Typography Task 3 Exercise

7/11//2023 - 18/12/2023 (Week 7 - Week 12 ) 

Jie Xuan/ 0356515

Typography/ Bachelor of Creative Media/Taylor's University

Task 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions

2. Feedbacks

3. Reflections

INSTRUCTIONS

Task 3 Type Design& Communication(Font Design) (30 % ) - Individual Assignment

Exercise : 

1. We were tasked to design a limited number of Western alphabets. To begin, choose an existing font design that adheres to the direction that you would like to head in. Study the font carefully by analyzing its anatomical parts. Start with rough sketches, explore various options, and upon approval begin digitization of the drawings—software for digitization is Adobe Illustrator and later FontLab.
2. Artworks shall be printed out for critique sessions followed by refinements. If time permits we shall generate the font for actual use. Watch the video before starting. 

Marking Criteria: 

• Evidence of in-depth research and visual analysis is visible. Multiple ideas have been explored with great care and deliberation. The design process showcases knowledge of typographic consistent, and technically sound. 

Learning Goals:

• To develop student's ability to construct a readable and legible font.
• To develop student's ability to design a font with consistent characteristics premised on research and analysis.

Timeframe : 

• Week 7 – Week 12 (Deadline on Week 12)

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-fHxNLFw56suwKm5SqMjNInWwvhOYziD/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

Task 3: Type Design& Communication

Week 7: Detail Dissection

We are requested to select a preferred font from the 10 fonts provided. Use the following letters: H, o, g, b and do a detailed dissection of the letters in Ai Adobe Illustrator.

fig 7.1 Dissection of HOGB using Futura Standard Week7(8/11/23)

My Observation through this HOGB is I observed that all the straight line of the Futura Standard font had the same width. However the circles are irregular some are oval some are original circle.

Week 9 

We need to sketch the following letters ODHNG / odhng using 3 pens. We have to choose uppercase/lowercase, and explore 3 different writing styles for each of the 3 pens.

Material that we used are graph paper and 3 markers (can choose by ourselves but it must be 3.0 above)

RESEARCH

SKETCHES

9.1 Sketches Week9

Week 10

PROCESS

10.1 Process photo

Week 11

Final Digitization

Final Result in AI illustrator

Week 12

Font Lab Process Photo

Week 13 

Final Task 3 submission

Jxuan Font-Regular

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zCZ2WhmLynNUUzo-tmdNeZppSZOYE_RK/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

The link to download my typeface "Jxuan Font" is provided here: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zCZ2WhmLynNUUzo-tmdNeZppSZOYE_RK/view?usp=sharing

Screen Grab of my font lab process (side bearings)

Final Type Design in AI (JPG)

Final Type Design in AI (PDF)

Final Black Poster (JPG)

Final White Poster (JPG)

Final Black Poster (PDF)

Final White Poster (PDF)

FEEDBACK

Week 9- Sketches

Specific Feedback: I showed my sketches to Miss Low. She suggest me use rhombus word style because more consistence and more suitable to digitalize more because the word pattern is outstanding and special. 

General Feedback: We must use the marker pens that are 3.0 or thicker to sketch on graph paper, make sure to sketch our letterforms in fixed size by utilizing the lines on graph paper. 

Week 10-Digitilization in AI

Specific Feedback: In this week, I show my digitized letterforms to Ms. Low. Miss Low suggest me resize the letters too make the word size more consistence and suggest me use the width tool to adjust the letters base on hexagon shape.

General Feedback: Ms. Low mentioned that we can form O, C, G, D , N, H , L, E , I, T to some word to have a better observation on the shapes of our letterforms. 

Week 11-Digitilization in AI

Specific Feedback: Miss Low tell me to adjust the weight to let the font look more smooth and tell me to adjust every letters size and the baseline and cap height.

General Feedback: Miss Low said after getting feedback from her. We refine our fonts. Than only we start watching video about Font Lab on Microsoft Teams. 

Week 12- Font Lab

Specific Feedback: Miss Low suggest me to adjust the side bearings to let the letters between have consistent spaces.

General Feedback: Miss Low tell us we need to pay attention on the art board size need to be 1000pt to ensure that the lettering is neither too small nor too large when we transfer the letters to Font Lab 7.

Week 13- B&W poster

Specific Feedback: Miss Low suggest me the word "LETS" I need to kern a bit L and E to let the spacing more closer. Besides that, the word "DESIGN" also kern the letter S and I to let the spacing more closer. 

General Feedback: The Black and White poster should focus more on typeface and not using too much graphical elements. 

REFLECTION

Experience

 The hands-on experience of creating rough sketches using three distinct pens with varying nib types, and expressing the letters 'ODHNG' or 'odhng' in different styles, allowed for a deep exploration of design possibilities. Sketching physically helped create a connection with the digital transformation that followed.

Observation

Throughout the process, I have observed how each pen stroke affected the character and personality of the typeface. Sketching repeatedly helped me understand the subtleties of letterforms and how they visually impact the design. Transitioning from analog to digital tools, such as Adobe Illustrator and FontLab, highlighted the significance of precision and attention to detail in bringing the envisioned type design to life.

Findings

The task underscored the importance of legibility, readability, and consistency in type design. Balancing elements such as baseline, x-height, ascender and descender lines, cap height, median, and letter width became pivotal for creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing typeface. The challenge lay in maintaining these parameters while infusing creativity into the design. The selection of letters (o l e d s n c h t i g, . ! #) served as a practical guide, prompting thoughtful consideration for each character's design.

FURTHER READING

The Simple Things rebrand is a “Bristol family affair”

"The Simple Things" magazine unfolds as a heartwarming "Bristol family affair," infusing a distinct local flair into the publication's refreshed identity. While specific details about the rebrand are not provided, the characterization as a family affair implies a close-knit collaboration, possibly involving local talent and a shared connection to the vibrant Bristol community.

For an in-depth exploration of this charming rebrand, consider seeking out articles or press releases from design and media outlets. Look for insights into the creative process, the individuals or agencies behind the redesign, and the unique elements that reflect Bristol's influence on the magazine's new look.

Exploring design and branding platforms may yield case studies or analyses, offering a deeper understanding of the strategic decisions made during the rebrand and its potential impact on the magazine's visual appeal and market positioning.

Whether you're interested in the creative aspects, the familial collaboration, or the cultural resonance with Bristol, further reading can unveil the rich narrative behind "The Simple Things" rebrand and its significance within both the publishing and local creative communities.