TYPOGRAPHY - EXERCISES
Chiquita Johanna Roosprameswari (0336747)
TypographyExercises
LECTURES
Lecture 1: Briefing & Introduction to Typography
29.08.18 | Week 1
I cannot attend this class due to visa matters and late arrivals.
Lecture 2: Basic/Describing letterforms
05.09.18 | Week 2
The first class I enter in Taylors University was this typography class. Today the lecturer explain a little bit about the modules. The lecturer also show the class about specific parts of the letterforms. From knowing a letterform's component parts make it much easier for us to identify specific typefaces.
Baseline : The imaginary line the visual base of the letterforms.
Median : The imaginary line defining the x-height of letterforms.
X-height : The height in any typeface of the lowercase 'x'.
Stroke : Any line that defines the basic letterform.
Apex / Vertex : The point created by joining two diagonal stems (apex above and vertex below).
Arm : Short strokes off the stem of the letterform, either horizontal (E, F, L) or inclined upward (K, Y).
Ascender : The portion of the stem of a lowercase letterform that projects above the median.
Barb : The half-serif finish on some curved stroke.
Beak : The half-serif finish on some horizontal arms.
Bowl : The rounded form that describes a counter. The bowl may be either open or closed.
Bracket : The transition between the serif and the stem.
Cross Bar : The horizontal stroke in a letterform that joins two stems together.
Cross Bar : The horizontal stroke in a letterform that joins two stems together.
Cross Stroke : The horizontal stroke in a letterform that joins two stems together.
Crotch : The interior space where two strokes meet.
Crotch : The interior space where two strokes meet.
Descender : The portion of the stem of a lowercase that project below the baseline.
Ear : The stroke extending out from the main stem or body of the letterform.
Em/en : Originally referring to the width of an uppercase M, and em is now the distance equal to the size of the typeface (an em in 48 points, for example). An en is half the size of an em. Most often used to describe em/en spaces and em/en dashes.
Em/en : Originally referring to the width of an uppercase M, and em is now the distance equal to the size of the typeface (an em in 48 points, for example). An en is half the size of an em. Most often used to describe em/en spaces and em/en dashes.
Finial : The rounded non-serif terminal to a stroke.
Leg : Short stroke off the stem of the letterform, either at the bottom of the stroke (L) or inclined downward (K, R).
Ligature : The character formed by the combination of two or more letterforms.
Link : The stroke that connects the bowl and the loop of a lowercase G.
Loop : In some typefaces, the bowl created in the descender of the lowercase G.
Serif : The right angled or oblique foot at the end of the stroke.
Shoulder : The curved stroke that is not part of a bowl.
Spine : The curved stem of the S.
Spur : The extension the articulates the junction of the curved and rectilinear stroke.
Sten : The significant vertical or oblique stroke.
Stress : The orientation of the letterform, indicate by the thin stroke in round forms.
Swash : The flourish that extends the stroke of the letterform.
Tail : The curved diagonal stroke at the finish of certain letterforms.
Terminal : The self contained finish of a stroke without a serif.
Mr.Vinod also explains about uppercase and lowercase in typography. Also, Mr. Vinod has told us to borrow books from the library for us to find some references.
Lecture 3: Exercises
12.09.18 | Week 3
Mr. Vinod was absent so we have no lecture during this week. So we went to work on our calligraphy and then practicing on lettering. Also, Mr. Shamsul gave us some feedbacks about our work.
Lecture 4: Development/Timeline
19.08.18 | Week 4
At this class, Mr. Vinod taught us about the early letterform development of typography. He also explains about the history of typography and which typography that used from time to time. From his explanation we can know the changes of typography in each era.
Mr.Vinod also explains about uppercase and lowercase in typography. Also, Mr. Vinod has told us to borrow books from the library for us to find some references.
Lecture 3: Exercises
12.09.18 | Week 3
Mr. Vinod was absent so we have no lecture during this week. So we went to work on our calligraphy and then practicing on lettering. Also, Mr. Shamsul gave us some feedbacks about our work.
Lecture 4: Development/Timeline
19.08.18 | Week 4
At this class, Mr. Vinod taught us about the early letterform development of typography. He also explains about the history of typography and which typography that used from time to time. From his explanation we can know the changes of typography in each era.
Figure 1.1 From Phoenicians to Roman
Lecture 5: Exercises
26.09.18 | Week 5
No lecture on this week. We continue on our lettering exercise. Also, Mr.Vinod introduced the new exercise, which is type expression.
Lecture 6: Exercise and briefing for project
03.10.18 | Week 6
No lecture on this week. We showed the lecturer our initial ideas on type expression. We were also told to choose one word for us to make the animation lettering.
