Class Info

  • Date: September 5, 2023 (Tuesday)
  • Meeting Info: In person, Pearl 116, 8:30 to 11:00am, followed by Professor’s office hours in the same room.

Class Link for Dropbox

I’ve sent an invitation to the Dropbox folder. Please let me know if you haven’t received it. The Dropbox has folders for handouts and your work. Dropbox is for the main or data-heavy assignments, as specified.

Topic

Classification of Typefaces

In Dropbox: Classification of Type PDF—a pdf with more detailed examples than shown in Class 01.

• • •

Carolingian minuscule is mentioned in the video viewed in Class 02. This book at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is from the time of Charlemagne (9th century CE) and shows Carolingian letters, written by hand in ink.

Gospel Book. Ink and opaque watercolor on parchment; modern leather binding. Carolingian. Made about 825–50, probably in Metz. (The Cloisters Collection, 2015).

Objectives

  • Learn about and identify the main classifications of type: Serif, Sans Serif, Scripts and Display
  • Access a variety of typefaces for use across media (Your computer, other sources such as Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts)
  • Discuss current trends in typography such as variable fonts.

In Google Fonts, you can select categories and styles.

Activities

During Class: Design/Graphic Activity

Select 3 typefaces from Adobe or Google Fonts (One Serif / One Sans Serif / One Script (or Handwriting) Download them and install them on Font Book (we’ll go over Font Book) then.

  • Go to InDesign and take the file you made on Thursday, August 31st and change it to upright—i.e. 8.5″ wide x 11″ high. change the margins to 1″ (inch).
  • Create a text Box and write in the name of your three typefaces
  • Highlight the text and Increase the pt size to 30 pts
  • With text still highlighted, apply the actual typeface to each of the names

NEXT. Continue During Class

Save the InDesign file using the name:

lastname_typefaceselection_090523

REMEMBER! Name the file starting with your last name and ending with the date.
lastname_typeface_selection_090523

Next EXPORT AS A PDF

File > Export >Name as above.
lastname_typeface_selection_090523

Add the PDF to the Class Dropbox Folder.

To repeat, I sent an invitation to join the Class Dropbox Folder. Let me know if you didn’t get an invitation.

Assignments that do not follow the above naming convention will be marked as not received.

Type Talk Activity

Have a look at these two photos of type seen out in the world and then post under the category of STUDENT POST > TYPE TALK. Notes:

  • Make sure you’re posting in the 2023 class (icon has headlines in a blue banner at the top).
  • Answer the question below (the question is in italics)
  • Naming convention: lastname_TT_090523

Photo 01

Does this signage on West 47th Street in Manhattan convey the image of fine jewelry? Post a few sentences about why—or why not. Now that you’ve explored type a bit, would you suggest another typeface?

Photo 02

Based on the type, what do you think this business does? (Not shown: the rest of the logotype)

Preliminary to Project 1 (starting on Sept. 7)

Page set up. Start during class.

General Book Specs: 

  • 11″ x 8.5″  (51 picas high x 66 picas wide)
  • landscape
  • 5 columns with 1 pica gutter
  • 15 pages
  • Margins:
    • top = .5 ” (3p)
    • bottom = 0.625 in” (3p9)
    • left =1.25″ (7p6)
    • right = .5″ (3p)
  • DO NOT select FACING PAGES

SAVE AS
lastname_project01_prelim_090523

To-Do After Class

  • In preparation for next project: Select a favorite performer, athlete, band or writer.
  • Write a short descriptive paragraph: Why is this person your favorite? It can be short—about 4 to 6 sentences (but again, related to each other, in a coherent paragraph).
  • Send via email to mtondreau@citytech.cuny.edu (before next class)
  • Do not design anything yet, please write name and description directly into the body of the email.


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