Advanced Typography - Task 1 Exercises

on

23.09.2024 - 16.10.2024 (Week 1 - Week 4)

Chang Yu Rou | 0374168 | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Advanced Typography GCD61004


1. LECTURES

Lectures 1 (Week1 // 23.09.2024 - 29.09.2024)

▸  AdTypo_1_Typographic Systems

✒️ Typographic Systems

  • There are eight major variations of typographic systems, according to Typographic Systems by Kimberly Elam (2007).
  • Axial, Radial, Dilatational, Random, Grid, Modular, Transitional and Bilateral.

(1) Axial System

📝All elements are organized to the left or right of a single axis.

fig1.1.1 examples of Axial System


(2) Radial System

📝All elements are extended from a point of focus.

fig1.1.2 examples of Radial System


(3) Dilatational System

📝All elements expand from a central point in a circular fashion. 

fig1.1.3 examples of Dilatational System


(4) Random System

📝All elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship.

fig1.1.4 examples of Random System


(5) Grid System

📝A system of vertical and horizontal divisions. 


fig1.1.5 examples of Grid System


(6) Transitional System

fig1.1.6 examples of Transitional System

📝An informal system of layered banding.


(7) Modular System




fig1.1.7 examples of Modular System

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


(8) Bilateral System


fig1.1.8 examples of Bilateral System

📝All text is arranged symmetrically on a single axis.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lectures 2 (Week 2 // 30.09.2024 - 06.10.2024)

▸  AdTypo_2_Typographic Composition

✒️ Typographic Composition 

  • The arrangement and composition of textual information.

(1) Main principles of design composition

📝Emphasis, isolation, repetition, balance (symmetry/asymmetry), 
alignment, perspective, rhythm, contrast.

fig1.2.1 Design principle- Emphasis



(2) Rule of thirds

📝It is a photographic guide to the composition that suggests that a frame (space) can be 
divided into 3 columns and 3 rows. 
📝The intersecting lines are used as a guide to place the points of interest, 
within the given space.

fig1.2.2 Rule of Thirds



(3) Environmental Grid

📝Based on the exploration of an existing structure or numerous structures combined.

fig1.2.3 Environmental Grid



(4) Form and Movement

📝Based on the exploration of existing Grid Systems. 
📝The placement of a form on a page, over many pages creates movement. 
📝The forms could represent images, text or colour.


fig1.2.4 Form and Movement


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lectures 3 (Week 3 // 07.10.2024 - 13.10.2024)

▸  AdTypo_3_Context&Creativity

✒️ Advanced Typography : Context & Creativity


📝Handwriting : 
  • First mechanically produced letterforms
  • Basic or standard for form
  • Shape and line are influence from others tools and materials
  • Oldest writing systems present in Southeast Asia was Indian Scripts
Fig 1.3.1 Evolution of Latin Alphabet

📝Cuneiform : 
  • Earliest system of actual writing 
  • Used in a number of languages
📝Hieroglyphics
  • Egyptian writing system
  • Craving
  • System mix within rebus and phonetic characters
Fig 1.3.2 Ancient Egypt Chart
📝Early Greek
  • Built on the Egyptian logo consonantal system
  • 22 letters
  • Words in row but the direction not fix
  • The stroke grown ticker 
Fig 1.3.3 Early Greek
📝Carolingian Minuscule
  • Enstablished by court school
  • Use for all legal and literary works
  • Important a development as the standard roman capital
📝Movable Type
  • Printing (wood block) had been practiced in China, Korea ,Japan
  • Introduction of moveable type was introduces in the 1000-1100 CE
  • Koreans establish a foundry to cast movable type
📝The Brahmi Script
  • Earliest writing system developed in India
  • One of the most influential writing system
Fig 1.3.4 Brahmi Script

Fig 1.3.5 Evolution of Middle Eastern Alphabets and Chinese Script

📝Programmers and Type Design
  • More vernacular scripts are being produced by software giants.