INSTRUCTIONS
Lecture 5: Exercises
26.09.18 | Week 5
No lecture on this week. We continue on our lettering exercise. Also, Mr.Vinod introduced the new exercise, which is type expression.
Lecture 6: Exercise and briefing for project
03.10.18 | Week 6
No lecture on this week. We showed the lecturer our initial ideas on type expression. We were also told to choose one word for us to make the animation lettering.
INSTRUCTIONS
Calligraphy (Week 1 - Week 3)
Due to late arrival, I started to join the class on Week 2. The lecturer told me to ask some new friends about previous lessons. After that, Mr. Vinod explained to me about the exercise that we're going to do this week. He explained to me how to make horizontal, vertical, and circle using calligraphy pen.
Figure 1.2 First attempt with horizontal, vertical, circle strokes.
On the first attempt, i realised that i had difficulties in doing the exercise. I realised that i did not holding the pen correctly, since i felt not comfortable with the way i hold the pen. So, Mr. Shamsul told me how to hold the pen correctly. Since that, I am able to do it easily. Then, after I finished my first attempt on doing the exercise, Mr.Vinod told me that my gap between the strokes are fine. And my horizontal and circular strokes are okay, except for my vertical strokes. He said that I should improve it a little bit. After receiving the feedback, I decide to redo the exercise and improve my vertical strokes. Because if I keep practicing, then I will be more used to it. so later on I can write the letters easier.
Figure 1.3 Final attempt
After completing this exercise, I began to work on my chosen hand. I choose uncial as I felt I'm most comfortable with it. I also pick 2 references of uncial.
Figure 1.3 Chosen hand : Uncial 1 (For my first attempt)
Figure 1.4 Chosen hand : Uncial 2 (For my second attempt)
Figure 1.5 First attempt on writing alphabets using the first reference (a-z)
Figure 1.6 (m-x)
Figure 1.7 (y and z)
Mr. Shamsul said that the curve of the "a" in my uncial letters is not right, the shape of the "d" is also wrong, the "g" should have a sharp line, the height of the "h" should be shorter, I should also improve the "o", the "e" is not similar, and the "n" should have more curve.
After receiving the feedback, I decided to do the exercise again. And I decide to change the reference, since I feel more comfortable of doing it.
Figure 1.8 Final attempt on writing alphabets (a-k)
Figure 1.9 (l-v)
Figure 1.10 (w-z)
Figure 1.11 First attempt on my quote
Mr.Vinod said that I do the writing nicely. But he also said that I should've make my quotes written on the top left side so it can look like a clear statement. Also, the "d" is not that correct.
Figure 1.12 Final attempt on my quote
Animated Lettering (Week 3 - Week 4)
For this exercise, we had to create styles of lettering for our names that reflected our personality. And the personality that I choose is "Simple".
Figure 2.1 My first sketches
Mr.Vinod told me that it is not simple at all. So I decided to make another sketches.
Figure 2.2 My second sketches
Mr. Vinod approved the last letters that i sketched. Then, we were told to do the animation for our lettering.
When the lecturer saw my animation letters, he said that the animation doesn't present "simple" because there is too much movement. I should not make it moving from down to up. Then, Mr. Shamsul told me to make a wipe effect for the 'c', 'q', and 'a'. So for the 'h', 'i', 'u', 't', I just keep it with the dissolve effect.
Figure 2.5 My final work
Typography Expression (Week 5 - Week 6)
This week, Mr. Vinod gave us 6 expression which is Tall, Float, Heavy, Blur, Rage and Sparkle. We were give some types of fonts that we should use to make the type expression.
FEEDBACK
Week 1
No feedback because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
When doing the lines exercise, Mr.Vinod told me to improve the gap between the lines.
Week 3
Mr.Vinod told me that my gap between the strokes are fine. And my horizontal and circular strokes are okay, except for my vertical strokes. He said that i should improve it a little bit. Mr. Shamsil said that the curve of the "a" in my uncial letters is not right, the shape of the "d" is also wrong, the "g" should have a sharp line, the height of the "h" should be shorter, i should also improve the "o" and the "e".
Week 4
Mr. Vinod said that my writing is pretty nice. He also told me to improve the letter "d" again a little bit. And i made a mistake in placing my writing. It should be a little bit on the top left. So i decided to redo it. After this, i started to do the next exercise. I start to do the lettering. When Mr. Vinod sees my first sketches, he told me that it is not simple at all. So I decided to make another sketches.
Week 5
After the lecturer approved my sketch, i started to do the next step, which is doing the animation lettering. On my first attempt, Mr. Vinod told me that it shouldn't have to much movement because it has to be "simple".
