Advanced Typography | Task 3: Type Exploration and Application

20/11/2024 - 18/12/2024 / Week 9 - Week 13
Rio Sato / 0360530
Type Exploration and Application
Advanced Typography / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University

INSTRUCTIONS

Fig. 1.1 Module Information Booklet - Advanced Typography 2024


Task 3: Type Exploration and Application

Task 3 allows us to design our own project. We can either create a typeface that solves a problem in our chosen field (such as Graphic Design, UI/UX, Animation, or Entertainment Design) or explore how typefaces are used in our area of interest. The final project will showcase the typeface in action—whether through animation, 3D rendering, print media, ambient displays, projections, movie or game titles, or various materials.

PROCESS WORK


1. Research, ideation and sketches

Proposal

Fig. 1.2 Proposal, Week 9 (20/11/2024)

Research

Fig. 1.3 Research, Week 9 (20/11/2024)

During my research phase, I explored various Japanese calligraphic styles and contemporary typeface designs, focusing particularly on how traditional brush strokes could be adapted into modern letterforms. This investigation helped inform my approach to creating a typeface that bridges cultural elements with contemporary design principles.

Sketch

Fig. 1.4 Type design sketch, Week 10 (27/11/2024)

For this task, I will be focusing on capital letters, numbers, and basic punctuation.

The inspiration for my typeface comes from the trademark design I created in Task 2. I wanted to incorporate the flowing, Japanese-inspired brush elements while maintaining readability. The most important aspect when designing this typeface was balancing artistic expression with functionality. Drawing from my earlier brand identity work, I aimed to create letterforms that capture the essence of movement and fluidity while remaining legible.


2. Digitisation and exploration

Fig. 2.1 Reference Font, Week 10 (27/11/2024)

I chose Sitka Text as a reference font because of its elegant serifs and balanced proportions, which provided a foundation for developing my own typeface.

Fig. 2.2 First digitization - Uppercase, Week 10 (27/11/2024)

In this first digitization attempt, I focused on creating uppercase letters that maintained the flowing characteristics of my brand while ensuring readability. The letterforms incorporate subtle brush-like elements at key points, particularly in the terminals and joins. 


Fig. 2.3 Adjustment of E and K - Uppercase, Week 10 (27/11/2024)

I refined the letterforms for E and K to create more distinct and balanced letterforms. For the letter E, I adjusted the middle horizontal stroke to better align with the flowing aesthetic while maintaining readability. The letter K required careful modification of its diagonal strokes to achieve a more harmonious relationship with the other characters while preserving the brush-like quality.


Fig. 2.4 Attempts - Lowercase, Week 11 (04/11/2024)

In my attempts at lowercase letters, I focused on maintaining the same flowing aesthetic established in the uppercase characters while ensuring proper proportions and readability at smaller sizes. Special attention was given to the terminals and connections between strokes to maintain consistency with the uppercase design.


Fig. 2.6 Characters' details and spacing, Week 11 (04/11/2024)

After establishing the basic letterform design, I proceeded to refine the characters' details and spacing. This stage involved careful adjustments to ensure consistent stroke weights and proper visual rhythm across the entire alphabet.


3. FontForge

Fig. 3.1 Characters' details and spacing - in FontForge, Week 12 (11/12/2024)

After importing my font design into FontForge, I focused on refining the technical aspects of each character. This stage involved careful adjustment of metrics, ensuring proper spacing and kerning between letters.

Fig. 3.2 Karning - lowercase, Week 12 (11/12/2024)

Fig. 3.3 Karning - number, Week 12 (11/12/2024)

The kerning process required careful attention to detail, particularly for number combinations that needed special adjustments to maintain consistent spacing.


4. Font Presentation

Fig. 4.1 Font Presentation - #1,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

In this presentation section, I focused on showcasing the versatility and unique characteristics of my typeface. The font presentation demonstrates how the flowing brush elements and Japanese-inspired design create a harmonious balance between artistic expression and functional typography. Each character's distinctive features are highlighted while maintaining consistency across the entire typeface family.


5. Font Application

Fig. 4.2 Font Application - #1,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

The font application demonstrates how the typeface can be effectively used across various design contexts. These applications showcase the versatility of the typeface, from display text to smaller body copy, proving its functionality in real-world design scenarios.

Fig. 4.3 Font Application - #2,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

I changed my approach to the font application based on feedback received. I focused on creating more legible layouts while maintaining visual interest. This shift in strategy helped me achieve a better balance between creativity and functionality.

FINAL OUTCOME

Font Download Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aD9liEvYB39rdbUpEpocRAoupa1si9zf/view?usp=sharing

PDF (embedded of uppercase and/or lowercase)

Fig. 6.1 PDF (embedded of uppercase and/or lowercase),  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

FontForge screen grab

Fig. 6.2 FontForge screen grab, Week 12 (11/12/2024)

Font Presentation


Fig. 6.3 Font Presentation - #1,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Fig. 6.4 Font Presentation - #2
,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Fig. 6.5 Font Presentation - #3
,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)


Fig. 6.6 Font Presentation - #4,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)



Fig. 6.7 Font Presentation - #5, Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Fig. 6.8 Final Font Presentation
,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Font Application

Fig. 6.9 Font Application - #6,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)


Fig. 6.10 Font Application - #7,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Fig. 6.11 Font Application - #8,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Fig. 6.12 Font Application - #9,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

Fig. 6.13 Font Application - #10,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)


Fig. 6.14 Final Font Application,  Week 13 (18/12/2024)

FEEDBACK

Week 9

General Feedback: Use a grid when you attempt to create a digital font.
Specific Feedback: Using concepts from Task 2 would be beneficial.

Week 10

General Feedback: Continue completing the lowercase letter design.

Week 11

General Feedback: Finalize all fonts and export to FontLab. Prepare for next week's presentation.
Specific Feedback: Make the uppercase and lowercase letters consistent in size and weight.

Week 12

General Feedback: Complete Task 3 by next week.

Week 13

General Feedback: All the fonts created in Adobe Illustrator are acceptable. For task 4, I need to include the same links I used previously.
Specific Feedback: The font application needs improvement, particularly in the first and last examples.

REFLECTION

Experience

Developing this typeface has been a challenging yet rewarding assignment that pushed my understanding of typography and design principles. The process of translating my brand's flowing aesthetic into a functional typeface required careful balance between artistic expression and readability. Working with FontForge provided valuable technical insights into font development, though mastering the kerning and spacing proved to be more complex than initially anticipated.

Observations

The integration of brush-like elements required careful consideration of stroke weight and terminal shapes to maintain consistency across all characters. The relationship between uppercase and lowercase letters proved particularly crucial, as maintaining visual harmony while preserving distinct characteristics for each case demanded meticulous attention to detail.

Findings

The key findings from this project include the importance of maintaining consistent design principles across an entire typeface family, the value of iterative refinement in achieving balanced letterforms, and the critical role of technical precision in font development. The process revealed that successful typeface design requires both artistic sensitivity and technical expertise. Additionally, I discovered that incorporating cultural elements into typography demands careful consideration to ensure they enhance rather than compromise legibility.

FURTHER READING

Figure 7.1 Mastering Type: The Essential Guide to Typography for Print and Wed Design, by Denise Borler

Figure 7.2 Serious vs fun headline

This book covers typography's history and theory while providing numerous excellent examples. I found particularly enlightening the section comparing good and bad text formatting practices, including some principles I wasn't previously aware of.

Below I have attached a snapshot from the book (Figure 7.2), which offers a fresh perspective on title arrangement.


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