Nicco Chew Jin Xun / 0366563
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 2: Typography Exploration and Communication
Table of contents
1. Lectures
2. Instructions
3. Task 2/ Exercises
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
6. Further Reading
Lectures
[ Week 5 ]
Typo_5_Understanding
Understanding letterforms
Baskerville (Uppercase)
figure 1.1 - Baskerville typeface of letters 'A'
- not symmetrical
- easy to see the two different stroke weights
- each bracket connecting the serif to the stem has a unique arc
- demonstrate the meticulous care a type designer takes to create
letterforms that are both internally harmonious and individually expressive
Univers (Uppercase)
figure 1.2 - Univers typeface of letters 'A'
- appear symmetrical, but a close examination shows that width of the
left slope is thinner than right stroke
- demonstrate the meticulous care a type designer takes to create
letterforms that are both internally harmonious and individually
expressive
Helvetica & Univers (Lowercase)
figure 1.3 - letters 'a' of Helvetica & Univers
- complex letterform which the lowercase of 'a' of two seemingly
similar sans-serif typefaces---Helvetica & Univers
- comparison of how the stems of the letterforms finish
- comparison of how the bowls meet the stems quickly reveals the
palpable difference in character between these two
Maintaining x-height
figure 1.4 - x-height, median, baseline
- x-height: size of the lowercase letterforms
- curved stroke, such as 's', must rise above the median (or
sink below the baseline)
- in order to appear to be the same size as the vertical and
horizontal strokes they adjoin
Letters / Form / Counterform
- counterform: the space describes, often contained, by the strokes of
the form
- counterform includes the spaces between them when letters are joined
to form words
- letter is an important concept when working with lowercase 'r' that
have no counters per se
figure 1.5 - counterform
figure 1.6 - counterform
- examine them in close detail is the way to understand the form
and counter of a letter
- the examinations provide a good feel for how the balance between
form and counter is achieved
- palpable sense of letterform's unique characteristics can be
seen too
- worth noting that sense of the 'S' holds at each stage of
enlargement, while ' g' tends to loose its identity
Contrast
figure 1.7 - Different types of contrast in typography
- contrast: basic principles of Graphic Design apply directly to
typography
- contrast: most powerful dynamic in design-as applied to type,
based on format devised by Rudi Ruegg
- simple contrasts produces numerous variations: small+organic /
large+machined ; small+dark / large light...
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTlqPJwo-1Ts-VNujsvy29imGpdQUb3l/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Task 2 / Exercises
Inspiration
For this task, I choose the title which is "The Role of Bauhaus Thought on Modern Legacy" as it effectively captures the essence of the topic. To begin, I delved into researching the key principles of Bauhaus design. I discovered that the movement emphasizes the philosophy of "less is more," advocating for simplicity, functionality, and clean aesthetics. The Bauhaus style often features the use of primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—paired with black and white to create striking contrasts. Additionally, geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and rectangles are fundamental to Bauhaus designs, reflecting its focus on harmony and balance.
To further enhance my understanding, I explored various sources of inspiration from Pinterest, including classic Bauhaus posters and contemporary interpretations. I analyzed how designers structured their layouts, paying attention to the use of grids, alignment, and negative space.
figure 3.1 - Bauhaus reference from Pinterest
Initial Sketch
I began this task by drawing some initial sketches of Bauhaus-inspired layout designs. These sketches allowed me to explore different ways to incorporate the key principles of Bauhaus, such as simplicity, functionality, and the use of geometric shapes. I experimented with various arrangements, focusing on how to balance text and visuals while maintaining a clean and organized look.
Sketching these layouts helped me visualize how different components interact and provided a foundation for refining my ideas further. It also gave me the opportunity to experiment with unconventional placements and alignments, staying true to the innovative spirit of Bauhaus design.
figure 3.2 - initial sketch
Research
'Bauhaus'
The Bauhaus movement has profoundly influenced modern culture, leaving a lasting legacy in design, architecture, art, and beyond. Its principles have permeated various aspects of daily life, reshaping how we think about functionality, aesthetics, and the relationship between art and technology.
Bauhaus layout design refers to the principles and visual aesthetics that emerged from the Bauhaus school of design, which was founded in 1919 in Germany. Bauhaus layout design focuses on clarity, simplicity, functionality, and the use of geometric shapes. The goal is to create compositions that prioritize the functional purpose of the design while maintaining a clean and harmonious aesthetic. This style has had a profound influence on modern graphic design, architecture, and other design disciplines.
Characteristics of Bauhaus design
Minimalism
- Focuses on clean, simple, and uncluttered designs
- Reduces design to essential elements, emphasizing clarity and order
Use of Geometric Shapes
- Relies on basic shapes like circles, triangles, and rectangles to form the basis of designs
- Geometry is not only aesthetic but functional, ensuring symmetry and balance
Grids and Alignment
- Designs are structured using grids, ensuring harmony and consistency
- This principle is prominent in graphic design, architecture, and typography
Asymmetry and Balance
- Designs often featured dynamic asymmetry, creating visual interest while maintaining overall balance.
