Advanced Typography Task 1 / Exercises: Typographic Systems & Type & Play

5/4/2023 - 26/4/2023
Edwin Choo Quan Rong / 0348305 / Bachelor of Design (Hons) In Creative Media
GCD 61104 / Advanced Typography
Task 1 / Exercises: Typographic Systems & Type & Play

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INSTRUCTIONS

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LECTURES

Week 1: Typographic Systems
There are a total of 8 typographic systems which consists of Axial, Radial, Dilatational, Random, Grid, Modular, Transitional and Bilateral. With these systems, numbers of permutations and combinations can be made with text information. These systems help provide a solid framework for designers with typography, the usage of grids will help with the arrangement of text on these systems.

Week 2: Typographic Compositions
Typography is creating letterforms and arranging chunks of text in a given space. There are compositional principles to aid in creating an artwork. These are emphasis, isolation, repetition, symmetry, asymmetry, alignment, perspective and rule of thirds. Out of all these, the most commonly used is the grids system to give order. New variations help to keep the layout fresh through multiple pages which can be aided with different changing elements. 

Week 3: Context and Creativity
Handwriting plays an important role in typography as the first iteration of typography work was to mimic handwriting using materials such as charcoal sticks or sharpened bones. Typography evolved over time, pictograms, hieroglyphs, ideograms, determinatives, phonograms, and letterforms today. In Rome, the words evolved over time to include more curves which leads to faster writing as there is less strokes. Printing with wooden blocks begun in countries such as China, Korea and Japan with a few years later, Korea managed to create movable type in bronze, being able to delete and rewrite like we do today, just taking much longer of time. Over time, the influence of typography mixed with many cultures of the world and developed more variations of type, each with their own unique reasonings of how it became the way it is. By looking back, we can understand the findings of the past and develop new inspirations for the future. 

Week 4: Designing Type
Typography is an artform, one can use it as a form of expression in more ways than one. Type design includes a list of process: Research, Sketching, Digitalisation, Testing, Prototyping and Deployment.
Research to understand the history of type, learning the terminology, anatomy and purpose of the type. Sketching with traditional tools like pen/pencil before creating refined digitalisation with software like FontLab or Glyphs. Testing is important to notice errors in the typeface for better refinement for creating better prototype. Finally, the type is deployed for public use. To create a successful typographic design, the designer needs to be invested and understand the requirements, limitations, and potential of the design. A design made with love and passion will always surpass one that is made solely for the reward.

Week 5: Perception and Organisation
Contrast creates differentiation and distinction between different types of information. Through contrasting, visual impact is formed by playing with size, weight, form, structure and color, this can draw attention to elements of interest. Gestalt psychology is the experience of things as a unified whole is better than breaking down elements into their smallest details. Each component of design is only as good as the overall visual form and understanding this principle will inform a designer's approach into creating impactful and cohesive artwork. Perception and organization in design comes with few principles, the law of similarity, law of proximity, law of closure, law of continuation, law of symmetry and law of simplicity. These principles show how humans usually group similar elements together, how close elements are perceived as a unified group, how our eyes tend to complete incomplete figures and how humans perceive each of two or more objects as different even when they intersect. Being able to convey complex information effectively through visual and hierarchical manner is a crucial skill designers need to develop through practice and acquiring knowledge of various laws and principles.

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Task 1 / Exercises: Typographic Systems

There are 8 typographic systems:

• Axial
• Radial
• Dilatational
• Random
• Grid
• Modular
• Transitional
• Bilateral
  

The task assigned to us was to create one artwork for each typographic systems using InDesign.
The text we get to work with is meeting times for lecture sessions but the choice of choosing the headline is up to us. Thus, I chose to work with " The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory". 

Fig 1.1 - Typographic systems compilation (12/4/2023)

During week 1, I experimented with the 8 typographic systems, using previous knowledge of kerning and grids to aid in the creation of the systems.

Fig 1.2 - Axial systems (Process) (8/4/2023)

After researching about axial systems, I attempted with two artworks using a singular line, arranging the words towards it. Different fonts were used and text size adjusted to ensure the headline stands out, while the sub-headline is viewed next, then the main chunk of information being the time and date. Kerning was used to amend some raggings. 

 

 


Fig 1.3 - Radial systems (Process) (8/4/2023)

These radial systems were done with the text angling around an imaginary circle. Text size and fonts were changed to ensure headlines stand out. 

  

Fig 1.4 - Dilatational systems (Process) (8/4/2023)

Dilatational systems made by creating a circle/oval, then using the "Type on a Path Tool" (Shift + T) to curve the letters along the surface of a shape. Kerning was used to adjust certain texts.  

Fig 1.5 - Random systems (Process) (8/4/2023)

Duplicating the text and playing with its size and opacity was my thought process in creating randomized version of the system.

