Advanced Typography - Task 3: Type Exploration and Application

 10/6/2024 - 15/7/2024 (Week 8 - Week 13)
πŸŽ€ Yan Zhi Xuan | 0369425 
πŸ’œ Advanced Typography  | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media | Taylor's University
πŸ“š Task 3: Type Exploration and Application



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures
    3.1 Work Progress
    3.2 Final Outcome
4. Feedback



1. LECTURE

WEEK 8 (6/10/2023) - LECTURES



2. INSTRUCTIONS

Doc. 2.1 Module Information Booklet of Advanced Typography.

For Task 3, we get to design our own project. We must either build a typeface to answer an issue in our area of interest (Graphic build, UI/UX, Animation, Entertainment Design, or any other) or investigate the use of typefaces in our field. The developed typeface would then be used in any medium linked to the issue being solved or investigated, such as animation, 3D, print, ambient, projection, movie or game title, usage of diverse materials, and so on.


3. TASK 3: TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION

3.1 WORK PROGRESS 

1. Research, Ideation and Sketches

Proposal of 3 Ideas

Doc. 3.1.1 Final Project Proposal (PDF), Week 8 (12/6/2024).

We were instructed to generate three project ideas based on our interests. My hobbies include entertainment design, animation, photography and new media.

Explanation of the Chosen Idea

Fig. 3.1.1 Chosen Idea, Week 8 (12/6/2024).

Explanation: The custom typeface aims to provide a unique visual identity that stands out in the crowded digital landscape. It combines modern aesthetics with a touch of futurism, making it suitable for various digital platforms. The typeface is clean, sleek, and easy to read, ensuring versatility and adaptability across different media.

References

Fig. 3.1.2 Modern Title Trailer, Week 8 (12/6/2024).

Fig. 3.1.3 Modern Titles_15, Week 8 (12/6/2024).

Key Attributes:
  • Modern and Bold: Clean lines with a slight futuristic touch.
  • Playful yet Professional: Balanced between fun and formal to appeal to a wide audience.
  • Dynamic and Versatile: Designed to look good on both small and large screens.
  • This custom typeface will enhance the visual appeal of new media content, providing a cohesive and memorable typographic identity.

    Sketches
    Fig. 3.1.4 Sketches of New Media Font, Week 9 (17/6/2024).

    Description of New Media Font:
    The new media font I have designed is a modern and innovative typeface that combines geometric precision with a futuristic aesthetic.

    Key Characteristics:
    The modern, minimalist font is designed with clean lines, geometric precision, and a futuristic touch. It's versatile, suitable for various digital applications, and appeals to a wide audience, from casual users to professional brands, thanks to its balance between fun and formal elements.

    Design Elements:
  • Grid-Based Layout
  • Angular Cuts and Lines
  • Consistent Line Weight
  • Open Shapes
  • Rectangular and Circular Motifs


  • 2. Digitisation and Exploration

    Fig. 3.1.5 Digitisation and Exploration, Week 9 (17/6/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.6 First digitisations, Week 9 (17/6/2024).

    I found the letter B and the number 8 indistinguishable in this group so I need to change it, and I think the overall lettering is too wide, I need to make them narrower.

    Fig. 3.1.7 2nd digitisations, Week 9 (17/6/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.8 Outline Form, Week 9 (17/6/2024).

    I found my punctuation size needs further refinement. 

    References

    Fig. 3.1.9 Univers LT Std: H, o, g, and b, Week 8 (6/10/2024).

    The chosen reference font is Univers LT Std (55 Roman). I tried to observe the characteristics of letters: H, o, g, and b from the family font. From my observation, there are no ascenders of the letter b. 

    Fig. 3.1.10 The stem and the crossbar of HWeek 8 (6/10/2024).

    The stem of H, W: 102pt, H: 698pt.
    The crossbar of H, W: 521pt, H: 98pt.

    Fig. 3.1.11 Punctuation Marks ReferenceWeek 9 (17/6/2024).

    The chosen reference font is Univers LT Std (55 Roman). I observed that some punctuation marks are bigger than the capital letter M while some of them are smaller than the capital letter M.

    Fig. 3.1.12 Overshoot comparison

    Fig. 3.1.13 X-height of the colon and semicolon

    Further Refinement

    Fig. 3.1.14 Adjustment of Punctuation Marks, Week 10 (24/6/2024).

    In typographic terms, the font metrics determine the size of characters (including punctuation). These metrics include the height, width, and spacing of each character. The capital letter 'M' is often used as a reference point because it's typically one of the widest characters in a typeface.

