Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Revised Schedule
After the next few weeks we should be on track with the syllabus schedule. Thank you everyone for your patience and flexibility with the crazy start of the semester!
Below is a revised agenda for the next couple weeks.
01.26 WED:
2nd Exercise due via Email.
Pin-up Helvetica Random layout for class discussion.
Project 1: Review 25 thumbnail / sketches
01.31 MON:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 1 Review
Project 1 Work Day
02.02 WED:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 2
Read DWT5 23-60
Project 1 Word Day
Bring in sketches for composition design ideas
02.07 MON:
Final Critique for Project 1
Introduce Project 2: Early Letterform Postcard Designs
02.09: WED:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 3
Read DWT5 62-79
In-class exercise: Paragraph Indicators
Below is a revised agenda for the next couple weeks.
01.26 WED:
2nd Exercise due via Email.
Pin-up Helvetica Random layout for class discussion.
Project 1: Review 25 thumbnail / sketches
01.31 MON:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 1 Review
Project 1 Work Day
02.02 WED:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 2
Read DWT5 23-60
Project 1 Word Day
Bring in sketches for composition design ideas
02.07 MON:
Final Critique for Project 1
Introduce Project 2: Early Letterform Postcard Designs
02.09: WED:
Lecture / Discussion Chapter 3
Read DWT5 62-79
In-class exercise: Paragraph Indicators
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Why should we sketch?
What are some reasons for sketching in graphic design?
Composition planning...
Idea generating...
What else?
Some examples. yes, please.
Composition planning...
Idea generating...
What else?
Some examples. yes, please.
Five Classic Typeface Exercise
Purpose: To introduce common ways of arranging type on a page and to understand how that decision affects typographic communication.
Assignment: Using the specifications below, set the copy for the five classic typefaces (found in the text document, proj1_text.doc).
Format:
Set your document to 10 x 10 inches.
Specifications:
1. Garamond: Justified.
Comp the word “Garamond” twice:
Once in 72-point Garamond display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Garamond display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush left, rag right.
Comp Garamond text:
11/14 by 13 picas: justified.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
2. Baskerville: Flush Left, Rag Right.
Comp the word “Baskerville” twice:
Once in 72-point Baskerville display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Baskerville display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush left, rag right.
Comp Baskerville text:
11/13 by 20 picas: flush left, rag right.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Set as two paragraphs with one line between.
3. Bodoni: Flush Right, Rag Left.
Comp the word “Bodoni” twice:
Once in 72-point Bodoni display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Bodoni display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush right, ragged left.
Comp Bodoni text:
12/16 by 18 picas: flush right, rag left.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Note: If you do not have Bodoni, use the Didot typeface instead.
4. Century Expanded: Centered.
Comp the word “Century” twice:
Once in 72-point Century display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Century display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Display type should be centered.
Comp Century text:
10/16 centered by 24 picas maximum.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Note: If you do not have Century Expanded, use the Century typeface instead.
5. Helvetica: Random.
The display word “Helvetica” can be comped in any size and combination of upper and lowercase, roman or italic, extended or condensed, light or bold, etc. The Helvetica text can also be in any text size and leading, but the arrangement must be random, not justified; flush left, rag right; flush right, rag left; or centered. Type does not necessarily have to be in a single block but can be in multiple groupings.
Due Wednesday, January 26.
Email me your 5-page pdf by 11am, Wednesday, Jan 26. Bring a printed copy of your Helvetica page for Pin-up discussion and explain your random layout.
Reference www.designingwithtype.com/5 for examples
Assignment: Using the specifications below, set the copy for the five classic typefaces (found in the text document, proj1_text.doc).
Format:
Set your document to 10 x 10 inches.
Specifications:
1. Garamond: Justified.
Comp the word “Garamond” twice:
Once in 72-point Garamond display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Garamond display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush left, rag right.
Comp Garamond text:
11/14 by 13 picas: justified.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
2. Baskerville: Flush Left, Rag Right.
Comp the word “Baskerville” twice:
Once in 72-point Baskerville display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Baskerville display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush left, rag right.
Comp Baskerville text:
11/13 by 20 picas: flush left, rag right.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Set as two paragraphs with one line between.
3. Bodoni: Flush Right, Rag Left.
Comp the word “Bodoni” twice:
Once in 72-point Bodoni display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Bodoni display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Flush right, ragged left.
