Typography- Task 3: Type Design and Communication

30.5.2023-26.6.2023/ Week 9- Week 13
Kelly Lau Jie Ning/ 0354839
Typography/ B' of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 3: Type Design and Communication

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LECTURES

All lectures 1 to 6 were completed in Task 1 Exercise 1& 2

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INSTRUCTION

1. Research

I searched a lot of fonts from Pinterest and Google before starting to do the handwriting part.

Fig 1.1 Research from the Internet 

Identify and deconstruct references

I chosen Adobe Caslon Pro for my reference

Fig 1.2 Deconstructed "A"- Adobe Caslon Pro Regular Week 9 (1/6/2023)

Anotomy:

1. Bowl: The bowl is the rounded or curved part that forms the enclosed shape of the letter "A." It can have various degrees of curvature, depending on the specific design of the typeface.

2. Serifs: Serifs are the small decorative strokes or lines that extend from the ends of the main strokes of a letter. Serifs provide extra embellishment and aid in legibility. In Adobe Caslon Pro Regular, the serifs are likely to have a classic and traditional appearance, as Caslon is known for its historic design.

Fig 1.3 Deconstructed "\M"- Adobe Caslon Pro Regular Week 9 (1/6/2023)

Anotomy:

Stems: The letter "M" consists of multiple vertical stems. In Adobe Caslon Pro Regular, these stems are likely to be relatively straight and evenly spaced. The thickness of the stems may vary depending on the specific design choices made for the typeface.

Serifs: Similar to other serif letters, the stems of the letter "M" in Adobe Caslon Pro Regular will typically feature serifs. These small decorative strokes or lines extend from the ends of the main stems. The serifs in Caslon are likely to have a classic and traditional appearance.

Fig 1.4 Deconstructed "P"- Adobe Caslon Pro Regular Week 9 (1/6/2023)

Anotomy:

Bowl: The bowl is the rounded or curved part that forms the enclosed shape of the letter "P." In Adobe Caslon Pro Regular, the bowl of the "P" is likely to have a rounded shape, although the exact curvature may vary based on the specific design choices of the typeface.

Stem: The stem is the vertical stroke that forms the backbone of the letter "P." It extends downward from the top of the bowl to the baseline. In Adobe Caslon Pro Regular, the stem is likely to be relatively straight and have a consistent thickness.

2. Exploration

Handwriting part

We be required need to write diagonal, horizontal, vertical and circular lines for all 5 tools in 5 different ways for each tool. We also need to write AOTMX for all 5 tools in 5 different ways for each tool. 

Fig 2.1 handwriting practice Week 9 (2/6/2023)

Fig 2.2 handwriting practice Week 9 (2/6/2023)

Fig 2.3 handwriting practice Week 9 (2/6/2023)

After that, we select 1 option from the 5 different options from each tool and write 'a e t k g r i y m n' in the selected style.

Fig 2.4 handwriting 'A E T K G R I Y M N ' by different tools Week 10 (6/6/2023)

Then, we picked one option and keep writing by the tool so we can pick the more beautiful letters and make them digilization. I picked the board writting as my digilization font.

Fig 2.5 writing pratice using board pen Week 10 (9/6/2023)

Fig 2.6 writing pratice using board pen Week 10 (9/6/2023)

3. Digital Exploration 

This is the first version of the font. It didn't work because I did it using pen tool and they look too random and irregular. So I redo it again.

Fig 3.1 first version of the font Week 11 (13/6/2023)

Then, I have done the second version which is also the final version.

Fig 3.2 second version of font Week 11 (16/6/2023)

For the second version of font, I using same angle of all of the letters for their top and their bottom. I also using rectangle to do the letter. So, they look more regular and similar.

Fig 3.3 detail of the letter Week 11 (16/6/2023)

Fig 3.4 outline of the letters Week 11 (16/6/2023)

We also be required to make a few punctuations which are ". , # ! :".

Fig 3.5 punctuations Week 11 (16/6/2023)

4. FontLab 

We be required need to install our font into fontlab.

Fig 4.1 Copying and pasting the letters into FontLab Week 12 (19/6/2023)

Fig 4.2 Letter kerning in FontLab Week 12 (19/6/2023)

Fig 4.3 Kerning of all letter Week 12 (19/6/2023)

Final font: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OacfAMfcPlI-PgR_RPZhugci38uX-Xyj/view?usp=sharing

Fig 5.1 Final font- jpg, week 12 (20/6/2023)

 

Fig 5.2 Final font- pdf, week 12 (20/6/2023)

Final Poster

Fig 6.1 Final poster- jpg, week 12 (20/6/2023)

Fig 6.2 Final poster-pdf, week 12 (20/6/2023)

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FEEDBACK

Week 9
General feedback
This week I learnt how to import a handwritten letter into the digital version

Week 10

General feedback

I mentioned that need to redo the work again

Specific feedback

Maybe can make the stroke of the letter 'A' thicker

Week 11

General feedback

the punctuations are wrong need to redo it

Week 12

General feedback 

all the letter of the sentence needs to be same point size 

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REFLECTION

Observations
During Typography Task 3, I observed that font creation is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and an understanding of typography principles. I noticed the wide range of tools available for designing fonts, each offering unique features and capabilities. Additionally, I observed that digitizing a font is essential for its usability across various digital platforms.

Experiences
Throughout the task, I had the opportunity to experiment with different tools and techniques for font creation. I enjoyed exploring various letterforms, strokes, and curves to develop distinct font styles. Digitizing my font was an exciting experience as I witnessed the transformation of my designs into functional digital typefaces. Finally, trying out the FontLab app introduced me to a powerful tool designed explicitly for font creation.

Findings
Through this typography task, I discovered that creating fonts requires a blend of creativity and technical skills. It is a process that demands patience, as refining the details and achieving the desired aesthetic can take time. I found that experimenting with different tools and techniques is crucial to find a font style that effectively communicates the desired mood or message. The digitization process was a crucial step, allowing me to fine-tune the font and prepare it for practical use. Lastly, my experience with FontLab revealed its effectiveness in providing a comprehensive set of tools that enhance the font creation process.

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FURTHER READING

Fig .1 Computer Typography Basics

"Computer Typography Basics" is a book that provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of typography in the context of digital design. It covers a wide range of topics related to typography, focusing specifically on its application in computer-based design.

The book begins by explaining the core elements of typography, such as type anatomy, letterforms, and spacing. It discusses the importance of choosing appropriate fonts for different projects and provides guidance on font selection, pairing, and combinations.

Additionally, the book explores the technical aspects of working with typography software and tools. It offers practical insights into using design software to create and manipulate digital typefaces effectively. It may cover topics like kerning, tracking, and leading, which are essential for achieving optimal spacing and readability in digital typography.

Furthermore, "Computer Typography Basics" delves into the aesthetic aspects of typography. It explores concepts of layout design, hierarchy, and visual impact, teaching readers how to create visually pleasing and practical typographic compositions. The book may provide insights into colour theory, contrast, and typography's role in overall design harmony.

Throughout the book, there might be examples, case studies, and exercises to reinforce the concepts discussed. It could also showcase inspiring typography designs and provide practical tips for improving typographic skills.

Overall, "Computer Typography Basics" aims to equip readers with a solid foundation in typography principles and techniques, specifically tailored for computer-based design. It guides designers, students, and enthusiasts who want to enhance their understanding and application of typography in the digital realm.