LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY
Task 3: Type Exploration & Application
JUMPLINK
Lectures
Instructions
Task 3: Type Exploration and Application
Feedback
Reflections
Further Reading
LECTURES
All lecture notes completed in
Task 1: Exercises.
Task 3: Type Exploration and application
In this task,
we are required to choose one of the three methods provided and
create our own completed font. The first method is to create a
font that can solve a problem in any area we are interested in.
Secondly, explore existing fonts and identify the areas where the
font needs improvement. Based on this, create our own font.
Thirdly, work with materials to conduct experiments and form a
font.
Lastly, the outcome of the font will be utilized to
create 4 to 5 artworks for font presentation and application.
Observation and Slides
I decided to go with method 1,
which I think is more sustainable for me. Before starting the
process of creating a font, I began by observing the fonts
utilized by various objects to generate ideas about the problem
that needs to be solved by creating a new font.
My initial
idea is to create a playful font for children so that when they
read, they will find it more interesting and be willing to spend
time learning. However, based on the feedback given in the Week 8
class by Mr. Vinod, he advised us to create a font that is more
straightforward and easy to create, considering we have only a few
weeks to complete it
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| Figure 1.1 Visual reference. (Week 07, 16.10.2023) |
After that, I proceeded by observing and considering others' ideas to create my font. I used Canva to list down all my ideas and their directions. I have three ideas that I think would work. I prefer the first idea, which involves creating a font that incorporates Chinese calligraphy in each character.
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| Figure 2.1 First attempt. (Week 09, 25.10.2023) |
Figure 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 Progress screenshot. (Week 09, 28.10.2023)
During week 10, I was absent from class due to the passing of my uncle. However, I did my best to complete my work during my free time apart from the funeral.
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| Figure 2.6 Attempt on uppercase. (Week 10, 31.10.2023) |
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| Figure 2.7 Attempt on lowercase and numerals. (Week 10, 04.11.2023) |
I then proceeded with refining the stroke of each letter, also reconsidering the placement of thick and thin strokes within a letter.
Figure 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11 Progress screenshot. (Week 11, 11.11.2023)
After refining the uppercase and developing the lowercase, numerals, and punctuations, I converted the white stroke of each letter into an outline stroke and utilized the shape builder tools in Adobe Illustrator to trim out the white space.
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| Figure 2.12 Progress screenshot. (Week 12, 13.11.2023) |
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| Figure 3.1 Final AI digitalize-uppercase. (Week 12, 14.11.2023) |
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Figure 3.2 Final AI digitalize-uppercase. (Week 12,
14.11.2023) |
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Figure 3.3 Final AI digitalize-uppercase. (Week 12,
14.11.2023) |
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Figure 3.4 Final AI digitalize-lowercase. (Week 12,
14.11.2023) |
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Figure 3.5 Final AI digitalize-lowercase. (Week 12,
14.11.2023) |
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| Figure 3.6 Final AI digitalize-numerals. (Week 12, 14.11.2023) |
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| Figure 3.7 Final AI digitalize-punctuations. (Week 12, 14.11.2023) |
Following that, I inserted all the x-height, cap-height, ascender, descender, and etc. into FontLab 8. I named this font 'Nature Nook' as it is related to plants, and I believe this name has an artistic touch. I then transferred all the letters I created using Adobe Illustrator into FontLab.
Figure 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 Progress screenshot. (Week 12, 15.11.2023)
Subsequently, I used FontLab to adjust the letter kerning to ensure proper spacing between letters when using this font for typing. I typed out as many letters as possible that had the potential to join together to allow me to adjust the letter kerning more effectively.
Figure 4.5, 4.6 Progress screenshot. (Week 12, 15.11.2023)
Figure 4.7 Final font preview. (Week 12, 15.11.2023))
Font Presentation
After completing my font in FontLab,
I proceeded to create artwork for font presentation. I was tasked
with creating 4 to 5 artworks. Before starting, I sought ideas
from Pinterest and also from the link that Mr. Vinod provided.