    Fig. 3.1.15 Punctuation Marks, Week 10 (24/6/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.16 Punctuation Marks in Outlione Form, Week 10 (24/6/2024).

    Designers often adjust the size of punctuation marks to ensure they look balanced and aesthetically pleasing in relation to other characters. This optical adjustment can make punctuation marks appear larger or smaller than surrounding letters. Hence, I adjusted the size of the punctuation marks by comparing them to the size of the capital letter 'M'.

    Fig. 3.1.17 Guidelines and Modular Grids, Week 10 (24/6/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.18 Guidelines and Modular Grids, Week 10 (24/6/2024).

    Design Elements:
    The letters are designed within a grid system, ensuring precision and uniformity across all characters. Some characters feature angular cuts and intersecting lines, adding a dynamic and unique visual interest. The use of consistent line weights throughout the characters ensures readability and visual harmony. The font includes open shapes and negative space, enhancing its modern and clean aesthetic. The design integrates both rectangular and circular motifs, creating a balanced and visually appealing typeface.

    3. Generating the font in FontLab 7

    Fig. 3.1.19 Imported A, Week 11 (1/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.20 Imported All Letters into Fontlab, Week 11 (1/7/2024).

    After importing all designed typefaces in the FontLab, I started doing the kerning. Kerning, the adjustment of space between characters in typography, is essential for enhancing readability and creating visual harmony. Proper kerning ensures that the spaces between letters are even, making the text more legible and easier to read. This is particularly important in body text, where consistent spacing contributes to a smooth reading experience. In design, achieving visual harmony through kerning balances the white space between characters, resulting in a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Well-kerned text looks polished and professional, reflecting positively on the overall design. 


    Fig. 3.1.21 Kerning, Week 11 (1/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.22 Kerning, Week 11 (1/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.23 Kerning, Week 11 (1/7/2024).

    For brands, kerning supports visual identity by influencing the perception of logos, taglines, and other textual elements. Precise kerning can make a brand's typography distinctive and memorable, enhancing its impact. Attention to kerning in branded materials ensures that text aligns with the brand's image and message. Additionally, kerning improves aesthetics in design by allowing designers to achieve a particular visual style and emphasize certain words. This attention to detail demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to quality, setting a design apart and making it more attractive to viewers.

    Fig. 3.1.24 Typeface Preview, Week 11 (1/7/2024).

    4. Font Presentation

    Fig. 3.1.25 First Attempt - Font Presentation #1Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Slide 1 - Font Introduction: The first slide introduces the New Media Font with a bold "NM" acronym in the center, featuring a vibrant color palette of green and purple against a dark background. The design elements around the text, such as pixelated shapes and lines, emphasize the digital and futuristic theme.

    Fig. 3.1.26 First Attempt - Font Presentation #2Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    The first attempt shown above was rejected as there were too many unnecessary vectors.

    Fig. 3.1.27 Second Attempt - Font Presentation #2Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Slide 2 - Character Set: This slide displays the full character set of the New Media Font, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The background features a colourful, gradient pattern that adds a vibrant and energetic feel to the presentation.

    Fig. 3.1.28 First Attempt - Font Presentation #3Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Slide 3 - Alphabet Showcase: The third slide focuses on showcasing the alphabet in uppercase and lowercase. The characters are displayed in a striking purple color on a dark background, emphasizing their sharp and distinct design. Text: "Explore the unique and innovative design of the New Media Font's alphabet. Each letter is meticulously crafted to maintain consistency and readability, making it perfect for headlines and digital content."

    Fig. 3.1.29 First Attempt - Font Presentation #4Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Slide 4 - Numbers and Symbols: This slide highlights the numbers and symbols included in the New Media Font. The characters are displayed in bright blue and green against a dark background, ensuring they stand out clearly.

    Fig. 3.1.30 First Attempt - Font Presentation #5Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    The first attempt shown above was rejected as there were too many unnecessary vectors.

    Fig. 3.1.31 Second Attempt - Font Presentation #5Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Slide 5 - Application Example: The final slide presents an application example of the New Media Font in a mini album cover design. The layout is futuristic, with various digital and technical elements integrated into the design, showcasing the font's adaptability and aesthetic appeal in real-world scenarios.

    Fig. 3.1.32 Compiled Font PresentationWeek 12 (8/7/2024).

