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.