Advanced Typography

August 29, 2023

Advanced Typography - Exercises

30/8/2023 - 13/9/2023 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Katelyn Tan Kye Ling (0354148)
Bachelor Of Design In Creative Media (Advanced Typography)
Exercises 1 & 2

LECTURES

WEEK 1 - 30/8/2023

For the first class of this semester, Mr. Vinod first briefed us on what our module will be about, what platforms we will be using and what assignments are to come. He shared more in depth of the first assignment as it would start right away during out first class. Later on, we were to watch lecture one's video, understand what the axial system is and attempt one text format with that system. Lastly, he gave us a tasks checklist for week 1 and ended the class.

Fig. 1.1 Week 1's Task Checklist

Lecture 1: AdTypo1_Typographic Systems

The 8 Typographic System:

Axial
Radial
Dilatational
Random
Grid
Modular
Transitional
Bilateral

- Typographic organization is complex because the elements are dependent on communication in order to function. Additional criteria such as hierarchy, order of reading, legibility, and contrast also come into play.

- 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.

- It provides a solid framework that allows learners to be guided in their exploration while their intuition develops and matures.

1. Axial System:

- All elements are organised to the left or right of a single axis.

Fig. 1.2 Example of Axel System from type 365

2. Radial System:

- All elements are extended from a point of focus.

Fig. 1.3 Example of Radial System from type 365

3. Dilatational System:

- All elements expand from a central point in a circular fashion

Fig. 1.4 Example of Dilatational System from type 365

4. Random System:

- Elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship.

Fig. 1.5 Example of Random System from type 365

5. Grid System:

- A system of vertical and horizontal divisions.

Fig. 1.6 Example of Grid System from type 365

6. Transitional System:

- An informal system of layered bending

Fig. 1.7 Example of Transitional System from type 365

7. Modular System:

- A series of non-objective elements that are constructed in as a standardised units.

Fig. 1.8 Example of Modular System from type 365

8. Bilateral System:

- All text is arrange symmetrically on a single axis.

Fig. 1.9Example of Bilateral System from type 365

WEEK 2 - 6/9/2023

Today we had our first feedback session for exercise 1. We uploaded our work onto the Facebook page and Mr. Vinod picked a few artworks to give feedback to. Next, Mr. Vinod briefed us on our 2nd exercise along with the Honer competition. He showed us many examples and explained the instructions to us with much detail. Lastly, he asked us to start on our 2nd exercise by first choosing a picture that we'll use for the exercise.

Lecture 2: AdTypo2_Typographic Systems

Principles of Design Composition: Emphasis, isolation, repetition, symmetry and asymmetry, alignment, perspective.

Fig. 2.1 Emphasis

The Rule of Thirds: A photographic guide to composition, it suggest that a frame can be divided into 3 columns and 3 rows. The intersecting lines are used as guides to place the points of interest, within the given space.

Fig. 2.2 Exp of The Rule of Thirds

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

Fig. 2.3 Example of Environmental Grid (From the book: Typographic Form and Communication, pp211.)

Form and Movement: This system is based on the exploration of an existing Grid System. The placement of a form on a page, over many pages creates movement. Forms could represent images, text or colour.

(Developed this system to get students to explore; the multitude of options the grid offers; to dispel the seriousness surrounding the application of grid system; and to see the turning of pages in a book.)

Fig. 2.4 Example of Form and Movement

WEEK 3 - 13/9/2023
We started off by once again getting feedback for our work, but this week was for the 2nd exercise (Type & play). After getting our feedback, we were given time to alter our work and start with the poster that is required for exercise 2. Then Mr. Vinod proceeded by briefing us for task 2 and called it a day.

Lecture 3: AdTypo_3_Context&Creativity

Fig. 3.1 Evolution of the Latin Alphabet

Cuneiform: The earliest system of actual writing, written from left to right and evolved from pictograms.

Fig. 3.2 Cuneiform c. 3000 B.C.E

Hieroglyphs:

- Fused with the art of relief carving.

-Mixed with both rebus and phonetic characters.

- Ideograms, represent the things they actually depict.

- As determinatives to show that the signs preceding are meant as phonograms and to indicate the general idea of the word.

- As phonograms to represent sounds that "spell out" individual words.

Fig. 3.3 Hieroglyphs 2613-2160 B.C.E

Early Greek: Consist of 22 letters. read from left to right then right to left. Drawn freehand, not constructed with compasses and rule, and they had no serifs.

Fig. 3.4 Early Greek / 5th C. B.C.E.

Roman Uncials: By the 4th century Roman letters were becoming more rounded, the curved form allowed for fewer strokes and could be written faster.

Fig. 3.5 Roman Uncials

English Half Uncials (8th C.): In England, the uncial evolved into a more slanted and condensed form.

Fig. 3.6 English Half Uncials, 8th C.

Carolingian Minuscule: Capitals at the start of a sentence, spaces between words and punctuation. It was this style that became the pattern for the Humanistic writing of the fifteenth century; this latter, in turn, was the basis of our lower-case roman type.

