Advanced Typography Task 1: Exercises

March 28, 2022

Advanced Typography Task 1: Exercises

28/03/2022 - 01/05/2022 (Week 1 - Week 5)
Evaleez Voo Lian Yun / 0350275
Advanced Typography/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 1: Exercises

Lectures

Week 1

Typographic Systems

The typographic systems = shape grammars.
Has a set of rules that is unique and provides a sense of purpose that focuses and directs the decision making.
Eight major variations:

Axial
Radial
Dilatational
Random
Grid
Modular
Transitional
Bilateral

Axial System

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

Fig 1.0 Axial System 1 (28/03/22)
Source: Type 365

Fig 1.1 Axial System 2 (28/03/22)
Source: Type 365

Radial System

All elements are extended from a point of focus.
Examples:

Fig 1.2 Radial System (28/03/22)
Source: Type 365

Dilational System

All elements expand from a central point in a circular fashion
Example:

Fig 1.3 Dilational System (28/03/22)
Source: Julius Teoh Hoong Boon

Random System

Elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship.
Example:

Fig 1.4 Random System (28/03/22)
Source: Tamara Audrey

Grid System

A system of vertical and horizontal divisions.
Example:

Fig1.5 Grid System (28/03/22)
Source: Tamara Audrey

Transitional System

An informal system of layered banding.
Example:

Fig 1.6 Transitional System (28/03/22)
Source: Type 365

Modular System

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

Fig 1.7 Modular System 1 (28/03/22)
Source: Julius Teoh Hoong Boon

Fig 1.8 Modular System 2 (28/03/22)
Source: Tamara Audrey

Bilateral System

All text is arranged symmetrically on a single axis
Example:

Fig 1.9 Bilateral System 1 (28/03/22)
Source Vedha Vania

Fig 2.0 Bilateral System 2 (28/03/22)
Source: Tamara Audrey

Notes:

Lecture 2: Typographic Composition

Principles of Design

1. Emphasis

Fig 2.1 Emphasis
Soure: Lecture

2. Rule of Thirds

Suggest that a frame that can be divided into 3 columns and 3 rows.
Intersecting lines are are used as guide to place the points of interest.

Fig 2.2 Rule of Thirds
Source: Lecture

Other Typographic Systems

1. Environmental Grid

Fig 2.3 Environmental Grid
Source: Lecture

Based on the exploration of an existing structure or numerous structures combined.
Form curved and straight lines and use them to organize information.
Creates a unique and exciting mixture of texture and visual stimuli.

2. Form and Movement

Fig 2.4 Form and Movement
Source: Lecture

Based on the exploration of an existing Grid Systems.
See the turning of pages in a book as a slowed-down animation.
^ guide to the placement of text, image and colour.

Lecture 4: Designing Type

1. Research

When creating type, we should understand type history, type anatomy and type conventions.
Determine the type’s purpose or what it would be used for.
Examine existing fonts that are presently being used for inspiration/ideas/reference/context/usage pattern/etc.

2. Sketching

Can use traditional tool set (brushes/ pens, ink and paper) then digitize or vice versa.
Digital tools are much quicker, persistent, and consistent but this can sometimes impede the natural movement of hand strokes.

3. Digitization

There are professional software that are used in the digitization of typefaces, amongst the leading software are: FontLab and Glyphs App.
Attention should not only be given to the whole form at this stage but also to the counter form. The readability of the typeface is heavily dependent on it.

4. Testing

Part of the process of refining and correcting aspects of the typeface. Leads to important feedback.
Depending on the typeface category (display type/text typ) the readability and legibility of the the typeface becomes an important consideration.
However it is not as crucial if the typeface is a display type, where expression of the form takes a little more precedence.

5. Deploy

Even after deploying a completed typeface there are always teething problems that did not come to the fore during the prototyping and testing phases.
Testing is important in so that the teething issue remain minor.

