Typography Task 2/Typographic Exploration & Communication

 12.5.2023 - 19.5.2023 (Week 6 - Week 7)
Chong Hui Yi / 0363195
Typography / Bechelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 2/Typographic Exploration & Communication (Text Formatting & Expression)

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LECTURES

Refer to Task 1

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Task 2: Text Formatting & Expression

"In this task you will be asked to express typographically the content in this link in a 2-page editorial spread (200mm x 200mm per page). Choose 1 from the 3 text options provided. No images are allowed. However, some very minor graphical elements, i.e. line, shade, etc. might be allowed." 
  
Research
Before starting the draft, I decided to do some research on Pinterest to find inspiration. I was torn between two articles: "The role of Bauhaus thought on modern culture" and "Unite to visualize a better world." In the end, I chose the second one. Understanding the content of the article will also help stimulate my ideas.
   

Fig. 1.0 Research, week 5 (10/5/2023)

Sketch
I have decided to focus on type expression first and then consider the layout later. Here, I have made a rough sketch, which is quite messy, but it helps clarify my thoughts. Initially, I thought it would be a great idea to depict the dots on the "i" in "visualize" as eyes. However, when I actually drew it (as shown in Figure 1.1, the second image), I found the design to be very eerie. So, afterwards, I decided to create a gradient effect on the entire word "visualize," where the center of the word is the darkest and gradually fades lighter towards the top and bottom.

Fig. 1.1 Rough sketch, week 5 (10/5/2023) 

   
Type Expression Digitisation
I first chose a font, and I thought that san-serif typefaces would be more suitable for my design. Therefore, I selected Univers LT Std. When comparing the second and third images in Figure 1.2, I believe that the "Visualize" without fill color in the third image has a stronger contrast.

Fig. 1.2 Type expression process, week 5 (11/5/2023)

   

I then began to continuously adjust the position of each individual letter within the title, while also adding a subtitle and reduced the thickness of the word 'Visualize'. In this first version, 'Unite to' and 'a Better World' were positioned diagonally to achieve visual balance.

Fig. 1.3 First version type expression process, week 5 (11/5/2023)
   

In the second version, I centered all the words in the middle, which may better convey the meaning of "Unite" compared to the dispersed arrangement in the first version.
   

 Fig. 1.3 Second version type expression process, week 5 (11/5/2023)

   

Fig. 1.4 Type expression with guides, week 5 (11/5/2023)
      

Text Formatting
I believe that the 2-column layout is more reader-friendly compared to the 3-column layout.
  

Fig. 1.6 Three columns & two columns, week 5 (11/5/2023) 

Before designing the layout, I first adjusted the tracking. Figure 1.7 shows the initial result of the adjustment, but Mr. Vinod provided feedback (refer to week 6 feedback) that the tracking should be more wavy. Therefore, I readjusted the tracking in Figure 1.8.

Fig. 1.7 Text with tracking and without tracking (1), week 5 (11/5/2023)

Fig. 1.8 Text with tracking and without tracking (2), week 5 (18/5/2023)

I began experimenting with various layout designs, which took up most of my time. Since I had already decided to place my type expression on the left page, all of my text layouts would be placed on the right page. 
   

Fig. 1.9 Screenshots process
  

Fig. 2.0 Initial layouts (blocks), week 5 (11/5/2023)

Fig. 2.1 Initial layouts, week 5 (11/5/2023)

Although my type expression already included a subtitle, I still attempted to replace it and place it on the right page. However, no matter how I changed it, I still found it strange because the left page seemed empty. I ended up reverting to my initial design, placing the subtitle on the left page (refer to Fig. 2.3). I am satisfied with this layout design!

Fig. 2.2 New layout (blocks), week 5 (11/5/2023)

Fig. 2.3 New layout, week 5 (11/5/2023)

Final Text Formatting & Expression

HEAD

Font/s: Univers LT Std

BODY

Font/s: Univers LT Std

Type Size/s: 9.5 pt

Leading: 12 pt

Paragraph spacing: 12 pt

Characters per-line: 59

Alignment: left align

Margins: 60 mm top, 10 mm left + right + bottom

Columns: 2

Gutter: 5 mm

Fig. 2.4 Final Text Expression and Formatting, week 5 (28/5/2023)

Fig. 2.5 Final Text Expression and Formatting (PDF), week 5 (28/5/2023)

Fig. 2.6 Final Text Expression and Formatting - Grids, week 5 (28/5/2023)

Fig. 2.7 Final Text Expression and Formatting - Grids (PDF), week 5 (28/5/2023)

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FEEDBACK

Week 6
General feedback:
Ensuring consistent line length for body text and avoiding excessive expression in the title. Condensed fonts are suitable for titles but may be challenging to read in body text. It's recommended to have a gap of at least 5 mm in justified text, with 7 mm being the appropriate choice. Keep the title expression simple.

Specific feedback:
The text's ragging needs adjustment, it's almost justified. The title expression is good.

Week 7
General feedback:
Two good websites for finding fonts are Font Share (https://www.fontshare.com/) and Google Fonts (https://fonts.google.com/). Display typefaces are typically used for titles and can sometimes be challenging to read due to their expressive nature. 

Specific feedback:
Good job.

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REFLECTIONS

Experience

I found task 2 to be a very interesting experience. It allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained in type expression and text formatting during the design process. Additionally, I felt really happy because I didn't have to watch more lecture videos and could focus more on designing Task 2.

Observations

I realized that if I don't sketch out my ideas, I'll never know how good or bad they are. This highlights the importance of sketching. I also noticed that sometimes, even after making multiple revisions, I still preferred my initial design. However, I learned a lot throughout this process.

Findings

Through task 2, I truly understood that "ragging" doesn't mean it should be completely even and straight; it can have a bit of waviness and smoothness. Additionally, I discovered that simple designs can be just as good as complex ones.

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FURTHER READING

Layout Design Guide: 7 Tips for Designing a Layout

Fig. 3.0 Image taken from article, week 6 (13/5/2023)

• Good layout design is clear and dynamic, guiding the reader without overshadowing the message.
• The Elements of Layout Design: text, images, lines, shapes, and white space.
• The Principles of Layout Design: alignment, visual hierarchy, contrast, balance, and proximity.
• A grid helps organize visual elements, create balance, and cohesion.
• Tips for creating layout design: create a mood board, match design to content, use templates, create contrast, play with typography, embrace white space, and experiment with the rules.

7 book layout design and typesetting tips

Fig. 3.0 Image taken from article, week 7 (20/5/2023)

This article discusses seven tips for book layout design and typesetting. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful interior book design and highlights the basic elements and common pitfalls of typesetting and layout design. The article emphasizes the significance of choosing the right trim size, setting appropriate margins, selecting suitable typefaces, incorporating running heads and feet, handling art and images, and paying attention to contrasting lead lines. By following these tips, readers can create a well-crafted book layout that enhances the reading experience.

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