Advanced Typography: Task 1

05.04.2023 - 04.05.2023 / WEEK 1 - WEEK 5

ARWINDA NURUL IZZA / 0349913

ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY / BDCM

TASK 1 - EXERCISES 1 & 2

LECTURER

W1: Typographic System

All design = structural system. Eight Variants: Communication at right front. Elements are dependent on communication to function. Ex. Hierarchy, readability, order of reading, contrast. Books can contain one or more systems.

Axial: All elements are organised to the left or right of a single axis. Information divided to groups and place on different angles. Requires a SINGLE line but in the practice we can break into it.

Radial: All elements are extended from a point of focus and spread out according to that point. All focus pointing to that focus. Can be multiple point of focus

Dilatational: System that expand from a center in a circular manner. We can have Multiple circle. Place in hierarchy. Important to less from inside to out

Random: No specific pattern or relationship. Method in a chaos

Grid System: A system if vertical and horizontal. Information structure into different grids.

Transitional: Layered banding segregating info on certain bands.

Modular: The units is being standardised. Allow us to move it into different place of the unit. Units can be randomly place, It occupy a certain place, double unit and single unit they can switch within their own niches of unit.

Bilateral System: All text is arranged symmetrically on a single axis. Many use in invitation cards. We can have more than one lines.

By knowing the system its allow us to have distinctiveness when putting things on the page. Restrictions, ex. radial will be hard for read, its need to be use appropriately.

INSTRUCTION

Exercise 1: Typographic System

Fig 1.1 Axial - attempt #1, Week 1 (05/04/2023)

Above is my first on class attempt for Axial, Typographic System. Mr. Vinod introduced us to the 8 Typographic System through the recorded lecturer. There was also a warm up video on Adobe Indesign before we actually start to make the systems. It was a good recall, since it has been quite a long time ago for me to open the application.

Before starting to explore, I' decided to use the color 'red 'as the extra one colour beside white and black for the typographic systems exercise because after a quick search, the theme that I choose 'Russian Constructivism and Graphic Design' use this color a lot in their topic.

01: Indesign Process

Fig.1.2 Axial -attempt #2, Week 1 (08/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Univers LT Std (Extended, Extended Bold, Extended Black)

Middle: Adobe Caslon Pro (Regular)

Right: ITC New Baskerville (Roman, Bold)

Left attempt, is the first one I done and it was an experimental for the different angle in Axis System. I adjust this one quite many times and finally happy with the final layout. The circle on the top guides the eye to be the starting point then following with the shapes to continue the downward movement. Second one (middle) I'm attempting to place hierarchy with tones and different texture with letter spacing. The axis I attempted on this one pretty straight forward and boring. Hence, why I added a line to separate the two groups as long as guiding the eye from top to bottom where it stops on the circle. Last one (right) I try a similar method with the second attempt by using tones and and letter spacing to create hierarchy inside the layout. It just I attempt a quite different layout this time with the overlapping transparent shapes to engage the eye and I quite liking the last one the most.

Fig.1.3 Radial -attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Futura Std (Heavy)

Right: Serifa Std (Light, Roman, Bold)

For Radial system, I didn't encounter that much problem to understand the topic. I tried to search for references from the book and found some more interesting composition. The attempt on the 'Left' I tried to preserve the concept of a line radiating from a point. But, the downside on this system is I have difficulties on adjusting the angles with the way I wanted it to be. It's sort of frustrating but anyway, I just try a new attempt to explore more layouts inside the radial system. I ended up using grouping method, which is the more simple and straightforward one.

Fig.1.4 Dilatational-attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Univers LT Std (Roman, Bold, Light)

Right: Futura Std (Medium, Heavy)

Personally, I satisfied with this system the most. The first attempt(Left) I tried to use the 'Axis' Layout and try to spread the information as if I'm doing the Axial System. I added dots as the center point so the viewer can still have a grasp of something dilating. The second attempt (Right) I tried to follow the 'spiral' layout. I feel like some still lacking like the emphasis could had been done more. Hence, why I'm sticking with my first layout because it's cleaner than the latter.

Fig.1.5 Random-attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Font Used: Futura Std (Heavy)

Random System is probably the one that I found the most difficult. I did this exercise the last as even though it's random, the amount of variable (?) it's really tedious and all over the place. I ended up choosing the system that might be the closest one I can understand which is 'Type Only.' I get a grasp that by randomly put an emphasis like changing the tone, color, and tracking on each grouping(title, date, etc.) that I've already made can sort of create this sense of randomness in such way.

