Advanced Typography GCD61004 Exercise Task 3 Type Exploration & Application

 Advanced Typography GCD61004 Exercise task 3 

Type Exploration & Application

DONG XINBEI / 0359733

Advanced Typography / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media (Hons)

Lecture

Please watch the recording of task 1 and task 2.

INSTRUCTION

                                              

Type Exploration & Application

In this task, the software used in class is required to create the project. Creating 

a font involves developing its style from initial design, which requires additional 

research and discussion. Observing examples provided by the mentor and incorporating their experiences into one's own font creation process can be beneficial.

Observation and research

After Mr. Vinod's explanation, we are now required to research the new font we want to create and showcase them. This is also to lay the groundwork for further research and design of the new font.

Figure 1.1 Observation of font types

Figure 1.2 Observation of font types

Figure 1.3 Observation of font types

Sketches and initial font research

Following Mr. Vinod's advice, I chose a birthday party-themed font style. After researching this, I designed simple font sketches, although these are not the final styles.

Figure 1.4 Sketch

Research and creation

Based on the sketches, we need to utilize Adobe Illustrator software, applying the knowledge acquired in previous courses to execute the basic operations of this task within the software. It is essential to ensure design integrity and meticulous attention to detail, following the steps from previous practice. 

Figure 2.1 Example font

 Before starting the design of the complete font, I used a limited set of letters to create styles, unifying the letters and numbers. This approach helps reduce errors and improve the efficiency of the work.

Figure. 2.2

After determining the size and rough proportions of the letters, I created custom brushes to design the needed strokes. After experimenting, I selected the most suitable ones, utilizing the natural feel of the brushes to express the casual nature of the font.

Figure 2.3

Using the font designed with brushes, I employed the Direct Selection Tool from the toolbar to adjust the edges of the font into wavy lines, designing it to convey the flowing and casual feel of ribbons. Following Mr. Vinod's advice, I modified the initial brush trial design, incorporating the wave pattern into the font and combining it with regular lines to achieve a suitable visual effect.

Figure 2.4

After receiving approval from Mr. Vinod, I also attempted the lowercase letters.

Figure 2.5

Adjustment and standardization of the size for uppercase and lowercase examples of the font.

Figure 2.6

Adjustment of the layout size for all numbers, letters, and symbols.

Figure 2.7

During the course, I presented my designed font to Mr. Vinod. I used a printer to print out the designed font, which made it convenient for corrections. Mr. Vinod believed that, overall, my designed font didn't need too many corrections. However, he pointed out issues with punctuation; the commas and periods were not clearly designed and needed more attention. The two types of brackets required size adjustments, and the tail of double quotation marks should be elongated to enhance the completeness of the final work.

Final Outcome

Figure 2.8 Final Outcome in JPG

FontLab creation

In the next step, we will utilize the font creation software FontLab provided by Mr. Vinod. We will import the font we designed in advance into FontLab for adjustments, unifying the size and height once again. This ensures that all fonts meet certain standards and reduces the likelihood of errors.

Figure 2.8 Importing the font

Figure 2.8 Importing the font

Attempting to adjust the letter spacing and the layout of uppercase and lowercase letters.

Uppercase and lowercase letter spacing size

Figure 2.9

Adjusting uppercase letter spacing

Figure 2.10

Specific detail adjustments

Figure 2.11

Font Presentation and Application

Figure 3.1 font presentations 1

Figure 3.2 font presentations 2

Figure 3.3 font presentations 3

Figure 3.4 font presentations 4

 

Display of ribbon-style font examples

Figure 4.1

Once the layout style is determined, according to the next step, we need to apply the font to layout design. I will design a theme with a similar style and use the created font to showcase the visual effects and overall consistency.

I arranged the font according to the size of the poster. First, I needed to determine their outlines. I used the uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers in the font creation.

Figure 4.2 font application 1  

Figure 4.3 font application 2

Figure 4.4 font application 3

Figure 4.5 font application 4

For the final font applications, I conducted layout design, incorporating the theme into the overall font arrangement, creating a wave-like shape and pattern. This ensures clarity in visual presentation. Numbers and both uppercase and lowercase letters are arranged according to the theme.