Comp Bodoni text:
12/16 by 18 picas: flush right, rag left.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Note: If you do not have Bodoni, use the Didot typeface instead.
4. Century Expanded: Centered.
Comp the word “Century” twice:
Once in 72-point Century display: U/lc.
Once in 72-point Century display: all caps
Set solid, 72 points baseline to baseline.
Display type should be centered.
Comp Century text:
10/16 centered by 24 picas maximum.
Allow 72 points from baseline of display type to the baseline of first line of text.
Note: If you do not have Century Expanded, use the Century typeface instead.
5. Helvetica: Random.
The display word “Helvetica” can be comped in any size and combination of upper and lowercase, roman or italic, extended or condensed, light or bold, etc. The Helvetica text can also be in any text size and leading, but the arrangement must be random, not justified; flush left, rag right; flush right, rag left; or centered. Type does not necessarily have to be in a single block but can be in multiple groupings.
Due Wednesday, January 26.
Email me your 5-page pdf by 11am, Wednesday, Jan 26. Bring a printed copy of your Helvetica page for Pin-up discussion and explain your random layout.
Reference www.designingwithtype.com/5 for examples
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Project 1: Word Semantics
Due Wednesday, February 2.
Purpose
To explore and interpret typographic form to express meaning.
Assignment
Select four words and one phrase from the list provided and explore their expressive quality by manipulating the letterforms, spacing, composition, etc. Visually interpret each of your chosen words/phrases using only letterforms, punctuation and vector graphics. The resulting pictorial representation should parallel the common verbal meaning.
The best solutions not only enhance the word’s meaning but are clever and aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes an unexpected effect can be achieved when the typographic solution contradicts the meaning of the word, such as setting the word big with small type.
Specifications
Work only in black and white for four of your designs. You may incorporate color in the typographic phrase design, but you are limited to ONE additional color beyond black.
Choose one typeface to work in for all designs. You may use multiple styles of the face. You may choose from Garamond, Bodoni, Helvetica, Baskerville, Century Expanded.
Presentation
You will mount finished designs on 12’’x18’’ board, flush-mounted on white or black illustration board. You will compose your boards how you choose. However, everyone must use one board to present your 4 word designs and one board to present your phrase design. Your composition choices will be considered in final grade. You will present two boards on the due date.
Schedule
01.19 Introduce Project 1: Word Semantics
01.24 Brainstorming, sketching, post selected words and phrase to blog
01.26 25 thumbnails due – 5 sketches for each word design (total 20 thumbnails) + 5 sketches for phrase design
01.31 Refine designs
02.02 Project Due / Critique @ 11AM
Adjectives (Choose 2 words)
Distorted, hyperactive, glamorous, unstable, insecure, buoyant, fragrant, exuberant, arrogant, lachrymose, crystalline, fanciful, moody, balanced, meticulous, mysterious, sonorous, insane, gentle, organized, organic, curvaceous, mercurial, introverted, grandiose, turbulent, jocose, fierce, melodic, reckless, ethereal
Nouns (Choose 2 words)
metamorphosis, migration, evolution, vacuum, filigree, magnetism, electricity, magic, prism, feathers, levitation, gravity, charisma, technology, epicurean, glacier, comedy, blueprint, labyrinth, bubblegum, bliss, vegetation, terror, narcissism, shadow, hallucination
Phrases (Choose 1 phrase)
Time flies when you're having fun.
Beauty is only skin deep.
Better late than never.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Dead men tell no tales.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Great minds think alike.
Love is blind.
Home is where the heart is.
When it rains it pours.
Don't cry over spilled milk.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Look before you leap.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Pride comes before a fall.
Snug as a bug in a rug
There is safety in numbers.
Purpose
To explore and interpret typographic form to express meaning.
Assignment
Select four words and one phrase from the list provided and explore their expressive quality by manipulating the letterforms, spacing, composition, etc. Visually interpret each of your chosen words/phrases using only letterforms, punctuation and vector graphics. The resulting pictorial representation should parallel the common verbal meaning.
The best solutions not only enhance the word’s meaning but are clever and aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes an unexpected effect can be achieved when the typographic solution contradicts the meaning of the word, such as setting the word big with small type.
Specifications
Work only in black and white for four of your designs. You may incorporate color in the typographic phrase design, but you are limited to ONE additional color beyond black.
