Advanced Typography | Task 3: Type Exploration & Application

04.11.2024 - 17.12.24 ( Week 8 - Week 13 ) 

Lam Hui Zhen / 0374770
Advanced Typography /  Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media / Taylors University
Task 3:  Type Exploration & Application

Table of Contents

  1. INSTRUCTIONS
  2. TASKS
  3. FEEDBACK
  4. REFLECTIONS


INSTRUCTIONS

Fig 1.0 Module information pdf


TASK 3 TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION

For this task, we have 3 options: we can either design a new font to solve a specific problem or explore how an existing font can be used in a creative area of interest. The goal is to either come up with something practical that addresses a real-world need, or take an existing font and use it in an unexpected way.

The last option is all about experimenting. This means we’ll be trying out new and unusual ways to create a font. We might work with different materials, mix in some visuals, or try out unique techniques to create something totally fresh.

To start, we need to put together a proposal with three different ideas. These ideas should show the direction we’re thinking of taking, and from there we can choose the best one to develop further.
Fig 2.0 Task 3 Proposal

After the presentation, Mr.Vinod suggested me can proceed with the Second or Third Ideas. The cons of the second idea is it might be limitation while creating the font with the keyhold. Lowercase is harder so I might need to do Uni-case if I choose the second idea.

In the end I decided to continue with the third idea. 

Sketches

While sketching, I explored various shapes of sea waves and studied the original font. I decided to incorporate the wave shapes into some of the letters. However, I was a bit unsure about how to achieve the same vibe when designing the letters 'H', 'I', and 'L'. To clarify my thoughts, I asked for feedback during class

Fig 2.1 Sketches Uppercase


Fig 2.2 Overall Sketches

Digitization

While digitizing the sketches, I paid close attention to ensure that all the letters were the same size, with consistent cap height and baseline. It took me quite a long time to make these adjustments. I use the N words as my reference cause it was trace from the original font.


Fig 2.3,2.4 & 2.5 Process In AI

Fig 2.6 Final Digitization



Font Create

To create the font I choose to use Font Lab to proceed. I imported the word to font lab form illustrator 

Fig2.7  Kerning reference

I also used the upper table as a reference while adjusting the kerning of the letters. A proper kerning helps create even spacing between letters, which makes text easier to read.
Fig2.8 Screengrab of fontlab (process of kerning adjustment)
Fig 2.9 Final Outcome

Font Showcase
Since the typeface has a playful vibe and the wave texture evokes the feeling of the sea, I decided to use a vibrant color palette to complement the design. Following is my visual reference and also color palette.

Fig 3.1& 3.2 Visual Reference and Color Palette


Fig 3.3 Process at Adobe Illustrator

After apply the color palette I found that the color is to vibrance and looks a bit over whelming so I decided to look another color palette that is more suitable.


Fig 3.4 Color Palette 2

Fig 3.5 Overall visual of the presentation

Fig 3.6 Comparison before and after improvement

OUTCOME

Fig 3.7 Font Presentation 1

Fig 3.8 Font Presentation 2

Fig 3.9 Font Presentation 3

Fig 3.10 Font Presentation 4

Fig 3.11 Font Presentation 5


FINAL APPLICATION

During the application phase, I would like to create a series focused on a music festival held in the summer.

Idea:
  • Ticket
  • Cd
  • Billboard
  • Coaster
  • Sticker set
Here is some of my process to create the layout
Fig 4.1 & 4.2 Process in Photoshop and Illustrator

OUTCOME

Fig 4.3 Font Application 1

Font 4.4 Font Application 2

Fig 4.5 Font Application 3

Fig 4.6 Font Application 4

Fig 4.7 Font Application 5

Fig 4.8 Overall visual of the Font Presentation and Font Application



FINAL OUTCOME

Download the font at : 


Fig 5.1 Final Font


Fig 5.2 Font Presentation pdf


Fig 5.3 Font Applications pdf


FEEDBACK


Week 9:
Specific Feedback: Option 2 and 3 is acceptable .Option 2 is harder to proceed but still can try.

Week 10:
Specific Feedback: Letter H and I need more explore include more texture of the wave.
Overall is okay can proceed

Week11:
(Absent)


Week 12:
General feedback: Complete the font showcase
Specific Feedback: Be careful the artbox need to be 1024*1024px

REFLECTION

Experience
I’m thoroughly enjoying this final task. Designing a font from scratch is a completely unique experience that I’ve neveren countered before. It’s exciting to be able to create a whole series of font, especially since typography plays such an important role in design. I’ve been able to push my creativity by incorporating elements from the movie's vibe

Observations
Through this research, I became more aware of how each font carries its own unique theme and purpose. I learned that many typefaces are developed from various shapes, natural elements, or even abstract concepts. Fonts can be inspired by anything—from organic forms like plants and animals

Findings
I learned that consistency is important in font design. Every detail, from size and spacing to style, must work together to create a cohesive look.