Advanced Typography - Task 1: Exercise 1 & 2

31.08.2022 - 29.09.2022 ( week 1 - week 5 )
Len Hoi Yee / 0353430
Advanced Typography  / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Task 1: Exercise1 & 2

---

Lectures 

Week 1 - Lecture 1

Advanced Typography - Typographic System 

Typographic systems provide a sense of purpose that focuses and directs decision-making.

Axial System

Fig. 1.1 Axial system 

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

Radial system 

Fig. 1.2 Radial system

All elements are extended from a point of focus 

Dilatational system

Fig. 1.3 Dilatational system

• All elements expand from a central point in a circular fashion 

Random System 

Fig. 1.4 Random system

• Elements appear to have no specific pattern or relationship

Grid System

Fig. 1.5 Grid system

• A system of vertical and horizontal divisions. 

Transitional system 

Fig. 1.6 Transitional system

• An informal system of layered banding 

Modular system 

Fig. 1.7 Modular system

• A series of non-objective elements that are constructed as a standardized unit. 

Bilateral system 

Fig. 1.8 Bilateral  system

• All text is arranged symmetrically on a single axis 

Week 2 - Lecture 2

Advanced Typography: Typographic Composition 

Principles of Design Composition

Fig. 2.1 Principles of Design - emphasis 

Emphasis, Isolation, Repetition, Balance ( symmetry/asymmetry), Alignment, Perspective, Rhythm, Contrast. 

The Rule of Thirds 

Fig. 2.2 The Rule of Thirds 

A photographic guide to composition. The intersecting lines are used as a guide to place the points of interest, within the given space. 

Environmental Grid  

Fig. 2.3 Environmental Grid  

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

Form and Movement 

Fig. 2.4 Form and movement   

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

Week 3 - Lecture 3 

Advanced Typography: Context and Creativity 

The first mechanically produced letterforms were designed to directly imitate handwriting. Handwriting would become the basis or standard for form, spacing and conventions mechanical type would try and mimic. 

Fig. 3.1 Cuneiform c. 3000 B.C.E.

The earliest system of actual writing, written from left to right and evolved from pictograms. 

Fig. 3.2 Hieroglyphs 

• Ideograms, represent the things they actually depict. 
• As determinatives to show that the signs preceding are meant as phonograms and to indicate the general idea of the word. 
• As phonograms to represent sounds that "spell out" individual words. 

Fig. 3.3 Letterforms through the ages

Early greek (5th C. B.C.E.): Drawn freehand, not constructed with compasses and rules, and they had no serifs. In time the strokes of these letters grew thicker, the aperture lessened, and serifs appeared.

Roman Uncials: By the 4th century Roman letters were becoming more rounded, the curved form allowed for fewer strokes and could be written faster.

English Half Uncials (8th C.): In England, the uncial evolved into a more slanted and condensed form. 

Carolingian Minuscule: Capitals at the start of a sentence, spaces between words and punctuation. It was this style that became the pattern for the Humanistic writing of the fifteenth century; this latter, in turn, was the basis of our lower-case roman type.

Black Letter (12-15 C. CE): Characterised by tight spacing and condensed lettering. Evenly spaced verticals dominated the letterform. Condensing line spacing and letter spacing reduced the amount of costly materials in book production. 

The Italian Renaissance: Newly rediscovered letterforms Antica. The renaissance analysis of form that was being applied to art and architecture was directed toward letterform — resulting in a more perfect or rationalised letter.

Fig. 3.4 'Indian' subcontinent the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) script (3500-2000 BCE)

The oldest writing found in the 'Indian' continent the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) script (3500 -2000 BCE), is as yet undeciphered and seems to have been somewhat logo-syllabic in nature. 