Figure 5.1 font application 1 

Figure 5.2 font application 2  

 

Figure 5.3 font application 3  

Figure 5.4 font application 4  

I unified the color scheme for the final font applications, but upon Mr. Vinod's suggestion, I made further adjustments to the colors once again. To align more closely with the theme and style of the font, I utilized the same color palette to design the pieces.

FINAL OUTCOME

Figure 6.1 font application 1 in JPG

Figure 6.2 font application 2  in JPG

Figure 6.3 font application 3  in JPG

Figure 6.4 font application 4  in JPG

Figure 6.5 font application 1 in PDF

 

Figure 6.6 font application 2 in PDF

 

Figure 6.7 font application 3 in PDF

 

Figure 6.8 font application 4 in PDF

REFLECTION

Experience

In the process of designing the font poster, I underwent a challenging and creative journey. Firstly, I clarified my design direction, ensuring a clear vision throughout the entire process. This direction helped me better understand the font style I wanted to convey and set specific goals for the entire project.

Observation

I conducted a series of observations, starting by dedicating time to studying various font styles, including traditional, modern, handwritten, and more. These observations helped me define the overall style I aimed to achieve and provided inspiration for my design. I carefully observed the impact of different colors and shapes on font design, recognizing that choosing appropriate colors and shapes contributes to conveying specific emotions and information.

Findings

In the process of creating the font, I focused on exploring basic elements, laying a solid foundation for the design of subsequent letters. By concentrating on the study of these key letters, I was able to discover and develop unique elements that align with my overall style. This not only allows others to gain a deep understanding of my design thinking but also serves as evidence that the font is carefully thought out and personally designed by me.

FEEDBACK

Week8-ILW

Week9: General Feedback: For designing the style of letters, to create them efficiently, we can start by practicing with the letters H, O, and A, as they encompass many of the basic elements for designing letters.  

Specific Feedback: A comprehensive plan requires a clear direction, only then can I design my font better in the style I want, and this can also let others know what style my font is. In addition, when designing fonts, we need to showcase the entire process, only then can we prove that this font is designed by me.

Week 10: General feedback: When the production of uppercase and lowercase letters side by side, it should be more important to look at the layout, such as each letter of uppercase and lowercase, adjacent letters, visual sense is different.

Specific feedback: No connecting places continue to be filled in, punctuation marks in the double quotation marks below the tail are adjusted appropriately. Adjust all letters and keep the height at a moderate level.

Week 11: General feedback: We will use the application fontlab to complete the next design of your font. Specific: Adjust the overall font size to make it uniform.

Week 12 General feedback: To complete the kerning adjustment, you need to change the rest of it. Specific feedback: you can make a demonstration diagram, the given data as a reference, you can make it into a similar design or design your own.

Week 13 General Feedback: Use a layout of 1024 pixels x 1024 pixels in your upcoming presentation, create styles, and ensure that the height and width do not exceed 1024 pixels. Specific Feedback: For the overall layout, you can make it simple yet engaging in your presentation, rather than making it only attractive but lacking a minimalist style.

Week 14

General Feedback: Confirm the final submission for Task 3 and update the feedback accordingly.

Specific Feedback: Add more details about the experience in the blog, and provide each final outcome in PDF format.

FURTHER READING

Figure 7.1 

"The Elements of Typographic Style" is a classic written by Robert Bringhurst that delves deep into the core principles and elements of typography design. Bringhurst extensively discusses the significance of font selection in the book. He advocates for choosing fonts based on the nature and purpose of the text, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate fonts in different contexts to convey accurate emotions and information. The book highlights the crucial role of font spacing and leading. Proper spacing and leading enhance text readability and influence the overall aesthetics of the layout. Bringhurst elaborates on how to adjust these factors to achieve optimal results.

Figure 7.2

Punctuation is emphasized as not only a part of grammar but also an integral artistic component of typography. It is crucial for conveying meaning and rhythm in the layout. The book also covers rules for numeral typesetting, including text figures and small caps. Bringhurst explains the use of different types of numerals in various contexts to maintain consistency in typography.

In addition to specific typography principles, the book discusses the form and structure of the entire book, including cover design and handling chapter titles. These aspects are equally crucial for creating an attractive and cohesive overall reading experience.