Fig.1.6 Grid -attempt #1, Week 1 (10/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: ITC New Baskerville (Roman, Bold), Serifa Std (Light, Roman, Bold)

Right: Univers LT Std (Light, Roman, Bold)

The next system, grid. I really satisfied with this work as well. The first attempt I tried to emphasis the horizontal movement and then I move from there. Building so the readability and flow are present.

Fig.1.7 Transitional-attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Bemba Std (Bold)

Right: Gill Sans Std (Regular)

(Left) attempt I solely focus on the movement of the text while experimenting with texture and color to apply hierarchy. The book (refer to the 'Typographic System' Book) tells that this system doesn't necessarily needing a grid system and can opt to break the grids and move freely. The flow of the system starting from the circle and text with white color indicate importance hence they being emphasis in this matter. The next system (Right) is a mixture of an experiment and variants that I like the most across it. This time the challenge are more restricted limited with one typeface, one typefamily, same size and no leading. The hierarchy expressed by the overlapping transparent planes from top to bottom. This attempt actually heavily influenced by the recommended book.

Fig.1.8 Modular -attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Univers LT Std (Bold) + Roman

Right: Futura Std (Light, Medium, Bold)

The modular system also probably quite confusing at first, but I choose the simplest understanding for the concept on my first attempt. I divided the modular to be in a 3*3 layout. Then, I grouped the information (Title, Place, Name, Date, etc.) and break them down per words. Then apply different color and tones to give some variety and emphasis on the title 'Russian.'The second one(Right) is sort of failed as I attempted to have a bigger divider than the first one but it ended up all over the place and I'm not really happy with how it turns out.

Fig.1.9 Bilateral -attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Font Used:

Left: Univers LT Std (Extended Bold)

Right: Univers LT Std (Roman)

The last system, Bilateral. This system is the most symmetric one and as I saw examples to explore more about the system I saw that they tend to get boring. So, this system is more like an experiment for me. Can be seen from the first attempt (Left), I added the circle to bring tension to the center so the illusion of it's being symmetric getting emphasis. The second attempt, the layout of the text is pretty much simple but I tried to add asymmetric object to create more excitement and grouping. I choose the second attempt because feels like they give more clear communication than the first one.

Fig.1.10 Typographic System -attempt #1, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

02: Revision

Fig.2.1 Axial -revision, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

After some cumulative feedback given by class peers and Mr.Vinod many are favourable to the first attempt(refer to fig.1.2) of Axial system I did. Hence, I also think that one is more legible to be submitted.

Fig.2.2 Radiall -revision, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

I did some minor changes like the color of the title to emphasis more into it and also make the spacing of the arrangement a lil bit more spreadable so it can increase the readability of the content.

Fig.2.3 Modular -revision, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

For modular system, also just a minor changes being given. I did change the color choices to increase readability and also texture as everyone is the same size, I choose to give one more type family (Roman, Universal LT Std) and increase hierarchy through that.

Fig.2.4 Bilateral -3rd Attempt, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

Font Used: Futura Std (Light Condensed, Heavy) Univers LT Std (Roman, Bold)

After the feedback session, the outcome for bilateral previous attempts are not very satisfying. There so I try to attempt and make a 3rd attempt with a more basic approach. I use a big red rectangle as an to help emphasis the title as well as balance the overall layout as it tend to look quite empty without it. Other than to introduce texture and hierarchy I use different typeface for the title and contents. I also gives different colors and heavier typeface to highlight important matter (in here is the date)

03: Final Submission - Exercise 1, Typographic System

Fig.3.1 Final Axial -JPEG, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

Fig.3.2 Final Radial-JPEG, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

Fig.3.3 Final Dilatational -JPEG, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Fig.3.4 Final Dilatational -JPEG, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Fig.3.5 Final Grid -JPEG, Week 1 (10/04/2023)

Fig.3.6 Final Transitional -JPEG, Week 1 (11/04/2023)

Fig.3.7 Final Modular -JPEG, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

Fig.3.7 Final Bilateral -JPEG, Week 2 (15/04/2023)

Fig. 4.1 Final Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic System -PDF, Week 2 (12/04/2023)

Fig. 4.2 Final Task 1 - Exercise 1: Typographic System with Guides and Grids -PDF, Week 2 (12/04/2023)

*Random and Transitional didn't use any Guides.