    New Media Font Presentation 

    Overview 
    The New Media Font is a custom-designed typeface crafted specifically to meet the dynamic and innovative needs of digital platforms. This presentation showcases the font's versatility and unique style, reflecting the modern aesthetics required for new media content. The typeface is ideal for use in social media, streaming services, and interactive websites, providing a cohesive and memorable typographic identity.

    5. Applications

    Fig. 3.1.33 Work In AIWeek 12 (8/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.34 Colour SchemeWeek 12 (8/7/2024).

    Applications #1: Mini Album Cover

    Fig. 3.1.35 First Attempt - Mini Album CoverWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Mini Album Cover: The first application showcases a mini album cover titled "Electric Music." The cover features the New Media Font prominently for the album title, blending seamlessly with a vibrant and gradient background that exudes an energetic and modern vibe. 

    Use Case: The New Media Font brings a contemporary and electrifying feel to music album covers, perfect for artists and producers who want to convey a futuristic and engaging aesthetic.

    Applications #2: Tickets

    Fig. 3.1.36 First Attempt - Concert TicketsWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Concert Tickets: This application features concert tickets for an event titled "Mystic Groove." The tickets utilize the New Media Font for both the event title and essential details, set against a dark background with colourful, glitch-like effects that enhance the digital theme.  

    Use Case: The New Media Font ensures that event tickets are not only informative but also visually appealing, making them perfect for concerts, festivals, and other dynamic events.

    Applications #3: Billboard Advertisement

    Fig. 3.1.37 First Attempt - Billboard Advertisement, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.38 Second Attempt - Billboard Advertisement, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Billboard Advertisement: A billboard mockup displaying an advertisement for a concert. The New Media Font is used for the main message, "Secure your tickets before May to enjoy discounted prices!" The background continues the vibrant and gradient theme, drawing attention and emphasizing the modern aesthetic.
     
    Use Case: The typeface's bold and clear design makes it ideal for large-scale advertisements, ensuring that the message stands out and captures the audience's attention.

    Applications #4: Promotional Flyer

    Fig. 3.1.39 First Attempt - Promotional FlyerWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.1.40 Second Attempt - Promotional FlyerWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Promotional Flyer: This slide presents a promotional flyer for a "Good Vibes" event, featuring a mix of vibrant colours and abstract patterns. The New Media Font is used for the event details and highlights, integrating seamlessly with the flyer’s dynamic design. 

    Use Case: The New Media Font enhances promotional materials with its unique style, making it ideal for attracting attention to events and special offers.


    Applications #5: Digital Badges

    Fig. 3.1.41 First Attempt - Digital Badges, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Digital Badges: The final application shows a set of digital badges for event, including "Good Vibes Party". Each badge features the New Media Font, set against a colorful and holographic background that aligns with the typeface’s futuristic and modern yet playful design. 

    Use Case: The New Media Font is perfect for digital badges and icons, providing a cohesive and visually appealing identity for online events and promotions.

    Compiled Work of Applications

    Fig. 3.1.42 Compiled Applications, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Overview 

    The New Media Font is tailored to encapsulate the innovative and dynamic spirit of new media content. This typeface is designed to enhance visual identity across various digital platforms, providing a unique and memorable typographic experience. Below are detailed descriptions of the different applications of the New Media Font, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability.

    3.2 FINAL OUTCOME 

    A-Z; Numerals; Punctuation 

    Fig. 3.2.1 Final Outcome- A to Z; Numerals; Punctuation, Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Designed font link to my .ttf font. : New Media Font

    Font preview  
    Fig. 3.2.2 Final Typeface Preview in FontLabWeek 12 (8/7/2024).

    Font Presentation

    Fig. 3.2.3 Final Outcome - Font Presentation #1Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.4  Final Outcome - Font Presentation #2Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.5  Final Outcome - Font Presentation #3Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.6  Final Outcome -Font Presentation #4Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.7  Final Outcome - Font Presentation #5Week 12 (8/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.8  Final Outcome - Compiled Font PresentationWeek 12 (8/7/2024).

    Applications

    Fig. 3.2.9 Final Outcome - Mini Album CoverWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.10 Final Outcome - Concert TicketsWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.11 Final Outcome - Billboard Advertisement, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.12 Final Outcome - Promotional FlyerWeek 13 (15/7/2024).

    Fig. 3.2.13 Final Outcome - Digital Badges, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Compiled font applications

    Fig. 3.2.14 Final Outcome - Compiled Applications, Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Submission - PDF version

    Doc. 3.2.1 Compiled Work of Typeface Design: New Media Font (PDF), Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Doc. 3.2.2 Compiled Work of Font Presentation: New Media Font (PDF), Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    Doc. 3.2.3 Compiled Work of  Font Applications: New Media Font (PDF), Week 13 (15/7/2024).