Instructions

Exercise 1: Typographic Systems

Visual Research

For visual research, I browsed through Typographic Systems by Kimberly Elam. Some interesting finds:

Fig 2.5 Visual Research (30/03/22)
Source: Typographic Systems

In the above photo, the author talked about how different placements of nonobjective elements such as the circle will lead different effects to the readers. Not only do these elements act as a starting point, it can be used as a stopping point or create tension.

Fig 2.6 Visual Research (30/03/22)
Source: Typographic Systems

This this section, the author described how the axial system work and how to make the best of our letters. This the example above, the number 1 creates a strong vertical stress on the composition. Emphasis on the vertical is also increases when the stroke bleeds off to the letter "h" under it.

Fig 2.7 Visual Research (30/03/22)
Source: Typographic Systems

The usage of shapes to create an enclosure was also discussed in the book. In the composition above, the white rectangle encloses the title and divides the background space.

Idea Exploration

Axial System

Week 1

For this system, I wanted to play with opacity and create an axis from my shapes. The first thing I did was great guidlines so my final output would look more organized. I lined the words into alteranate sections between left and right of the axis and started the process of adding rectangles in the background.

Fig 2.8 Axial System Attempt #1, #2 (31/03/22)

After arranging the shapes, I added a circle at the top to gives readers a starting point. With some contemplation I decided to go for a red circle. Besides that, the rectangle at the very bottom stretches out of the page on the right, so readers have an exit or "moving on" point from the composition.

Fig 2.9 Axial System Attempt #3, #4 (31/03/22)

I also tested out a half circle instead of a full one. On the right was an attempt to see what the composition would look like if the background was flipped backwards. I ued a black circle in attempt #4 to use it as a stopping point.

Fonts: Futura std (Heavy)

Week 2

Fig 3.0 Axial System Attempt #5

The feedback I received from Week 2 class was good on this composition, so I didn't change much of the layout. I moved the "12" From "Lecture Theatre 12" to the bottom and adjusted the alignments of the "Lim Whay Yin..." paragraph.

Fonts: Futura std (Heavy)

Radial System

Week 1

Radial systems extend from a point of focus, and that reminded me of fireworks, as it also extended from a point whe blown up. So, I tried to implement that on my composition.

Fig 3.1 Radial System Attempt #1, #2 (01/04/22)

I used a red circle to add focus on the composition. Meawhile, the title bleeds in with the black rectangle into the composition from outside the paper and creeps towards the red circle. The schedules are then added to radiate out of it.

Fig3.2 Radial System Attempt #3 (03/04/22)

This composition was an experiment with the crossing letters . I don't particularly like this and there's probably a better way to redo it, but alas, my head was empty.

Fonts: Gill Sans Std (Bold, Regular, Bold Italic, Light Italic)

Week 2

Fig 3.3 Radial Attempt #4 #5 (09/04/22)

From Week 2 feeback, I was told that my radial attempts were good. However, Mr Vinod has stated that we should not use too many non onbjective elements in our composition. Moreover, I also thought that my previous attempts looked too messy, so I decided to redo the whole thing.

In Attempt #4 and #5 I enlarged the circle where the words will radiate out of and experimented on the placment of the circles.

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Semibold, Bold)

Dilational System

Week 1

Fig 3.4 Dilational System Attempt #1, #2 (01/04/22)

In attempt 1, I added the crossing lines from the radial system as both of these are quite interconnected. Attempt #1 uses a red dot to bring the focus of the audience to the title "The ABCs of Bahaus Design Theory", with curves arching towards the timetable and connecting the venue and the end.

For attempt #2 I used the term dilational literally. I added emphasis to the title by using the colour red and increasing its size. There is also an implied axis in the middle of the circle where the times are in to add organization and visual interest.

Fig 3.5 Dilational System Attempt #3, #4 (01/04/22)

Continuing on with attempt #2, I attempted #3 by allowing the implied axis to be more visually presented. In the composition, I used a half circle, with the flat end acting as a stopping point from the schedule. The venue is moved closer to the implied axis as well.

In attempt #4, I used the title, "The ABCs...", "Open Public Lecture" and the venue to enclose the information under it, while also adding the schedule information in asymmetric circles. To keep the composition together, I added a grey circle and used squares to point the readers towards the correct reading direction.

