Typography - Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication
21/10/2024 - 17/11/2024 / Week 5 - Week 8
Ye YingYing / 0364398
Typography / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 2 - Typographic Exploration and Communication
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Lectures
2. Instruction
3. Taks 2
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
6. Further Reading
LECTURES
Previous Refer to Task 1: Click Here
- Week 5 - Typo 5: Understanding -
When designing a typeface, it’s essential to simplify the stroke
characteristics of each letter, ensuring they can be consistently
replicated across all letterforms. This maintains a cohesive and unique
style throughout the font.
1. Understanding Letterforms
Also, it is important to analyze an existing typeface that is under the
same category.
2. Maintaining the x-height
Generally x-height refers to the height of lowercase letterforms. But, curved strokes, like the letter 's', must extend above the median or drop below the baseline to visually match the size of the adjoining vertical and horizontal strokes.
[ The letters with curved strokes tend to look smaller because they have
lesser real estate on the top, and lesser area touching the median and
baseline]
3. Letters/Form/Counterform
Understanding the negative space around each letterform is equally important, as it helps improve both the readability and legibility of the text.
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| Figure 1.01 - Counterform |
4. Contrast
Contrast is the most powerful dynamic in design.
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| Figure 1.02 - Different types of contrast |
INSTRUCTION
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src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BAt0CUuHVndrIuRMZKLmkyTJKeP54XE6/preview"
width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
TASK 2
- First Attempt -
I did sketches for all three different texts. During this initial process, I
found myself particularly drawn to the word "unite" because it gives me a
sense of infinity and flow, along with a natural curve. I feel that these
curved elements strongly convey the concept of unity, as if all parts are
connected in an endless loop.
|
| Figure 1.03 - Initial Sketches |
Overall Feedback:
The title layout needs to be more lively, they look "bad" and "very
dead" right now. Try to apply expressive techniques from Task 1 to make
the title design stand out more. Also try experimenting more with the
opening layout, which currently feels very "dry" and "boring" The body
text layout is fine.
|
| Figure 1.04 - Initial Attempt 01 |
For Design 01, Ms.Vitiyaa advised me to refine the curved part, better not to
use it. The design looks boring.
Overall, I realize that my designs need more energy and a better sense of balance and aesthetics. For the title layout, I need to make it more lively by using expressive techniques from Task 1, like playing with font sizes, positioning, or adding more elements that match the theme. The opening layout also needs to feel more engaging.
With the feedback I received, I spent more time researching and gathering
inspiration to see how other people work, gain fresh ideas, and find new ways
to improve my own work.
- Sketch -
|
| Figure 1.04 - Initial Attempt 02 |
For Design 2, everything looks so off, the whole design is not "designing".
Keep the right text box between 10-12 words per line.
Overall, I realize that my designs need more energy and a better sense of balance and aesthetics. For the title layout, I need to make it more lively by using expressive techniques from Task 1, like playing with font sizes, positioning, or adding more elements that match the theme. The opening layout also needs to feel more engaging.
- Research -
|
| Figure 1.05 - Inspirations |
|
| Figure 1.06 - Sketch (2nd try) |
Design #1
My idea was to keep the “UNITE” as the focal point, but with a tilted "U" to
add a visual touch. And the left text movement goes up, to emphasize the
"better world"
The use of different font sizes and arrangements creates a sense of
movement and a bouncing effect. The supporting text is on free placement
but still obtain the connection.
Design #2
For this design, I used the typeface Janson, because I think it keeps the readability and shows a balanced letter spacing and smooth clear lines. I used the free placement for the letters "N, I, T, E" to show a sense of movement and dynamic feel.
I wanted the design to feel dynamic and fluid, giving readers a sense of movement while maintaining a clear emphasis on the importance of unity. The curved structure was meant to symbolize flexibility and openness, echoing the call for collaborative change.
Design #3
For this design, I used the typeface Futura, because I think it makes the design look clean, which keeps the readability. Its geometric shapes create a strong and bold presence, making the title "UNITE" stand out and easy to remember. The contrast of the overlapping "N, I, T, E" with the "U" and the positional differences add visual interest. I also changed the right-side text to vertical in order to feel more connected to the composition.
The contrast of the overlapping "N, I, T, E" with the "U" and the positional differences add visual interest. I also changed the right-side text to vertical in order to feel more connected to the composition.