Draft of different layout
figure 3.3 - JPEG of draft of different layout without grids
figure 3.4 - JPEG of draft of different layout with grids
Final Outcome
Lastly, I choose this to be the final layout because I think it emphasizing functionality and simplicity through a balanced composition. This outcome showcases the Bauhaus ideals of minimalism.
figure 3.5 -JPEG of final layout without grids
figure 3.6 -JPEG of final layout with grids
figure 3.7 - PDF of final layout without grids
figure 3.8 - PDF of final layout with grids
Layout
Margins: 12.7 mm
Gutter: 5 mm
Heading
Font : Gill Sans Std Bold
Body
Font : ITC New Baskerville Std Roman
Type size: 10 pt
Leading : 12 pt
Paragraph spacing : 4mm
Characters per line : 59
Alignment : Justified with last line aligned left
Feedback
Week 6 (28/10/24)
General Feedback:
I am unable to attend this class due to an urgent matter.
Week 7 (4/11/24)
General Feedback:
This week, we were instructed to complete our Task 2 exercise. I already choose to do the Bauhaus. Then, we are told to prepare graph paper and pens. Additionally, we having Ms.Vitiya to review and give feedbacks to the printed Task 2 work.
Specific Feedback:
I have shown one sketch for Bauhaus editorial text to Ms Vitiya, she told us to make sure that all the fonts must align with the baseline grids well.
Week 8 (11/11/24)
General Feedback:
No feedback since it's Independent Learning Week (ILW)
Reflection
Experience
For this task, I found the experience both engaging and challenging. I experimented with different layouts and compositions, which allowed me to explore creative possibilities. Overall, working on this task helped me slow down and focus on the finer details of my design process. I enjoyed arranging elements to convey meaning visually, which deepened my appreciation for the subtleties of typography. Besides, I learnt that design is not just about aesthetics but also about learning and evolving through practice.
Observation
Throughout this task, I noticed that I often prioritize precision and neatness in my designs, which sometimes limits their visual impact. While this approach ensures a clean and organized look, it made me realize that my work could benefit from more energy and a willingness to take creative risks. Observing the dynamic and experimental approaches of others inspired me to think beyond safe choices and explore more unconventional design possibilities.
Additionally, I learned how typography is not just about aesthetics but also about communication. The heading, in particular, plays a vital role in conveying the essence of a theme. For this task, incorporating specific design elements to reflect the theme challenged me to think more critically about how every design choice contributes to storytelling.
Findings
This assignment helped me understand the importance of balancing creativity with technical precision. One key takeaway was realizing how crucial it is to refine small details, such as text alignment and spacing, to achieve a polished and professional look. At first, I underestimated how these minor adjustments could impact the overall composition, but through feedback and practice, I learned their value in creating visual harmony.
I also discovered the significance of planning and experimentation in the design process. Instead of trying to finalize a perfect idea from the start, I found that testing different layouts and approaches allowed me to uncover more creative possibilities. Moving forward, I want to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone, explore unconventional ideas, and embrace every design as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Further Reading
figure 6.1 - 'A Type primer' by John Kane
John Kane is a professor who teaches typography and graphic design at Northeastern University. He wrote 'A Type Primer' specifically for design students, and it’s filled with exercises and examples that will help anyone master the basics of typography.
John Kane’s A Type Primer serves as an essential guide for understanding typography, offering both beginners and experienced designers valuable insights into the art and science of type. The book emphasizes the significance of typography as a critical element of visual communication, focusing on its technical aspects, historical context, and creative applications.
Key Takeaways from the Book:
Foundations of Typography
Kane explains the basics of typography, including type anatomy (e.g., serifs, x-height, ascenders, descenders) and classifications of typefaces. This foundational knowledge is crucial for selecting appropriate typefaces and creating visually harmonious designs.
Importance of Context and Purpose
A central theme of the book is the idea that typography must align with the purpose of the design and the context in which it is used. Kane highlights the relationship between form and function, echoing Bauhaus principles, where type should enhance readability and meaning without unnecessary embellishment.
Grids and Layout
The book emphasizes the role of grids in creating organized and balanced layouts. Kane explains how grids provide structure to a design, helping typographic elements communicate effectively.
Spacing and Alignment
Kane dedicates sections to kerning, tracking, and leading, stressing how small adjustments can significantly improve the overall aesthetic and readability of text. This practical approach helps designers refine their skills in fine-tuning type.
Creative Experimentation
While the book prioritizes the principles of clarity and functionality, it also encourages designers to experiment with type creatively. Kane highlights how typography can evoke emotions and set the tone of a design, providing examples of expressive typographic compositions.
Personal Reflection
Reading A Type Primer has deepened my appreciation for the precision and artistry behind typography. It has taught me to see type not merely as text but as a design element that shapes communication and user experience. The emphasis on grids, alignment, and purpose resonates with my understanding of Bauhaus principles and has inspired me to approach typography with both discipline and creativity.
This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop a strong foundation in typography and apply it effectively across various design disciplines.
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