Typography | Task 3 : Type Design & Communication
2023.11.14 - 2023.12.19/ Week 8 - Week 13
Tracy Angeline Tio / 0362222 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Typography / Taylor's University
Task 3 ( Type Design & Communication )
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. LECTURES
All Lectures Note in this link : Lecture Note
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Task 3A Briefing (Typeface Constructions)
On this week, Ms Hsin posted a video in teams as an opening of the new task. We were explained about typeface deconstructions.
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| Fig 1.1 Deconstruction Letter "r" Week 8 14/11/2023 |
After the deconstructions, we were moved to the guideline of the task.
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| Fig 1.2 Guideline Briefing Week 8 14/11/2023 |
1. Create artboard : 1000 x 1000 pt, CMYK, drag to make it long
2. Make a shape : 500x500 pt
3. Ascender and Descender : within 1000 x 1000 pt
4. Construct Letterform : Use shape tool and pen tool
5. Unite shape by pathfinder
We need to ensure the font by creating line that contains :
- Ascender
- Cap Height
- Median
- Baseline
- X-Height
- Descender
- Letter Width
2.INSTRUCTIONS
TASK 3 - TYPE DESIGN & COMMUNICATION
You will be tasked to design a limited number of western alphabets. To begin, choose an existing font design that adheres to the direction that you would like to head in. Study the font carefully by analysing its anatomical parts.
Start with rough sketches, explore a variety of options and upon approval begin digitization of the drawings—software for digitization Adobe Illustrator and later FontLab. Artworks shall be printed out for critique sessions followed by refinements. If time permits we shall generate the font for actual use.
You will endeavour to create a typeface that has the hallmarks of a good typeface; subtlety or character, presence, legibility and readability.
Below are the letters you will design: o l e d s n c h t i g , . ! # , Choose uppercase/lowercase (not both). Upon completion of the font, you will create a basic A4 size poster displaying your font (further instructions in class).
Duration : Week 8 - Week 13 (Deadline)
3. WORK PROGRESS
3.1 Research
Firstly, I looked for the 10 typefaces given and then finding some reference in pinterest to developing the font.
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| Fig 3.1.1 10 Typefaces Week 8 14/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.1.2 10 Research Task 3 Week 8 14/11/2023 |
3.2 Sketches
We need to began by writing a few letters which is : ODHNG/odhng. I choose the lowercase one because it had many ways to be developed. I started sketched different writing style from 3 different pen and using the references that I found.
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| Fig 3.2.1 Font Sketches Week 9 21/11/2023 |
I used draft paper to create the sketches as Ms Hsin suggested because it had the line and made us easy to measure the font size. Based on the 9 Sketches, My Favourite is #8 and #9. Both of it use Univers and i like the univers style that gave simple look so it would be nice if i add elements to develop it.
When i asked Ms Hsin to choose the sketches, she said that Sketches #5 had a potential to be developed.
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| Fig 3.2.2 Choosen Sketches Week 9 21/11/2023 |
Then she gave an example of the developed font of mine in two different proportion ( normal and using long ascender/descender ).
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| Fig 3.2.3 Example by Ms Hsin Week 9 21/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.2.4 Developed Sketches Result Week 9 21/11/2023 |
3.3 Identification & Deconstructions
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| Fig 3.3.1 References and Choosen Sketch Week 10 28/11/2023 |
From the 10 Typefaces, I looked that Sketches #5 had a similar shape like serifa font so i choose it as my references. There were a few letters that looks same which is d, n, h and i . I tried to deconstruct it as a practice for me.
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| Fig 3.3.2 Deconstructed Letter "d" Serifa Std Roman Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.3.3 Deconstructed Letter "n" Serifa Std Roman Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.3.4 Deconstructed Letter "h" Serifa Std Roman Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.3.5 Deconstructed Letter "i" Serifa Std Roman Week 10 28/11/2023 |
From deconstructing, I realized that even the word that look symmetrical at the far is not look like it, especially for the letter "i" where the title weight didn't symmetry with the body of the letter.
3.4 Digitisation
1. Adobe Ilustrator
At first, I didn't pay attention to the typography anatomy and so, i just started digitisation by tracing down the choosen sketches i made.
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| Fig 3.4.1 First Trial (Failed) Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.2 Typography Anatomy Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.3 Typography Measurement Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.5 Guides Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.6 Elements Used for Font Week 10 28/11/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.7 Digitisation Progress Week 11 4/12/2023 |
I created many example especially for the "#" below. After i asked a few friends, I go with the first one.
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| Fig 3.4.8 "#" Example Week 11 4/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.9 Two Variations of The Font Week 11 4/12/2023 |
I also made two variations to compare which one is the best. After receiving feedback from Ms Hsin, I went to the bottom one and tried to revised it. She suggested me to change the ascender of l and d like the letter "h". To gain the symmetrical, all of the letter should come from the left and end in the right.
