TYPOGRAPHY - FINAL PROJECT
29/05/18 - 26/06/18 (Week 10 - Week 14)
Yeap Phay Min (0331073)
Typography
Final Project - Event Typography
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INSTRUCTIONS
FINAL PROJECT - EVENT TYPOGRAPHY
29/05/18 (Week 10)
There was no class today due to public holiday but we were told to write 150 words on one thing that we love and 150 words on one thing that we hate. It could be about anything we want. Once we have the 150 words written, we were required to format the text according to the tone of the information we wrote. This should be done on two A4 pages (200x200mm) with one page for love and one page for hate. I decided to go with my dog as something that I love, and mess for something that I hate.
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| Fig 1.1: Written text about something I love and hate |
Embedded PDF of text
12/06/18 (Week 12)
It’s e-learning week, therefore we were given the brief on what to do through Facebook. With the two text regarding love and hate, Mr Vinod told us to come up with a short title for both texts. Then, do some sketches on an A4 paper to express the title.
I started by brainstorming a couple of ideas for my short title. Initially, I chose a more general title just using the word "love" and "hate" and tried to sketch a few ideas for it. However I decided to come up with a more specific title that will suit my text on what I love and what I hate, which are dog and mess. Hence, my final title - Canine and Chaos.
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| Fig1.2: Brainstorming ideas for short title |
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| Fig1.3: Sketches for the initial title |
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| Fig1.4: Rough sketches for final title #1 |
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| Fig1.5: Rough sketches for final title #2 |
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| Fig1.6: Final 3 sketches for the title |
19/06/18 (Week 13)
This week, Mr Vinod further briefed us about what the final project is about. Once we were done with the sketches, we were the given the instructions to do some sketches for the layout on how we would combine both texts along with the title into a single square.
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| Fig1.7: Sketches for layout #1 |
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| Fig1.8: Sketches for layout #2 |
After that, we started to transfer our designs and ideas onto InDesign. I decided to experiment several different ways of placing both texts along with the title onto the square.
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| Fig1.9: Experimenting with the layout #1 |
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| Fig1.10: Experimenting with the layout #2 |
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| Fig1.11: Experimenting with the layout #3 |
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| Fig1.12: Experimenting with the layout #3 |
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| Fig1.13: Experimenting with the layout #4 |
I wasn't satisfied with what I've done therefore I decided to further develop it, experiment with other ways to combine both texts and title, as well as expressing it better.
Mr Vinod also suggested that I have a look at some famous designer's work, such as David Carson, Edward Fella, Wolfgang Weingart and Paula Scher. I was mostly drawn to David Carson's work as it showcased some really good abstract yet artistic works. This was ideal for me to look at as I needed inspiration on how I can make my words look expressive.
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| Fig1.14: Work by David Carson #1 |
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| Fig1.15: Work by David Carson #2 |
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| Fig1.16: Second round of experimenting with the layout #1 |
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| Fig1.17: Second round of experimenting with the layout #2 |
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| Fig1.18: Second round of experimenting with the layout #3 |
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| Fig1.19: Second round of experimenting with the layout #4 |
23/06/18 (Week 13)
It's a Saturday today, but we had an extra class to consult with Mr Vinod and Mr Shamsul on what we've done for the final project, and what we could do to make the overall composition look better. I got to show Mr Vinod my second round of designs, and he mentioned that I could reduce the white space by making the the text larger to fill up the space. I also looked around the class and noticed that they had texts place in a shape which looked pretty interesting so I decided to try it out.
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| Fig1.20: Third round of creating the layout #1 |
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| Fig1.21: Third round of creating the layout #2 |
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| Fig1.22: Third round of creating the layout #3 |
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| Fig1.23: Final Outcome - Canine and Chaos |
Embedded PDF of Final Composition
26/06/18 (Week 14)
In the previous class, Mr Vinod told us to get square frames, as we would be framing our final composition in the next class, which is today.
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| Fig1.24: Printed and Framed |
FEEDBACK
19/06/18 (Week 13)
General feedback: We should update our blogs weekly, and not forget about the further reading as it is a part of our research. Our artworks should also be exported as jpeg, not a screenshot. He told us that the presentation of our work is important. For the final project, our thumbnail sketches should be small and done quickly. Once we were done with a layout, we should move on and experiment another way to create our composition.
Specific feedback: For the final project, I could try to experiment with more ways to design my layout. For inspiration, Mr Vinod advised me to have a look at some famous designer’s work that includes really interesting typography. He also said that I could make the title more expressive for the overall design to look better.
23/06/18 (Week 13)
Specific feedback: I could reduce the white space of the composition by making my text larger. He also mentioned that the way I expressed 'chaos' is good, but I could continue to work on the way I express 'canine'.
General feedback: We should update our blogs weekly, and not forget about the further reading as it is a part of our research. Our artworks should also be exported as jpeg, not a screenshot. He told us that the presentation of our work is important. For the final project, our thumbnail sketches should be small and done quickly. Once we were done with a layout, we should move on and experiment another way to create our composition.
