ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY / TASK 1 : EXERCISE
28.03.2022 - 00.00.000 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Muhammad Azka Farezi Septenal / 0351345 / Bachelor of Design (hons) in
Cretive Media
Advanced Typography
Task 1 : Exercises Typographic Systems & Type & Play
JUMP LINK :
Lecture :
Exercises :
LECTURES
WEEK 1 : LECTURE 1
Advanced Typography : Typographic System
- "All design is based on a structural system" and according to Elam , 2007 , there are eight major variations with an infinite number of permutations. These eight major variations are as follows :
- Axial
- Radial
- Dilatational
- Random
- Grid
- Modular
- Transitional
- Bilateral
- Typographical organization is complex because the elements are dependent on communication in order to function. Additional criteria are also come into play such as :
- Hierarchy
- Order of Reading
- Legibility
- Contrast
- The Typography systems are akin to what architects term shape grammars. The typographic systems are similar that the systems has a set of rules that is unique and provides a sense of purpose that focuses and directs the decision making. ( Elam, 2007 )
- While some may feel this imposition takes away intuition from a teaching point of view it provides a solid framework that allows learners to be guided in their exploration while their intuition develops and matures.
Axial System
- Axial System : All elements are organized to the left or right of a single axis. The information is divided into different group within a single line ( Red line )
Figure 0.1 Example for Axis System
Radial System
- Radial System : All elements are extended from a point of focus
Figure 0.2 Example for Radial System
- Dilatational System : All elements are expand from a central point in a circular fashion. The information can be placed on either side or in the line of the circle whereas you can place it with hierarchical manner.
Figure 0.3 Example for Dilatational System
Random System
- Random System : Elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship. It may takes a while for people ( especially for the perfectionists ) to comprehend this type of system.
Figure 0.4 Example for Random System
Grid System
- Grid System : A system of vertical and horizontal divisions. Grid system is also one of the most used system in this typographic system.
Figure 0.5 Example for Grid System
Modular System
- Modular System : A series of non-objective elements that are constructed in as a standardized units. All of the elements or units ( Red square ) must be in the same size and it is also adjustable as long as occupies a particular unit of space.
Figure 0.6 Example for Modular System
Transitional System
- Transitional System : An informal system of layered banding.
Figure 0.7 Example for Transitional System
Bilateral System
- Bilateral System : All text is arranged symmetrically on single axis
Figure 0.8 Example for Bilateral System
Conclusion :
- Student designers may initially find the system awkward but as work develops and understanding of the systems emerges whereby its creative potential ( in terms of its permutations or combined uses ) is realized.
- Many designers focus primarily on the grid system for design and are unaware of the potential that other systems hold. This here system is one of many possibilities that affords some level of distinctiveness from the grid systems in certain situations.
- An understanding of the systems organization process allows the designer to break free from "the grid horizontal and vertical grid systems of letter press" ( Elam, 2007 ). It allows designer to use more fluid means to create typographic messages.
WEEK 2 : LECTURE 2
Advanced Typography : Typographic Composition
Principle of Design Composition
- When we think about composition, we think about the dominant principles underpinning design composition, which are emphasis, isolation, repetition, symmetry and asymmetry, Alignment, perspective to name a few.
- However these abstract notions seem ambiguous when it comes to translating it into typographic layouts or composition. They seem more relevant to imagery than complex units of information that consist different elements.
- The ideas mentioned above and the application of these ideas into real-life content (images, textual information and color) on a page or screen can sometimes feel disparate. That said, some of these principles are a little more easily translatable than the others.
Figure 0.9 Typographic Composition
The Rule of Thirds
- The rule of thirds is a photographic guide to composition, it basically suggest that a frame (space) can be divided into 3 columns and 3 rows. The intersecting lines are used as guide to place the points of interest, within the given space.
Figure 0.10 Rule of Thirds
Typographic System
- These 8 systems we have covered in depth in theory and practical. From the 8 systems the most pragmatic and the most used system is the Grid system (or Raster System). Which is derived from the guided compositional structure or letter press printing.