Choose one typeface to work in for all designs. You may use multiple styles of the face. You may choose from Garamond, Bodoni, Helvetica, Baskerville, Century Expanded.
Presentation
You will mount finished designs on 12’’x18’’ board, flush-mounted on white or black illustration board. You will compose your boards how you choose. However, everyone must use one board to present your 4 word designs and one board to present your phrase design. Your composition choices will be considered in final grade. You will present two boards on the due date.
Schedule
01.19 Introduce Project 1: Word Semantics
01.24 Brainstorming, sketching, post selected words and phrase to blog
01.26 25 thumbnails due – 5 sketches for each word design (total 20 thumbnails) + 5 sketches for phrase design
01.31 Refine designs
02.02 Project Due / Critique @ 11AM
Adjectives (Choose 2 words)
Distorted, hyperactive, glamorous, unstable, insecure, buoyant, fragrant, exuberant, arrogant, lachrymose, crystalline, fanciful, moody, balanced, meticulous, mysterious, sonorous, insane, gentle, organized, organic, curvaceous, mercurial, introverted, grandiose, turbulent, jocose, fierce, melodic, reckless, ethereal
Nouns (Choose 2 words)
metamorphosis, migration, evolution, vacuum, filigree, magnetism, electricity, magic, prism, feathers, levitation, gravity, charisma, technology, epicurean, glacier, comedy, blueprint, labyrinth, bubblegum, bliss, vegetation, terror, narcissism, shadow, hallucination
Phrases (Choose 1 phrase)
Time flies when you're having fun.
Beauty is only skin deep.
Better late than never.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Dead men tell no tales.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Great minds think alike.
Love is blind.
Home is where the heart is.
When it rains it pours.
Don't cry over spilled milk.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Look before you leap.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Pride comes before a fall.
Snug as a bug in a rug
There is safety in numbers.
1/19 Agenda
- Introductions / Review projects & syllabus
- Lecture "Typefaces and Vocab" & Discussion
- Review Ransom Note exercise
- HW - scan, color fix and email to me by 1/24
- *15 min BREAK*
- Type Measuring Cheat Sheet
- Lecture "Picas - Points - Leading" & Discussion
- Introduce Project 1: Word Semantics
- Review Project 1 Examples
- HW - post to blog word & phrase choices by 1/24
- HW - read chapter 2 DWT5
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Ransom Note Exercise
Due Jan 19, Wednesday
Overview
Type conveys emotions and elicits reactions. Some typefaces are soothing while others seem to energize. This exercise introduces the design student to the wide world of fonts and their unique qualities. Choosing a typeface for a specific message will either enhance or diminish the intended communication. Think about each character you work with in terms of your design objective. Avoid letters from logos, such as the McDonald’s “M” or the Kellogg’s “K.”
Objectives
Specifications & Materials
Trim white copy paper to 8 x 10 inches. Compose in horizontal format. Use a glue stick to adhere the characters. (Old magazines, glue stick, white copy paper, x-acto (for trimming) and/or scissors)
Process
Due: Wednesday, Jan 19
Turn in Ransom Note Collage - We will discuss the exercise as a group in class.Here are some examples of the exercise: http://www.designingwithtype.com/5/ransom.php
Please note that you are NOT writing an entire sentence like most of the examples here. You will simply compose your 2 selected words. If you would like, you can use background textures / patterns / colors to add to your composition but NO literal imagery (i.e., my dog, a book you like to read, etc.)
Overview
Type conveys emotions and elicits reactions. Some typefaces are soothing while others seem to energize. This exercise introduces the design student to the wide world of fonts and their unique qualities. Choosing a typeface for a specific message will either enhance or diminish the intended communication. Think about each character you work with in terms of your design objective. Avoid letters from logos, such as the McDonald’s “M” or the Kellogg’s “K.”
Objectives
- To introduce skills in recognizing letterforms.
- To understand the emotive value of type.
Specifications & Materials
Trim white copy paper to 8 x 10 inches. Compose in horizontal format. Use a glue stick to adhere the characters. (Old magazines, glue stick, white copy paper, x-acto (for trimming) and/or scissors)
Process
- Create a list of words that describe you –list at least 25 descriptive words before moving on to the next step. For example, my list might include passionate, sleepy, open-minded, or hyper.