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| Fig 3.4.10 Before and After Trial (1) Close up Week 11 5/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.11 Before and After Trial (2) All font Week 11 5/12/2023 |
On the next week (week 12) i had a little revision before moving to the fontlab. Ms Hsin told to made the punctuation "#", "!", ",","." more simple and the curve for the # doesn't have to be wide., just make it small.
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| Fig 3.4.12 Punctuation Revision Week 12 12/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.13 First Outcome (With Grid) Week 12 12/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.14 First Outcome Week 12 12/12/2023 |
Artboard : 1000 pt (H) x 7219 pt (W)
Measurements (from baseline) :
- Ascender: 785 pt
- Capital height: 707 pt
- Median: 500 pt
- Descender: -210 pt
2. Fontlab
On week 12, we had to import our font that we created in Ilustrator to the fontlab. We were used the free trial for the apps. To import it, use the Ctrl C + V and take a note that :
- choose "keep", do not round
- and set the preferences (keep color & stroke and import AI in original position) so the letterform had the same size like the ilustrator.
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| Fig 3.4.15 Fontlab Progress Week 12 12/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.16 Screengrab Trial 2 Week 12 12/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.17 "The Design School" Tested Font Week 12 12/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.18 Poster Word Example to Test the Font Week 12 12/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.4.19 Font Preview and Download Week 12 16/12/2023 |
3. Poster Development
As Instructed, we need to create a A4 (Black & White) Poster using our font we created. In teams, Mr Vinod had posted a rules when creating the poster which is :
- Ensure sentence/Phrase/Words are the same point size
- Create byline : (Font Name) - (by Your Name) - (2023) Using Univers LT Std 8 pts
1. Choosen Word
I browsed the google by using chat gpt and facebook to see others works when thinking about what sentences i need to use in the poster.
The word "Design School" and "Echoes", "Shine" is the common things i observe in every student. I would like to make the unique words that different from others so i browse more and create it.
- The cost is high
- Let god do the thing
- In the noon, the dog still hide in the shed
- # Don't hit the dog
- Let old dog go inside the shield, it is cold
- Let the dog go inside the shield, he is cold...
Based on the word i think about, I go with the bold one. the # one acts like a sub head, and the headline is let the dog go.. . Why i choose these word is because "dog" had been popped in chat gpt and i saw so many reels about abandoned dog. With this poster, I hope that it had the strong meaning and could persuade more people.
2. Digitisation
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| Fig 3.4.20 Poster Development Week 12 16/12/2023 |
I created many samples by testing it in different background color, and different position for every letters. For the first and second line, It's my mistakes that I didn't paid attention to made all the font size should be same. As a result, third line were the choice.
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| Fig 3.4.21 Close-Up Third Line Week 12 18/12/2023 |
I would said that my favorites were the first and fifth in the third line. After I asked Ms Hsin for the feedback, she rather to choose the fourth and fifth poster. The first one was un acceptable because it is too much graphic elements.
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| Fig 3.4.22 Choosen Poster Week 13 19/12/2023 |
After it is acceptable, I create the black version of the choosen poster and finalize it in 3.5.
3.5 Final Outcome
- Download Link : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Unm9mNkPpC9_fxUkFOjKzeGEvMHkmhbZ?usp=drive_link
- Screen Grab (Side Bearings) :
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| Fig 3.5.1 Screen Grab Progress Fontlab Week 13 18/12/2023 |
- Final Font Preview (JPG, PDF) :
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| Fig 3.5.2 Final Task 3 : Type Design & Communication "eline" With Grid(JPG) Week 13 18/12/2023 |
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Fig 3.5.4 Final Task 3 : Type Design & Communication "eline" (PDF) Week 13 18/12/2023
- Final Poster Preview (BnW) (JPG,PDF) :
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| Fig 3.5.5 Final Poster "eline" White (JPG) Week 13 19/12/2023 |
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| Fig 3.5.6 Final Poster "eline" Black (JPG) Week 13 19/12/2023 |
Fig 3.5.7 Final Poster "eline" White (PDF) Week 13 19/12/2023
Fig 3.5.8 Final Poster "eline" Black (PDF) Week 13 19/12/2023
4. FEEDBACK
WEEK 8
Independent- Learning Week
WEEK 9
General Feedback : When posting the sketches, Make sure it is only black and white coloured. We need to gave preference which of the 10 typeface similar to our sketches and can be developed.
Spesific Feedback : Ms Hsin said that sketches #5 Pen 2 Had a potential to be developed. She also told me to paid attention in Proportion, Descender, and the Height of the font.