Fig. 3.5 Kedudukan Bukit inscription from Sumatra, written in Old Malay using the Pallava script 

• The oldest writing systems present in Southeast Asia were Indian scripts. 
• South Indian scrit originally used for writing Sanskrit and Tamil 
• highly influential, becoming the basis for writing systems across Southeast 

Fig. 3.6 Laguna Copperplate Inscription, written in Kawi 

• Kawi comes from the Sanskrit term kayya meaning poet. 
• Used for contact with other kingdoms
• Became the basis of other scripts in both Indonesia and the Philippines 
• 
  

Fig. 3.7 Insung 

• Comes from a South Sumatran grouping of scripts known as Rencong 

Fig. 3.8 Jawi, Arabic-based alphabet 

Week 4 - Lecture 4

Advanced Typography: Designing Type 

Type Design Process 

1. Research 

• Understand type history, type anatomy, tyoe conventions and terminologies
• Determine the type's purpose or whatit would used for and what different applications it will be used in
• Study existing fonts that are presently being used for inspiration/reference/context/usage pattern/etc 

2. Sketching 

• Traditional/digital 

3. Digitalisation 

Professional software: Fontlab and Glyphs App. Some designers also use Adobe Illustrator then only the specialised font apps. This however is frowned upon by the purist. 

4. Testing 

The results of testing are part of the process of refining and correcting aspects of the typeface. Prototyping is also part of the testing process and leads to important feedback. Depending on the typeface category (display type. text type) the readability and legibility of 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. Thus, the task of revision doesn't end upon deployment. The rigour of the testing is important so that the teething issues remain minor. 

Type Construction 

Fig. 4.1 Construction grid for roman capitals (8x8 cells) 

Using grids (with circular forms) can facilitate the construction of letterforms and is a possible method to build/create/design your letterform. 

Construction and considerations 

Fig. 4.2 Classification according to form and construction 

Different forms and constructions must be taken into account when designing a new type. An important cisual correcionis the extrusion of curved (and protuding) forms past the baseline and cap line (overshoot). This also applies to vertical alignment between curved and straight forms. 

Fitting the tyoe: A visual correction is also needed for the distance between letters. The letters must be altered to a uniform visual white space - the white space between the letters should appear the same. 

Fig. 4.3 Construction and consideration 

Week 5 - Lecture 5

Advanced Typography: Perception and Organisaiton

Contrast 

Fig. 5.1 Contrast in size 

Fig. 5.2 Contrast in weight 

Fig. 5.3 Contrast in form

Fig. 5.4 Contrast in Structure 

Fig. 5.5 Contrast in Texture

Fig. 5.6 Contrast in direction

Fig. 5.7 Contrast in colour

Fig. 5.8 Form

The overall look and feel of the elements that make uo the typographic composition. It is the part that plays a role in visual impact and first impressions. The interplay of meaning and form brings a balanced harmony both in terms of function and expression. 

When a typeface is perceived as a form, it no longer reads as a letter because it has been manipulated by distortion, texture, enlargement, and has been extruded into a space. 

Fig. 5.9 Gestalt theory 

A designer should understand visual perception. 

Gestalt theory emphasises that the whole of anything is greater than its parts - this is based on the iea that we experience things as unified whole: Instead of breaking down thoughts and behaviour to their smallest elements, the gestalt psychologists believed that you must look at the whole of experience.   

---

Instruction

Task 1: Exercise 1 - Typographic System

In this exercise, we explored 8 typographic systems which are: Axial, Radial, Dilatational, Grid, Modular, Transitional, and Bilateral systems. Each system has its own rules and regulation to follow and play around. 

General rules: 

• Size 200x200mm
• Colours: black and one additional colour only
• Graphical elements are allowed only when it doesn't overpower the text 

First attempt ( Week 1 )

Fig. 6.1 Axial - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

In the first week, we were assigned to sketch the layouts for each system. I have given a try for each system and sketched a few layouts for each system. 

#1: I wanted to do something different from a typical straight layout, so i tried to explore diagonal design layout. 

#2: To me, this layout looks like a dictionary. with the axis close to the left, the least important information is placed at the smaller space(left), and the more spacious space(right) is for the most important information.  

#3: just a random sketch that I think may look decent with the black rectangle highlighting the title. 

Fig. 6.2 Grid - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

All these designs are pretty similar and I played around with the changing colours, hoping that it will make some difference. 

Fig. 6.3 Radial - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

For this system, I have used a circle as a center point for myself as a guide and i made 2 layouts. Both have it's own style but I feel in terms of smoothness, I'd go for the first one. 