- It was further enhanced by what is now come to be termed as the Swiss (modernist) style of Typography, with its foremost proponents being Josef Mutler Brockmann, Jan Tschichold, Max Bill and Such.
Figure 0.11 Typographic System
- In reaction to this very ordered approach to Typography of the modernist era, a group of younger designers began to question and challenge this notion of order. Thus was born the post-modernist era in Typographical systems where chaos, randomness and asymmetry were explored. Legibility and relatability were relegated to the back seat however the bests examples seem to combine the two seamlessly. Its proponents include : David Carson, Paula Scher, Jonathan Barnbrook, to name a few.
- There was a method to their madness. Order was replaced with apparent chaos but this chaos was exciting and 'new' for a generation that was being exposed to Punk anti-establishment thought and music. As such the asymmetry, random, repetition, dilatational and radial systems began to take root in the lexicon of designer.
Other Models / Systems
Environmental Grid
- This system is based on the exploration of an existing structure or numerous structures combined. An extraction of crucial lines both curved and straight are formed. The designer then organizes his information around this super-structure, which includes non-objective elements to create a unique and exciting mixture of texture and visual stimuli.
- It is an interesting manner of exploration and provides context to the forms developed in the designs -- context why? due to the fact that the systems/structures were developed around the key features of an environment associated to the communicators of the message.
Figure 0.12 Environmental Grid
Form and Movement
- This system is based on the exploration of an existing Grid Systems. I developed this system to get students to explore; the multitude of options the grid offer; to dispel the seriousness surrounding the application of the grid system; and to see the turning of pages in a book as a slowed-down animation in the form that constitutes the placement of image, text and color.
- The placement of a form (irrespective of what it is) on a page, over many pages creates movement. Whether the page is paper or screen is irrelevant.
Figure 0.13 Form and Movement
INSTRUCTION :
EXERCISES :
EXERCISE 1 : TYPOGRAPHIC SYSTEM
We are tasked with creating eight different typographic systems for this
exercise: Axial, Radial, Dilatational, Random, Grid, Modular,
Transitional, and Bilateral. Students must investigate the provided Fonts
and put them into action using Adobe In Design. It is also suggested that
we watch the lecture videos provided by our lecturer (Mr. Vinod).
- RESEARCH
While working on my typographic systems, I found a lot of inspiration
on Pinterest and Behance. I also read some books from the internet to
help me understand this subject even better.
Figure 1.9 References and Inspiration
I did my best to compile all of the references I gathered from
Behance and Pinterest. Because it appears simple yet expensive, I used
many elements from these images to create a new typographic system.
So, for this exercise, I'd like to challenge myself to create
something simple but powerful for my audience.
- SKETCHES AND DOCUMENTATION
Figure 1.10 Sketches from Illustrator (29/03/2022)
I began creating typographic system layouts in Adobe Illustrator
because I wanted to find appropriate sketches or layouts before
executing it in Adobe InDesign. I attempted to explore and use many
compositions and spaces from each design to create a pleasing balance
typographic systems while avoiding the use of many graphical elements
from this exercise.
- INDESIGN PROGRESSION AND EXECUTION
Figure 1.11 InDesign Progress (Grids and Guides) (29/03/2022)
These images depict some of the progress made while working on this
exercise. Futura and ITC New Baskerville were the primary fonts I
used for this exercise. On some of my typographic systems, I also
attempted to combine those typefaces.
- LAYOUT (BEFORE FEEDBACK)
Figure 1.12 Axial First Attempt (29/03/2022)
In my opinion, these compositions are very interesting and
appealing. This composition appealed to me because it was clean,
simple, and quirky. I also tried to incorporate several different
fonts into a single composition.
Fonts Used :
Left : Futura Std. ( Bold, Book Oblique).
