Thursday, September 14, 2006

References?

Christine asked me about references for the history part of the type poster. I think you should make notes but I won't be asking you to add the reference material to the overall design. If you would like to include it in your design that is fine but you might want to know where you came across the info for future reference. Also internet research is fine just make sure it is from a credible site. Options for finding info on designers and typeface history can be found at fontfont.com and fontshop.com.

And just so you can get a sense, this is what I did for my Typebook (a variation of the type poster) in undergrad. This is by no means an indication of what your solution should look like, I just wanted to share the abstract page which is the third page. Your project can use actual words or solely letterforms. Whichever you feel best expresses the character of your typeface.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Project 2: Type Poster

For this project you will create a poster for a typeface of your choice. The orientation and proportions of the poster are open. We will address both sides of the poster and consider it not only in it’s flat hanging display, but also the way which it would be folded for distribution.

Your poster must contain the following:

Front

1) An abstract interpretation of the typeface

Back

1) A written description of the typeface and the forms that make it unique from other typefaces (approximately one paragraph).

2) The historical aspects of the typeface and it’s role in design history (approximately two paragraphs).

3) A brief history of the designer, and if appropriate some examples
of their design work (approximately two paragraphs).

4) A quote from the designer.

5) Five images that reflect either objects that abstractly represent characteristics of the typeface, or images that reflect the time that the type was created – this can include historical photography. A photo of the designer should also be incorporated.

6) A full alphabet containing all letters in both uppercase and lowercase, symbols can be used as well – you can determine what symbols should be included.

Timeline

Begin with researching and writing the history section of the poster – information about the typeface and the designer. Begin creating your grid. Your grid should contain at least five columns but can be more complex if you choose. Do not use the default columns and margins established by InDesign or Illustrator. Think about the grid in relationship to the typeface and it’s scale and proportions as well as the characteristics. Begin collecting imagery to use for your poster. Your images must be 300dpi at the size you want to use them.

Wednesday, September 27
Sketch(es) for the back of the type poster – we are no longer starting with the front. You can work with one version or two if that is more comfortable. These should be computer sketches. If you need to put greek text in figure out the rough amount of paragraphs you will need and use that for your reference. I would recommend that you work in black and white for this first draft. Also make sure you include all of the elements described on the initial project assignment. Print a copy of the poster on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet or 11 x 17 (preferable, tiling is ok). You might want to print two copies so that we can see the back folded and flat (one copy is all that is required however). If you haven't given me the draft of your history please do so by this class. This is a draft, not a final version.

Wednesday, October 4
Revisions to the back of the poster shown in class. In class work-time. Rough concepts for the front of the poster, sketches not needed just some ideas for your direction.

Wednesday, October 11
Sketch(es) for the front of the type poster. Print as you did the initial version. I don't recommend that you print full-size work or do full-size tiling at this point unless you feel you need to.

Wednesday, October 18
Revisions to the front of the poster. Bring both the front and the back of the poster so we can look at them as a set.

Wednesday, October 25
Tentative completion date of project. Subject to change of course.

Deadlines

Please follow all of the deadlines I have given unless we make changes in class. In order for you to complete the project on time you will need to follow the timeline.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Class Tomorrow

I was planning on discussing terminology but I think we will talk about that briefly because I want to make sure that everyone knows how to navigate in InDesign. Please try to the best of your ability to get through the first project with the adjectives and if you have questions make notes of them or send me an email today. Bring print-outs so we can have a mini critique.

I had also planned on giving the next assignment tomorrow but I think I will judge that based on where everyone is with this first project. Also please send me your first image for the on-going project if you haven't already. I have posted a few on here already.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Books to Purchase for Class

I would like for you to purchase two books. They are both available from Amazon but I will include the ISBN numbers in case you would like to look for a cheaper copy elsewhere. You might try follets or another college textbook site to find alternative prices, as well as the used book z-shops on ebay. I would recommend that you purchase both as used copies unless you would like a prestine copy. Both of these books are reference guides that you can use throughout your education and in your professional career. Please order them as soon as you can but there is no rush to have them by the next class.


The first book is A History of Graphic Design by Philip Meggs (latest edition, ISBN: 0471699020), however you can feel free to purchase an older version if you prefer (just please make sure it is no older than 2000). I think the major difference between the editions is the incorporation of more current information however all editions still offer a wealth of information.



[ Amazon direct link ]

[ ebay direct link ]


The Second book is Rob Carter's Typographic Design: Form and Communication (latest edition, ISBN: 0471783900). It may be listed as Rob Carter, Ben Day, and Philip Meggs. As is the case with Meggs' book I recommend perhaps buying an earlier edition to save money. Unfortunately there is a new edition coming out but it won't be out until November.



[ Amazon direct link ]

[ ebay direct link ]


Please just be cautious if you are buying from an alternative site that you are in fact getting these book titles and not something else. Happy purchasing.