Fonts: Gill Sans Std (Bold, Regular, Bold Italic, Light Italic)

Week 2

Fig 3.6 Dilational System Attempt #5 (09/04/22)

I was told to explore more on dilational system. Hence, I redid my compostion and moved the focus towards the lower left corner and create assymetry. A circle was added to "open" to draw the viewers' attention and naviagate through the page better.

Fonts: Futura (Book, Heavy)

Random System

Week 1

Fig 3.7 Random System Attempt #1, #2 (01/04/22)

I remember thinking that random system wouldn't be too hard (my life is chaotic anyways) when Mr Vinod just introduced it to us. Oh, was I wrong. Very wrong.

This was the most confusing composition I have ever done. I doesn't make sense but at the same time we have to make it make sense? (As you can see I'm in distraught). Being ingrained to "make sure there's readibilty" and "organization" made my brain itch when doing this. So, I just slapped stuff on other stuff in hopes it will work out!

Fig 3.8 Random System Attempt #3, #4 (01/04/22)

In attempt #3, I moved the words on the left to the right and increased it size. The red rectangle was the cherry on top to the composition because it just simply "doesn't make sense" to be there. For attempt #4 I reused the design in #2 and added gigantic number like #3 and another rectangle.

Fonts: ITC Garamond Std (Bold), Gill Sans (Bold, Regular, Extra Bold Display), ITC New Baskerville Std (Roman, Bold), Futura Std (Heavy, Light)

Week 2

Fig 3.9 Random System Attempt #5, #6 (09/04/22)

For Random Attempt #5 and #6 I took in the advice from Week 2 feedback and switched the solid rectangle in the composition into just an outline. I tested it with two different types - dashed & solid.

Fonts: ITC Garamond Std (Bold), Gill Sans (Bold, Regular, Extra Bold Display), ITC New Baskerville Std (Roman, Bold), Futura Std (Heavy, Light)

Grid System

Week 1

The grid system was pretty easy to follow. I ended up only creating one main idea and just edited it here and there to find the best outcome.

Fig 4.0 GridSystem Attempt #1, #2 (02/04/22)

At the start, I separeted the document into sections and started to place the word according the the grids. I added emphasis onto "Bahaus" by highlightinig it with a red background. Besides, that the red circle in "open public lecture" serves as a pivot point just like the small black dot connecting to the "June 25, 2022" section.

In attempt #2, I wanted to give the composition a more connected look so I added a circle to enclose the information.

Fig 4.1 Grid System Attempt #1, #2 (02/04/22)

Since the circle overlapped with the words, I also tried to add a white background behind the text.

In attempt #4 I enlarged the circle to see what effect it would give.

Fonts: Universe LT Std (Roman, Light), ITC Garamond Std (Book Italic), Futura Std (Heavy, Medium)

Week 2

Fig 4.2 Grid System Attempt #3 (09/04/22)

For Grid system, I received feeback commenting on how reliant I was with the non objective elements in my first 2 attempts. Hence, I redid the composition, with the same "staircase" template and reduces the amound shapes around it. I made the "Open Public Lectures" and "Lecture Theatre 12" a bit different than the others to make the compositio less bland and draw the viewers' attention.

Fonts: Bodoni Std (Book, Italic)

Transitional System

Week 1

Fig 4.3 Transitional System Attempt #1, #2 (03/04/22)

Transitional systems are quite known for its movement, hence my decision on attempt #1 and #2. Attempt #1 uses a slope place 1/3 of the composition. To ease the viewer's reading, I added a red circle on top with the sentence below angled to the pile of words on the bottom left corner. The black slope at the bottom naturally becomes the "end point" of the composition.

Based on Kimberly Elan's book, overlaying text can create a vibrating effect on the composition. Hence, I took that advice and experimented on it to create a transitional effect.

Fonts: Universe LT Std (Bold)

Week 2

No changes made.

