Advanced Typography | Task 3 :Type Exploration and Application
17.10.2022 - 21.11.2022 | Week 8 - Week 13
Yap Sze Ying | 0349172
Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) Digital Media Production
Advanced Typography | Task 3 :Type Exploration and Application
LECTURES
All lectures 1-5 completed in Task 1 :Exercises 1 & 2
INSTRUCTIONS
Task 03: Type Exploration and Application
With the knowledge and experience gained in the exercises and tasks, with the accumulated knowledge from the lectures and your own reading, with the experience gained in the different software covered in the programme thus far, synthesise and apply the learning in the final tasks.
- Create a font that is intended to solve a larger problem or meant to be part of a solution in the area of your interest be in graphic design, animation, new media or entertainment design or any other related area not necessarily reflecting your specialisation.
- Explore the use of typeface in your area of interest, understand its existing relationship, identify areas that could be improved upon, explore possible solutions or combinations that may add value to the existing typeface.
- Experiment. For your idea to qualify as an experiment it must be novel and unique — working with material that might be 3-dimensional, digitally augmented, edible, unusual, typographic music video or fine art and provide a creative solution or add value to an existing use.
The end outcome could be a designed font and its application in the form or format that it is intending to provide a solution for, or an designed font that adds value to an existing use, or an experimentative output that results in something novel and unique. The work can manifest into any kind of format related to the issue being solved or explored or experimented: animation, 3d, print, ambient, projection, movie title or game title, music video, use of different material etc.
Research, Ideation and Sketches
To begin, we were tasked to create a proposal of ideas for our project based on our interests. I'm interested in entertainment design and the slides I created are below:
Figure 1.1.1 Proposal (26th Oct 2022)
Visual Research
In order to study how a group's song or concept matched the typeface used for the albums, I first decided to look at some album covers with typography. Below are several album covers from Pinterest:
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| Figure 1.1.2 Album covers | Source: Pinterest (26th Oct 2022) |
Song Research
I decided to proceed with Idea 3 -Font design for Song Album. Then, I conducted some research on this song. For the album cover, I thought a serif typeface would effectively reflect the vibe and fit the "Best Part of Me" concept.
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Ed Sheeran’s “Best Part of Me” shows the point of view of two people in a romantic relationship, as each wonders why the other loves them with all their flaws.
“Best Part of Me” is a song that, in spirit, could apply to any type of relationship, even non-romantic ones. It’s about getting outside of ourselves and seeing who we are through the eyes of someone who has chosen to love us. It’s a good idea to listen to the good things people who care about us say and to believe them when they say they love us. Unfortunately, for most people, it’s our natural tendency to judge ourselves harshly. An outside perspective can shift the way we perceive our qualities. We should be careful, however, that we don’t rely on the affirmation of another person for our self-worth. Even those who love us are human and will not always be able to say the right thing or make us feel loved every moment. Still, “Best Part of Me” is a reminder that we are own worst critics, and that when we are loved, we shouldn’t assume it’s because they don’t know us well enough yet. Cite
Sketches
After researching study and thoroughly comprehending the song's meaning, I started to sketch out several typeface ideas. Here are some of my sketches:
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| Figure 1.1.4 Sketches (2rd Nov 2022) |
Digitisation and Exploration
I then use the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator to digitise the uppercase and lowercase serif letterforms as I prefer with option 4. Below is my first attempt of the letterforms:
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| Figure 1.1.5 Progress of constructing letterforms (9th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.1.6 First Attempt #1 (9th Nov 2022) |
Mr Vinod commented that each letters must have the same x-height and thickness. In addition, I've to provide as many working files with comprehensive processes to demonstrate how the alphabet is constructed.
Therefore, I set the descender, median line, baseline, and the ascender in Adobe Illustrator before I started creating the characters. To preserve the consistency of letterforms, I used the same angle for the remaining letters as well.
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| Figure 1.1.7 Strokes (16th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.1.8 Font Constructed (16th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.1.9 Font Digitised (16th Nov 2022) |
Measurement (From Baseline)
Ascender Line: 733pt
Cap Line: 696pt
Median Line: 500pt
Descender Line: -228pt
Mr Vinod commented that there is minor adjustments can be made. For example: Letters m and n have a different axis and etc. In addition, the number components can be altered by utilizing the constructed form in the alphabet (if curve then curve). Hence, I made some adjustments in my letterforms and numerals based on the feedback.
