Class Info

  • Date: Thursday, 9/20
  • Meeting Info: In-Person, Pearl 112

Topic

  • More on Type Classifications
  • Type Pairing (refers to using two typefaces (or fonts of the same typeface)).

Objectives

  • A more detailed look at Type Classifications
  • Introduction to Type Pairing
    • How to choose typefaces that work well together.
    • Understand combinations of type in terms of Contrast/ Legibility /Mood
  • Practicing how to apply/use all the typographic elements learned in class so far (type classification, type selection, case, variables, pt size and leading, tracking and kerning, path and direction, alignment).

Activities

  • Type Connection Game (In-Class): Speed Dating except with type. The objective is to learn about type pairing through an interactive exercise.
    • You are each assigned a typeface. Spend 5 minutes learning about your typeface. How is it classified? What is it best used for? Is it part of a big family? What kind of emotion does it express?
    • You will then be split and talk to half of your classmates in a quick 2-minute session and choose your top three preferred type pair.
    • You and your type pair will then spend 20 min designing a one-page 8.5″ x 11″ document illustrating your pairing. One typeface will be the headline, one typeface will be the body copy.
      • Your headline is: “This is [insert your typeface here]”
      • Your body copy is: “This is [insert your typeface here] Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Ipsum felis scelerisque sem ornare maecenas vulputate potenti habitasse. Magnis gravida dapibus fringilla; magnis diam sagittis natoque cursus sociosqu. Et dapibus magna inceptos non facilisis urna natoque ultrices. Purus ornare fermentum lacus gravida elementum nec potenti ex vestibulum. Donec consequat magna ultricies ex facilisi.”
      • Choose the best font, tracking, kerning, type size, etc. to illustrate why you make the best pair.
    • Save your document as a PDF TypeConnection_[Typeface1]and[Typeface2].pdf and drop it into the Dropbox
    • We will then project your one page and your classmates will then decide if it’s a match or not.
      • Two minutes will be spent as a class deciding if the pair works, doesn’t work, and why. One minute will be dedicated to a rebuttal or agreement from the original pair.
      • Each student will receive ONE challenge move and ONE matchmaker move.
        • A student can object to a pairing but will have to explain why their typeface is a better match. Their desired typeface will have to agree in order to make it so.
        • A student can play matchmaker if they feel like there is a pair in the group that work better. The suggested pair both have to agree to the match.
      • Pairs that “break up” will be first dibs for matchmaking. Exercise is run until everyone has a pair.
  • Secondary Activity: Type Challenge — Type Pairing
  • Graphic Assignment 6 (part of Project 1): If time, start during class.
    • Open Project 1. On pages 12 and 13, you will be creating two different type compositions using the name of your invention and the paragraph you wrote about it.
    • Compositions must include:
      • TWO families of typefaces from the different classifications.
        • A SERIF typeface (must be used in at least one of your compositions)
          • Old Style (usually ok for small type or headings)
          • Transitional (usually ok for small type or headings)
          • Modern (better for larger type)
          • Slab (better for larger type)
        • A SANS SERIF typeface (must be used in at least one of your compositions)
        • A SCRIPT typeface (avoid the use of scripts for body copy or with all upper case) or DISPLAY typeface for title ok
        • Avoid novelty typefaces
    • Put type elements learned into actual practice:
      • type classification
      • type selection
      • case (upper case, caps and lower case, all lower case, etc)
      • variables or variable text
      • type size
      • leading
      • tracking and kerning
      • path and direction
      • alignment/ justification
    • These are examples. Your design solutions should not look like below. Do not use the same typefaces used in this example or the Type Pairing Quick Reference.
    • Other info:
      • Use the AREA of your first 4 columns freely (add a border)
      • ONLY black on white or white on black (grey ok, but no color)
      • 5th Column Header (both pages): Classification of Type & Pairing Typefaces
      • 5th Column should also include:
        • Classification:
          • Serif (Add specific category: Old Style, Transitional Modern or Slab ) and the actual typeface selected for this category
          • Sans Serif and the actual typeface selected for this category
          • Script or Display and the actual typeface selected for each of the categories.
      • Please check spelling.
      • Can use basic shapes or lines for your composition, but not actual illustrations or photos
  • Save your InDesign file, and export only pages 12 and 13 as a PDF:
    Lastname_Firstname_pairing
  • Place PDF file only in class Dropbox

To-Do After Class

  • Complete Graphic Assignment 6 (type pairing). DUE 11PM, Tuesday, 9/24
    • Save your InDesign File and create a PDF file (FILE> EXPORT> PDF)
    • ONLY export PAGES 12-13
    • Save file: Lastname_Firstname_pairing NOTE: Assignments not following the naming convention will be deducted points.
    • Place only the PDF file in our class Dropbox
  • Found Alphabet
    • Letters C, Number 3
      • Post Due: 11 PM 9/24. Comments Due: 11 PM 9/26
  • Type Hero Presentations (on-going)
    • Refer to the project page (click the link above) for your presentation date.
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