I like Design#3 the most, its structure. The U-shaped arrangement of
“UNITE” makes a bold visual statement, symbolizing inclusion and
connection. It captures the message clearly and creatively, with balanced
space and typography that highlight the main idea while adding visual
interest. The overlapping contrast design of “UNITE” adds depth, making
the layout feel unified and impactful.
Details
Margins: 10mm
Gutter: 5 mm
Head
Font: Futura Std
Body
Font: Futura Std Medium
Type Size: 11 pt
Leading: 14 pt
Paragraph spacing: 14 pt
Characters per line: 33
Alignment: left justified
- All Works -
- WEEK 6 -
General Feedback :
After finishing Task 1, start moving on to the Task 2 as soon as possible.
Specific Feedback :
No specific feedback for Task 2 from Ms. Vitiyaa this week, I am still working on my Task 1.
Experience
Working on Typography Task 2 was an interesting and relaxing process. It allowed me to slow down and focus deeply on the details of my design. I especially enjoyed exploring how to arrange text and express its meaning through layout. However, when I received feedback that my title design looked "dead" and "dry," I started doubting my skills and sense of aesthetics. While I found the process enjoyable, this feedback reminded me that I still have a lot of room to grow. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and see critique as an opportunity to improve.
Observation
Throughout this task, I noticed that my designs tend to be balanced and simple, but sometimes they lack energy and boldness. Other students’ works often stood out more because they used dynamic and experimental approaches. I realized that my approach to the opening layout felt somewhat "dry" because I hadn't experimented enough with its form or structure. It became clear that creating a visually interesting design requires not just technical skills but also an open-minded approach to exploring new styles, experimenting with different arrangements, and embracing more spontaneous, expressive techniques.
Findings
This assignment taught me the importance of broadening my perspective by exploring more design references to improve my aesthetic sense. I learned to embrace criticism as a way to find constructive suggestions rather than taking it as negative feedback. Lastly, I discovered that design requires constant experimenting and refining rather than expecting perfection in the first attempt. Moving forward, I plan to explore more design books and artwork to improve my ability to express creativity and deliver better work.
In order to enhance my layout design and opening design for Task 2. I
decided to read the book Typography Referenced and focus on the
typographic principles chapter to get a better basic understanding of
them. I believe these principles will help me organize layouts more
effectively, making my designs more structured and visually appealing.
From my reading, my favorite principle is Free Placement because it encourages creativity and flexibility in arranging elements. This approach allows us to break free from rigid structures, and create layouts that feel dynamic, unique, and visually engaging.
However, I believe the best principle is Hierarchy because it ensures clarity by organizing content according to its importance, guiding the viewer’s attention effectively.
Design #3
My idea was to use the U-shaped path of the title “UNITE” to create a visual
flow that draws attention. And the following text adds dynamic.
- Design Development -
For this design, I used the typeface Bodoni, because I think the varied stroke weights create a dramatic and
eye-catching effect, which makes the word "UNITE" stand out more. The use of
different font sizes and arrangements creates a sense of movement and a
bouncing effect.
- Design Development -
Design #1
.jpg)
|
| Figure 1.07 - Design #1 |
|
| Figure 1.08 - Design #1 in grid & block ver. |
Design #2
For this design, I used the typeface Janson, because I think it keeps the readability and shows a balanced letter spacing and smooth clear lines. I used the free placement for the letters "N, I, T, E" to show a sense of movement and dynamic feel.
2.jpg)
|
| Figure 1.09 - Design #2 |
I wanted the design to feel dynamic and fluid, giving readers a sense of movement while maintaining a clear emphasis on the importance of unity. The curved structure was meant to symbolize flexibility and openness, echoing the call for collaborative change.
|
| Figure 1.10 - Design #2 in grid & block ver. |
Design #3
For this design, I used the typeface Futura, because I think it makes the design look clean, which keeps the readability. Its geometric shapes create a strong and bold presence, making the title "UNITE" stand out and easy to remember. The contrast of the overlapping "N, I, T, E" with the "U" and the positional differences add visual interest. I also changed the right-side text to vertical in order to feel more connected to the composition.
