Typography Projects

Typography Assignment
Assigned: January 28th
Due: February 9th

Assignment

You will be assigned a typeface which you will use to create a poster that will communicate the essential characteristics of letterforms unique to that typeface.

You must include the typeface name, the name of the designer, the entire alphabet ( A - Z )  in upper case and lower case, one set of numbers and the date of issue (symbols optional). You will use only type and color, using type as the only graphic element in the poster, which must convey the most important visual properties of the face. The poster itself should reflect the nature of the typeface as currently used and as intended by the original typeface designer.

If using an atypical style (weight) of the typeface, you may include that name in your type poster. Read about grid and gestalt principles in your text book and think about how you can use them to unify your poster and make it work as a whole.

Objective

To explore the visual characteristics of the typefaces. To gain an understanding of the history and anatomy of typeface designs (typography). To develop an awareness of the history of type in graphic design and apply that to current usage.

Research

Research is an important part of preparation for your type history poster. It is required to learn the essence and characteristics of the typeface before you design your poster. You will create a 1-2 page (double-spaced), typed check-list with specifics about the typeface. Check-list MUST include: Name of designer (possibly the publishing entity), Date(s) of design/release/ publication/issue, specifics about the letterforms that make this typeface unique and the main uses of this typeface (display, book/body copy, both).  Any other background information that is relevant to the design of this typeface that might inform your design of your type poster.

Check-list MUST include specific characters and be set in your typeface. Refer to examples in the text book, Notes on Graphic Design and Visual Communication by Gregg Berryman. Read page 7 on the design process as well as the chapters on Type, Stages, Thumbnails, Color and Grids.

CITE ALL SOURCES USED!

Specifications

• Size: Approximately 16” x 20” vertical or horizontal orientation, printed in color on quality paper. 
• Color may be subtle, but integral. Mounted on black mat board. NEATNESS COUNTS!
• Turn in one digital file of your poster in the Illustrator format so I can check your font use.
• Also turn in one .pdf file (w/embedded font) named w/your last name first, then typeface name. Turn in one letter sized, b/w (cheap) laser print for marking changes/suggestions.

Typographical Sketches

Assigned: January 28th

Due: February 4th

Students will sketch out FIVE rough drafts of their poster final. Sketches should show the general flow and feel of the design. The sketches will be reviewed by students during a group critique and by me in short one-on-one meetings.