Modular System

Week 1

Fig 4.4 Modular System Attempt #1, #2 (03/04/22)

In my first attempt, I decided to use circles as modules. After segregating the text into categories, I arranged them by overlapping and adding a red circle to tie everything together. The tiny red squares serves as guides to the viewer's eyes.

Attempt #2 uses gradients to catch the viewers' eyes while keeping the composition relatively simple and organized. Red was used in some letters to create emphasis.

Fonts: ITC New Baskerville Std (Roman, Italic), Universe LT Std (Bold)

Week 2

Fig 4.5 Modular System Attempt #3

Mr Vinod said my modular was not modular in the previous attemptss :(. With that, I redid the whole thing. Instead of circular modules I used square ones which were arranged 4x4 in the composition. I angled the module with "The ABCs..." to lead the viewers' attention and a dot at the end to provide a stopping point.

Fonts: Bembo (Regular, Bold, Italic)

Bilateral System

Week 1

Fig 4.6 Bilateral System Attempt #1, #2 (03/04/22)

For this system, I wanted to use a black background, mainly because most of the ones I've attempted are with white backgrounds. I add visual depth and emphasis I added nonobjective elements such as the rectangle and circle, while also using red in some fonts.

Font: Futura Std (Medium)

Week 2

Fig 4.7 Bilateral Attempt #3 (09/04/22)

In my Attempt 3, I followed notes from "Typographic Systems" by Kimberly Elen. I moved the axis to the left to create an assymetrical compostion.

Fonts: Bodoni Std (Book)

Final Outcome (Typographic Systems)

Fig 4.8 Axial System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 4.9 Radial System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 5.0 Dilational System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 5.1 Random System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 5.2 Grid System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 5.3 Transitional System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 5.4 Modular System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

Fig 5.5 Bilateral System Final Output, JPEG (10/04/22)

PDF (Without Grids):

PDF (With Grids):

Exercise 2: Type & Play

Visual Research

For this assignment, I mainly used the final output of several seniors as reference.

Fig 5.6 Tressa's Process (05/04/22)

The first reference I used was from Tressa's blog. Her chosen photo was of a plant. From there, she extracted four letters - D,K,L&A. Afterwards, she started modifying the shape using Bembo Std as the typeface reference.

Fig 5.7 Phoebie's Process (05/04/22)

The second refernce I looked at was from Phoebie. She also chose a plant (mainly the leaf) to extract letters from. She started off by tracing her photo to create outlines. Afterwards, she proceeded by finding letters through the outlines. She managed to find a consisted shape that could be used for all the letters and create the letters above.

Idea Exploration

Week 3

To start this project off, I went through Pinterest to find suitable photos for the type extraction process. After some browsing, I decided to go for a picture of rocks!

Fig 5.8 Bunch of Rocks! (08/04/22)

At the start, I could already see some letters among the rocks. So, I moved the photo onto Procreate and started extracting them one by one. Outcome:

Fig 5.9 Extraction Attempt #1 (08/04/22)

After outlining the letters, I notices most of them are very very chonky. THEN- The typography gods sent me an idea: Why not use the counter space between the rcoks?! So I did and it looks much cooler:

Fig 6.0 Extraction Attempt #2

As you can see, it looks way more dynamic than the previous one. Hence, I moved it to Illustrator and started creator vector shapes according to the outlines. Mr Vinod also found Attempt #2 more interesting than Attempt #1, so I decided to go with it.

Fig 6.1 Process 1 (10/04/22)

After hearing the feedback, I started to modify the shapes starting with the letter A and making all the letter have about the same height and width. However, when I asked for a progress check with Mr. Vinod again he noted how the original shapes looked fat better (and how the current one looks like it came from a heavy metal band ). He then advised and demonstrated on how to use shapes and find the common characteristics of the extracted letters.

Fig 6.2 Process 2 (13/04/22)

With his advices, I started looking for elements in each letter to see what is the most suitable for my type.

Fig 6.3 Process 3 (14/04/22)

Outcome of the first few elements. It looks okay but it lacks consistency in a lot of parts. The letters also don't have bowls or good counters. Hence I went and looked for another element (this time only 1) from the letters.