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| Figure 1.2.1 Minor Adjustment on letterforms & numerals (16th Nov 2022) |
Below are the final letterforms I've created:
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| Figure 1.2.2 Final Letterforms (16th Nov 2022) |
After the digitisation of characters, we were instructed to 'unite' all paths into one path and import the letters into Font Lab. To begin, we went to 'Font Info' to create a new file; metrics, and dimensions, and entered the dimensions for the ascender, median, baseline, and the descender. We were instructed to calculate the measurements with the baseline.
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| Figure 1.2.3 Create Font Lab file (20th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.2.5 Imported Font (20th Nov 2022) |
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Then, I exported and installed the typeface I had created in Font Lab. In addition, I chose the name "Best Part of Me" to match the album covers.
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| Figure 1.2.7 Export Font (20th Nov 2022) |
Link to Font File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zc034rXnEMiISbP9YjUX6n1vtC2H-hBq/view
Application
I wanted to design things for the application that were similar to the ones used in the Pop music sector. Here are several of the applications:
Application #1 -CD-compatible album cover
To begin, I looked at the "Best Part of Me" original album cover and conducted research on Pinterest in order to obtain inspirations for the CD-compatible album cover. Here are some CD-compatible album artwork:
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| Figure 1.2.8 CD-compatible album cover | Source: Pinterest (22rd Nov 2022) |
Therefore, I started experimenting with the grid system that I had learned in the Advanced Typography: Task 01 exercises. I tried with the space and grids for this system while also increasing the font size on the album covers. Thus I came up with the initial attempt below.
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| Figure 1.2.9 Album cover Attempt #1 (22rd Nov 2022) |
After this experiment, I felt the background of this album cover was too empty. Thus, I wanted to employ the elements that was comparable to the original album cover, that has white specks in the background.
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| Figure 1.3.1 White specks (22rd Nov 2022) |
Following that, the white specks image was then added to the album cover with the linear blur blending mode and reduced the opacity. Below is the album cover's second attempt I came up with.
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| Figure 1.3.2 Album cover Attempt #2 (22rd Nov 2022) |
Next, I wanted to create the CD a more muted appearance that would compliment its rounded shape. The song's contents were then arranged around the title. Thus I came up with the initial attempt below.
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| Figure 1.3.3 CD Attempt #1 (22rd Nov 2022) |
I wasn't satisfied with CD Attempt #1 because the shapes looks odd. Hence, I attempted the CD design again with the text centred and the fonts enlarged. Below is the CD's second attempt I came up with.
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| Figure 1.3.4 CD Attempt #2 (22rd Nov 2022) |
When I was satisfied with the CD and album cover designs, I integrated them together in a mock-up design. Below is the Album cover & CD compiled.
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| Figure 1.3.5 CD-compatible album cover (22rd Nov 2022) |
Application #2 -Spotify stimulation
For this application, I took a screenshot of my phone's display while listening to this song.
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| Figure 1.3.6 Screenshot of Spotify (22rd Nov 2022) |
I applied the typeface to the "Best Part of Me" fonts and added the white specks because I wanted to create an alignment that was comparable to the original one. Below is what I came up with.
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| Figure 1.3.7 Spotify stimulation (22rd Nov 2022) |
Then, I put it together in a mockup template to create the following.
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| Figure 1.3.8 Spotify stimulation on Phone (22rd Nov 2022) |
Application #3 -Black Heart Song Lyrics Poster
I started by searching for examples of black heart song lyrics on Pinterest. Examples of this application that I wanted to create are shown below:
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| Figure 1.3.9 Black Heart Song Lyrics Print | Source: Pinterest (22rd Nov 2022) |
Then I searched the song's lyrics and applied the 'Best Part of Me' typefaces on the song's title. Thus,
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| Figure 1.4.1 Black Heart Song Lyrics Print (22rd Nov 2022) |
Then, I integrated them together in a mock-up design.
