide to the art and practice of typography, covering topics such as typefaces, spacing, punctuation, and much more. So, I will introduce this book to those who are interested to Typography.