Specific feedback: For the final project, I could try to experiment with more ways to design my layout. For inspiration, Mr Vinod advised me to have a look at some famous designer’s work that includes really interesting typography. He also said that I could make the title more expressive for the overall design to look better.
23/06/18 (Week 13)
Specific feedback: I could reduce the white space of the composition by making my text larger. He also mentioned that the way I expressed 'chaos' is good, but I could continue to work on the way I express 'canine'.
26/05/18 (Week 14)
General feedback: For the final project, Mr Vinod said that it is up to us on what size we want to print out for the framing, just as long as it is still readable. For our blogs, we were told to make sure that our embedded files are public, and that they are the right and updated files.
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EXPERIENCE
29/05/18 (Week 10)
This week was a public holiday therefore we had to work from home. We got to write about what we love and what we hate, and format the text.
12/06/18 (Week 12)
I got to come up with a short title and to try expressing it in different ways that will suit, and I also got to work from home since it is an e-learning week.
19/06/18 (Week 13)
We moved on from the sketches and got to experiment with different layouts and compositions to fit our text and title into a square. I also got to experiment with adding text into a shape either using the shape tool or pen tool.
26/05/18 (Week 14)
This week we got to finalise our composition, print it out and frame it in a square frame we were told to get in the previous class.
19/06/18 (Week 13)
We moved on from the sketches and got to experiment with different layouts and compositions to fit our text and title into a square. I also got to experiment with adding text into a shape either using the shape tool or pen tool.
26/05/18 (Week 14)
This week we got to finalise our composition, print it out and frame it in a square frame we were told to get in the previous class.
OBSERVATION
29/05/18 (Week 10)
I observed that when we are formatting the text, it is important to note the line spacing as well as the paragraph spacing.
12/06/18 (Week 12)
I observed that there are many possibilities when it comes to coming up with a title but it is important to make sure that the title matches the meaning of the text.
19/06/18 (Week 13)
I observed that I spent a lot of time trying to sketch different ways to combine the texts and the title, but instead of spending so much time on the thumbnail sketches it was actually better to start experimenting the layout on InDesign. When walking around the class, I also observed how everyone's layouts are really interesting.
26/05/18 (Week 14)
I observed that when I was printing on normal cartridge paper, the grey tones in my layout turned black, but when I printed it on a better quality paper like an art card, the colours look so much better and almost identical to the one in my laptop.
19/06/18 (Week 13)
I observed that I spent a lot of time trying to sketch different ways to combine the texts and the title, but instead of spending so much time on the thumbnail sketches it was actually better to start experimenting the layout on InDesign. When walking around the class, I also observed how everyone's layouts are really interesting.
26/05/18 (Week 14)
I observed that when I was printing on normal cartridge paper, the grey tones in my layout turned black, but when I printed it on a better quality paper like an art card, the colours look so much better and almost identical to the one in my laptop.
FINDINGS
29/05/28 (Week 10)
I realised that it was harder for me to write about what I love instead of what I hate as when I was writing about what I hate, I felt like I was ranting on and on.
12/06/18 (Week 12)
I found that I spent a little too much time coming up with a title instead of the actual sketches as I was so indecisive, but I ended up choosing the title that would suit my text best.
19/06/18 (Week 13)
I found that the way I have been designing the layout and the way I placed my texts were all kind of 'safe', and I could think further to make the composition look better. I also noticed that my composition looks better when I express the text well.
26/06/18 (Week 14)
I noticed that I like the feeling the of satisfaction when I see the hardcopy of my artwork being framed as I prefer having a physical copy of my work rather than just seeing it on my laptop.
19/06/18 (Week 13)
I found that the way I have been designing the layout and the way I placed my texts were all kind of 'safe', and I could think further to make the composition look better. I also noticed that my composition looks better when I express the text well.
26/06/18 (Week 14)
I noticed that I like the feeling the of satisfaction when I see the hardcopy of my artwork being framed as I prefer having a physical copy of my work rather than just seeing it on my laptop.
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FURTHER READING
29/05/18 (Week 10)
Typography by Ambrose / Harris
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| Fig2.1: Book Cover |
From the book, I understood that:
- The writer talks about how type is everywhere and we can pretty much find it everywhere such pages of books, walls, floors and street signs. The writer also proceeded by saying that each typeface showcases a distinct personality.
- The term 'x-height' is used to describe the distance between the baseline and the mean line. The reason why the letter 'x' is used as a gauge is because of its shape where it is flat at both the top and bottom.
- Typeface and type families can be categorised according to their characteristics. Typeface classifications are usually divided into the four basic categories which are block, roman, gothic and script. It is important to know the differences between the variations type to understand which one best suits a particular design.
- Using a single typeface is possible to complete a design. However, more than one typefaces are commonly used in a design as it creates hierarchy which comes in handy to navigate around a publication.
- Text hierarchy is essentially a visual guide for readers, allowing the headings and body text to be well organised. Hierarchy is important as it helps indicate the level of importances through the size or type styles. However it shouldn't be too complicated to the point that the text becomes hard to read and reduces visual harmony.
