Advanced Typography - Task 3: Type Exploration and Application

Week 8 - Week 12
Marcus Leong Ka Shing 0363643
Advanced Typography / BA of Design (HONS) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 3: Type Exploration and Application

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LECTURES

All lectures completed in Task 1: exercise1&2

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INSTRUCTIONS

For this task, we are given the task to create a typeface. We have to complete the entire set of typeface uppercase, lowercase, numerals and special characters.  We were given 3 methods to create this set. I chose to explore an existing letterform and create a new set. 

Research

I started making a mood board and find references that relates to my idea. I created a proposal of my idea as well. 

I wanted to create something similar to neo-transitional typefaces I saw but, also incorporate the design of san serif fonts. I found some visual references that helped me imagine how my new typeface would look like. 

Fig 1.0 Inspiration

Sketching and Digitalization 

Fig 1.1 Sketches

Firstly, I sketched out my letters with a marker so I could grasp and later on digitalize my work. I tried out a few different variations of each letter before settling on which design to go with. 

Fig 1.2 Creating Uppercase Forms

I created my letterforms using the shape tool and pen tool. I used rectangles and aligned them to the default measurements of the letterforms I learned from last semester. 

Fig 1.3 Full Uppercase Outline 

This is how it looks like for all the letterforms after it was completed. I then combined all the shapes to create one shape. 

Fig 1.4 Numeral Construction

I did the same for the numerals and lowercase letterforms as well. 

Fig 1.5 Uppercase Construction

After that, I made some designs based on my sketches on top of the letterforms. I used the pen tool, pencil tool and curve tool to achieve this. 

Fig 1.6 Flat Lay of Complete Typeface

This is how all my letterforms look like after designing them.

Fig 1.7 Additional Strokes

I checked with Mr Vinod for some feedback and he advised me to add thickness in my unique strokes so they will be readable as my font size goes down. 

FontLab Process

Fig 1.8 Importing into Font Lab

After finalizing my font design, I moved everything into FontLab. 

Fig 1.9 Font Lab

I pasted everything in and had it align with the kerning, but that were still awkward gaps when I typed it out. 

Fig 1.10 Kerning

There, I adjusted the kerning according to the cheat sheet Mr Vinod provided for us. That made things easier for me, rather than kerning letter by letter blindly. 

Fig 1.11 Kerning 

I then did my final cross checks with some words that I were to use in my application  to see if any more kerning would be required.

Fig 1.12 Font File

This is how my typeface looks after exporting it. Once I made sure it works fine and there were no awkward space, I proceeded with my application and presentation. 

Presentation

For my typeface presentation, I created a few posters that highlight my font and showcase each letterform and numeral. 

Fig 2.0 Initial Presentation

Initially, I had created something more on the graphical side, which led to Mr Vinod advising me that I should focus more on my typeface instead of the design aspect. I took his advice and reworked my presentations.

Fig 2.1 Flat Lay of Presentation

This is how everything looked like after. It consists of lowercase, uppercase, numerals and special characters. I also made more presentations to showcase my distinct letterforms and a poster that acts as the name and identity of this typeface. 

 

Fig 2.2 Introduction Poster

Fig 2.3 Letter Showcase

Fig 2.4 Letter Showcase

Fig 2.5 Uppercase Letterforms

Fig 2.6 Lowercase Letterforms

Fig 2.7 Numerals and Special Characters 

Application 

For my font application, we were told to create 4 applications/mockups that resonated with the identity and purpose of our typeface. My typeface's purpose was to be used as headlining in movie posters, game design and more horror themed collectives. 

Fig 2.8 Text Placement

I wanted to created a poster that could utilize my typeface well, and I came up with the idea to use textures, some halftone effects to make it look rugged and grunge. 

Fig 2.9 Final Application Poster 1 

I really liked the way it turned out. It gives a slasher vibe with textures that helped enhanced the overall idea and vision behind it. 

Fig 2.10 Warp Effect

This design showcased warping my typeface to fit within the person's face. I wanted to display how my typeface can be used in various methods to achieve the same theme of horror. I used tools like the scale and free transform tool, added on with warp effects. 

Fig 2.11 Final Application Poster 2

This is the final look, with textures in place. I decided to tweak the 'of' so it aligns and sits well with the overall text. 

Fig 2.12 Final Title Card

This is the final look of a title card I decided to create. Since I am sticking with my theme of grunge and horror, I utilized the opportunity to use 'Fight Club' as it aligns and matches with my typeface. The unique elements resembles cuts and knives.

Fig 2.13 Final Game Menu

I also created a game menu design. I wanted to use my font to create something fantasy/gamelike. I used my typeface to create horror game menu. 

Fig 2.14 Application Poster

Fig 2.15 Application Title Card

Fig 2.16 Game Menu Application

Fig 2.17 Application Poster

Final Submission of Task 3

Download Font File:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19yfbYrw4BnJhxbVpf_RyU8NgBWVGIYVu?usp=drive_link

Font Text Preview

Fig 2.2 Introduction Poster

Fig 2.3 Letterform Showcase

Fig 2.4 Letterform Showcase

Fig 2.5 Uppercase Letterforms

Fig 2.6 Lowercase Letterforms

Fig 2.7 Numerals & Special Characters

Fig 2.14 Application Poster

Fig 2.15 Application Movie Title Card

Fig 2.16 Application Game Menu

Fig 2.17 Application Poster

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Feedback:

Week 8:
- absent

Week 9:

-dont delete progress.

Week 10:
-The words must be have characteristics and try to make it as same type.
- develop lowercase next to uppercase so easier to judge
- create from raw shapes not an existing typeface

Week 11:

- add small shapes to the end of my strokes
- this will increase readability when the typeface is small

Week 12: 

- Stop focusing on too much graphic for posters and presentation

Week 13:

- align theme with all applications

- use horror/thriller theme that suits my typeface

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Reflection 

Experience:
Initially, the task was exhausting, but as I progressed and successfully created a new font, it became enjoyable towards the end. The experience of crafting an entire font was challenging but rewarding in the end. It was very tedious and detailed but after completing it, I realize it was necessary.

Observations:
This task showed me the meticulous process it takes when it comes to designing a font from start to finish. Punctuations were especially hard because they were different sizes and positions. I also found that colors were very important in my presentation and purpose behind my typeface is also what creates a direction of use for it.

Findings:
Good things take time. And there is always room for improvement. We should not settle for what we have and keep striving to find better improvements.

Further Reading

Fig 3.1 Identity Designed Book

Week 8-13:
"Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding" is a comprehensive guide to visual branding written by David Airey. It offers insights and practical advice for designers and businesses looking to create and manage compelling brand identities. The book explores the complete process, from understanding a brand's essence to executing its visual elements effectively. With a rich collection of case studies and real-world examples, this book serves as an essential resource for those seeking to create memorable and impactful brand identities.