- Pick 2 words from your list that you feel best match your description AND would be fun to illustrate typographically.
- Go through old magazines and cut out as many different letters as possible (i.e., different in face, size, color, styles, etc.) Find letters that spell out your selected words. However, do so with the intention of finding letters that match your intended communication. For “hyper,” you would find letters that convey motion, movement, and energy.
- With your letters selected, sketch out some ideas as to how you will arrange your composition. Think about how the characters relate to one another, to the baseline, and to the page as a whole.
- Glue your letters to your page (both words on 1 page and Remember your craftsmanship!) Again, think about how your letters work with each other, with the page, and with your intended meaning.
- Analyze your letter and composition choices. Go through each letter and be prepared to explain why you selected it and what it says about you. For example, “The S in subdued is flat and has a thin stroke, which keeps it from overpowering other letters.”
Due: Wednesday, Jan 19
Turn in Ransom Note Collage - We will discuss the exercise as a group in class.Here are some examples of the exercise: http://www.designingwithtype.com/5/ransom.php
Please note that you are NOT writing an entire sentence like most of the examples here. You will simply compose your 2 selected words. If you would like, you can use background textures / patterns / colors to add to your composition but NO literal imagery (i.e., my dog, a book you like to read, etc.)
Some cool Websites for Inspiration and/or type Resources
http://ilovetypography.com/ - Lots of great articles about type - also a lot of links to other type resources.
http://www.fonts.com/ - mostly use to purchase fonts - but has some resources on it as well
http://www.typographyserved.com/ - a cool site for inspiration
http://www.rsub.com/typographic/ - cool resources - has some info on the history and evolution of type as well.
http://www.thinkingwithtype.com/ - great resource that works along with book recommended by Ellen Lupton called Thinking with Type
http://www.designingwithtype.com/home.html - our book website, of course!
More to come as we progress in the class. Please feel free to comment with more resources or inspirations that you find and want to share regarding typography and font!
http://www.fonts.com/ - mostly use to purchase fonts - but has some resources on it as well
http://www.typographyserved.com/ - a cool site for inspiration
http://www.rsub.com/typographic/ - cool resources - has some info on the history and evolution of type as well.
http://www.thinkingwithtype.com/ - great resource that works along with book recommended by Ellen Lupton called Thinking with Type
http://www.designingwithtype.com/home.html - our book website, of course!
More to come as we progress in the class. Please feel free to comment with more resources or inspirations that you find and want to share regarding typography and font!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow Day! Syllabus and Other First Day Information
Hello designers,
I hope you have enjoyed your snow day today! I have linked the syllabus PDF to our blog as well the GSU Spring 2011 school calendar. Please read the syllabus before our meeting on Wednesday.
Also, make sure to read pp 1-16 of DWT5 (Designing with Type 5 by James Craig). If you haven't picked up a copy of the book yet - http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Type-Essential-Guide-Typography/dp/0823014134/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294690255&sr=8-1#reader_0823014134. We will do a short introduction on Wednesday and then move right into our first discussion / lecture.
If you refer to the syllabus there are some other books I would recommend as well but they are not required.
looking foward to a great semester,
Cat
I hope you have enjoyed your snow day today! I have linked the syllabus PDF to our blog as well the GSU Spring 2011 school calendar. Please read the syllabus before our meeting on Wednesday.
Also, make sure to read pp 1-16 of DWT5 (Designing with Type 5 by James Craig). If you haven't picked up a copy of the book yet - http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Type-Essential-Guide-Typography/dp/0823014134/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294690255&sr=8-1#reader_0823014134. We will do a short introduction on Wednesday and then move right into our first discussion / lecture.
If you refer to the syllabus there are some other books I would recommend as well but they are not required.
looking foward to a great semester,
Cat
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Previous GSU Typography Work
Some quick links to previous class work done at GSU.
Kim Alford - Fall 2009
http://gsugrdtypeka.blogspot.com/
Liz Throop - Fall 2009
http://grd3150.blogspot.com/
Paige Taylor - Spring 2009
http://typeptgrdgsu.blogspot.com/
Kim Alford - Fall 2009
http://gsugrdtypeka.blogspot.com/
Liz Throop - Fall 2009
http://grd3150.blogspot.com/
Paige Taylor - Spring 2009
http://typeptgrdgsu.blogspot.com/
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