Fig 1.6 - Grids systems (Process) (9/4/2023)

Text were aligned to the grids, experimenting with different sizes of texts to make the headline stand out. 

Fig 1.7 - Transitional systems (Process) (9/4/2023)

Doing a downwards wave using the shape tool along with "Type on a Path Tool" to create the curves. 

Fig 1.8 - Modular systems (Process) (9/4/2023)

Created boxes and placed similar texts in same size boxes.

Fig 1.9 - Bilateral systems (Process) (9/4/2023)

Texts were centered and given space in between to create bilateral effect of symmetry.

I edited my typographic systems after receiving feedback from the lecturer and my peers. These consist mainly of color change, adding visual elements and perfecting certain structures such as making the wave flows of transitional systems smoother as well as recreating other systems like random and bilateral systems.

Fig 2.0 - Final Typographic Systems Compilation (14/4/2023)

Fig 2.0 - Axial Systems Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 2.1 - Axial Systems Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 2.2 - Axial Systems with grids Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 2.3 - Axial Systems with grids Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 2.4 - Radial Systems Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 2.5 - Radial Systems Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 2.6 - Radial Systems with grids Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 2.7 - Radial Systems with grids Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 2.8 - Dilatational Systems Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 2.9 - Dilatational Systems Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 3.0 - Dilatational Systems with girds Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 3.1 - Dilatational Systems with grids Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 3.2 - Random Systems Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)



Fig 3.3 - Random Systems Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 3.4 - Random Systems with grids Final - JPEG (13/4/2023)

Fig 3.5 - Random Systems with grids Final - PDF (13/4/2023)

Fig 3.6 - Grids Systems Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)



Fig 3.7 - Grids Systems Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 3.8 - Grids Systems with grids Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)



Fig 3.9 - Grids Systems with grids Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 4.0 - Transitional Systems Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)



Fig 4.1 - Transitional Systems Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 4.2 - Transitional Systems with grids Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)

Fig 4.3 - Transitional Systems with grids Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 4.4 - Modular Systems Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)



Fig 4.5 - Modular Systems Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 4.6 - Modular Systems with grids Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)



Fig 4.7 - Modular Systems with grids Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 4.8 - Bilateral Systems Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)



Fig 4.9 - Bilateral Systems Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

Fig 5.0 - Bilateral Systems with grids Final - JPEG (14/4/2023)

Fig 5.1 - Bilateral Systems with grids Final - PDF (14/4/2023)

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Task 1 / Exercises: Type and Play

Students are tasked to choose an image of man-made object or nature without containing multiple different elements. Then, analysis of the image is done to extract potential letterforms (minimum 5) to then be refined from a crude representation. A reference font is used to aid in the refinement of the letterforms done in Adobe Illustrator. The refined letterforms are then integrated into an image with the goal of producing synergy between the letterforms and image.

Fig 5.2 - Letterform extraction (16/4/2023)

Using an image of a leaves, 5 letterforms, A B O L V are extracted and highlighted with pink outlines.

Fig 5.3 - Extracted letterforms resized (16/4/2023)

Letterforms are then resized according to guides.

Fig 5.4 - Reference font (16/4/2023)

The reference font I used is LivingbyNumbers-Regular as it has the characteristics I'm aiming for from the extraction: Sharp triangle points and straight rigid lines. 

Fig 5.5 - Initial refinement (20/4/2023)

I started with 4 letters at first, with the refinement idea making the letters less distorted by arranging elements from A to touch the baseline, bringing out the core elements of B, editing elements from O to stay in shape and lowering the bottom portion of L to the baseline.

The obstacles I encountered is by doing micro-refinements, not much has actually changed so I decided to continue working on the refinement after feedback from class. 

Fig 5.6 - Second refinement (26/4/2023)

The key elements I got from feedback was to have thicker strokes, enhance the characteristics, create more rigid structures by reducing curves as well as simplify it by removing certain elements. Continuing where I left off from the previous image, I wanted to add a circle inside A to make it more apparent, then I realized the letterforms have two different styles, so I added circles into B and O as well. After that, I added V from the extraction and refined it by pulling the middle portion downwards so it looks more like a V than a W while doing the same refinement steps I did for the other letterforms.

Fig 5.7 - Type and Play Final Letterforms JPEG (26/4/2023)



Fig 5.8 - Type and Play Final Letterforms PDF (26/4/2023)

Next, I proceed with integrating the letterforms into an image. 

Fig 5.9 - Letterform integration (27/4/2023)

Fig 6.0 - Final Letterform Integration (Poster fix) - JPEG (17/5/2023)

Fig 6.1 - Final Letterform Integration (Poster fix) - PDF (17/5/2023)

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FEEDBACK

Week 1
Specific Feedback: 
Axial systems work with a singular line and words can be arranged as long as it's too that line. Legibility and readability will be affectedby the text arrangement. Spacing is important to either make chunks of text readable, or to emphasize on a certain text. Difference in size and font choice can be used to emphasize text as well.
General Feedback: 
Text arranged perpendicular to each other and adding bends to the line should add more dynamism as a whole. Improvement to the text sizing can be made.