Week 6
For the animation, I choose to express float. Mr. Vinod and Mr. Shamsul said that I've done a good job on making the animation. They said the animation is pretty smooth and it represent float.
REFLECTIONS
Experiences
Week 1
No experiences because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
My friends told me about what the others are learning before i attend the class. The first time i do the exercise, i kind of struggle with holding the pen, but then Mr. Shamsul taught me how to hold the pen correctly. And after doing the exercise, i realise that i should practice a lot and keep improving. Although, i have a hard time doing the vertical lines. But i keep practicing over and over again.
Week 3
I feel like i kind of get used to it than before. It is easier for me to do the calligraphy. But on my first attempt on writing the words, i still make some mistakes. I can't get certain letters correct.
Week 4
I started to get better in doing the calligraphy and writing the quotes. Then after that, I went on to do the next exercise which i lettering. I learn that "simple" means that i have to really simplify the letters. It can be by reducing the curves or dots. After my sketches done, i started to make the animation letters. It is such a relieve that i only have to make small changes to my first attempt animation letters.
Week 5
Because i do not have a laptop, i did my animation in the maclab. It's actually harder because if i want to ask question i have to go back to our class on the 1st Floor, while the maclab is in the 7th Floor. I do have a little technical difficulties, but i keep looking for my mistakes until i can get the results the way i wanted. But then i like how my animation turn out to be.
Week 6
I have some difficulties on making the animation letter. But I started to get used to on using Photoshop and Illustrator. And I realise that we can make gif in photoshop.
Observation
Week 1
No observation because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
I noticed that if you want to do the calligraphy correctly, then you should practice more so you can get used to it. I also learn that it is good if you keep asking for feedbacks about your work so you can know if you did wrong. The feedbacks can be from your lecturer or even the people around you (like your friends).
Week 3
I do sometimes lose my focus so i keep making wrong curves, that makes me redoing the work over and over again.
Week 4
I became more aware with typography in the work of designers. Even sometimes when i see one typography art in everyday life, i started to think about how to make it. That's when i noticed that typography is really important in design.
Week 5
This week i observed my friends' work. I really enjoy seeing their work, especially the animation. Some of them are really good at making it. It impressed me.
Week 6
I work hard for the animation as I have some technical difficulties, but I like with the outcome of my animation.
Findings
Week 1
No findings because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
I noticed that as i keep practicing i really do feel more comfortable in doing the calligraphy. I realise that it's all about practicing over and over again.
Week 3
I've tried making some of the fonts and i found out that uncial is easier for me. And it surprised me that my friends choose other fonts and said that the other fonts is easier for them, while i think it is harder for me. I also feel more enjoy doing all the calligraphy works. I feel like i can just go with the flow.
Week 4
At first i feel a little bit stressful when making the lettering sketches. I think for a long time. I just feel like no ideas came out of my head. But then i decided to just start making sketches, as i notice that it is wasting time if i keep thinking and leaving the sketch paper blank for a long time. It is getting more stressful when the lecturer said that my first sketches was wrong and not "simple" at all. But after i the lecturer explains to me what "simple" is, i started to get a lot of ideas. Until finally my last sketches were accepted.
Week 5
I started to feel like i kind of get used to using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. I can work on my lettering quite fast. And it's easier for me to notice what's wrong when i have technical difficulties. I realise that when i am using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, i have to really understand which tools and the function.
And i think that whenever i want to use those to Adobe to make artworks, the first thing i have to think is "How do i want my artworks turned out to be?". If i already know what i want, then the next step is thinking about the process, "What should i do to make my artworks like ......?","Which tools should i use to make......?".
After thinking about the process, i can start making the artwork. And whenever i have technical difficulties, for my opinion, i think i should not be afraid by just try to click random tools that i found (if i found a tool that I THINK maybe it can work out and the difficulties could be handled). Because by doing so, i could actually understand more and i could also find a new way to handle other technical difficulties in the future.
Week 6
I found that it is important to have a laptop. It's hard to keep going back to MacLab and have to go down to level 1 to ask for feedbacks. Also, this week I find that we shouldn't put too much graphics. Because it is typography, not graphic design. We don't want to lose focus on the typeface.
FURTHER READING
Figure 2.5 The book that i borrowed from Taylors Library
From this book, i learn that the writer thinks that calligraphy is about discovering the pleasure of watching pigments in water meet, fall in love and create new colours on paper. It is watching with anticipation the surface drying into a state of readiness for the kiss of the pen. It is not so much about losing yourself in the moment as finding yourself in a desirable state of flow, where the journey is as nourishing as the undoubtedly gratifying destination. Time stands still and you watch your own hand take over and create the forms for which you have striven for so long.