Fig. 6.4 Radial - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

#1: I wanted to make the title the largest and keep the other text revolving around the title 
#2: Just a random tryout and, I thought it would look aesthetic but I guess not HAHAH

Fig. 6.5 Random - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

OMG, the one that I struggled a lot. As a person who likes to see things arranged accordingly, I couldn't come up with nice layouts even though I have done plenty of research on it. Obviously, the outcome sucks. 

Fig. 6.6 Transitional - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

At first, I wanted to make a leaf shape, like the information is flowing in a leaf shape. 

Fig. 6.7 Modular - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

Well, I was totally confused with the modular rules even after watching the lecture videos. Well this is all I got. 

Fig. 6.8 Bilateral - attempt #1, Week 1 ( 31.08.2022 )

For Bilateral, I was thinking of aligning the information. There first layout is actually bad, I dont like it. and for the second one at first I didn't add any graphic elements but adding some in it, it felt more complete. 

Second attempt ( Week 2 )

In week 2, after receiving Mr.Vinod's feedback, I have learnt a lot and understood the idea of modular system more precisely as it is the most confusing system of all. 

Fig. 7.1 Axial - attempt #2, Week 2 ( 05.09.2022 )

For axial system attempt 2, I have come up with this layout. I still like the idea of keeping the information slanted but at the same time neat. To complete the design, I added some graphic elements to enhance it . 

Fig. 7.2 Dilatational - attempt #2, Week 2 ( 05.09.2022 )

Mr Vinod told me that my previous design has weak composition, so I have found something interesting and I tried to mimic the shape of a French horn. In terms of smoothness and flow, I think the first one works best and I love the shape as well. 

Fig. 7.3 Random - attempt #2, Week 2 ( 05.09.2022 )

This is definitely better than before. I looked up on the internet and tried to make the design free, messy, but with composition in it. 

Fig. 7.4 Modular - attempt #2, Week 2 ( 05.09.2022 )

Well, in this second attempt, I have further explored modular and came up with this design, a simple and safest design. 

Final Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic Systems 

Fig. 8.1 Final Axial System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.2 Final Grid System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.3 Final Radial System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.4 Final Dilatational System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.5 Final Random System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.6 Final Transitional System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.7 Final Modular System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.8 Final Bilateral System - JPEG, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.9 Final Task 1- Exercise 1 : Typographic Systems - PDF, Week 2 ( 07.09.2022 )

Fig. 8.10 Final Task 1- Exercise 1 : Typographic Systems (With Grids) - PDF, Week 2 (07.09.2022 )

Task 1 : Exercise 2 - Type and Play 

Part 1 : Finding Type 

For exercise 2 part 1, we are to find an image online or take a picture on our own and extract potential letterforms from the picture. 

• Uppercase or lowercase only 
• Pick a typeface as a reference from the 10 typefaces 

Fig. 8.1 Chosen subject, Week 2 ( 10.09.2022 )

My original idea was to do san-serif letterforms, which the picture above goes quite well with my idea because of the rounded edges and bulky characteristics, this reminds me of the Futura Typeface. However, as I further explore it, it doesn't have the expected outcome instead the ones I got were all thin looking with sharp edges. 

Fig. 8.2 Traced letters, Week 2 ( 10.09.2022 )

By using Pentool, I traced the potential letterforms that I can see, both thin and thick letterforms were traced and the thin ones had more numbers than the thick ones, so I went with the thinner ones. 

Fig. 8.3 Extracted letterforms, Week 2 ( 10.09.2022 )

The letters that I spotted and still in good shape were J,F,D,I,C,V. Their characteristics are arch downwards and arch to the left or right. 

Fig. 8.4 Typeface reference, Week 2 ( 10.09.2022 )

The typeface used as reference was Adobe Caslon Pro. 

Digitalisation 

Fig. 8.5 First outcome, Week 3 ( 13.09.2022 )

In Typography, when we were first introduced to creating typefaces, Mr.Vinod taught us to start off by using a shape and standardised the thickness of the strokes as reference for other letters. So in my first attempt, I have used the oval shape to create the strokes, then later on it is easier for me to adjust the strokes. 