WEEK 10
General Feedback : Pay attention to the details of the font. Give the information about the typeface structure like ascender, descender, x-height, median, etc.
Spesific Feedback : Ms Hsin told me that the font that i created is not symmetrical. I should make it from the word "o" and "i" or use the resembled font to make it easier. She also taught me about pathfinder tool that I could used to crop or adjust the elements.
WEEK 11
General Feedback : We learn about typography anatomy not stylizing/drawing font. In this case, should take a detail look when measuring the letter.
Spesific Feedback : Made more symmetrical letters by using the same statement : from left and end to the right. Pay attention to the letter "t", it should be more tall than other letter like "o", "e", "c".
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| Fig 4.1 Revision Comparison Week 11 5/12/2023 |
WEEK 12
General Feedback : For the font name, it will be better if you used your own name to made it easier to detect, because the font gonna be used for the final task (self titled).
Spesific Feedback : Ms Hsin suggest me to made the punctuation more simple. It would be better and easier to differentiate especially for the comma (,) and dot (.). Moreover, the # and ! curved had to be reduced a little.
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| Fig 4.2 Revision (2) Week 12 12/12/2023 |
WEEK 13
General Feedback : Ensure that the poster is grayscale. No color are allowed and limit the quantities of the graphic elements.
Spesific Feedback : The first poster that i created is too much graphic elements. Ms Hsin told me to not choose it as my final submission. Instead of the first poster, fifth poster looks better.
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| Fig 4.3 Comparison Between First and Fifth Poster Week 13 19/12/2023 |
5. REFLECTIONS
5.1 Experience
The creation of a font involves a delicate dance between artistic expression and the science of legibility, demanding meticulous attention to every curve, serif, and spacing.
An essential aspect of this endeavor is understanding the anatomy of each letterform. Delving into the intricacies of serifs, counters, terminals, and stems, I've come to appreciate how these elements contribute to the personality and identity of a font. The choice between serif and sans-serif, the curvature of terminals, and the subtleties of serifs all play a role in conveying a font's mood and message. Each stroke becomes a brushstroke in a visual narrative, influencing the reader's experience and perception.
5.2 Observation
When I browse for the references, I noticed that all of the font had a same width and height even if the design is decorative one. Every stroke, curve, and space between letters contributes to the overall communication and aesthetic impact of the font.
We need to take a deep look for this task. Symmetrical is the important things that need more attention. Moreover, Do not forget to Adjusting the kerning in the fontlab and test it in different letter/sentences.
5.3 Findings
The typography task of type design and communication, with a focus on anatomy and measurement, is a meticulous and multifaceted exploration. It requires a keen eye for detail, an appreciation for the historical context of type design, and an understanding of the contemporary demands of digital communication. Through this journey, I've found that creating font is not easy as i thought. Every font had their own measurements needed.
6. FURTHER READING
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| Fig 6.1 Introducing Role Catalog by Matthew Carter, Morisawa, About Role Superfamily Week 11 5/12/2023 |
I borrowed this catalog from Ms Hsin. The catalog contains Font Family (4 Type of Fonts), Detailed explanation on these and Example of those 4 Types.
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| Fig 6.2 First Page Week 11 5/12/2023 |
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| Fig 6.3 4 Type of Role Superfamily Week 12 12/12/2023 |
Those four superfamily are :
1. Serif : the connoisseur.
- Hers is the eye that never blinks, a wide-open portal to infinity, and a mouth that samples every taste - Kate Bolick.
- Serif typefaces are arguably the most traditional category of type. The style is common with typesetting in books and newspapers and is often used in long blocks of text.
2. Sans : the scholar.
- Sans serif styles can have letters that are thick or thin, short or tall, fat or condensed.
- Sans serif typefaces are universally accepted by most designers and can almost take on the personality of the design where they are used.
3. Slab : the hero
- Heroes are ordinary, whistle-blowers, truth-tellers. People who know they know nothing. Heroes have secrets, an alter ego, a tight-fitting suit and a cape - Emily Wilson
- Slabs were a subset of serif typefaces, but that has changed, and slab fonts refer to almost any style of typeface with super thick stroke weights for all of the letters.
4. Soft : the prodigy
- There's a whole sub-discipline in psychology concerning their problems : bored in school, friendless, stutterers because their big thoughts are hard to put into words - Kurt Andersen
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| Fig 6.4 Serif and Sans Example Week 13 19/12/2023 |
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| Fig 6.5 Soft and Slab Example Week 13 19/12/2023 |
After i read the definitions of its font, I start to read about the example of the font in different style. There were thin, extralight, light, regular, medium, bold, etc. At first, i thought bold is the highest level until i discovers there were heavy type. All type have the black except for Serif.
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