I also learn that everyone who do calligraphy develops their skill sets at different rates and this is influenced by many factors. Previous drawing experience is an advantage, as in any activity requiring good hand-eye coordination. Calligraphy is essentially drawing with a pen, with a focus on letterforms.
Figure 2.6 One page from the book
As a left-handed person, i find this page quiet interesting. It says that the main issue for left-handed calligraphers is to develop a comfortable method of working that does not smudge wet ink.
I also have the same problem when i do my calligraphy quotes on my sketchbook. I smudge the ink when i'm writing the letters, and i think it is also because my sketchbook paper don't really have a good quality.
It is surprised me that the book says that many left-handers turning the page sideways for achieving consistent letterforms.
Figure 2.7 Two pages from the book
I find some exercises designed if i want to learn the uncial font (my chosen hand). The book is not just giving examples but also giving the steps to do it.
Figure 2.2 My second sketches
Mr. Vinod approved the last letters that i sketched. Then, we were told to do the animation for our lettering.
Figure 2.3 My digitised word (Simple)
Figure 2.4 My first attempt on animation lettering (Simple)
When the lecturer saw my animation letters, he said that the animation doesn't present "simple" because there is too much movement. I should not make it moving from down to up. Then, Mr. Shamsul told me to make a wipe effect for the 'c', 'q', and 'a'. So for the 'h', 'i', 'u', 't', I just keep it with the dissolve effect.
Figure 2.5 My final work
Typography Expression (Week 5 - Week 6)
This week, Mr. Vinod gave us 6 expression which is Tall, Float, Heavy, Blur, Rage and Sparkle. We were give some types of fonts that we should use to make the type expression.
Figure 3.1 My first attempt on type expression
Mr. Vinod told me that there are too many objects in the Float, Sparkle and Rage, which turns out like motion graphics. It doesn't look like it is focusing on the font (or words). He also told me that there are too many white space in the 'Heavy'. I should've make the 'H' larger, so it can be full inside the box.
Figure 3.2 My second attempt on type expression
On my second attempt, Mr. Vinod and Mr.Shamsul said that I should improve the 'Sparkle'. They said that it doesn't really look like sparkle. So I decided to redo it.
Figure 3.3 My final result on type expression
After making the type expression. We were told to choose one type expression and make the animation for it. I choose the word float for the animation.
Figure 3.4 Final animated type expression using word float
FEEDBACK
Week 1
No feedback because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
When doing the lines exercise, Mr.Vinod told me to improve the gap between the lines.
Week 3
Mr.Vinod told me that my gap between the strokes are fine. And my horizontal and circular strokes are okay, except for my vertical strokes. He said that i should improve it a little bit. Mr. Shamsil said that the curve of the "a" in my uncial letters is not right, the shape of the "d" is also wrong, the "g" should have a sharp line, the height of the "h" should be shorter, i should also improve the "o" and the "e".
Week 4
Mr. Vinod said that my writing is pretty nice. He also told me to improve the letter "d" again a little bit. And i made a mistake in placing my writing. It should be a little bit on the top left. So i decided to redo it. After this, i started to do the next exercise. I start to do the lettering. When Mr. Vinod sees my first sketches, he told me that it is not simple at all. So I decided to make another sketches.
Week 5
After the lecturer approved my sketch, i started to do the next step, which is doing the animation lettering. On my first attempt, Mr. Vinod told me that it shouldn't have to much movement because it has to be "simple".
Week 6
For the animation, I choose to express float. Mr. Vinod and Mr. Shamsul said that I've done a good job on making the animation. They said the animation is pretty smooth and it represent float.
REFLECTIONS
Experiences
Week 1
No experiences because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
My friends told me about what the others are learning before i attend the class. The first time i do the exercise, i kind of struggle with holding the pen, but then Mr. Shamsul taught me how to hold the pen correctly. And after doing the exercise, i realise that i should practice a lot and keep improving. Although, i have a hard time doing the vertical lines. But i keep practicing over and over again.
Week 3
I feel like i kind of get used to it than before. It is easier for me to do the calligraphy. But on my first attempt on writing the words, i still make some mistakes. I can't get certain letters correct.
Week 4
I started to get better in doing the calligraphy and writing the quotes. Then after that, I went on to do the next exercise which i lettering. I learn that "simple" means that i have to really simplify the letters. It can be by reducing the curves or dots. After my sketches done, i started to make the animation letters. It is such a relieve that i only have to make small changes to my first attempt animation letters.
