Typography // Task 02
22.09.2021 - 13.10.2021 / Week 06 - 08
Rebecca Thoo Hui Ying / 0350359
Bachelor of Designs (Hons) in Creative Media
Typography Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication (Text Formatting and
Expression)
Rebecca Thoo Hui Ying / 0350359
Bachelor of Designs (Hons) in Creative Media
Typography Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication (Text Formatting and
Expression)
LECTURES
✧ Task 02 relates back to: Task 01's PART Typography in Different Mediums.
All lecture sessions done in Task 01
INSTRUCTIONS
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EXERCISE
Task 02: Typographic Exploration & Communication (Text Formatting & Expression)
For this task, we were to create a layout for one chosen text. The text options we were given can be retrieved from the Facebook Group.
There were 3 text options, I choose to go with the "Be Good, Do Good, Follow the Code." Text.
We are to create a 2-page text layout that includes Expression of header text, no pictures are allowed, though minimal graphical elements are okay. It will all be done in Greyscale.
Sketches:
Fig 1.1 Rough Layout Sketches
Layout Ideations (23.09.2021)
Fig 1.2 Layout & Text expression ideations (23.09.2021)
Fig 1.3 Blocked Out Layout (23.09.2021)
Layout Research (26.09.2021)
I took some days off as I was struggling with my layout design. I decided to research on greyscale minimalistic & simple layouts.
Fig 1.4 Layout reference (26.09.2021)
I took some days off as I was struggling with my layout design. I decided to research on greyscale minimalistic & simple layouts.
Additional New Layouts (26.09.2021)
I decided to focus on the word "CODE" for the Type Expression in this
layout. I wanted to keep to a minimalistic look, hence I've only explored a
few of the type whilst the others are expressed through its fonts. In Fig
1.2 (the top right 2 layouts) were created with coding in mind, codes always
starts & ends with a "<" hence i incorporated them into the type. In
my opinion, it is a simple change yet it delivers the message.
Fig 1.5 Additional Layouts (28.09.2021)
For the above 2 layout designs i decided to go with more of a coding type of expression, it is minimal and it still keeps to the simple and straightforward feel I'm going with.
Fig 1.6 Type Expression (28.09.2021)
I utilised h3 & h1 (coding: the number indicates the header size, the larger the number, the smaller the header size will be) as an additional element to the type. The "Be Good, Do Good, Follow The" sentence was placed in a style (coding style, with the ";" instead of a "," I've also used a "{" instead for this case as it is considered within the CSS code styling). I decided to make the "CODE" wording stand out more by using the HTML coding "<", hence the semi bold font family.
Amendments (29.09.2021)
I made the amendments according to what Sir suggested in class.
Fig 1.7 Headline alignment (29.09.2021)
Fig 1.8 Hidden characters & cross alignment (29.09.2021)
Fig 1.9 Hidden characters & headline alignment
(29.09.2021)
Fig 1.10 Line length (29.09.2021)
Sir mentioned for 3 columns past students have used 35 characters as
their line length. I've tried and it seemed weird & condensed. In
the end I went with a 45 character per line length.
Shortlisted layouts:
Fig 1.11 Shortlisted Layout 1 (29.09.2021)
Fig 1.12 Blocked Out Shortlisted Layout 1 (29.09.2021)
Point size: 14 pt (sub headline), 8 pt (body text)
Leading: 18.8 pt (sub headline), 10 pt (body text)
Line length: 50 (body text- 1st page, 2 coloumns), 45 (body text- 2nd page, 3 coloumns)
Fig 1.13 Shortlisted Layout 2 (29.09.2021)
Fig 1.14 Blocked Out Shortlisted Layout 1 (29.09.2021)
Fonts: Gill Sans (Semi Bold, Regular & Light)
Point size: 14 pt (sub headline), 8 pt (body text)
Leading: 18.8 pt (sub headline), 10 pt (body text)
Line length: 50 (body text- 1st page, 2 coloumns), 45 (body text- 2nd page, 3 coloumns)
I've changed & aligned the sub-headers & body text for paragraphs #2 & #4 to make it look balance and more even.
Fig 1.15 Final JPEG Layout (29.09.2021)
Fig 1.16 Final PDF Layout (29.09.2021)
FEEDBACK
Week 06: Layout Reviewing (29.09.2021)
General Feedback:
✧ Decide what you want the viewers to look at
✧ Insert type formation in a blank page, without texts first
✧ Look for points to align & begin the text
✧ Looking at the text placement puts yourself into a reader's shoes
✧ Different line length is not good, confuses reader
✧ When looking at the expression, it needs to be happening & connects
back to the article
Lecturer's Feedback:
The amount of exploration is good. The 2 layouts (Fig 1.4) have good potential. From the headline standpoint, sir can see that I am using the code, the type of writing the code.
The only worry will be whether the audience can link the sentence &
read it like a sentence (sir was talking bout Fig 1.4 bottom layout design -
as i have separated the "be good, do good, follow the" and "code").
Fig 1.4 bottom layout design: from a headline standpoint & layout - it
works. It is an advanced thinking level, how I arrange the text &
thinking of placing the subheadline with the paragraph spacing, all in
alignment at the top as it allows readability to increase.
