Typography Task 2 / Text Formatting and Expression
12.05.2023 - 30.05.2023 (Week 6 - Week 8)
Sorcha Griselda / 0353056
Typography / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 2 | Text Formatting and Expression
LECTURES
Refer to Task 1
Week 6
Typo Text 2 Process Demo
We were told to watch the pre-recorded video of 'Typo_Task 2_Process Demo' that can be found from the given Youtube playlist before we start working on the Task 2. The video lectured us on the details and demonstrated what we need to complete regarding Task 2.
Figure 1.1 Task 2 Process Demo Video
INSTRUCTIONS
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Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication
For Task 2, we are assigned to express the text typographically in a 2-page editorial spread (200mm x 200mm per page). In this task, the usage of images are not permitted. Nonetheless, some graphical features, such as lines, shades and other are still permitted. The headline expression may be created in Adobe Illustrator, however the final layout must be executed in Adobe InDesign. We were prompted to select one of the three text options provided. It should also be mentioned that no color may be utilized in this task while only using the ten typefaces that were given previously.
(a) Visual Research
Before coming up with my layout ideas, I did some visual study. For this task, I chose to explore with the article of 'A code to build on and live by', and emphasize the term 'code' for the text editorial cover spread. Here are some examples of headline expression and layout concepts:
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| Figure 2.1 TypeNotes Magazine |
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| Figure 2.2 TypeNotes Magazine |
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| Figure 2.3 Neville Body, Arena Homme + spread |
(b) Progression
I chose to emphasize the word 'code' in this type expression task as I believe it is the highlight of the heading's keyword. In this case, I created some designs for the heading using the following principles which can be seen from the pictures below:
Layout Sketches
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| Figure 3.1 Layout Sketches (11.05.2023) |
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| Figure 3.2 First Text Layout Idea (12.05.2023) |
Type Expression
At first, I created five distinct headline designs in which I can compare which has the best text expression that can complement the meaning of the word 'code'. However, I was still not satisfied and tried to do some more trials while also referring to the feedback given.
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| Figure 3.3 Type Expression Sketches using Adobe Illustrator (15.05.2023) |
Text Formatting Layout
After organizing the text, I began to explore and create three different layouts. Even though I prefer the first initial layout, I thought that there was too much white space and decided to re-arranged them again until I got the satisfied outcome which can be seen on Figure 3.5.
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| Figure 3.4 Initial Chosen Layout Format #1 (18.05.2023) |
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| Figure 3.5 Initial Chosen Layout Format #2 (18.05.2023) |
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| Figure 3.6 Final Chosen Layout Format (20.05.2023) |
I felt content with my final chosen layout, so I then moved on with the text formatting in which I started with the body text. First, I choose the one suitable typeface from the ten provided typefaces. From there, I began to do the kerning and tracking as well as achieving the cross alignment and many more. I completed these process while practicing and viewing the provided lecture videos.
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| Figure 3.7 Text Formatting Process (22.05.2023) |
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| Figure 3.8 Text Formatting Process (22.05.2023) |
Final Outcome
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| Figure 4.1 Final Text Formatting Layout | JPEG Format (26.05.2023) |
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| Figure 4.2 Final Text Formatting Layout with Guides & Grids | JPEG Format (26.05.2023)
Figure 4.3 Final Text Formatting Layout | PDF Format (26.05.2023) |
Figure 4.4 Final Text Formatting Layout with Guides & Grids | PDF Format (26.05.2023)
Font/s: Gill Sans Std Shadowed (Headline); Adobe Caslon Pro Regular & Bold (Body text); Futura Std Extra Bold Condensed (End text)
Type Size/s: 60pt and 130 pt (Headline); 9 pt (Body text); 30 pt (End text)
Leading: 11 pt
Paragraph Spacing: 11 pt
Characters per-line: 61-65
Alignment: Left Justify
Margins: Top 10mm, Bottom 10mm, Left 10mm, Right 10mm
Columns: 4
Gutter: 5mm
FEEDBACK
Week 6
General Feedback: Mr. Vinod asked us not to have body text in different line lengths and we only need to express one particular word regarding the headline for this text 2 exercise.
Specific Feedback: I need to resize the page layout accordingly and Mr. Vinod suggests using the same fonts for the headline. He told me that the second sketch has a great layout compared to the first sketch.
Week 7 | Task 3 Briefing
REFLECTION
Experience
I personally struggled on completing this second task as it is my first time using Adobe InDesign. However as I slowly go through the lectures videos and followed the instructions, I found myself to become interested on designing the text formatting layout. I did still found the text expression design to be quite a challenge as I need to think of a design that is unique as well as successfully express the context of my chosen text. Nonetheless, through this task I was able to explore more about InDesign and how to format the text in a correct manner.
Observations
Through observing my classmates' work, I was able to understand that similar text can be expressed in a variety of ways. I discovered how important the headline expression is as it is the first thing to be looked at by the viewers. That is why it is crucial to create a simple yet eye-catching design, so the readers would become interested in reading the content of the text. From this task, I have also seen how to leverage the layouts, grids and page flow in order to accomplish a powerful typographic reading sequence.
Findings
Throughout this task, I have found myself to learn and understand on how to construct a great text layout while also being relevant to the content itself. I must say that it is not easy or simple as it seems to be as we must consider the details of the margin, kerning, alignment and many more. These details actually create a significant impact on the overall layout of the design. Hence, I realized how valuable research and reading is as they give us new ideas and develop our creativity.
FURTHER READING
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| Figure 5.1 Typographic Design: Form and Communication, 6th Edition |
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| Figure 5.2 Typographic Syntax [Chapter 5 page 92-93] |
Chapter 5: Syntax and Communication (Typographic Syntax)
These correlations are governed by three column-related variables: the proportion of column height to width, texture, and tone. Pages are spatially activated, optically balanced, and hierarchically arranged by manipulating these contrasting characteristics. Moreover, column height and width should be carefully considered to provide acceptable legibility.
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| Figure 5.3 Visual Hierarchy [Chapter 5 page 100-101] |
Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in a graduated sequence in a typographic space, which usually started from the most prominent to the least prominent. The graphic designer carefully examines the relative importance of each element in the message, the nature of the reader, the setting in which the communication will be read, and the necessity to produce a unified arrangement of forms inside the typographic space while constructing a visual hierarchy.
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| Figure 6.1 The Vignelli Canon by Massimo Vignelli |
Massimo Vignelli's "The Vignelli Canon" is a compact design book that provides insight into the graphic designer's work as well as creative wisdom. The book reflects Vignelli's concept of how good designs should look, and he teaches how to employ grids to set up symmetrical font to make designs simple without losing visual attractiveness. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for designers who are interested in learning more about the fundamentals in visual design.
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| Figure 6.2 Layouts [Part Two - Tangibles page 82-83] |
Part Two - Tangibles: Layouts
Every type of publishing has unique layout needs, however, it is unavoidable that the layouts reflect the designer's perception. Most publications are made up of text, photographs, and captions. It is the designer's job to filter through the images and choose those that best express the core of the content and have the potential to become icons.
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| Figure 6.3 White Space [Part Two - Tangibles page 92-93] |
White space on a printed page corresponds to space in architecture. The context is defined by space in both cases. Naturally, information organization need structure to maintain everything together, but white space should not be overlooked in order to properly define the hierarchy of each component. It does not only separates the various components of the message, but it also helps to position the message within the context of the page.
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