Fig. 3.7 Carolingian Minuscule

Black Letter: Characterised by tight spacing and condensed lettering. Evenly spaced verticals dominated the letterform. Condensing line spacing and letter spacing reduced the amount of costly materials in book production.

Fig. 3.8 Black Letter 12-15 C. CE

The Italian Renaissance: Newly rediscovered letterforms Antica. The renaissance analysis of form that was being applied to art and architecture was directed toward letterform — resulting in a more perfect or rationalised letter.

Fig. 3.9 The Italian Renaissance

Movable Type: Was introduced in the 1000-1100 CE. It was pioneered in China but achieved in Korea. In the late 1300-1399 CE, the Koreans establish a foundry to cast movable type in bronze.

Fig. 3.10 Movable Type

Evolution of Middle Eastern Alphabets: Script itself has been possibly influenced by the Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Hieratic Scripts.

Fig. 3.11 Evolution of Middle Eastern Alphabets

Evolution of Chinese Script: From the Oracle bone to Seal Script to Clerical Script, Traditional and Simplified scripts.

Fig. 3.12 Evolution of Chinese Script

The oldest writing found in the ‘Indian’ subcontinent the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) script (3500-2000 BCE), is as yet undeciphered and seems to have been somewhat logo-syllabic in nature.

Fig. 3.13 ‘Indian’ subcontinent the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) script (3500-2000 BCE)

The earliest writing system developed in India after the Indus script. It is one of the most influential writing systems; all modern Indian scripts and several hundred scripts found in Southeast and East Asia are derived from Brahmi.

Fig. 3.14 Brahmi script (450–350 BCE)

INSTRUCTION

Exercise 1 - Typographic Systems

This assignment is about typographic systems. We are to understand the 8 systems and apply our knowledge by creating one text format for each system with the given text.

The 8 systems mentioned above are to be explored using the

following content:

The Design School,

Taylor’s University

All Ripped Up: Punk Influences on Design

The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory

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

Lecture Theatre 12

PROGRESS WORK:

WEEK 1's Attempt:

Fig. 4.1 Attempt 1 - Axial (Week 1 - 30/8/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Gill Sans MT

Right: Futura Std

Fig. 4.2 Attempt 1 - Radial (Week 1 - 31/8/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Janson Text LT Std

Right: ITC Garamond Std

Fig. 4.3 Attempt 1 - Dilatational (Week 1 - 1/9/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Adobe Caslon Pro

Right: Univers LT Std

Fig. 4.4 Attempt 1 - Random (Week 1 - 2/9/2023)

Font Used:

Mixture of a few type of fonts.

Fig. 4.5 Attempt 1 - Grid (Week 1 - 3/9/2023)

Font Used:

Serifa Std

Fig. 4.6 Attempt 1 - Transitional (Week 1 - 4/9/2023)

Font Used:

ITC Garamond Std

Fig. 4.7 Attempt 1 - Modular (Week 1 - 4/9/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Bembo Std

Right: Bembo Std

Fig. 4.8 Attempt 1 - Bilateral (Week 1 - 5/9/2023)

Font Used:

ITC New Baskerville

WEEK 2's Attempt:

Axial System: I changed the whole layout for the axial system since I didn't like the first two layouts plus they didn't follow the system as well.

Fig. 4.9 Attempt 2 - Axial (Week 2 - 7/7/2023)

Font Used:

Futura Std

Radial System: I chose the first layout but switched up some things because there can't be a chunk of words there. I also switched some of the words placement so it'd make more sense.

Fig. 4.10 Attempt 2 - Radial (Week 2 - 7/7/2023)

Font Used:

ITC Garamond Std

Dilatational System: The bottom part of the initial layout was kind of awkward therefore I adjusted it slightly and also tightened the spacing.

Fig. 4.11 Attempt 2 - Dilatational (Week 2 - 7/7/2023)

Font Used:

Adobe Caslon Pro

Random System: Mr. Vinod said it wasn't random enough therefore I added some layers to some of the text that seemed too "neat".

Fig. 4.12 Attempt 2 - Random (Week 2 - 7/7/2023)

Font Used:

Mixture of a few type of fonts.

Bilateral System: Mr. Vinod said my first layout wasn't very symmetrical, therefore I made 2 more layouts that are more symmetrical.

Fig. 4.13 Attempt 2 - Bilateral (Week 2 - 7/7/2023)

Font Used:

ITC New Baskerville

Final Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic Systems

Fig. 4.14 Final Axial System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.15 Final Radial System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.16 Final Dilatational System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.17 Final Random System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.18 Final Grid System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.19 Final Modular System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.20 Final Transitional System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.21 Final Bilateral System - JPEG (Week 2 - 9/9/2023)

Fig. 4.22 Final Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic Systems - PDF (Week 2 - 9/9/2021)

Fig. 4.23 Final Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic Systems (With Grid) - PDF (Week 2 - 9/9/2021)

P.S.: Did not include "Random System" for the PDF with grid as I did not use a grid for that system.

Exercise 2 - Type & Play

First students have to select an image and ensure that the image does not contain many different elements.