📝Local Movements and Individuals
  • Murasu.com spear-headed by programmer and typographer in Malaysia.
  • Huruf a local group of graphic designers interested in the localized lettering of latin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lectures 4 (Week 4 // 14.10.2024 - 20.10.2024)

▸  AdTypo_4_Designing Type

✒️ Advanced Typography : Designing Type

Mr. Vinod discusses the process of designing typefaces and highlights the creative journeys of famous type designers like Adrian Frutiger, Matthew Carter, and Edward Johnston. He emphasizes the social responsibility in type design, particularly improving legibility.

📝The design process includes:
  • Research – Studying type history and conventions.
  • Sketching – Using traditional or digital tools.
  • Digitization – Utilizing professional software.
  • Testing – Ensuring readability and legibility.
  • Deploying – Minimizing issues through thorough testing.
  • Mr. Vinod remarks that type designers are often obsessively detail-oriented.

2. INSTRUTIONS

▸  MI_GCD60104_TYPOGRAPHY_BDCM_2024



3. PRACTICAL

Task 1 Exercise 1 - Typographic System
  • For this exercise, we are tasked with creating eight typographic posters, each utilizing a different typographic system. 
  • Simple elements are permitted in the designs, and all posters must be created in Adobe InDesign.

The contents for this task have been provided in our module booklet. 
📝The contents as below.

The Design School,
Taylor’s University
All Ripped Up: Punk Influences on Design
or
The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory
or
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


Task 1 Exercise 1 - Research

Below is my research on the 8 typographic system from Typographic-Systems-Book-Kimberly-Elam.

fig 3.1.1 my research on 8 typographic systems.


Task 1 Exercise 1 - Progress

Before designing the posters, I will start by sketching ideas and considering the best layout for each. 
Once the concepts are clear, I will move on to the design phase.

fig3.1.2 my progress in designing.


1. Axial System
fig3.1.3 My design on Axial System

2. Radial System

fig3.1.4 My design on Radial System

3. Dilatational System

fig3.1.5 My design on Axial System

4. Random System

fig3.1.6 My design on Random System


5. Grid System

fig3.1.7 My design on Grid System


6. Modular System

fig3.1.8 My design on Modular System


7. Transitional System

fig3.1.9 My design on Transitional System


8. Bilateral System

fig3.1.10 My design on Bilateral System

Task 1 Exercise 1 - Combination (Before Feedback)

fig3.1.11 Final Design, without grif, jpeg


fig3.1.12 Final Design, with grif, jpeg


After the feedback section from Mr. Vinod, I took his suggestions and refine my works.
Below is my refined design for the 8 typographic systems.

Final Outcome - Task 1 Exercise 1

1. Axial System

fig3.1.13 Final design of Axial System, Week 2


2. Radial System

fig3.1.14 Final Design for Radial System, Week 2


3. Dilatational System, Final

fig3.1.15 Final design of Dilatational System, Week 2

4. Random System

fig3.1.16 Final design of Random System, Week 2

5. Grid System, Final

fig3.1.17 Final design of Grid System, Week 2

6. Modular System, Final

fig3.1.18 Final design of Modular System, Week 2


7. Transitional System, Final

fig3.1.19 Final design of Transitional System, Week 2

8. Bilateral System, Final

fig3.1.20 Final design of Bilateral System, Week 2


PDF File, Without Grid.
fig3.1.21 Final 8 Typographic System PDF File Without Grid, Week 2

PDF File, With Grid.
fig3.1.22 Final 8 Typographic System PDF File With Grid, Week 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Task 1 Exercise 2 - Type & Play / Part 1

Instruction:
  • Finding type - Students will be asked to select an image of a man-made object (chair, glass, etc.) or structure (buildings), or something from nature (Human, landscape, leaf, plant, bush, clouds, hill, river, etc). 
  • Ensure that the image does not contain many different elements. 
  • Students will need to analyze, dissect and identify potential letterforms within the dissected image. 
  • The form 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.

