Homework – Due Wed, 2/28
- Type Book—Weight & Variations exercise that was handed out in class. You can download an extra copy here.
Month: February 2018
This class was dedicated to the variations in type styles that are available. We discussed the differences in type — width, weight, posture, stress, serifs, and contrast.
width – condensed or extended
weight – light or bold
posture – italic or oblique (fake italic)
stress – vertical or diagonal
contrast – extreme or medium or low/none
serif – bracketed or unbracketed
We have discussed the five families of type since the early days of the semester. Sometimes these are referred to as type categories. Make sure you learn to identify the differences.
Here is quick review:
Old Style: Garamond
(15th-17th century)
- designed in France in 1615 by Jean Jannon (Claude Garamond was
- given credit originally)
- designed in a time when inks and paper were coarse and type
- technology was still rather rough
- relatively thick strokes and heavily bracketed or curved serifs
- emulated classical calligraphy
Here’s a brief recap from Wednesday’s class. We had a quick introduction to the grid system and templates as they will be used with InDesign.
A grid is a non-printing system of horizontal and vertical lines which help the designer align the elements of the layout. This system of alignment helps to create a more organized layout. In multiple page documents, the grid assists in the consistent placement of design elements. Think of the grid as the skeleton of the layout—similar to the frame that you see on the construction site when a building or house is being built. We will go more in depth with grids a little later.
In InDesign we learned how to use a template, and how to name files before submission. We did this as we were introduced to the Type Book project.
We also covered using the line tool to create rules, strokes, and arrows in InDesign.
The Type Book
- Complete the Type Book exercise that we began in class: Anatomy and Letterform
- Finish tracing your phrase, making sure you pay attention to the letter-spacing and leading.
- Bring tracing pads and pens.
Classes 3 and 4 —History of Typography and Controlling Space
During our second week, we not only covered The History of Typography and the Five Families of Type, but we also were introduced to Typographical Anatomy.
- If you missed the lecture on the History of Typography and the Five Families of Typography, you can download the slides here.
- We learned the parts of type of similar to our body parts. Download the Type Anatomy sheet and keep it handy to help you identify the different parts of letters.
- We watched several videos in class:
Finish tracing the cut out letterforms we began in class on Wednesday, Feb 7.
- Use one sheet of tracing paper and draw a very light line in the center of the page. Use ruler so the line is straight. This will be your baseline. This page is horizontal (landscape).
- Using 3-5 of the cut out letters, trace them to create a word, paying attention to letterspacing and kerning.
- Label at least 5 parts of the anatomy. Refer to the Type Anatomy sheet that was distributed in class.
- Be neat.
Since there is no class on Monday, Feb 12, now is a good time to complete the other homework assignments so you don’t get behind.
Type Journal
Search for examples of actual typefaces and how they are specifically used.
- Find examples of work that use typefaces belonging to each of the five families of type that we discussed in class. In what scenario are they used?
- For example: a typeface that belongs to the Modern classification of type that was used on a heading for an ad. Do this for each of the 5 families. You can use photos of type you find in your travels or cut out from magazines or flyers you see.
So, we’ve made it through the first week. Hopefully everyone is feeling a bit more relaxed and you’ve made some new friends.
Here is a recap of the topics that we covered the first week of class. Hopefully this will be helpful if you need to review.
- On Monday, Jan 29th we reviewed the syllabus, and if you need another copy, it can be downloaded COMD1167SyllabusSp18
- At this point, of course, everyone should have access to their City Tech email. This will be the way that I will communicate with you. Please check it at least every few days so you don’t miss any important information. Usually when I make a new post, you get an email notification.
- We viewed a few videos on the history of typography:
Typography is the beginning point for good graphic design. There will be things and terminology that will be repeated over, and over during the course of this semester. Trust me, they’re important for you to know them. Eventually they will be second nature to you.
