Typography / Task 2: Exercise

1.9.2021 - 8.9.2020 (Week 06 - Week 07)

Adeline Wong Chyn Nee / 0344017 / Mr.Vinod N 

Typography / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication (Text Formatting and Expression)

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LECTURES:

All lectures are completed from week 01-06 > Task 1 (Exercise 1 & 2)and Lectures

Fig. 1 Typography Task 2 Progress Demo video

In week 6, we were introduced to our 2nd task, 'Typographic Exploration & Communication' where we explore the different aspects of text formatting and expression. We were shown how to execute the task through a demo video by Mr. Vinod.

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INSTRUCTION:

For Task 2, we are required to create a 2-page editorial spread (200 x 200) with the provided texts, we are not allowed to use images or color, but minor graphical elements like line, shade, etc. We are to use Adobe InDesign to typographically compose and express the text, and Adobe Illustrator for the headline expression is allowed.

However, the final layout is to be completed in Adobe InDesign. We are tasked to explore several options in expression and layout (sketches). Execute a good layout, with an expressive and appropriate headline in line with the spirit/message of the text. We are to only use the prescribed tye families.

Task 2: Text Formatting and Expression

1. Sketches

Fig. 2 Layout Sketches - Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fig. 2.1 Layout Sketches - Week 6 (1/10/2021)

In Illustrator, I imagined and estimated the layout that my headline would fit into, I then did a rough sketch for each placement of the elements. I did two layout sketches for each one of my headline titles (4 in total).

Creating the type expression was interesting as it contains commas which made me immediately think of visual hierarchy and how I could achieve that by a top to the bottom (staircase-like) arrangement.

Fig. 3.1 Headline Type Expression 1 (2 versions) - Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Typeface: Univers LT Std (85 Extra Black), Futura Std (Light Oblique)

After I was done with my sketches, I started by experimenting with Type Expression with the title "Be Good, Do Good, Follow The Code".  I initially design a step-like composition, however, I was advised to try with different shapes instead of just the usual step design, so I added a wave warp on the text to create a wave-like shape.

Fig. 3.2 Headline Type Expression 2 - Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Typeface: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle (Bold)

I tried a second design by experimenting with other fonts and adding a stroke (line) that represents the dash used in an HTML code. This design has a more elegant look to it, however, I am not sure if it is appropriate with the meaning of the title.

2. Layout Progress

Fig. 4.1 Hidden characters and alignment, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fig. 4.2 Hidden characters and alignment, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fig. 4.3 Hidden characters and alignment, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

3. Week 6 Layout 

Fig. 5.1 Layouts Compilation, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fig. 5.2 Layouts blocked out, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Week 6 Shortlisted Layout

Fig. 5.3 Layout #1, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Bold Italic), Univers LT Std (85 Exra Black)
Point size: 10 pt (text), 12 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt, 150 pt (heading)
Leading: 12 pt (text), 14.4 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt (heading)
Paragraph spacing: No paragraph spacing (text), 25 pt (sub-heading)
Line length: 41 (body text), 34 (sub-heading)

Fig. 5.4 Layout #2, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Bold Italic), Univers LT Std (85 Exra Black)
Point size: 10 pt (text), 12 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt, 150 pt (heading)
Leading: 12 pt (text), 14.4 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt (heading)
Paragraph spacing: No paragraph spacing (text), 25 pt (sub-heading)
Line length: 44 (body text), 34 (sub-heading)

Fig. 5.5 Layout #3, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Bold Italic), Bodoni 72 Oldstyle (Bold)
Point size: 10 pt (body text), 11 pt (sub-heading), 190 pt, 150 pt (heading)
Leading: 12 pt (body text), 13.2 pt (sub-heading)
Paragraph spacing: No paragraph spacing (body text), 25 pt (sub-heading)
Line length: 61 (body text), 57 (sub-heading)

Fig. 5.6 Layout #4, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Bold Italic), Bodoni 72 Oldstyle (Bold)

Point size: 10 pt (body text), 11 pt (sub-heading), 200 pt (headline)
Leading: 12 pt (body text), 13.2 pt (sub-heading)
Paragraph spacing: No paragraph spacing (body text), 25 pt (sub-heading)
Line length: 61 (body text), 57 (sub-heading)

4. New layouts based on feedback and Week 6's class

Fig. 6.1 New layouts based on feedback, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fig. 6.2 New layouts blocked out, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Shortlisted New Layouts

Fig. 6.3 Layout #2, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Bold Italic), Univers LT Std (85 Exra Black)
Point size: 10 pt (text), 12 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt, 150 pt (heading)
Leading: 12 pt (text), 14.4 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt (heading)
Paragraph spacing: 12.5 (text), 25 pt (sub-heading)
Line length: 44 (body text), 34 (sub-heading)