Task 1 Exercise 2 - Research

How I Chose My Image: 
  • At first, I was attracted to many pictures on Pinterest, but I didn’t know which one to pick.
  • While scrolling, I got some ideas.
  • I searched for "OCTOPUS" because I wanted an octopus image, inspired by my Chinese name, which sounds like "octopus." 
  • I found a great octopus image for my task.
  • I started looking for letters in the legs of the octopus.
fig3.2.1 My searching of Octopus in Pinterest, Week 2 (02/10/2024)


Task 1 Exercise 2 - Progress

📝Below is The Image of the Octopus I Used for This Task. (from Pinterest)
fig3.2.2 My selected octopus image from Pinterest, Week 2 (02/10/2024)


📝Extraction of letterforms.
  • It was a great choice, as I was able to find and extract five letters from the octopus image. 
  • I traced the image and identified the five most prominent letters that stood out to me: L, O, S, C, and P.
  • I used Adobe Illustrator to extract those five letterforms.
  • Utilizing the Pen Tool and the Curvature Tool to draw them out.
fig3.2.3 Extracted letterforms, Week 2 (04/10/2024)


📝My Extracted Letterforms outcome.

fig3.2.4 Outcome of Extracted letterforms, Week 2 (04/10/2024)


📝I traced the five letters and arranged them like standard letters. 
📝I also used the Pen Tool to fill in the traced letters.

fig3.2.5 Outcome of Extracted letterforms, Week 2 (04/10/2024)


📝My Sketch Progression: 
  • Initially, I traced the simple outline of the octopus leg's shape. 
  • However, I wanted the letters to embody more of the octopus’s character, so I traced the actual outline of the octopus leg. 
  • To enhance the design, I also traced the circular suction cups.
  • But, at the end I used the first style for my Type.

fig3.2.6 Sketch progression of the octopus leg's outline, Week 2 (06/10/2024)


📝My Progression on the five letterforms. (O, C, P, L, S)
📝Below is the JPEG file I posted on Facebook to receive feedback from Mr.Vinod.

fig3.2.7 My Finding Type Artwork, Week 3 (07/10/2024)


Week 3: Final design of my letterforms - Type & Play.

📝After receiving Mr. Vinod's feedback on my artwork, I made a few adjustments. 
📝Below is the final version of my type design.

fig3.2.8 Final Design of my Type Artwork, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


fig3.2.9 Final Complied Progress of my Type Artwork, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


📌Final Outcome of My Task 1 Exercise 2 - Part 1

fig 3.3.1 Image and Extraction, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


fig 3.3.2 Overall Process, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


fig 3.3.3 Extracted Letterforms (with Baseline), Week 3 (09/10/2024)


fig 3.3.4 Reference Font, Week 3 (09/10/2024)

fig 3.3.5 Final Letterform (with Baseline), Week 3 (09/10/2024)

fig 3.3.6 Original extraction (top) and final letterform (bottom) comparison, Week 3 (09/10/2024)





Task 1 Exercise 2 - Type & Play / Part 2

In Part 2 of this exercise, Mr. Vinod asked us to make a movie poster using the type design we created earlier. My letterforms were inspired by a photo of an octopus, so I looked for similar octopus images to match my design.In the end, I chose to use an illustration of an octopus because I liked how the illustration felt more cinematic. It adds a movie-like vibe that fits perfectly with my type design.

I selected six images from Pinterest that really appealed to me.

fig 3.4.1 Collected Images, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


fig 3.4.2 Original Images, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


Before adding the title to the image, I used Adobe Illustrator to make some slight adjustments to its darkness. I placed a semi-transparent black square over the image to subtly darken it and enhance contrast.

fig 3.4.3 Adjustment process on Adobe Illustrator, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


Progress on creating the poster, I experimented with various styles, adjusting the color of the letterforms and exploring different typography options for the film poster details.

fig 3.4.4 Progress 1 Making Poster, Week 3 (09/10/2024)


Mr. Vinod said the middle design was the best and liked it the most. He suggested adding some details to the octopus, so I did, making sure my letterforms blended more smoothly with the image.
(Week 4 - 16/10/2024)


fig 3.4.5 Progress 2 Making Poster, Week 4 (16/10/2024)



