TYPOGRAPHY - TASK 2 Typographic Exploration & Communication

- November 05, 2024 

05.11.2024 -  / Week 7 – Week 8

Yong Sun Lu / 0376945 

Typography / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media 

Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication

TABEL OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Feedback

4. Reflection

5. Further Reading

LECTURES

Lecture: Typo_5_Understanding

Letters / Understanding Letterforms

• The importance of recognizing differences in stroke weight can affect design decisions significantly. As minor details like stroke widths can influence the perception of a typeface.

Fig. 1.1, Understanding Letterforms

Letters

• Baskerville and Universe typefaces illustrate meticulous design, balancing harmony and individuality. Optical sensitivity plays a crucial role in type design.

Fig.1.2, Letters

• Comparing Helvetica and Univers demonstrates differences in character through the finishing of letter stems and the shape of bowls. The connection between bowl and stem strokes varies significantly between typefaces, impacting both aesthetics and readability.

Letters / Form / Counterform

• Just as important as recognizing specific letterforms is developing a sensitivity to the counterform the space describes, and often contained, by the strokes of the form. 

Fig. 1.3, Form / Counterform

Letters / Contrast

• Contrast is a fundamental design principle that helps to differentiate information and create visual interest

Fig. 1.4, Contrast

INSTRUCTION

Fig. 1.5, Module Information Booklet (MIB)

PROCESS WORK AND FEEDBACK

Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication (Text Formatting and Expression)

In this task we were asked to format a text from the file that was given to us by the teacher. In the file contains 3 text and we are free to choose between one of them but using one of the 10 fonts that were given in the previous task, with that being said, i came up with some of these layouts.

Fig. 1.6, Layouts (15/11/2024)

After some even more thinking, i decided that this layout will fit best because of its simplicity and more sensible design.

Fig. 1.7 Layout Chosen Layout (15/11/2024)

FINAL OUTCOME

Fig. 1.8, Task 2 Type Formatting With Grids (PDF) (15/11/2024)

Fig. 1.9, Task 2 Type Formatting Without Grids (PDF) (15/11/2024)

Margins: 12,7 mm

Gutter: 5 mm 

Head 

Font: Futura Std Book

Body 

Font: Univers LT STD 45 Light

Type Size: 12 pt 

Leading: 14 pt 

Paragraph spacing: 14 pt 

Characters per-line: 55-65 

Alignment: left justified

FEEDBACK

Week 6:

General Feedback: The beginning of task 2 which is the new and advanced task formatting from 3 text that was given by the teacher

Specific Feedback: The teacher said that i need to improve more on my headline and make it readable and have some sort of flow

REFLECTION

Experience

In this task, we needed to ensure that our visual expressions aligned with the text content, moving away from previous freedom in interpretation. I enjoyed designing the editorial spread, especially with more options and space compared to our previous task. My research sparked excitement as I discovered interesting layouts, though I found it challenging to create something unique given that we all used the same three texts.

Observations

Through observing my peers' work, I realized that the same text can be expressed in various ways, reflecting individual personalities. I noticed that we often unintentionally imitate previous designs; for instance, the sample editorial spread using the Bauhaus text influenced my brainstorming, leading me to choose a different topic. Consequently, I opted for one of the other topics: "Unite to visualize a better world" or "A code to build on and live by." Additionally, I recognized that I had conducted insufficient research initially, assuming I understood the subject, which led me to correct my approach as I progressed.

Findings

In Task 2, I learned that readability and aesthetics are equally important for effective design. Thinking outside the box is crucial, which can be achieved through extensive research and exposure to diverse ideas. Ultimately, ensuring your design conveys the correct message requires thorough understanding and research to find the best solutions.

FURTHER READING

Fig. 2.0,  Typography Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type, by Ina Saltz, Week 7 (15/11/2024)

Typography Essentials Revised and Updated: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type by Ina Saltz is a comprehensive guide designed for both novice and experienced designers. The book is divided into four sections The Letter, The Word, The Paragraph, and The Page covering 100 essential principles of typography. Each principle is clearly explained and illustrated with inspiring visual examples from various media, making it an accessible reference for effective typographic design.