Middle : Futura Std. ( Bold, Book Oblique). ITC New Baskerville
(Italic)
Right : Futura Std. ( Bold, Book Oblique). ITC New Baskerville
(Italic)
Figure 1.13 Radial First Attempt (29/03/2022)
I'm completely smitten with this composition. Despite the fact that
I was only able to create a single composition, I really liked this
design because of the colour themes (Dark green, Black, and White).
However, I discovered that some of the texts are not radial, and I
also forgot to include the entire title in this composition.
Fonts Used :
Middle : Futura Std. ( Bold ). ITC New Baskerville (Bold Italic)
Figure 1.14 Dilatational First Attempt (29/03/2022)
I've had a lot of trouble with this type of typography. While
planning this composition, I had an intense brainstorm because it
was difficult to create all texts to be dilatational and we had to
consider readability from our design. But, in the end, I really
like this composition.
Fonts Used :
Middle : Futura Std. (Bold)
Figure 1.15 Random First Attempt (29/03/2022)
To be honest, I can't deny that I enjoy making these compositions.
The Left and Right compositions may not be the most random
compositions I've ever made, but I love them because I enjoyed
making them. However, the middle one is also appealing and appears
to be random yet consistent.
Fonts Used :
Left : Futura Std. (Bold). ITC New Baskerville (Bold Italic).
Adobe Caslon Pro (Bold Italic)
Middle : Futura Std. (Bold). ITC New Baskerville (Bold Italic).
Adobe Caslon Pro (Bold Italic)
Figure 1.16 Grid First Attempt (29/03/2022)
These compositions also took some time for me to complete because
they use a very simple typographic system. I believe that the
easier the composition, the more difficult it will be. So I was
afraid to create a simple composition because I was afraid it
would be too simple or not explore enough, but I also didn't want
to create an overcomplicated or complex composition.
Fonts Used :
Left : Futura Std. (Medium Oblique, Book Oblique, Bold). ITC New
Baskerville (Bold Italic)
Middle : Futura Std. (Bold,Book Oblique ).
Right : Futura Std. ( Bold, Book Oblique). ITC New
Baskerville (Italic)
Figure 1.17 Modular First Attempt (29/03/2022)
Modular, like grid, is quite complicated for me. It is difficult
because the way we make it is similar to previous compositions
(Grid). If I'm being honest, I'm not particularly drawn to these
designs because they are too mainstream and lack originality.
Fonts Used :
Left : Futura Std. (Book Oblique, Bold). ITC New Baskerville
(Bold Italic)
Middle : Futura Std. (Book Oblique, Bold).
Figure 1.18 Transitional First Attempt (29/03/2022)
I also struggled a lot with the typography. It was extremely
difficult to create a fluid or moving composition. I tried many
times to create a transition design, but each time it failed
miserably. Finally, I attempted to read from several books in
order to improve my knowledge of transition, and I created these
three compositions.
Fonts Used :
Left : Futura Std. (A lot.....)
Right : Futura Std. (Book Oblique, Bold). ITC New Baskerville
(Bold Italic)
Figure 1.19 Bilateral First Attempt (29/03/2022)
Finally, bilaterally, I enjoyed creating this composition because
it is so simple and I understand it better than the others. I
tried to experiment with what I had in Adobe InDesign, so I
decided to make a simple yet expensive composition.
Fonts Used :
Left : Futura Std. (Book Oblique, Bold). ITC New Baskerville
(Italic)
Middle : Futura Std. (Book Oblique, Bold). ITC New Baskerville
(Italic)
Right : Futura Std. (Book Oblique, Bold). ITC New Baskerville
(Italic)
Figure 1.20 Layout PDF (29/03/2022)
Figure 1.21 Layout PDF (guide line) - (29/03/2022)
- LAYOUT (AFTER FEEDBACK)
Figure 1.23 Grid (Revised) - (04/04/2022)
Mr Vinod observed that my previous composition was adequate
but could be improved by adding some elements or changing the
composition to eliminate unnecessary spaces. As a result, I
decided to include some minor graphical elements in both of my
designs.