Week 2
Specific Feedback: 
Axial - ensure consistency in spacing, bold or change font for important texts to make it stand out Radial - The date and time text looks the same throughout, bolding the date can help texturise the text. Headline is competing with another text, rearrange size or font to ensure the headline stands out most. Dilatational - Boldness consistency with Open Public Lectures and Lecture Theater 12. Adjust text to fit nicely with each other, be wary of spacing. Random - make sure some text is still readable, using opacity helps with readability while still maintaining the chaos of randomness. Grids - Apply visual elements to balance out empty space, graphical elements like lines can help to enhance the layout, also makes empty spaces less awkward. Transitional - add lines to show direction and adjust words to curve smoother when transitioning Modular - ensure consistent spacing between text, use grids to aid in organizing the units Bilateral - Date and time text can be smaller, ensure symmetry and remove competition for the headline

General Feedback:
Well placed text arrangement helps in leading information from one point to another. Avoid putting text too close to edge as that drags attention away from the layout. For modular systems, it is okay to place text in more than 1 unit. Font size and boldness can help enrich the texture of the layout. Empty space can be filled up with forms and shapes but keep in mind to use form that provide functions, e.g. circle to show radial system. Use elements sparingly as they are meant to enrich instead of steal away the attention from the layout. When making changes, make sure the change is prominent.

Week 3
Specific Feedback: 
Letterform extraction to be precise to capture more detail/characteristics. Take note of stroke size consistency. Make step by steps in the refinement to show direction.
General Feedback:
"Reflective but refined." When creating layers of refinement for the letterforms, ensure that their unique characteristics are not lost in the process. Grids help in creating consistent letter sizes. Certain strokes can be re-used or be similar to keep consistency.

Week 4
Specific Feedback:
Keep line thickness consistent, enhance core elements to make it obvious and amend some refines to show more changes to be more aligned with the reference typeface.
General Feedback:
Image integration can use the same type of image as the extraction. For example, a leaf image if letterform extraction is from image of leaves. Set the words into the image but ensure it's integrated and fit in well, not make it stand out feeling out of place.

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REFLECTIONS

Experience
The 8 typographic systems was an interesting introduction as I learned multiple different ways to arrange text information while still maintaining readability. Attempting each style is a unique challenge to convey the same information in multiple ways. In Type and Play, extracting the letterforms and refining it provides a practice of creating "fonts" from Semester 1. It is a unique challenge to turn something crude into refined letterforms and provides a good practice for the final assignment.

Observations
What I noticed about the 8 typographical systems was their unique methods of conveying information, yet still being readable. Take Dilatational for example, there can be many spirals of text but the main chunk of info will be in large somewhere on the artwork for the viewer to read and understand. You can even combine multiple typographic systems like Radial, Axial and Dilatational for an artwork. Regarding Type and Play, the process of refining the letterforms is time consuming as ensuring small details are done helps in conveying the core element of the letterform. If you look hard enough, letterforms can be extracted from most places, in more abstract terms, there is sparks of creativity and inspiration are all around us.

Findings

After doing artworks for the 8 typographic systems, the use of grids do help a bunch in the arrangement of text. Typographic systems don't have to be systems and text alone, the usage of colors and objects combined really helps to make an artwork pop. Type and Play made me more analytical of small details and how to make those details noticeable. Most importantly, we can draw inspiration through the observation of the environment around us.

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FURTHER READING

Fig 6.0 - Typographic Systems by Kimberly Elam (7/5/2023)

There were 2 systems where I want to develop a better understanding of. Those are transitional and modular systems.

Transitional systems has multiple ways it can be done. The first method is the usage of movement, arranging words so that they flow to each other either rigidly or in curvy motion like waves. Non-objective elements can be used to complement the design, for example having a steep slope to let the words transition from top to bottom as if it's sliding downwards. Another method is using a change in direction. Text is usually arranged to the edge and rotated upwards resembling an L shape to showcase the transition. Non-objective elements aids in making the design more complex. This is done through the usage of shapes like rectangles to follow along with the text and use vibrant colors. Diagonal method works and is self explanatory.

Modular systems are text arranged into certain shapes like circles or rectangles and can be arranged around the artboard. Circle modules is one method of creating modular systems but designers should be careful when utilizing circles as its the most visually compelling geometric shape, screaming for attention even if its small. Playing with the positive and negative space of the circles like contrasting black and white overlapping each other helps bring out a dynamic composition that provides unity. Square modules resemble the grid systems strongly, although square modules are mostly organized, a irregularly placed square diagonally will help bring diversity to the artwork.