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| Figure 1.4.2 Black Heart Lyrics Poster (22rd Nov 2022) |
Application #4 -Music Album Lyrics
Following that, I wanted to create the album cover and song lyrics for this application. On the music album cover, I first tried out the axial system with the white specks. Besides that, I used the "Best Part of Me" typeface for the author and book names on the edge cover of this music album. Thus I came up with this:
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| Figure 1.4.3 Music Album Cover (22rd Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.4.4 Edge Cover (22rd Nov 2022) |
Then, I placed the lyrics using the "Best Part of Me" typeface and made them align left to ensure readability and legibility. Below are the page:
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| Figure 1.4.5 Music Album Lyrics (22rd Nov 2022) |
Below are the simulated Music Album:
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| Figure 1.4.6 Music Album Cover (22rd Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.4.7 Music Album Lyrics (22rd Nov 2022) |
Final Submission
Link to Font File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zc034rXnEMiISbP9YjUX6n1vtC2H-hBq/view
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Application #1 -CD-compatible album cover
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| Figure 1.4.9 'Best Part of Me' -Album Cover (25th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.5.1 'Best Part of Me' -CD Cover (25th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.5.2 'Best Part of Me' -CD-compatible album cover (25th Nov 2022) |
Application #2 -Spotify stimulation
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| Figure 1.5.3 'Best Part of Me' -Spotify Stimulation (25th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.5.4 'Best Part of Me' -Spotify Stimulation on Phone (25th Nov 2022) |
Application #3 -Black Heart Song Lyrics Poster
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| Figure 1.5.5 'Best Part of Me' -Black Heart Song Lyrics Print (25th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.5.6 'Best Part of Me' -Black Heart Song Lyrics Poster (25th Nov 2022) |
Application #4 -Music Album Lyrics
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| Figure 1.5.8 'Best Part of Me' -Music Album Lyrics (25th Nov 2022) |
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| Figure 1.6.1 'Best Part of Me' -Music Album Stimulation (25th Nov 2022) |
-Final Type Exploration and Application -PDF (25th Nov 2022)-
Week 11:
General Feedback:
It looks consistent and delicate.
Specific Feedback:
Each letters must have the same x-height and thickness. In addition, provide as many working files with comprehensive processes to demonstrate how the alphabet is constructed.
Week 12:
General Feedback:
Overall, it's looks good.
Specific Feedback:
Interesting typeface with consistency and elegance. Minor adjustments can be made. For example: Letters m and n have a different axis and etc. In addition, the number components can be altered by utilizing the constructed form in the alphabet (if curve then curve).
REFLECTIONS
Experience
It was challenging for me to complete this task as I was initially lost and had no idea what to do. However, I'm glad that I tried my best to complete this task on time. Besides that, I'm also grateful for having this experience as it has improved my knowledge of how to design typefaces that work with a particular idea. Creating a typeface takes a lot of effort, study, patience, and observational abilities. It's not an easy task, and there are several technicalities to consider with.
Observation
I discovered that the main objective of this task was to enhance the typeface design project from the Typography module and I was able to follow the same procedure as before. I went back and reviewed the previous notes I'd done, which made me appreciate having the notes readily available. Furthermore, this task also taught me how to observe more real-life designs. It has been truly eye-opening to see how designers can create such intriguing and intricate designs.
Findings
In this task, I'm glad that I was able to create something I liked and incorporate it into my artwork. This task was beneficial because I'll be applying this typeface design in my future efforts. In addition to this, learning from the feedback made my work better, and learning from others motivates me to strive further. This task also allowed me the opportunity to learn more about the type and their various application. It was crucial that we think creatively and push ourselves to new heights.
FURTHER READING
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Historical Classification of Typefaces
Digital technology has stimulated the design and production of countless new typefaces whose visual characteristics defy standard classification. The visual traits of these hybrid forms may fall into more than one of the historical classifications presented on the preceding pages.
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| Figure 1.1.2 Typefaces design (15th Nov 2022) |
This is a classification system derived from the visual features common to letters throughout the typeface kingdom. It may be used for comparative purposes to pinpoint the most dominant traits of specific typefaces. Type designers use these variations to create a family of typefaces. The most dominant traits of specific typefaces. Type designers use these variations to create a family of typefaces.
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