I found this book to be very informative therefore I decided to read up more about it.
From the chapter “Mixing serifs and sans serif”, I learned and understood that using a sans serif for headlines while using a serif for the body text is one of the oldest forms of tricks in the book. However, there are also other traits about serifs and sans serif that might come in handy.
- Text hierarchy is essentially a visual guide for readers, allowing the headings and body text to be well organised. Hierarchy is important as it helps indicate the level of importances through the size or type styles. However it shouldn't be too complicated to the point that the text becomes hard to read and reduces visual harmony.
12/06/18 (Week 12)
Type Team by Tony Seddon
Type Team by Tony Seddon
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| Fig2.2: Book Cover |
From the chapter “Mixing serifs and sans serif”, I learned and understood that using a sans serif for headlines while using a serif for the body text is one of the oldest forms of tricks in the book. However, there are also other traits about serifs and sans serif that might come in handy.
For example, it may be easier for the eyes to differentiate a serif typeface from another when it is used in a combination, rather than having one serif typeface in a group of san serif faces. Also, sans serif faces can be handled tighter and have lesser inter-character spacing than serif faces, which makes it a suitable choice for space-saving and also to grab the attention of viewers through headlines.
Another thing worth noting is that if the required setting for a design includes a lot of numbers that’s set with a small point size, sans serif numerals are known to be more legible.
Another thing worth noting is that if the required setting for a design includes a lot of numbers that’s set with a small point size, sans serif numerals are known to be more legible.
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| Fig2.3: Example of mixing serifs and sans serif |
19/06/18 (Week 13)
Tasty Stories by Joke Gossé
This book contains food brands that are well-known along with their typefaces that are recognised by many. The brands in the food industry successfully achieves global influence because of their visually strong branding in which focuses on the typography used in the logos, packaging as well as advertising.
The first food brand I was drawn to was KitKat. The style of letterforms for KitKat revolves around the idea of keeping things simple, hence the simple letters which show some characteristics of the typeface Gill Sans, which is a sans serif type that is legible. The letters are also adjusted to be more rounder and streamlined to fit into the oval shape.
The second food brand is Kellogg's. Initially, the founder Will Keith Kellogg would put his signature on the corn flakes packaging as a proof that is was an authentic Kellogg product. Then, a modified version of this signature soon became the logo of the company. The script style has a strong and dynamic handwritten feel to it because of the full and rounded letterforms. It had minor changes through the years, such as the capital letter K, the letter g and the apostrophe. Even with the minor changes, the logotype still remained the overall dimensions.
16/06/18 (Week 14)
Typography Sketchbooks by Steven Heller and Lita Talarico
Tasty Stories by Joke Gossé
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| Fig2.4: Book Cover |
This book contains food brands that are well-known along with their typefaces that are recognised by many. The brands in the food industry successfully achieves global influence because of their visually strong branding in which focuses on the typography used in the logos, packaging as well as advertising.
The first food brand I was drawn to was KitKat. The style of letterforms for KitKat revolves around the idea of keeping things simple, hence the simple letters which show some characteristics of the typeface Gill Sans, which is a sans serif type that is legible. The letters are also adjusted to be more rounder and streamlined to fit into the oval shape.
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| Fig2.5: (Top 2) Gill Sans Regular & (Bottom 2) Gill Sans Italic |
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| Fig2.6: (L) First KitKat wrapper 1937, (R) Dark Chocolate blue wrapper |
The second food brand is Kellogg's. Initially, the founder Will Keith Kellogg would put his signature on the corn flakes packaging as a proof that is was an authentic Kellogg product. Then, a modified version of this signature soon became the logo of the company. The script style has a strong and dynamic handwritten feel to it because of the full and rounded letterforms. It had minor changes through the years, such as the capital letter K, the letter g and the apostrophe. Even with the minor changes, the logotype still remained the overall dimensions.
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| Fig2.7: One of Kellogg's first packaging |
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| Fig2.8: (Top) logotype in 1920, (Bottom) redrawn logotype in 2012 |
16/06/18 (Week 14)
Typography Sketchbooks by Steven Heller and Lita Talarico
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| Fig2.9: Book Cover |
This book mentioned that typography is at the heart of visual communication and many artists are deeply attracted to it, as it is one of the purest forms of a design. This book mainly contains a collection of sketchbooks that reveals how designers including typographers are continuing to look for new and interesting ways to communication through letters.
From this book, I got to look at many different variations of designs that include typography. It is interesting to see the many possibilities of how letters/words can be creatively expressed. A lot of the designs capture the viewer's attention with the way the letters are formed as well as the colour scheme. In addition to that, I love how I get to see the letters being designed from scratch, with just a pen and paper.
Overall, I found this book to be really visually pleasing as it is filled with all sorts of typography designs, and I believe that this book can bring many sorts of inspiration to people.
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| Fig3.0: Examples |
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| Fig3.1: Examples |
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| Fig3.2: Examples |
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| Fig3.3: Examples |
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| Fig3.4: Examples |
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| Fig3.5: Examples |
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