Fig. 8.6 Second outcome, Week 3 ( 13.09.2022 )

In my second attempt, I have used some guidance for the length and height of the strokes so I can maintain the size of the letters. in this attempt, I have already decided to do serif fonts, so I made the end strokes with pointing edges. 

Fig. 8.7 Third & Fourth outcome, Week 3 ( 15.09.2022 )

In my third attempt, I was struggling with the J's tail, the downward stroke of F, and there are some inconsistency in the thickness of the strokes. For the fourth time, the letter D has become a normal shape and the J's tail has improved, the downward stroke of F is still the same because if I added a tail to the downward stroke of F, it'd look so weird. 

Fig. 8.8 Fifth outcome, Week 3 ( 15. 09.2022 )

Well, thanks to Mr.Vinod for giving me tips on amending the strokes and finally my letterforms are staring to look consistent and neat. It all makes sense now. 

Final Part 1: Finding Type 

Fig. 9.1 Compiled process, Week 3 (17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.2 Letter J, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.3 Letter F, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.4 Letter D, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.5 Letter I, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.6 Letter V, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.7 Original extracted letterform compared to the final type design, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9. 8 Final type design, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9. 9 Type Showcase, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Fig. 9.10 Final Finding Type - PDF, Week 3 ( 17.09.2022 )

Part 2: Type and Image 

This year, we are pretty lucky to be able to participate in a competition held by HONOR Talents 2022, in which we will be designing desktop wallpapers( 6000x3000px) or phone wallpapers. This competition has given us 2 themes to choose from which are Renewal of Life: Return and Cultural Prosperity: Celebration. We are required to take a picture on our own which relates to the theme and incorporate words related to the theme. The objective is to enhance the interplay between the letter/word/sentence and the selected visual. The text must be woven into a symbiotic relationship with the image. 

Fig. 10.1 Picture of teapot and teacup, Week 4 (19.09.2022)

After getting assigned to this task, I found a vintage and Chinese traditional-looking teapots and teacups. Then I took a picture of it and started editing it. 

Fig. 10.2 1st attempt, Week 4 (19.09.2022)

To create the hot steam effect, I have to study more about steam, and how it flows out of the mouth of the teapots and teacups. This is quite new to me as I have never been exposed to manipulating text in images. 

Peers opinion: can try to use another typefaces that have thicker strokes and the smoke looks weird, try working on that. 

2nd Attempt 

Fig. 10.3 Original picture, Week 5 (26.09.2022)

After class, while I was looking for some inspiration on how to work on this task, I saw the lake in our campus and it was so beautiful even if it's just rocks, water and plants. I couldn't help and took a picture of it thinking no harm in doing both themes so i could eventually pick the best out of it. 

Fig. 10.4 Resizing image and idea planning, Week 5 (26.09.2022)

According to the rules, I have resized the picure and I plan to let the words float on the surface of the lake, the words will be in 3D look to enhance the realisticness of the overall image. 

Fig.10.5 Type arrangement and colour adjustment, Week 5 (26.09.2022)

As I am going with the Renewal of Life theme, the word I am adding in is 'Renewal'. It's simple yet meaningful. In order to let the type blend in the image, I've got to choose a colour tone that suits the image considering the visibility of the words too. 

Font used: Gill sans MT, Bold

Fig. 10.6 Adjustment for letter 'A', Week 5 (26.09.2022)

I have come across many different Photoshop tutorials on youtube and I wanted to try out one effect which is the 'Underwater text' effect. So the picture above is the letter A that already has this effect. However, I feel it doesn't harmonise the overall feel and meaning of the image. Oh well, guess it doesn't work out.

Fig. 10.7 Comparison between the colour tone used in the letters , Week 5 (26.09.2022)

On the left, it was my original piece that I plan to submit but I felt that the words are pretty dark and that the rocks will overpower them. On the right, I have lightened the colour of the letters so that it will stand out from the image. Also, I have added some koi fish to make the entire image more lively. 

Final Part 2: Type and Image 

Fig. 11.1 Final Type and Image - JPEG , Week 5 (27.09.2022)

Fig. 11.2 Final Type and Image - PDF , Week 5 (27.09.2022)

Feedback 

Week 02 (07.09.2022)

Axial: Acceptable, but the line extending from the 'i', spacing needs more leading, the line under the text is too close 
Grid: Red text on black is not good, the division of the black and white is acceptable, and the rest is fine. 