Week 5
Because i do not have a laptop, i did my animation in the maclab. It's actually harder because if i want to ask question i have to go back to our class on the 1st Floor, while the maclab is in the 7th Floor. I do have a little technical difficulties, but i keep looking for my mistakes until i can get the results the way i wanted. But then i like how my animation turn out to be.
Week 6
I have some difficulties on making the animation letter. But I started to get used to on using Photoshop and Illustrator. And I realise that we can make gif in photoshop.
Observation
Week 1
No observation because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
I noticed that if you want to do the calligraphy correctly, then you should practice more so you can get used to it. I also learn that it is good if you keep asking for feedbacks about your work so you can know if you did wrong. The feedbacks can be from your lecturer or even the people around you (like your friends).
Week 3
I do sometimes lose my focus so i keep making wrong curves, that makes me redoing the work over and over again.
Week 4
I became more aware with typography in the work of designers. Even sometimes when i see one typography art in everyday life, i started to think about how to make it. That's when i noticed that typography is really important in design.
Week 5
This week i observed my friends' work. I really enjoy seeing their work, especially the animation. Some of them are really good at making it. It impressed me.
Week 6
I work hard for the animation as I have some technical difficulties, but I like with the outcome of my animation.
Findings
Week 1
No findings because i wasn't in class due to VAL and late arrival.
Week 2
I noticed that as i keep practicing i really do feel more comfortable in doing the calligraphy. I realise that it's all about practicing over and over again.
Week 3
I've tried making some of the fonts and i found out that uncial is easier for me. And it surprised me that my friends choose other fonts and said that the other fonts is easier for them, while i think it is harder for me. I also feel more enjoy doing all the calligraphy works. I feel like i can just go with the flow.
Week 4
At first i feel a little bit stressful when making the lettering sketches. I think for a long time. I just feel like no ideas came out of my head. But then i decided to just start making sketches, as i notice that it is wasting time if i keep thinking and leaving the sketch paper blank for a long time. It is getting more stressful when the lecturer said that my first sketches was wrong and not "simple" at all. But after i the lecturer explains to me what "simple" is, i started to get a lot of ideas. Until finally my last sketches were accepted.
Week 5
I started to feel like i kind of get used to using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. I can work on my lettering quite fast. And it's easier for me to notice what's wrong when i have technical difficulties. I realise that when i am using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, i have to really understand which tools and the function.
And i think that whenever i want to use those to Adobe to make artworks, the first thing i have to think is "How do i want my artworks turned out to be?". If i already know what i want, then the next step is thinking about the process, "What should i do to make my artworks like ......?","Which tools should i use to make......?".
After thinking about the process, i can start making the artwork. And whenever i have technical difficulties, for my opinion, i think i should not be afraid by just try to click random tools that i found (if i found a tool that I THINK maybe it can work out and the difficulties could be handled). Because by doing so, i could actually understand more and i could also find a new way to handle other technical difficulties in the future.
Week 6
I found that it is important to have a laptop. It's hard to keep going back to MacLab and have to go down to level 1 to ask for feedbacks. Also, this week I find that we shouldn't put too much graphics. Because it is typography, not graphic design. We don't want to lose focus on the typeface.
FURTHER READING
- Week 2
Figure 2.5 The book that i borrowed from Taylors Library
From this book, i learn that the writer thinks that calligraphy is about discovering the pleasure of watching pigments in water meet, fall in love and create new colours on paper. It is watching with anticipation the surface drying into a state of readiness for the kiss of the pen. It is not so much about losing yourself in the moment as finding yourself in a desirable state of flow, where the journey is as nourishing as the undoubtedly gratifying destination. Time stands still and you watch your own hand take over and create the forms for which you have striven for so long.
I also learn that everyone who do calligraphy develops their skill sets at different rates and this is influenced by many factors. Previous drawing experience is an advantage, as in any activity requiring good hand-eye coordination. Calligraphy is essentially drawing with a pen, with a focus on letterforms.
Figure 2.6 One page from the book
As a left-handed person, i find this page quiet interesting. It says that the main issue for left-handed calligraphers is to develop a comfortable method of working that does not smudge wet ink.
I also have the same problem when i do my calligraphy quotes on my sketchbook. I smudge the ink when i'm writing the letters, and i think it is also because my sketchbook paper don't really have a good quality.
It is surprised me that the book says that many left-handers turning the page sideways for achieving consistent letterforms.
Figure 2.7 Two pages from the book
I find some exercises designed if i want to learn the uncial font (my chosen hand). The book is not just giving examples but also giving the steps to do it.
Comments
Post a Comment