Advanced Typography / Task 3: Type Expression and Application
12/11/2024 — 24/12/2024 (Week 08 — Week 14)
JING KEYAO / 0370732
GCD 61004 / Advanced Typography / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
JING KEYAO / 0370732
GCD 61004 / Advanced Typography / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 3 / Type Expression and Application
Table of Contents:
1. Instructions
2. Exercises
- Proposal
- Research
- Progress
1. Sketch
2. Font Lab
- Font Presentation
- Font Application
- Font Compilation
3. Feedback
4. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
Task 03: Type Exploration and Application
1. A-Z; Numerals; Punctuation
2. Link to your .ttf font.
3. 5 font presentations (1024 x 1024 px, 300ppi)
4. 5 font applications (1024 x 1024 px, 300ppi)
Exercises
Proposal
In task 3, we were instructed to create a font based on the three options given:
· Create a font intended to solve a larger problem/ part of a solution in the area of your interest.
· Explore existing letterforms in an area of interest.
· Experimental design
Here are some ideas about the final project:
Fig 2.1 Proposal Slides
Research
Fig.2.2.1&2_Find on Pinterest
- Research focuses on aligning typography with the biscuit’s round shape.
- Fonts are designed with rounded forms to match the product's appearance.
- Bite marks are simulated using elliptical shapes in the typography.
- The design creates a playful and thematic connection to biscuits.
Progress
After sorting out the design ideas, I started to work on Ai. The following is my operation of designing a font:
- Merge or cut through the path finder to form the target letters.
Fig.2.3.1_Detailed
Fig.2.2.2_Detailed
Fig.2.2.3_Punctuation & Lowercase & Uppercase
Fig.2.2.4_Numbles
Font Measurements:
Fig.2.2.5_Font Measurements
Ascend Line: 685 pt
Cap Line: 670 pt
Mean Line: 470 pt
x-Height: 455 pt
Baseline: 0 pt
Descend Line: -210 pt
Font Lab
Fig.2.3.1_Import to Fontlab 8
Fig.2.3.2&3_Sidebearing measurement reference
Fig.2.3.4_Adjustment testing
Application:
After completing the fontLab, I exported the font "Kiya's Font" into the Ai, and began to use the font in some products.
This is an illustration of my design for the packaging:
Fig.2.3.5_illustration
Fig.2.3.6_Process of Application
Final Submission
Kiya's Font Preview
Fig.2.4.1_Kiya's Font Preview
FontLab screen grab
Fig.2.4.2_FontLab screen grab
Fig.2.4.3_Font Presentation
Fig.2.4.4_Uppercase alphabets Presentation
Fig.2.4.5_Lowercase alphabets Presentation
Fig.2.4.6_Punctuation alphabets Presentation
Fig.2.4.6_Numerals alphabets Presentation
Font Presentation_PDF
Font Application
Fig.2.4.8_Font Application_Shop Sign
Fig.2.4.9_Font Application_Cap
Fig.2.4.10_Font Application_Mobile Shell
Fig.2.4.11_Font Application_Package
Fig.2.4.12_Font Application_Breastpin
Font Application_PDF
Final Output Compiled:
Final Output_PDF
FEEDBACK
Week 08
General Feedback:
- Learning Week
Week 09
General Feedback:
· Avoid using overly complex shapes for the font design, as they may create difficulties during the development process.
· The grid system doesn't have to be rigidly consistent; it can include diagonal or curved lines if they suit the font style.
· Develop a flexible grid that supports both uppercase and lowercase letterforms.
· All uppercase letters must be completed and ready for feedback by next week.
Specific Feedback:
·The rounded edges in your design align well with the biscuit theme but simplify the bite marks for clarity.
· Ensure each uppercase letter maintains a consistent weight throughout.
Week 10
General Feedback:
· When creating lowercase letters, position them beside their uppercase counterparts for comparison.
· Use a standardized grid to ensure harmony between uppercase and lowercase forms.
Specific Feedback:
· The elliptical "bite marks" are creative, but their placement on some letters (e.g., ‘B’ and ‘O’) could be more consistent.
· Adjust the curve transitions to make the font flow smoother when viewed as a set.
Week 11
Specific Feedback:
· Refine the spacing between letters to improve overall readability.
· Test the font with sample words or phrases to check for visual balance and consistency.
Week 12
General Feedback:
· Present your alphabet in various sizes to evaluate its adaptability and legibility across different applications.
Specific Feedback:
· Consider adding subtle variations in the bite marks for specific letters to create more personality while keeping the theme intact.
REFLECTION
Experience
Advanced Typography was a challenging yet rewarding course that allowed me to deepen my understanding of type design. From conceptualizing letterforms to crafting a complete font, every stage was a new learning curve. One of the highlights was exploring the grid system to develop uniformity and coherence in my designs. However, using FontForge for the first time was time-consuming and required meticulous adjustments for each character. Despite the hurdles, I feel proud to have expanded my skills, particularly in creating and applying typography to real-world projects.
Observation
Throughout the course, I drew inspiration from professional platforms like Pentagram and Behance, which exposed me to innovative and diverse typographic styles. Observing these references helped me understand the nuances of type design and identify areas where I could improve. Comparing my drafts with these references and receiving feedback helped refine my approach, ensuring my work became progressively polished and coherent.
Findings
One of the most significant lessons was mastering the grid system to create harmonious and visually balanced type designs. This methodology provided me with a strong foundation for consistency across the font set. Applying my custom typography to various layouts during presentations allowed me to evaluate its practical use and adaptability. This experience not only honed my technical skills but also enhanced my perspective on the interplay between typography and design.
FURTHER READING
Fig.5.1_Visual Research:
An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Graphic Design
Visual Research: An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Graphic Design provides an in-depth exploration of the processes and methodologies that underpin successful graphic design. One of the key chapters, "Key Concepts," emphasizes the critical role of designers as more than mere creators of aesthetically pleasing visuals. The book argues that a designer's core responsibility is to communicate effectively and persuasively, ensuring the message resonates with the intended audience.
For example, the chapter highlights practical scenarios, such as the design of a street sign that must convey essential information quickly and clearly to all viewers, regardless of language barriers. Similarly, the design of a product's packaging must entice potential buyers and communicate the product's benefits or qualities at a glance. These examples underline that the designer's work is deeply intertwined with human behavior, psychology, and effective communication strategies.
Furthermore, the book explains that these principles are particularly crucial for graphic designers working with companies. Here, the designer's role extends to understanding brand identity and audience needs while crafting visuals that amplify the company’s message and values. This dual focus on functionality and aesthetics establishes designers as pivotal players in shaping how information is received and acted upon.
Through its structured methodology, Visual Research equips readers with the tools to approach design not just as an art form but as a rigorous, thoughtful practice aimed at solving problems and driving engagement. The emphasis on research and strategic thinking offers a compelling framework for both aspiring and professional designers to enhance their craft.
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