Figure 1.24 Modular (Revised) - (04/04/2022)
My previous composition, I felt, was not convincing enough to
be called Modular. So I decided to change my entire
composition until it was convincing enough to be labelled
modular. I also attempted to remove some superfluous graphical
elements from this composition.
Figure 1.25 Transitional (Revised) - (04/04/2022)
Mr Vinod commented that this composition isn't strong enough
and doesn't look like a transitional, so I decided to delve
even deeper into transitional by reading some e-books about
typographic systems and also finding a suitable reference from
internet browsers like Pinterest and Behance until I made
these final compositions.
Figure 1.26 Bilateral (Revised) - (04/04/2022)
This composition contains no significant improvements or
changes. Following Mr Vinod's advice, I removed several
unnecessary graphical elements from the right composition. In
addition,
I attempted to stick the texts from the left composition to make
it appear bilateral.
- FINAL LAYOUT
Figure 1.27 Final Axial System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.28 Final Radial System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.29 Final Dilatational System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.30 Final Random System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.31 Final Grid System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.32 Final Modular System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.33 Final Transitional System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.34 Final Bilateral System (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.35 Final System PDF (04/04/2022)
Figure 1.36 Final System PDF (guide line) - (04/04/2022)
EXERCISE 2 : TYPE & PLAY
- RESEARCH
Figure 2.1 Chosen Objects (09/04/2022)
For this exercise, I chose to continue with butterflies, which I
believe will be interesting to learn and explore throughout this
project. I came across this image on Pinterest while looking for a
suitable image to complete this exercise. I attempted to identify this
image in order to determine a possible letterform from it
(butterfly).
Figure 2.2 Traced Letters - W,A,V,Y (09/04/2022)
I extracted four different letterforms from this image, which are
W,A,V,Y, using Adobe Illustrator's pen tool. I'm having trouble
finding a good and logical letterform from this image, and I've spent
about 3 hours looking at it. Finally, I figured out the four letters I
mentioned earlier.
- SKETCHES AND DOCUMENTATION
The next step will be to use Adobe Illustrator to extract the
typefaces that we discovered from our objects. We would need to
simplify our text, and we could also look into improving our
typefaces.
Figure 2.3 Adobe Illustrator
Figure 2.4 Extracted Font
Following that, I used Adobe Illustrator to extract the letter
faces I discovered in the butterfly pattern. To make the font more
consistent, I tried to simplify it by adjusting the position and
rotation of the V letter.
- REFINING PROGRESS #1
Figure 2.5 Original Layout (05/04/2022)
I'd like to use the original typefaces that I extracted from the
previous image that I found on Pinterest to refine my progress.
This would be the main idea of the future font after it had been
refined.
Figure 2.6 Refine #1 (05/04/2022)
Because butterflies have a curved pattern on both their pattern
and their shape, I'd like to use this font to emulate it. So I
added a few elements to the letters to make a curve or circle
shape.
Figure 2.7 Refine #2 (05/04/2022)
I just finished this one and added some extra or detail elements to
the letters. I add several exaggerated objects and shapes to the
image to ensure that everything is in place.
- REFINING PROGRESS #2
Figure 2.8 Refined Letterforms (05/04/2022)
Here is the final extracted letterform that I discovered from the earlier picture of the Butterly. I'll keep working on this layout and combine it with the font reference Mr Vinod suggested. I'll also try to refine and simplify it even more in order to come up with a great final typeface.
Figure 2.9 References #1 (05/04/2022)
As suggested by our lecturer, we will need to find a reference to improve the readability of our letterforms and to make refining our typefaces much easier. On this occasion, I chose Futura as my reference, which I will later combine with my extracted letterform.
Figure 2.10 Refine #1 (05/04/2022)
Here's how my letterform looked after I combined it with the Futura font for the first time. Because some of the elements can be improved, I decided to improve this letterform twice until I found a good letterform. I added the curve shape to this Font, but I still want to keep the sharpness of Futura.