Students will then analyse, dissect and identify potential letterforms within the dissected image. The forms would be explored and ultimately digitized. It is expected that through a process of iteration the forms would go from crude representation to a more refined celebration that would reflect to a degree its origins.

Upon completing the letterforms, students will combine the letterforms with a visual of their choosing. The objective is to enhance/support the interplay between the letterforms and the selected visual. The text must be woven into a symbiotic relationship with the image.

Chosen Picture:

Fig. 5.1 Picture For Exercise 2 (6/7/2023)

PPOGRESS:

Identifying Letterforms:

Fig. 5.2 Letters Carved Out (9/9/2023)

Extracting Letterforms:

Fig. 5.3 Letters Carved Out (9/9/2023)

Reference Typeface:

Fig. 5.4 Reference Typeface (Google Fonts - Climate Crisis)

Refined Letterforms:

Attempt 1:

Fig. 5.5 Refining Letters - Attempt 1 (11/9/2023)

Attempt 2:

The lines/cracks were way too thin to see in attempt 1 therefore I made them thicker and made some of the cracks around the shape more obvious as well.

Fig. 5.6 Refining Letters - Attempt 2 (11/9/2023)

Final Letterforms:

Mr. Vinod gave some feedback so I refined the letters again and came up with the final letterforms.

Fig. 5.7 Final Letterforms (Week 2 - 13/9/2023)

Comparison of original extraction and final letterforms:

Fig. 5.8 Original VS Final (13/9/2023)

Poster:

Progress:

I used part of the picture I used to carve out the letters as the background of the poster. I was inspired by survival movie shows when I created the poster.

Fig. 5.9 Poster Progress (Week 2 - 13/9/2023)

I wanted to make the title and the background look more as one so I erased the cracks on the ground so it goes through the letters.

Fig. 5.10 Poster Progress (Week 2 - 13/9/2023)

To add the bottom pictures, I put it into photoshop and removed the black background.

Fig. 5.11 Poster Progress (Week 2 - 13/9/2023)

After feedback from Mr. Vinod, he said that the fonts were too big so I decreased it.

Fig. 5.12 Final Poster (Week 4 - 20/9/2023)

EXERCISE 2 - FINAL SUBMISSION

Fig. 5.7 Final Letterforms (Week 2 - 13/9/2023)

Fig. 5.8 Original VS Final (13/9/2023)

Fig. 5.12 Final Poster (Week 4 - 20/9/2023)

Fig. 5.12 Final Poster - PDF (Week 4 - 20/9/2023)

HONOR COMPETITION:

The category I chose was watches and the theme I chose was Cultural Prosperity - Celebration.

PHEONIX: a unique bird that lived for five or six centuries in the Arabian desert, after this time burning itself on a funeral pyre and rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.

I added outer glow to the phoenix to give it more "oomph".

Fig. Phoenix with reference pic

BACKGROUND: I chose to made an auspicious Chinese style artwork. I used the note paper effect to texturise the background.

Fig. Texturise Background

I added clouds to the background taking inspiration from olden Chinese style artworks.

Fig. Clouds

FINAL OUTCOME:

Fig. Final HONOR Competition

SUBMISSION EVIDENCE:

Fig. Evidence #1

Fig. Evidence #2

FEEDBACK

Week 2: Exercise 1 (Typographic Systems)

General Feedback: Some of the works are acceptable and follow the system however some don't.

Specific Feedback: 1st Axial doesn't follow the system, 2nd one is ok. 1st dilatational is slightly awkward, 2nd one is too distracting, same for 2nd modular system. Random is not random enough. Radial cannot have a whole chunk of words. Bilateral doesn't seem very symmetrical. Grid, 2nd modular, transitional are ok.

Week 3: Exercise 2 (Type & Play)

General Feedback: Overall it is good, got it right on how I carved it out.

Specific Feedback: The letter m and p needs to be more refined. width of the cracks can be thicker.

REFLECTION

Experience

For this 2 exercises, I honestly enjoyed doing them. Playing around with the 8 typographic layouts and learning about them made me amzaed because previously I didn't even know that layouts had names and certain ways of designing them. I was even more awed by the 2nd exercise because I had so much fun looking for letterforms within a picture as I would've never thought of that before this exercise.

Observation

Layouts on books and websites are not simply designed by a designer. There are rules to follow and different systems we designers can follow. I noticed that colours play a very important role in layouts. It can sometimes be too distracting which causes readers to not get the memo. For exercise 2, I noticed that the width of certain lines within the letterforms are important and affects the look of a letterform a lot. The size of each letterform is important as well as they all have to be consistent.

Findings

I find that layouts are not as easy to design as they look. Because even after following the rules of the systems, a layout might not look good. It can be due to the font, colour, placement of text etc. Therefore there are many things to consider when designing a layout. I also find myself looking more at different objects and pictures a different way as I see letters in them now. This shows that many things in our daily lives can be related to typography. I find myself appreciating the work of typography more because it really takes a lot of time and effort for a designer to design a piece of art.