After that, I began making attempts at the font presentation,
exploring different ways to present my font.
Figure 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 Progress screenshot. (Week 13, 20.11.2023)
I was struggling and lacked direction even though I started making attempts at the font presentation. Mr. Vinod realized my situation and advised me to revisit the link he provided for references. I reviewed the materials he provided and combined them with references from Pinterest. Afterward, I proceeded to make more attempts at font presentation.
Figure 5.5, 5.6 Progress screenshot. (Week 13, 25.11.2023)
After I created artworks that satisfied me, I experimented with different color palettes to find the one that best matched my font design. The color palette was inspired by references on Pinterest.
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| Figure 5.7 Explore color palettes. (Week 13, 25.11.2023) |
Final Font Presentation
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| Figure 6.1 Final font presentation. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
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Figure 6.2 Final font presentation. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
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Figure 6.3 Final font presentation. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
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Figure 6.4 Final font presentation. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
While working on the font presentation, I also experimented with applying the font to various applications. I aimed to integrate my font into signage for botanical gardens or any other medium that requires a plant-related font. I utilized Photoshop and also the mockup psd from online.
Figure 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 Progress screenshot. (Week 13, 20.11.2023)
When I presented my font applications to Mr. Vinod, he suggested adding more spacing between letters for the signage. Additionally, he pointed out that the billboard design lacked interest and recommended reconsidering the layout. Considering the feedback provided, I refined the two initial attempts. Additionally, I created two more font applications, a banner and a brochure.
Figure 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7 Progress screenshot. (Week 14, 28.11.2023)
Final Font Application
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| Figure 8.1 Final font application. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
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Figure 8.2 Final font application. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
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Figure 8.3 Final font application. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
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Figure 8.4 Final font application. (Week 14, 28.11.2023) |
Week 08
Week 09
General feedback: Start with the
design of the letters 'H, O, A, N,' as these will provide
the foundational elements for the remaining letters.
Specific feedback: Concentrate on a single concept to develop. The
incorporation of Chinese culture, specifically Chinese
calligraphy, poses a challenge due to the requirement for an
in-depth study of Chinese calligraphy and the creation of a
font that effectively captures its unique characteristics.
Week10
Absent
Week 11
General feedback: Ensure
that the typeface is designed with readability in mind.
Specific feedback: Ensure the consistency of all letter strokes.
Week 12
Absent
Week 13
General feedback: To gather
inspiration for font presentation and application,
review the provided link.
Specific feedback: The
billboard design appears odd, with excessive white space,
making the wording unreadable. The signage letter-spacing
needs to be increased to ensure visibility for visitors
viewing it from a distance.
REFLECTIONS
Experience
I experienced exhaustion throughout
this project because designing a complete font from scratch
is a time-consuming task. There are many details to pay
attention to, such as the stroke weight, curves, and
maintaining the characteristics of the font. The font
presentation also proved challenging for me. While creating
a simple font presentation is easy, making one that is both
interesting and relevant to the font is difficult. Despite
the challenges, I also found joy in the process, witnessing
the development of the font from inception to completion.
Observation
I observed that creating a font with
consistent stroke weight and characteristics is challenging,
especially in maintaining the stroke of a curve. The most
challenging aspect is ensuring that the curve remains
consistent when the stroke weight varies. Additionally, I
observed that crafting an engaging font presentation is also
difficult. It should showcase the unique characteristics of
the font in a captivating way to keep viewers interested.
Findings
I found creating my own font to be a
highly enjoyable experience, despite the potential
exhaustion along the way. I believe the short time frame for
this module may have limited the final outcome's completion
and meeting expectations. However, through this project,
I've developed an interest in designing new fonts during my
leisure time.
FURTHER READING
I decided to study the book, The Vignelli Canon.
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| Figure 9.1 The Vignelli Canon (2009). |
- Discipline is a set of self-imposed rules within which we operate.
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