Advanced Typography: Task 3 Type Exploration & Application

|| 11/19/2024 - 12/16/2024 (Week 9 - Week 13)

|| Bertrand Alden Gani / 0370471

|| Advanced Typography

|| Bachelor Of Design In Creative Media

|| Task 3 / Exercises: Type Exploration & Application

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions

2. Task 3

3. Feedback

4. Reflection

5. Further Reading

INSTRUCTIONS

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TASK 3

In this task, we were instructed to make a proposal and propose some font design ideas. The idea can be to create a font that is intended to solve problem or exploring existing letterform or experimenting new design. Then, we have to select one of the idea and create the proposed design.

Ideas Proposal:

Chosen Idea:

Fig 1.0 Chosen Final Idea

Process:

• Reference

I began by searching some references for the typeface design.

Fig 1.1 Reference 1

Fig 1.2 Reference 2

Fig 1.3 Reference 3

• Sketch/Ideation

For this task, I did the sketching or ideation process directly in Adobe Illustrator instead of the usual hand draw. I tried to make several combinations of shape to search for the design that I want.

Fig 1.4 Ideation process in Adobe Illustrator

• Digitalization

I created some shapes to form the letter "A".

Fig 1.5 Creating Letter "A"

 Then I used those shape to create other letters and numbers. I also added some rulers to ensure the consistency of the letterform.

Fig 1.6 Adding Rulers/Grids 

Fig 1.7 Letter Construction 

Fig 1.8 Letter Result

For punctuations, I also used the same shapes, but I adjusted some of their size and rotation.

Fig 1.9 Creating punctuations 

Fig 2.0 Punctuation Construction

Fig 2.1 Punctuation Result

• FontLab

After I completed all the letters, numbers and punctuations, I separated them to one artboard per letter.

Fig 2.2 Separating Letters

Then, I saved the file as SVG files and export them to FontLab. In FontLab, I adjusted their kernings and spaces between letters.

Fig 2.3 Adjusting Kernings

For the font name, I searched for some names that are related to music. In the end, I chose "Adagio" as my font name which means "slow" or "at ease". It indicates that a piece should be played at a deliberate, unhurried pace.

 

Final Typeface:

Fig 2.4 Final Typeface

Font Presentation:

Process:

Fig 2.5 Making Font Presentation

My idea was to utilize the combination of rectangle and circle shapes that I previously created in my font to create music notes shapes.

Presentation:

Fig 2.6 Font Presentation 1

I tried to showcase my typeface with music notes design.

Fig 2.7 Font Presentation 2

I experimented some designs and came up with this. It is quite simple but I like how it looks.

Fig 2.8 Font Presentation 3

This was inspired by magazine and article designs.

Fig 2.9 Font Presentation 4

I also experimented some designs and came up with this.

Fig 3.0 Font Presentation 5

The design was inspired by "In Rainbows" album by Radiohead

Font Application:

I used Unblast to find my mockup templates. Then I downloaded the files and edit in Adobe Photoshop. I created some designs by utilizing my typeface and also additional shapes. Here is the final mockup results:

1. Cd Mockup

Fig 3.1 Cd Mockup

2. Sign Mockup

Fig 3.2 Sign Mockup

3. Casette Mockup

Fig 3.3 Casette Mockup

4. Flag Mockup

Fig 3.4 Flag Mockup

5. Brochure Mockup

Fig 3.5 Brochure Mockup

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FINAL SUBMISSION

Link to font: Adagio

Final Typeface:

FontLab Screengrab:

Font Presentation:

Fig 3.6 Font Presentation 1

Fig 3.7 Font Presentation 2

Fig 3.8 Font Presentation 3

Fig 3.9 Font Presentation 4

Fig 4.0 Font Presentation 5

Font Application:

Fig 4.1 Font Application 1

Fig 4.2 Font Application 2

Fig 4.3 Font Application 3

Fig 4.4 Font Application 4

Fig 4.5 Font Application 5

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FEEDBACK

Week 10:
General feedback: Font is okay.
Specific feedback: Use grids to ensure the consistency of the font's width and height.

Week 11:
General feedback: The lowercase letter size doesn't match the uppercase letter size.
Specific feedback: -

Week 12:
General feedback: Mr. Vinod approved that my letterform can be unicase.
Specific feedback: Mr. Vinod says I have to be the one that think is the design okay or not.

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REFLECTION

Experience : 

This task was very fun because we were given freedom to choose the font that we want to make. I also enjoyed the process of exploring design ideas as well as experimenting with shapes to create a letterform.

Observations :

While doing this task, I observed how wide can we explore typefaces. From taking ispirations from existing designs or cultures to experimenting a whole new unique design. I also observed the importance of a good type application to enhance products' appeal.

Findings :

I find that this task felt much more easier compare to the task in Typography module last semester, even though the task is similar. I'm getting more used to how to utilize shapes to create a letterform. I also learned more about baseline grid and rulers, how to ensure letter consistency.

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FURTHER READING

"Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton

Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using typography effectively in design. The book covers essential topics such as the history and anatomy of type, the differences between legibility and readability, and how to create hierarchy through size, weight, and spacing. Lupton emphasizes the importance of context, exploring how type should adapt for different mediums, from print to digital. She also discusses layout principles, like alignment and spacing, to ensure clarity and harmony in design. The book encourages readers to experiment with type while balancing creativity with functionality, offering practical advice and exercises for both beginners and experienced designers.

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