Fig 6.4 Process 4 (15/04/22)

I outline one of the rocks connected to the counter space I used and split it into 1/2 and 1/4. Besides that, I also created a frame out of the shape.

Fig 6.5 Process 5 (15/04/22)

Firstly, created rectangular shapes on the grids and started shaping them with the elemets I have. I didn't care much for the line widths at this point. Btw, after Process 5 I switched my reference to Serfia Std (Roman).

Fig 6.6 Process 6 (16/04/22)

Afterwards, I edited the ends to look a little more consistent with one another. I added a curve onto the top right corner of the letters B, C & F to suit the sans serif in A.

Fig 6.7 Process 7 (16/04/22)

Here, I started to fix the widths on the bowls and counters. Also edited some strokes to create more consistency. I really hated my B here.

Fig 6.8 Process 8 (17/04/22)

In this Process, I attempted to redo the letter B again. For the C, I took the output in Process 6 and made minor changes to the counters. I also shorted the width of the letter B by a bit.

Fig 6.9 Process 9 (17/04/22)

I asked for opinions from my friend and ended up using the C & F from Process 7, because the consistency in the 4 letters looks better with those two (altho not as dynamic anymore).

Letter Evolutions (Week 3)

Fig 6.5 Letter A Evolution (17/04/22)

Fig 6.6 Letter B Evolution (17/04/22)

Fig 6.7 Letter c Evolution (17/04/22)

Fig 7.0 Letter F Evolution (17/04/22)

Type Creation Process (Week 3)

With Basic Grids:

Fig 7.1 Type Creation Process (17/04/22)

With a Whole Lot of Other Grids:

Fig 7.2 Type Creation Process (17/04/22)

Jpeg:

Fig 7.3 Type & Play Output, INJABIAR, Week 4(17/04/22)

Week 4

Fig 7.4 Week 5 Process (23/04/22)

After recieving feedback from Mr Vinod, I decided to redo the letters starting from the 2nd attempt (Process 5 in this blog). Changes I made:

Switched my reference from Serifa Std (serif typeface) to Universe LT Std (Sans Serif).
Edited and finally removed the curves on the left sides of c, b & f to make it less prominenent
Balanced out the base of the letters so they have a similar stability.
Adjusted the sides of the letter B so it doesn't look cut off.
Adjusted the bowls amd counters.
Made sure the thickness of each letter remains constant.

*If you're wondering why I don't have much other screenshots for this exercise, it's because I was in a "how am I supposed to fix this B!!" phase for so long that I forgot to take the sreenshots :).

Letter Evolution (Week 4)

Without Grids:

Fig 7.5 Week 4 Letter Evolution (25/04/22)

With Grids:

Fig 7.6 Week 4 Letter Evolution (25/04/22)

Week 5

Fig 7.7 Letter Set 1 Evolution, Week 5 (01/05/22)

Based on feedback in Week 4, Mr Vinod was okay with how my letters have evolved. However, he did advise me to smoothen the curves change the letter A into a triangle shape.

Fig 7.8 Letter Set 2 Evolution, Week 5 (01/05/22)

Mr Vinod was also quite interested in keeping the forms from one of my processes in Week 4. He also mentioned that it's okay for the B to not have a bowl, so i just edited the original shape with reference to the letter F and removed the pointy parts.

Final Outcome (Type & Play)

JPEG:

Fig 7.9 Letter Set 1, Final Outcome, JPEG (01/05/22)

Fig 8.0 Letter Set 2, Final Outcome, JPEG (01/05/22)

PDF:

Exercise 3: Type & Image

Week 4

Fig 8.1 Draft 1 Process 1 (22/04/22)

For this exercise, I was quite interested in using type as a plane, i.e. creating a new space in the photo itself. I then went to Pinterest to find photos I could use, one of them being the one above. As this picture was taken from a high angle, I decided to create a flooring with type. Afterwards, I adjusted the colours and added a gradient overlay to enhance the photo

Fig 8.2 Draft 2 Process 2 (23/04/22)

For this piece I used an angular wall shape to make the photo more dynamic. I also made some colour adjustments to the photo to add more depth.