Fig. 6.4 Layout #1, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Fonts: Bembo Std (Regular, Bold Italic), Univers LT Std (85 Exra Black)
Point size: 10 pt (text), 12 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt, 150 pt (heading)
Leading: 12 pt (text), 14.4 pt (sub-heading), 180 pt (heading)
Paragraph spacing: 12.5 (text), 25 pt (sub-heading)
Line length: 41 (body text), 34 (sub-heading)

All Layout

Fig. 7 Layouts progress, Week 6 (1/10/2021)

Final Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication

Fig. 8.1 Final Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication - JPEG, Week 7 (7/10/2021)

Fig. 8.2 Final Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication - PDF, Week 7 (7/10/2021)

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FEEDBACK:

Week 6: Typographic Exploration & Communication (01/10/2021)

• General Feedback

1. The headline must be prominent to grab the viewer's attention, as well as the idea of the headline to properly express the meaning, it should resonate throughout the whole page.
2. The text should be readable, with correct line length, proper kerning, and achieved cross alignment, no unnecessary hyphenation.
3. The sub-headline should be clearly separated from the paragraph lines.
4. All elements should be properly aligned to look neat and consistent.

• Specific Feedback:

1. (First layout) The headline is following but can be more effective, the steps can be a river instead. Paragraph spacing in the body of the text is missing.
2. (Second layout) In terms of layout, it is a good one, you have started with somebody of text and headline which is interesting then it goes back up, but don't use separate columns of text, and need to maintain paragraph spacings. I am advised to use justified text and a 10mm indented first line. The placement of the headline could be done better so need more exploration.

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REFLECTION:

Experience

Upon completing Task 2, I can confidently say that I have grown to be one of those students who want to do their best, perhaps it is because this is the only module that approaches its teaching very seriously, until the point that we have learned to evaluate ourselves. By experimenting with this task, I learned a lot of new things and explored a lot of InDesign tools by myself. By following the rules of typography and applying them to our designs, it increases the readability and flow.

Observations
In this task, I observed that visual hierarchy applies strongly in every aspect and it is important for a viewer as it guides their eyes from the headline all the way to the body text, which I struggle to achieve in the beginning, however, did improve after more exploration.

Findings

Throughout this task, I found that simply using justify on our body text could allow such neat and smooth readability for the viewers, because without it the flow of the whole page gets disrupted by bad ragging. That is something I could utilize in my future designs.

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FURTHER READING:

Fig. 9.1 'Typography Referenced' book cover

For further reading, I dig deep into one of the important typography principles, Grid.

Reference:

Henderson, K., Haley, A., Saltz, I., Tselentis, J., Poulin, R., Leonidas, G., Seddon, T., & Alterman, T. (2012). Typography, Referenced: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to the Language, History, and Practice of Typography (0 ed., Vol. 1). Rockport Publishers.

What is a Grid?

Simply put, the grid is a tool that allows a designer to create compositions with some semblance of unity and variety.

To use a grid in a design, designers should consider these things upon creating a grid:

• Media
• Format
• Use
• Image size
• Typographic scope
• Word count
• Expandability

Anatomy of a Grid

Fig. 9.2 Anatomy of a Grid

Each module becomes part of a larger system, such as columns and rows (for example, six modules make up one column). That larger system becomes a tool—rather than a hin- drance—for relating visual elements to each other. When used success- fully, the tool can help designers achieve compositional unity and variety, as well as functionality.

Fig. 9.3 Cartesian Grids

The Cartesian grid system uses horizontal lines across an X-axis that intersects vertical lines on the Y-axis. 

These intersecting lines create individual modules that provide a framework in which designers can insert words and images. 

Grid Type

Fig. 9.4 Grid Types

1) Book and Manuscript Grid

Fig. 9.5 Manuscript Grid

Grids used for books and manuscripts typically have the fewest complexities, but constructing them takes time and forethought.

Because books are usable, highly interactive pieces of design, proportional relationships should happen between the inside, outside, top, and bottom margins, such that readers can grasp the book’s pages without obscuring the text they’re reading.

2) Columnar Grid

Fig. 9.6 Columnar Grid

Columnar grids can have any number of vertical divisions across the format, with as few as one per page. Though fewer flowlines (horizontal lines) across each page make columnar grids less flexible, the decision-making and layout processes become much easier for the designer. 

3) Modular Grid

Fig. 9.7 Modular Grid

A series of horizontally and vertically aligned modules create the structure on which text and image can reside.