3.jpg)
|
| Figure 1.11 - Design #3 |
The contrast of the overlapping "N, I, T, E" with the "U" and the positional differences add visual interest. I also changed the right-side text to vertical in order to feel more connected to the composition.
|
| Figure 1.12 - Design #3 in grid & block ver. |
- FINAL WORK -
Figure 1.13 - Design#3 - PDF
Figure 1.14 - Design#3 with grids - PDF
Details
Margins: 10mm
Gutter: 5 mm
Head
Font: Futura Std
Body
Font: Futura Std Medium
Type Size: 11 pt
Leading: 14 pt
Paragraph spacing: 14 pt
Characters per line: 33
Alignment: left justified
- All Works -
Figure 1.14 - Three designs
FEEDBACK
- WEEK 5 -
General Feedback :
We need to start working on Task 2 (new post), for guidance and details of this task, refer to the teams. While doing the lecture summary in the E-Blog, we should avoid posting too many images. Instead, we can put them into one figure and include captions. The contents of the blog make sure they flow smoothly and are well organized. We need to include at least two books in the further reading section.
Specific Feedback :
General Feedback :
We need to start working on Task 2 (new post), for guidance and details of this task, refer to the teams. While doing the lecture summary in the E-Blog, we should avoid posting too many images. Instead, we can put them into one figure and include captions. The contents of the blog make sure they flow smoothly and are well organized. We need to include at least two books in the further reading section.
Specific Feedback :
No specific feedback from Ms. Vitiyaa this week, as there was
insufficient time for individual comments.
General Feedback :
After finishing Task 1, start moving on to the Task 2 as soon as possible.
Specific Feedback :
No specific feedback for Task 2 from Ms. Vitiyaa this week, I am still working on my Task 1.
- WEEK 7 -
General Feedback :
Remember to upload the work in the Facebook comment section, as it serves as both a backup and a place for Mr. Vinod to review. Carefully follow the instructions provided on Teams, and ensure that all requirements are fully completed before the deadline.
General Feedback :
Remember to upload the work in the Facebook comment section, as it serves as both a backup and a place for Mr. Vinod to review. Carefully follow the instructions provided on Teams, and ensure that all requirements are fully completed before the deadline.
Specific Feedback :
Ms. Vitiyaa said my title layout needs to be more lively, they look "bad"
and "very dead" right now. She encouraged me to apply expressive
techniques from Task 1 to make the title design stand out more. She also
suggested experimenting with the opening layout, which currently feels
"dry." The body text layout is fine. For Design 1, she advised me to
refine the curved part, better don't use it. For Design 2, keep the text
between 10-12 words per line.
- WEEK 8 -
No feedback for Independent Learning Week
REFLECTIONS
Experience
Working on Typography Task 2 was an interesting and relaxing process. It allowed me to slow down and focus deeply on the details of my design. I especially enjoyed exploring how to arrange text and express its meaning through layout. However, when I received feedback that my title design looked "dead" and "dry," I started doubting my skills and sense of aesthetics. While I found the process enjoyable, this feedback reminded me that I still have a lot of room to grow. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and see critique as an opportunity to improve.
Observation
Throughout this task, I noticed that my designs tend to be balanced and simple, but sometimes they lack energy and boldness. Other students’ works often stood out more because they used dynamic and experimental approaches. I realized that my approach to the opening layout felt somewhat "dry" because I hadn't experimented enough with its form or structure. It became clear that creating a visually interesting design requires not just technical skills but also an open-minded approach to exploring new styles, experimenting with different arrangements, and embracing more spontaneous, expressive techniques.
Findings
This assignment taught me the importance of broadening my perspective by exploring more design references to improve my aesthetic sense. I learned to embrace criticism as a way to find constructive suggestions rather than taking it as negative feedback. Lastly, I discovered that design requires constant experimenting and refining rather than expecting perfection in the first attempt. Moving forward, I plan to explore more design books and artwork to improve my ability to express creativity and deliver better work.
FURTHER READING
 |
| Figure 1.16 - Typography Referenced |
Figure 1.17 - Further Reading Notes
From my reading, my favorite principle is Free Placement because it encourages creativity and flexibility in arranging elements. This approach allows us to break free from rigid structures, and create layouts that feel dynamic, unique, and visually engaging.
However, I believe the best principle is Hierarchy because it ensures clarity by organizing content according to its importance, guiding the viewer’s attention effectively.
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