Objectives Design Emphasis On Type Expressiveness And Introd

Objectivesdesign Emphasis On Type Expressiveness And Introduction To

Objectives: Design emphasis on type, expressiveness and introduction to identity. This project looks at language in its connotative and denotative forms and appropriates them into a visual metaphor. This will utilize Adobe Illustrator for the first conceptual piece. Photoshop and InDesign will also be used after the core art is built as students are introduced to mockups, page layout, and designing on the grid. InDesign and page layout skills will continue with Project 3B.

Problem: Start with a word, write it down. Write another word. Keep going until you find a word that interests you. Look for words that are verbs, adjectives and adverbs. You want a word that describes action or a state of an object, typically they seem to be easier to use and more versatile.

The word you choose will be the object and the way in which the word is handled on the page will be your metaphor. Restrictions & tips (cont.) Black ink on white background. • You may use ONE color as a focal point of some sort that makes sense for the design. This is optional and not required. A halftone of black is considered your one color. • Remember to think of the letters as shapes in reference to the surrounding space. • The word must be legible to the reader. • All letterforms must have a solid fill. No outlines. No stroke to any of your letters.

Steps: Begin thumbnail sketches! Be sure to create them in a square shape. You may either use a ruler to create squares on a blank page in your sketchbook or print out squares to include in your sketchbook. At least 30. Discuss in groups. Final will be picked for you to digitally render _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment involves exploring the expressive potential of typography through a creative and conceptual visual project. The primary focus is on exploring language in its connotative and denotative senses and translating these meanings into compelling visual metaphors using digital tools. Students are expected to select a dynamic, action-oriented word—such as a verb, adjective, or adverb—that encapsulates a certain action or state, making the word itself the object of focus. The chosen word will serve as the foundation for creating a visual metaphor that communicates its inherent meaning through typographic manipulation and layout.

The process begins with extensive thumbnail sketches, emphasizing creativity and exploration within a square format. Students are encouraged to produce at least 30 sketches, practicing the organization of letterforms and spacing to evaluate how type can be shaped to enhance expressive meaning. These sketches serve as preliminary concepts from which the final digital piece will be developed. To maintain consistency and clarity, all designs are to be executed in black ink on a white background, with the option to incorporate a single accent color or halftone for emphasis. It is essential that all letterforms are solid-filled, with no outlines or strokes, allowing the shapes of the letterforms to visually interact with surrounding space.

The project aims to develop students' understanding of how typographic form can convey meaning beyond literal reading, emphasizing formality, visual language, and identity. Students will utilize Adobe Illustrator for initial conceptual development, focusing on shape, form, and visual impact. Further refinement into mockups and page layouts will involve Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign, skills that will be reinforced through subsequent projects. Collaboration and critique are essential, with students discussing their sketches in groups to refine their ideas before final digital rendering.

This assignment encourages experimentation with form and structure, fostering a deeper appreciation of typographic design as a form of visual language. Through thoughtful selection of words and careful manipulation of letterforms, students will learn how to craft visually compelling and meaningful typographic compositions that align with principles of identity and expressiveness in graphic design.

References

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• Lupton, E., & Phillips, C. (2014). Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students. Princeton University Press.
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• Barnbrook, J. (2006). Barnbrook fonts: A Personal Selection. Barnbrook fonts.
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