📌Final Outcome of My Task 1 Exercise 2 - Part 2


fig 3.4.6 Final Type Showcase - JPEG File, Week 4 (16/10/2024)


fig 3.4.7 Final Type Showcase - PDF File, Week 4 (16/10/2024)


Back To Top

4. FEEDBACK


Week 2

General Feedback:
  • Avoid unnecessary leading or spacing.
  • Use a readable font size between 8pt and 12pt.
  • Ensure elements don't distract from the content.
Specific Feedback:
  • For the Axial system, the layout is well-designed, but the headline is misaligned and falls outside the axis, meaning it doesn't follow the principles of the Axial system.
  • The Radial system looks fine.
  • The Dilatational system is also well-executed.
  • The Random system is nicely done and truly captures the essence of randomness.
  • The Modular design seems more transitional rather than truly modular. Mr. Vinod liked it as a Transitional system.
  • The Bilateral system is good and works well.
Week 3

General Feedback:
  • Avoid choosing overly abstract images for your project.
  • Ensure consistency in the design of the letterforms.
  • Focus on identifying the key structure within the image.
  • Continue developing your observation skills.
Specific Feedback:
  • Mr. Vinod said he liked the final result and thought it was good.
  • Mr. Vinod suggested me adding some details to the octopus' legs, such as the suction cups, to enhance the design—perhaps incorporating this into the letterforms.
  • Overall, it's a strong piece—great job!


Week 4

General Feedback:
  • Make it more film or movie poster feels.

Specific Feedback:
  • The backgroung is nice, the colour is matched with the background.
  • Make it more imformation like a film poster.

5. REFLECTION

Experience

Exercise 1 was challenging for me because I’m not comfortable with arranging text. It made me think differently about design. Even though it seemed like a simple task, it was hard to organize the text according to the different systems while keeping it clear and readable. However, I enjoyed it in the end because I learned about various layouts and typographic systems. Now, I understand them better and can apply them in future projects instead of always relying on grid systems.

For Exercise 2 Part 1, the hardest part was finding the right image to create my letterforms. But once I found it, the rest of the process felt smoother. Since I had done letter refinement before in a previous semester, I felt more confident this time. It wasn’t as challenging anymore, and I really enjoyed it. This task was fun to do!

Observation

I observed that in typography, every small detail makes a difference. Even minor adjustments in spacing or layout can change how the whole design feels. It might seem unimportant at times, but paying attention to these little things is essential to make the final piece look neat and well-organized.

Findings

For Exercise 1, while working on it, I found it challenging to align the words properly and keep everything within the grid when applying certain typographic systems. It made me realize how important it is to pay attention to small details to make the layout neat and easy to read.

For Exercise 2, this exercise helped me see that typography is everywhere. We can find inspiration in everyday things, even something as simple as a leaf. Lately, I’ve noticed that I pay more attention to how things are aligned in ads when I walk down the street. Just last week, while hanging out with a friend, she asked why I was staring at a restaurant’s ad board. I told her, “Look at the alignment! The prices should line up with the text.” I’ve learned that alignment is crucial, and I’ll make sure everything is properly aligned in any future design I create.

6. FURTHER READING

Typographic-Systems-Book-Kimberly-Elam


📝Focus: 
  • The book explores the eight fundamental systems for organizing typography in graphic design.

📝Purpose: 
  • Provides designers with structured methods to create readable, visually interesting layouts.

📝The 8 Typographic Systems:

  • Axial System: Organizes elements along a central axis (either vertical or diagonal).
  • Radial System: Arranges type radiating from a central point.
  • Dilatational System: Places elements in concentric circles.
  • Random System: Uses a deliberately chaotic, non-linear arrangement.
  • Grid System: Aligns elements to a structured grid for order and consistency.
  • Transitional System: Creates movement through layered or shifted typography.
  • Modular System: Uses repeated, standardized units or modules to arrange content.
  • Bilateral System: Symmetrically aligns elements along a central axis.
  • Visuals: The book includes diagrams, examples, and case studies to illustrate each system.

📝Application: 
  • Encourages experimentation and breaking traditional rules to push typographic design boundaries.


Comments

Post a Comment