The only comment sir will give is regarding the long stand-alone text on
the right (Fig 1.4 top layout design) place it under 2 columns or 1 column
as it is now unbalanced (inline length). Excellent piece of
work.
Peer's Feedback:
Jane suggested keeping to either a "{" or a "<" for the symbols as it will look cleaner. (Thanks Jane, if you're reading this!)
Week 07: Typographic Exploration & Communication Final Task & Portfolio (06.10.2021)
Lecturer's Feedback:
Task: Good.
Portfolio: Good progress in e-portfolio! Keep it up.
REFLECTIONS
Experience
I did not think there will be so many elements that we need to adhere to in order to create a good layout. Elements like: cross alignment, ensuring all the texts are on baseline grid, leading, line length. All in all, do not overlook the details, as even the smallest details will affect the layout. I struggled with the initial layout in the beginning as I have too many ideas but I didn't seem to like them. I decided to take a few days off to recenter myself, in the meantime, i read up about typographic layout, this is where I decided simple is the best way to deliver the layout.
Observations
Assuring cross alignment is vital as it decides the structure of the layout. Covering the texts with greys & blacks help me to see if the design was balanced or not. A sense of balance & visual hierarchy is important in creating a good layout.
Findings
"Never judge a book by its cover", as simple as it looked, it has its own set of rules to follow. I learnt to try not to insert anything at the center of the spread as it might affect the layout once it is printed. Sir also mentioned to try to avoid putting it at the centre
Pieces of information were abstracted from the material, references as above.
Experience
I did not think there will be so many elements that we need to adhere to in order to create a good layout. Elements like: cross alignment, ensuring all the texts are on baseline grid, leading, line length. All in all, do not overlook the details, as even the smallest details will affect the layout. I struggled with the initial layout in the beginning as I have too many ideas but I didn't seem to like them. I decided to take a few days off to recenter myself, in the meantime, i read up about typographic layout, this is where I decided simple is the best way to deliver the layout.
Observations
Assuring cross alignment is vital as it decides the structure of the layout. Covering the texts with greys & blacks help me to see if the design was balanced or not. A sense of balance & visual hierarchy is important in creating a good layout.
Findings
"Never judge a book by its cover", as simple as it looked, it has its own set of rules to follow. I learnt to try not to insert anything at the center of the spread as it might affect the layout once it is printed. Sir also mentioned to try to avoid putting it at the centre
FURTHER READING
1. Typographic Design: Forms & Communication
The study material was recommended to us by Mr Vinod in the Facebook
Group.
Reference:
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 1.1 Typographic design: Form and communication (2015)
Pieces of information were abstracted from the material, references as above.
According to the book:
Fig 1.2 Structure & Space
Chapter 4: The Typographic Grid, page 67
✧ The shapes of typographic elements have directional qualities that
are echoed as implied spatial corridors.
✧ New structures emerge when the typographic elements shifted in size,
weight & position.
✧ When centered, it appears motionless. When placed off-centered, it
appears to move.
Fig 1.3 Single Column Grids
Chapter 4: The Typographic Grid, page 71
✧ Single-column grids are effective layouts created with the concern for
details, it is best to set a single block when text appears to be
simple
✧ Margins function to set the typographic stage
✧ Margins also accommodate marginalia, separate typographic parts that
support the text
✧The manner in which text blocks are placed on the page can greatly affect
the overall tone of the communication
Fig 1.4 MultiColumn Grids
Chapter 4: The Typographic Grid, page 74
✧ The multicolumn grid is a structure with features specifically suited
to the physical properties of typographic elements
✧ The baseline grid runs from the top margin to the bottom margin in
representing the primary text's baselines
Fig 1.5 Examples of MultiColumn Grids
Chapter 4: The Typographic Grid, page 75
✧ It is essential to balance these 3 interdependent variables when working
with multicolumn grids:
✧ Tyle size
✧ Line length
✧ Interline Spacing (Leading)
✧ Rhythm is achieved by the repetition & contrast of columns &
other visual elements, using white spaces, helps to separate elements in a
rhythmical sense
Fig 1.6 Modular Grids
Chapter 4: The Typographic Grid, page 80
✧ The modular grid offers opportunities to present more complex information
with a high degree of accuracy & clarity
✧ These grids are formed by the intersections of horizontal & vertical
lines that provide zones of placement for different parts of the information
with the goal of creating a distinct hierarchy between each unit of
information
✧ The more complex the grid structure, the more flexible the organisational
possibilities
Fig 1.7 Typographic Space
Chapter 5: Syntax & Communication, page 98
✧ Different alignment settings create different visual
relationships between forms in space
✧ Often inconspicuous, optical adjustment is the precise visual
alignment of typographic elements in space based on perceptual
alignment
✧ A designer's understanding & use of optical adjustment is
necessary for visual clarity
Fig 1.7 ABA Form
Chapter 5: Syntax & Communication, page 80
✧ ABA Form: 'A' stands for (Repetition), 'B' stands for
(Contrast)
✧ The ABA form is the organisation of a piece that helps the
listener to keep the idea in mind, follow its development, its
growth, its elaboration.
✧ The viewer of typographic communication perceives form
relationships as being either in opposition or in
correspondence
✧ Viewers seek a variety that stimulates both eye & mind, while
structuring the communications experience
hehe you're welcome~ honoured to be mentioned in your blog :D
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