Radial: attaching a line to a baseline of the text is not a good thing 

Dilatational: compositional weak. 
Random: compositional weak and lack of experimentation. 

Transitional: is fine but some text is in green. 

Modular: layout 

Bilateral: fine. 

Week 03 (14.09.2022)

Specific feedback:

Extracted letters are flawed. Can use letter 'D' as the base for other letters as reference. 

Week 04 (21.09.2022)

General feedback:

When u become a designer ur eye must be very sharp and critical, pay attention to all the details.  

Specific feedback:

There's an irregularity in shape and form, so lack of consistency in the form, stem stroke ends, and the j tail. Overall, require refinement and a lot more crafting. 

Week 05 (28.09.2022)

Specific feedback:

The smoke is not convincing enough yet. There's still a little bit of work for the smoke, The letters wherever you are placing them it needs to form a body of smoke, u need a fatter typeface that u can distort towards the side of it so then it forms many layers of smoke that you need. The smoke needs to be stronger in terms of the weight of the words that r forming. Try studying steam in order to be able to effectively do this. Another problem is your background. Your paper is visible at the edge, that's no helping, these are the things u need to clean up,  the lighting is interesting but ask yourself, would you use this as your wallpaper. 

Week 06 (05.10.2022)

Specific feedback:
The rocks are too overwhelming. 

Reflection 

Experience 

In exercise 1, the rest of the systems were bearable still but I struggled with the Random System the most, this system not only u have to be creative but also keeps it random and readable at the same time. In my first attempt, my layout was so bad, I needed more time to explore and study the randomness in this system. However, it was pretty interesting to study these systems, never knew that there were systems for arranging contents on a piece of artboard. In exercise 2, I am very satisfied with the outcome because it looks so much more consistent and neat. Thanks to Mr. Vinod for giving me tips on how to amend it. The outcome is pretty and I am in love with it! Lastly, I couldn't do the steam effect perfectly and it looked really weird, the font choice was not appealing enough too, so after I made another attempt with a new picture, I enjoyed it more while editing it. The fun part of it was the placement of the letters, there should be a smooth flow from top to the bottom as the water flows. 

Observation 

In exercise 1, I noticed that not only the point size, alignments, leading and paragraph leading matter but also the white space. We have to utilise the space provided wisely in order to present the content well and neat. The information hierarchy is very important, considering which should draw the readers' attention first. Next, I observed the extracted letterforms, which side are they leaning towards, san-serif or serif form, thick strokes or thin strokes. Although it was frustrating when first creating the shape, but the more you discover, the more interesting it gets! Lastly, I learnt to observe the details of the picture such as the flow of the picture, the overall colour used so I'll know how to incorporate the text in it without it seeming awkward. 

Findings 

At the end of the exercises, I found that there are limitations in a design work. In exercise 1, there are different limitations such as the units in Modular System, a point of focus in Radial System. Even so, as long as there's research and idea exploration done, I believe creativity just pops up easily given the limitations. For the last exercise, I found that the balance between the text and the image should be well controlled, one shouldn't overpower another and they should combine and make the piece of work harmonise well. 

Further Reading

Fig. 12.1 From a letter to a Typeface

To get started, a new designer will get started on the letters a,d,e, h, i, n, o, s. These letters offer a good compromise and is small enough to set for the designer to change direction quickly but is large enough to offer a good balance of typeface-wide features and style in text settings. Once you have the letters as your base structure or reference, then you're good to go. 

Fig. 12.2 Space Matters

The most important element in a typeface is the space between letters. Remember that a text typeface is spaced for paragraphs, not individual letter combinations. A well-spaced paragraph makes the overall text readable and neat. 

Fig. 12.3 Familiar shapes and new interpretations 

Typeface allows encoding of textual meaning but on another hand, it expresses values such as identity, styles and beauty. Some Typefaces have become prominent because it is widely used and became easy to recognise. Each typeface is unique on its own, they help to express a brand's style or identity.