Typography | Task 2

23/10/2023 - 06/11/2023 (Week 5 - Week 7)

Yong Xiao Tong / 0368290

Typography / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University 

Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication (Text Formatting and Expression)

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LECTURES

All lectures 1 to 7 completed in Task 1 

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INSTRUCTIONS

Task 2: Text Formatting and Expression

For this task, we are required to typographically express the content in a 2-page editorial spread. No images are permitted. Choose one of the three provided text options, which include: "The role of Bauhaus thought on modern culture," "A code to build on and live by," and "Unite to visualise a better world."

Sketches

I sketched the layout in Procreate and came up with three different sketches. 

Fig 1.1 First Sketches

Digitalisation

When I later digitised the layout, there's a significant differences compared to my first sketches, because the layout sketches were only a rough arrangement. So, I changed the type expression of the title to resemble a building, inspired by the Bauhaus architectural style.

Fig 1.2 Bauhaus Building Art by Bo Lundberg

I discovered an art print of the Bauhaus Building by Bo Lundberg on Google. I chose this art print as a reference for the building style type expression title, which looks like this below:

Fig 1.3 Bauhaus Building Inspired Type Expression

Fig 1.4 First Digitisation Layout

I later thought that it looked kind of weird and somehow didn't fit well in the layout. Consequently, I decided to start again with a new layout, giving the title a type expression that resembles a rooftop.

The artwork I selected as a reference for the rooftop is a student work by Dorcas Lim, created in 2021.

Fig 1.5 Rooftop Inspired Type Expression

The words "though on" appeared as a shadow from the large text "Bauhaus". I also came out with two templates, but then I chose the one on the left side because it looks better overall.

Fig 1.6 Rooftop Shadow

Fig 1.7 First and Second Layout Comparison

I have chose this as my final design because the layout appears clean, simple, and minimalist. In my opinion, it does conveys the visualisation of the Bauhaus Building.

Fig 1.8 Rooftop Style Type Expression Layout 

To ensure the entire design aligns, the arrangement in the entire layout follows the shape of the rooftop.

Fig 1.9 Layout Arrangement 

Final Text Formatting & Expression

Fig 1.10 Final Text Formatting & Expression jpg (without grid) - 30/10/2023

Fig 1.11 Final Text Formatting & Expression pdf (without grid) - 30/10/2023

Fig 1.12 Final Text Formatting & Expression jpg (with grid) - 30/10/2023

Fig 1.13 Final Text Formatting & Expression pdf (with grid) - 30/10/2023

HEAD

Font/s: Univers LT Std (45 Light, 75 Black)

Type Size/s: 48pt, 90pt

Leading: 36pt, 60pt

Paragraph spacing: 0

BODY

Font/s: Univers LT Std (45 Light)

Type Size/s: 10pt

Leading: 12pt

Paragraph spacing: 12pt

Characters per-line: 50

Alignment: Align Left

Margins: 10 mm top, 10 mm left + 10 mm right + 10 mm bottom

Columns: 2

Gutter: 5mm

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FEEDBACK

Week 6

General Feedback: Design should not only be nice-looking but also hold meaning and purpose that make sense to the theme. Additionally, proper alignment can unify elements to create a cohesive whole.

Week7

General Feedback: Design is always about details, and paying close attention to these small elements is crucial because they greatly influence how the final product looks and functions.

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REFLECTION

Experience: I have come to understand that design is not merely about aesthetics; it is a meaningful expression that should align with a specific theme. Creating visually appealing designs is essential, but more importantly, the design should convey a purpose that resonates with the intended message or theme. 

Observations: I have observed the important role of alignment in both layout creation and text arrangement. In order to convey a sense of organisation in a design, each component must align properly within the overall composition.

Findings: A good design goes beyond its appearance but is connected to themes. Also, achieving a harmonious and functional end result in design demands careful consideration of alignment in both layout and text arrangement because this factor influences the overall coherence of the entire design.

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FURTHER READING

A Type Primer Second Edition - John Kane

Fig 2.1 A Type Primer Second Edition

I've learned a lot about typography in this book. The author talks about the history of type and how it has changed over time. He explains things in a way that's easy to understand, helping me get a good grip on the basics of typography. 

Also, this book talks a lot about the different parts of letters and how they are grouped together and it is very easy to read and understand because it includes many pictures with clear descriptions. Typography can be complicated, and still the author explains it in a way that makes sense to me. It doesn't just provide facts, it also shows how to use typography in real design situations. This helps improve my skills in using type and guides me in making better choices when selecting fonts and deciding how to arrange text in my designs. 

For me, this goes beyond being just a regular book; it shows me why typography matters in design and giving me the skills to use it well. Now I feel more confident in picking and using fonts, and I can see how the details in type can make a big difference in how things look and work. Overall, this book is really useful for me in providing a good start and practical tips for working with typography.