Figure 2.11 Refine #2 (05/05/2022)
The final typefaces from this exercise are shown below. In comparison to previous work I've done before this letterform, I'd say I'm quite satisfied. Even though it doesn't look much like a butterfly, I like it because the wave reminds me of a butterfly.
- FINAL PART (TYPE AND PLAY)
Figure 2.12 Extracted and Final Letterforms (05/04/2022)
Figure 2.13 Final "W' (05/04/2022)
Figure 2.14 Final "A" (05/04/2022)
Figure 2.15 Final "V" (05/04/2022)
Figure 2.16 Final "Y" (05/04/2022)
Figure 2.17 Final Letterform (PDF) - (05/04/2022)
EXERCISE 3 : TYPE & IMAGE
We'll need to find and combine typefaces and images for the final
exercise. Students must create a logical relationship between the selected
objects and typefaces in order to create a new graphic design from these
two elements. We'll need to come up with a suitable and believable
combination of these elements and document it on our blog.
- RESEARCH
To find a suitable images for this type of exercise, I ended up
choose Pinterest as my resource for the pictures I chose. I
found many interesting images that they provided but I only utilize
4 from 10 picture that I found from this website.
Figure 3.1 Interesting Images From Pinterest (23/04/2022)
- LAYOUT (BEFORE FEEDBACK)
Figure 3.2 Layout #1 (23/04/2022)
I was attempting to flip up the gap or space left by the word cloudy
for this image. It was supposed to be a cloud, but it turned out to be
smoke rather than a cloud. I didn't do anything with the other object
because the word itself is the main focus of this image. Mr Vinod
advised me to play with the word cloudy or to create clouds around it
to make it more believable.
Font Used : Futura Std, Bold
Tools Used :
Perspective Wrap : To wrap the "Cloudy" word.
Brush : Customize the brush as if it looks like a cloud and convert it
through the text.
Blending Option : To help me adjust the shading, contour, and
inner/outer glow from the cloud.
Brush : Assist me to create the lighting effect above the cloud.
Figure 3.3 Layout #2 (23/04/2022)
I really like this layout; at first, I thought it had nothing to do
with the foams in the picture, but a friend told me that it was far
superior to the first one. She claimed that the bubble word enhanced
the image and made it more interesting than the original.
However, Mr Vinod suggested that I insert several foams into the
text to make it more realistic, but this is an optional step, so it
is up to me. However, I found what Mr Vinod said to be important and
valuable to me, so I'll elaborate on it later.
Font Used : Futura Std. Bold
Tools Used :
Blending Option : To help me adjust the Bevel, Inner shadow/glow, and
opacity from the texts.
Brush : To help me adding some elements such as shadow into the
picture.
Figure 3.4 Layout #3 (23/04/2022)
I honestly had no intention of showing this to the class. I was bored
at the time, so I tried to make another picture, and this is the
result. Mr Vinod confirmed that it worked as well, but there are
several things that could be improved from this image. He likes the
idea of using a gradient on the word fluid, but I need to pay
attention to the color bold from the "fluid" text and make it look
like the bubble in the image.
Font Used : Futura Std. Heavy
Tools Used :
Blending Option : It helps me to create the gradient effects and
adjusting the contour as well as the shadow from the text.
Liquify : To help me wrap the text.
Perspective Wrap : To also help me wrapping the text.
Figure 3.5 Layout #4 (23/04/2022)
To be honest, I didn't like the outcome of this photograph. It has
nothing to do with the image, but the text behind it is completely
unnecessary and has no bearing on the image itself. I ruined the
beautiful Pinterest image by experimenting too much with the Photoshop
tool.
Mr Vinod agreed with my assessment and suggested that I work with the
other image. So I'm not going to use this image.
Font Used : Futura Std. Heavy
Tools Used :
Blending Option : It helps me to create the gradient effects and
adjusting the contour as well as the shadow from the text.
Liquify : To help me wrap the text.
Perspective Wrap : To also help me wrapping the text.