Exercise 2: Type & Play

01: Choosen Subject

Fig. 5 Chosen Object - Dots on CD Player, Week 2 (16/04/2023)

The subject that I choose for this project is the dotted hole from the CD player inside my room. Choosing this as a subject is kinda risky as it can be too simplified but I proceed anyway to trace the object and study its characteristic.

02: Letterform Extraction

Fig. 6.0 Object Tracing, Week 2 (16/04/2023)

The initial process is to trace the pattern from the object. The pattern itself for mine Is pretty repetitive and as example given my first attempt was extracting letter right from the picture.

Fig. 6.2 Rejected Extraction, Week 2 (17/04/2023)

The first extraction was rejected after the feedback session and it was said that its too easy. Hence, why afterward I tried to understand the pattern given.

Fig. 6.3 Pattern Study and Exploration, Week 3 (19/04/2023)

From the image above, the way the pattern works is they made of 2 smaller dots then radiate it outside with bigger dots. Then, I tried to create a letter in this case 'P' to experiment on how to add more character into the extraction type. It was then accepted and then I proceed to create 3 other letters to meet the requirement. The original extracted letter is consist of the letter 'M', 'P', 'T', and 'H.'

Fig. 6.4 Original extraction, Week 3 (22/04/2023)

03: Reference

Fig. 6.5 Referenced Typeface - Progbot, Week 3 (22/04/2023)

As instructed it would be easier for us to have a reference from an already existing typeface. And it was added that it doesn't have to be from. the 10 typeface provided by the lecturer. I try to search for a halftone font on google because the pattern that I'm working on has the characteristic which is similar to halftone. Then, I found this font name 'Prog-bot' that the design is near with what I wanted to achieve.

04: Digitalisation

Fig. 7.1 Type Design Process Overview, Week 4 (26/04/2023)

d Here is an overview for the type design development. The dartboards are 1000 px height and 3000 px width.

Fig. 7.2 1st Refinement, Week 3 (24/04/2023)

The 1st refinement is to allign all the dots inside the letterforms with the guideline. The guideline was based on the referenced typeface.

Fig. 7.3 Adjustment for the stroke thickness on letter 'P', Week 3 (24/04/2023)

I found that there is still a problem with the weight of the letterform so I take the word 'P' and try to refine its thickness. Referring to the image I use 'specify steps' on Adobe illustrator to maintain the same gaps between the dots. And I also Increase the number of dots in between to make it even thicker but I still try to maintain How the pattern radiate from a certain point and the small and big dots.

Fig. 7.4 2nd Refinement, Week 3 (24/04/2023)

On the second refinement, I try to apply the same thickness that was on the letter 'P' to the other letters. I also alter the guideline a little bit to fit the unique shape of the dots. After this step of refinement, The letter 'H' and 'T' was pretty much done. I focus on refining the letter 'M' and 'P' afterwards.

Fig. 7.5 letter 'M' 2nd and 3rd Refinement Comparison, Week 3 (25/04/2023)

The letter 'M' was resolved to make the dot that connect the vertex with thick line of 'M' to be nearer to the thick lines. The comparison can be seen in the image above,

Fig. 7.6 letter 'P' 2nd and 3rd Refinement Comparison, Week 3 (25/04/2023)

The Letter 'P' was resolved by trying to copy the thickness on the end of the bowl of 'P.' The result makes the bowl a lil bit heavy and looks like it being dragged down. Hence, why on the image below I reduce the number of dots to balance it out.

Fig. 7.7 letter 'P' further Adjustment, Week 3 (25/04/2023)

below, is the final type design for the letter 'M', "P', 'H', and 'T.'

Fig. 7.8 Final Type Design Outcome, Week 3 (25/04/2023)

05: Poster

Fig. 8.1 inflated letterforms, Week 4 (27/04/2023)

For the poster, I chosen to inflate the letterforms because it gives more stronger structure to the overlook. I attempted to color the each letterforms in bright color because initially I thought I want to use it against black background and create different contrast between it.

1st Attempt

Fig. 8.2 1# Poster Attempt, Week 4 (27/04/2023)

I was focus on incorporating the letterforms in halftone pattern as that the subject I want to use for the poster. I then play with the blending mode and found 'Difference' give an interesting negative color. But, after I finished attempted this poster it was mentioned by Mr. Vinod that I can use any halftone images because the letterform I design is a pattern rather than an object and that's why I try to look for other attempt after this poster.