Fig 8.3 Draft 3 Process 3 (22/04/22)

The last draft I made used the letters FREE to create 2 wings.

Week 5

Fig 8.4 Draft 1 (30/04/22)

In this draft, I decided to switch up the colours of the type and made some colour adjustments as well. I don't really like this draft mainly because it looks very messy (in terms of colour).

Fig 8.5 Draft 2 (30/04/22)

For this composition, switched up the overlay to something with a "cyberpunk" feel, as the outfit the model wore is streetwear. I left some light overlays on the model herself to give more ambience.

Fig 8.6 Draft 3 (30/04/22)

I actually made this effect by accident. I have no idea how to redo it. However, the type looks like a mirror and it felt really cool.

Fig 8.7 Draft 4 (01/05/22)

For this composition, I decided to pack the type closer, givin it a more solid form. Besides that I changed the colours to create a gradient and shadows. The type is slightly blurred to enhance the perspective feel of the composition.

Final Output (Image & Type)

JPEG:

Fig 8.8 Final Outcome, Type & Image, Week 5 (01/05/22)

I ended up choosing the mirror effect as my final outcome. It suits the fashion theme really nicely. I understand it is a bit simplistic, but don't you think it exudes a form of editorial elegance as well?

PDF:

Week 13

As per Mr Vinod's suggestion, I chose the earlier design as the final output.

Fig 8.9 Final Type and Image, JPEG (01/05/22)

PDF:

Feedback

Week 5

Personal Feedback:

Type and image (person with fashion words) arer okay but need to make it more distinguished and cleaner.
C should have the points flare out like F
Smoothen the curves in B
The A just use a triangle
Process before the final one is interesting, can try to make a type with that (only the B needs major fixing)
B does not have to have bowls

Week 4

Personal Feedback:

Reduce the amount of curve in the c and f
The A in the second process is interesting, should try and redo the others from there.
A in the final output looks like its floating, not like the others that have a stable base.
Should cut off the end points in C & F

Week 3

Counter Spaces - Interesting. Continue
Actual rock - don't worry about the shape, study the general shape of the form and kinda mimic that (possible)

Week 2

General Feedback:

Downsize numbers & capital letters by 0.5
Leading = +2.5pt - 3pt
45' angle = a lot of tension

Personal Feedback:

Random - Tone the shape down, can try to use outlines
Dilational & Bilateral - More exploration needed
Grid - Lines are being used too much, reduce nonobjective elements

Reflection

Typographic Systems

This exercise was fairly new to me as I have never touched on typographic systems before. It was a bit confusing at the start - you can tell from my attempts - but it got better after the feedback session with Mr Vinod. Besides his advice, seeing good work by my peers also helped in my understanding of the topic. I learned how the correct placement of nonobjecctive elements and how to accurately use leading, tone, shape and size of text to create emphasis and constrast. Moreover, I understand more on how to create a composition that looks connected, without being too overcrowded with words, while following a typographic system. Besides that, I have also grown a bit in terms of my time management skills. especially compare to my previous semester. I now have more time to produce quality work - which I hope the lecturer agrees on too - and looking forward to creating more elegant and sophisticated work in the future.

Type & Play

This was both fun and frustrating. I dislike the letter B now.

However, this exercise did force me to learn the anatomy of letters - which unfortunately I have forgotten some parts since the last semester - so it was rather refreshing. I never know I could make letters from rocks but here we are. This exercise too the most time when compare to the other two beause because it was very technical in my opinion. Nevertheless, Mr Vinod helped a lot during this process and encouraged me to continue experimenting on the letter shapes.

Type & Image

This really made me take my creative juices out. As I decided to go for a more editorial type of composition, I had to go through various fashion magazines to get a glimpse at the visual aesthethics they use.

I learned new skills in photoshop - liquify and canishing point - which are very useful tools for graphic design.

Fig 9.0 Typographic Systems (29/03/22)

Notes:

References

Elam, K., 2007. Typographic systems. New York, N.Y: Princeton Architectural Press.