How can I use
typography effectively?

Picture
David Carson, comissioned page for metropolis magazine, to define”localism” 2011 found at davidcarsondesign.com

Challenge

Create a formal piece of artwork that demonstrates an invented typeface on an experimental surface.

Exercise 1

It is important to be able to analyze the different parts of a typeface in order to distinguish the difference between them. Visit the following links and be prepared to complete the module assessment.
  1. Sara Newton's Fontastic Quiz  
  2. DesignInstruct.com's "The Basics of Typography"

Open the handout at Typography exercise 1.doc (Located in my Box.net)
Using the above links, address the questions in the handout in a Word (.doc or .docx) document and e-mail your responses to me at lbrandt@rhmail.org by the due date.

Module assessment

Picture
Click here to complete the module assessment.

Excercise 2

Complete this quiz using the 4th link and click submit by the due date. 

Videos on Typeface

David Carson

_Source: http://www.ted.com/speakers/david_carson.html on January 9, 2012
"David Carson's boundary-breaking typography in the 1990s, in Ray Gun magazine and other pop-cult books, ushered in a new vision of type and page design -- quite simply, breaking the traditional mold of type on a page and demanding fresh eyes from the reader. Squishing, smashing, slanting and enchanting the words on a layout, Carson made the point, over and over, that letters on a page are art. You can see the repercussions of his work to this day, on a million Flash intro pages (and probably just as many skateboards and T-shirts).

Just a few of his many clients are:
Quicksilver, Armani, Nine Inch Nails, Western Union, Yale University

Visit www.davidcarsondesign.com

A listing of most of his clients are listed in the left column on his website.  Visit several of them and be able to discuss in class your favorite designs.  Consider the following when visiting these designs:
  • How many different typefaces are used?
  • How readable are the words?
  • How does the typeface reinforce the attitude of the client?
  • How many layers of artistic concepts are used?  

The following TED.com video will be watch in class. 

Criteria

  • at least 11" x 17" (or same area)
  • three different invented typefaces
  • three different words or sentences
  • relief printed image
  • apply to your class theme

Procedures

Create each layer separately and add them together at the end.
Layer 1--
  1. Spend about 45 minutes experimenting with different textures and effects created with papers and mediums on pieces of 11" x 17" drawing paper.  
  2. Take the best techniques and apply them to a piece of 11" x 17" Bristol board.  Make sure you stay away from accidental mud colors and create some light areas and dark areas.  This will be your canvas for the other layers.
Layer 2--
 3.   Create 3 words or sentences using your invented typefaces.  Remember to use a variety of different Type Sizes, weights, fonts, etc...  to increase the interest.

Layer 3--
4.    Carve a relief block, using either the cork or linoleum located in cabinet 14, of any image that complements the words chosen.  Do several test prints using black ink.

5. Combine these layers in balanced manner that demonstrates a sensitivity to margins and alignments.  You may wish to use carbon paper for the typography.

6. When finished with the project, complete a project self-evaluation form.  Then, photograph your work using the class camera and procedures.


Project hints

  • Choose a color scheme from a page out of the class Jim Krause book.
  • Do not spend too much time carving-- the marks made add to the style.
  • Use carbon paper to help with combining the layers onto the final Bristol board.

Additional information

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Rock HIll