2nd Poster Attempt

Fig. 8.3 Image for the poster, Week 5 (03/05/2023)

I was researching 'Halftone Images' in Pinterest and I encounter this image where I thought can be suitable for my 2nd poster attempt.

Fig. 8.4 2nd Poster attempt - overview, Week 5 (05/05/2023)

Above is how the poster 2nd attempt overview. I want to give the fogginess effect so they can blend with the image more naturally. I use 'Blur Field' on each letterforms to give the blurriness and play with blending mode and opacity. I set the blending mode to opacity to make the letterforms appear greyish/not colour full again.

Fig. 8.5 Altered letterform - overview, Week 5 (05/05/2023)

To add more fogginess, I add this altered letterforms which a lil bit different with my final letterforms. They have closed shapes in between bigger dots and it creates more solid looks. Then after, I add credits and make it somewhere near a movie poster while be mindful for it being moderately used.

Fig. 8.6 Final Poster, Week 5 (05/05/2023)

06: Final Submission - Exercise 2 , Type&Play

Fig. 9.1 Object Tracing, Week 2 (16/04/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.2 Type Refinement Process, Week 4 (26/04/2023)

Fig. 9.3 Comparison Original Extraction and Final Refinement, Week 3 (25/04/2023)-JPEG

Fig. 9.4 Final Letterforms 'M', 'P', 'H' and 'T', Week 3 (25/04/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.5 Final Letterforms 'M', Week 3 (25/04/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.6 Final Letterforms 'P', Week 3 (25/04/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.5 Final Letterforms 'H', Week 3 (25/04/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.6 Final Letterforms 'T', Week 3 (25/04/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.7 Final Letterform showcase Poster, Week 5 (05/05/2023) -JPEG

Fig. 9.8 Exercise 2 - Type & Play, Week -PDF

FEEDBACK

General: When making a layout, headlines should be put first. Then, build the subsequent information from there like puzzle pieces. Modular, the units each unit should be the same size and interchangeable. When introducing elements into the system it shouldn't interfere the content.

Specific:

Axial: After showing the other attempts rather than the final one I chose many saw the my first attempt (Fig.1.2) is more memorable and preferable among peers and even Mr. Vinod. Hence for this system I'm changing my final Submission into the first attempt I did for the system.

Radial: Had problem with hierarchy and readability. Fixed by introducing color to the title.

Dilatational: My second attempt (Fig. 1.4) is nice but too heavy into one side.

Random: The font size is quite small and could had been explore more.

Modular: Many said they have difficulty reading my attempt (fig 1.8) and was recommended to change the color and introduce more texture to increase hierarchy.

Bilateral: The title is not quite hard to read and the graphical elements is too distracting.

General Feedback: Identify the characteristics of the subject and preserve that on your extracted letter. Choose a right type direction. Whatever we extracted is just a starting point. Consider the repetitive of the subject. We can introduce elements as we go along after understanding the character of the subject. Reflection, whatever character it is, it is need to be reflected with the subject. Consistency needed across the letterforms. ‘Display Fonts’

Specific Feedback: Make it more challenging, other option to create to give different texture. Utilise the small and big dots rather than sticking to the one line. Need to develop more.

W4
General: For poster, The words must be integrated to the image. After this stage, we then can add details such as ‘Directed by’ such on in movie poster. But those words shouldn’t interupt the words that we extracted.

Specific: The final refinement is acceptable. Only poster left needed.

Specific: For the poster, I can use any halftone pictures as the type I extracted is a form of pattern.

REFLECTION

Experience

After having the class for around 5 weeks I would say that this module challenge more my creativeness and understanding of typography so far. For the first exercise was really challenging to do bc there are certain rules to follow hence, me reading the whole book. It was very insightful and I realised that after reading that much I gained more understanding of the system. The second exercise was bit more tough than the first one because there is nothing to read or too referred too. I encounter a hurdle where the object that I use actually not really suitable for extraction but regardless I passed through it after understanding more on the task pointers.

Observations

I have to read a lot before starting the task or assignment. I found myself tend to think and searching for answer in my mind, hence it prevent to actually doing the thing.

Findings

From exercise 1, I learn more about the intention of the object we place in certain places. For example like how a tension will be build if we put a small circle a lil bit to the right/left side inside a square. And on Exercise 2, I've got the chance to explore more tool in photoshop as I'm not used to it. I discovered such thing as 'Field Blur' to partial blur an object .

Arwinda Nurul Izza 0349913

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Advanced Typography: Task 1 - Exercises 1 & 2

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