    4. FEEDBACK

    WEEK 8 (12/6/2024)
    General Feedback: Mr. Vinod suggested multi-choice options for choosing from ideas, as having one option can lead to a lack of confidence or time and a lack of purpose.
    Specific Feedback: My chosen theme needs a sketch.
    WEEK 9 (17/6/2024) 

    General Feedback: Mr. Vinod said that Mr. Vinod advises verifying figures in e-portfolios, demonstrating abstract themes, considering fonts for enlargement, and creating multilingual typefaces. Subtitles should be straightforward and not copy or replicate previous work, as failure to do so may result in loss of marks.

    Specific Feedback: I need to work more on explanations about my ideas.
     
    WEEK 10 (24/6/2024) 

    General Feedback: Mr. Vinod said that when presenting fonts, choose a different font for explanations or headlines. The main criteria for creating typefaces are to keep your typeface consistent, and establish the same thickness, and Uppercase and lowercase letters should be created separately for consistency. Manage the height while creating large and little ones. You require evidence of your work progress.

    Specific Feedback: My chosen style of "new media font" sketches are quite playful. I need to make them more modern.

    WEEK 11 (1/7/2024) 
    General Feedback:
    Mr. Vinod said that before moving fonts from Illustrator to FontLab, make sure all elements are integrated, and the counter space is correct, and do not round them in FontLab; instead, retain their position.
    Specific Feedback: My digitalisation of the typeface can be more explorations. I can try to add the thickness of the strokes.
    WEEK 12 (8/7/2024) 

    General Feedback: Mr. Vinod said that we need to create 5x5 square artworks for font presentations, focusing on fonts and guidelines. Manage screen counter-space, set colour palette, and show issues and solutions in a presentation with a minimum 5pt counter-space.
    Specific Feedback: Some of my punctuation marks were not in the correct size; I can use the capital letter "M" for comparison in the design of the punctuation marks.
    WEEK 13 (15/7/2024)
    General Feedback: Mr. Vinod said that our applications must align with our idea and concept.
    Specific Feedback: My direction is good to go.
    5. REFLECTIONS

    EXPERIENCE

    I experienced that designing a typeface from scratch to address a specific issue was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The process began with extensive research to understand the common problems and requirements within the chosen field. This research phase involved reviewing existing typefaces, analyzing user feedback, and identifying gaps that could be filled with a new typeface design. The research process involved sketching, conceptualizing, digitizing, testing, refining, and applying the final typeface across various mediums. Initial sketches were created to explore different design directions, digitized using font design software, and tested for readability and inconsistencies. Feedback from peers and potential users further refined the design. The experience highlighted the importance of understanding specific field needs and the iterative nature of the design process.

    OBSERVATION

    I observed that key observations included user-centric design, technical challenges in digitization, and versatility and adaptability during the typeface design process. Understanding the target audience and context is crucial for identifying issues and areas for improvement. Technical expertise is essential for maintaining integrity across different sizes and resolutions.

    FINDINGS

    I found that the design process emphasizes readability, consistency, and user experience. A well-designed typeface enhances usability, improves content comprehension, and creates a positive impression. Iteration is crucial for achieving success, as continuous testing, feedback, and refinement are necessary to address issues and improve the design.

    6. FURTHER READING

    Fig. 6.1 Typographic design: Form and communication (2015)

    Carter, R., Day, B., Meggs, P. B., Maxa, S., & Sanders, M. (2015). Typographic design: Form and communication. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc


    Fig. 6.2 The Typographic Message (pg. 114)

    Fig. 6.3 The Typographic Message (pg. 117)

    In these pages, the author discusses the intricacies of typographic communication. One key takeaway is the creation of effective typographic messages. The author emphasizes that crafting these messages involves a combination of logic and intuitive judgment. This blend is essential because it ensures that the typographic communication is both reasoned and creatively engaging. Furthermore, the author highlights the importance of striking a balance between these two extremes, intuition and logic, to achieve optimal results in typographic design.

    Additionally, the author points out the necessity of having a functional verbal and visual vocabulary. This comprehensive vocabulary is crucial for effectively addressing the wide range of needs in typographic communication. By mastering this balance and vocabulary, designers can create messages that are not only clear and functional but also visually appealing and impactful.

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