- LAYOUT (AFTER FEEDBACK)
Figure 3.6 Layout #1 (23/04/2022)
Nothing much changes from this composition. As suggested from Mr Vinod,
I attempted to add some clouds to the picture, but I completely
frustrated because it's quite challenging for me to match the
clouds with the word "cloudy". As the result, I just added slight
cloud to the picture and adjust the opacity of the "cloudy" text.
Changes :
Slightly cloud effect under the "cloudy" word.
Adjust the word of "cloudy"
Several changes colors from this picture.
Figure 3.7 Layout #2 (23/04/2022)
A few changes have been made to this image. This image now feels more
relatable and realistic to me than it did before. I attempted to use
the bubbles from the original image to make the letter "bubble" look
even foamier than the previous one. I'm pleased with the outcome and
appreciate what Mr Vinod suggested.
Changes :
Several bubbles added into the the bubble letters
Several changes colors from this picture.
- FINAL LAYOUT (TYPE AND IMAGE)
Figure 3.8 Final Layout "BUBBLE" (23/04/2022)
Figure 3.9 Final Layout "CLOUDY" (23/04/2022)
Figure 3.10 Final Layout (PDF) - (23/04/2022)
FEEDBACK :
Week 2 : Typographic System
- General Feedback :
Mr Vinod provided us with quick but detailed feedback on our first
exercise. He stated that my work was not bad or okay, and that while
some compositions could be improved, the composition as a whole was
good and acceptable.
- Specific Feedback :
- Axial :
The composition is not bad, in fact, it is excellent. However, for
the left composition, I need to be more careful with the graphical
elements
- Random :
The one in the middle is unquestionably random. It could be more
random, but it is still acceptable to call it random.
- Grid :
It's fine. There should be something for the middle composition, and
some of the texts should not be repeated.
- Modular :
Because there was no grid, it was difficult for him to provide me
with feedback. However, there is still room for improvement.
- Transitional :
Could be more transitional.
Week 3 : Finding Type
- General Feedback :
Mr Vinod provided us with feedback on our work. He made a comment and offered us some suggestions and solutions to some of the students' problems. He also showed me his typeface recommendations based on the image I chose from Pinterest. He instructed me and advised me to do as he said.
- Specific Feedback :
He told me that I could improve my work. It appears to be fine if it is a water, but he stated that it lacks representation of the butterfly that I chose. He offered me some solutions, but he also stated that I could continue with my current work because everything is up to me, and he was only making a suggestion.
Week 4 :
- General Feedback :
Mr Vinod was able to provide us with valuable feedback. He appears to be pleased with all of the students' work. He also presented us with our next project, and our class concluded with all of the students receiving his feedback.
- Specific Feedback :
He assured me that the first (Cloudy) and second (Bubble) would be perfect for this exercise. Cloudy was good, he said, and bubble was far superior to the others. However, he stated that the other two (fluid and dancing all day) could be improved, but he suggested that those two images be used ( cloudy and bubble).
REFLECTION :
Experience :
- To be completely honest, I was struggling with the first and second exercises because they were far too difficult for me. However, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this class. Mr Vinod has provided me with numerous valuable comments and feedback. I also believe that every moment captured in this class will serve as a valuable lesson for us in the future. Even though this exercise was extremely difficult for me, I am proud of myself for completing it with the assistance of Mr Vinod and my friends.
Observation :
- I can see that creating typefaces and experimenting with various letterforms wasn't all that difficult. Although these are not my strengths or favorite aspects of graphic design, I can demonstrate that I am capable of producing this type of work. I also realized that we can do a lot with typefaces in typography, which I believe will be useful for all graphic designers in the future.
Findings :
- This exercise, I discovered, opened our eyes as design graphic students to explore and dig down our creativity about typefaces and letterforms. Not only did we learn about composition, but we also learned how to combine our tastes or preferences and nature into one typeface. We were also challenged to create a matching image and typeface in order to better prepare ourselves for working in the industry.
FURTHER READING :
Elam, K. (2007) . Typographic Systems. Princeton Architectural Press, New
York.
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