GRPH 223: Typography I

SPRING 2016

This three-credit hour studio course introduced students to the practice, history, and theory of typography. Through design research, independent project work, and collaborative exercises; students produced typographic solutions to applied and experimental problems using typography as their primary, if not exclusive, design element. Lectures, readings, and guided discussions supplemented project work, introducing students to the topics of letter form design, printing history, typographic classification, and textual representations. 


Project: Menu Design

To assess if students were gaining a solid understanding of syntax, hierarchy and grid, they were assigned the task of identifying an existing restaurant menu to improve through design and smart typographic solutions. The project brief gave students a blueprint for time management and process order. An evaluation criteria was provided with the assignment to ensure expectations for success were clear at the outset


Lecture: Syntax

Understanding the idea that each visual and space within a layout influences another is critical in design. This lecture on syntax was created to help students see typography as elements and shapes within their overall designs, and to illustrate how to create hierarchy, contrast, depth and visual interest in their layouts. The lecture concluded with the class breaking down a few layout examples together and then collaborating to find examples of similar approaches in well-designed periodicals.


Lecture: Anatomy

Before they can understand how best to utilize typography in design, students must first develop the necessary vocabulary to intelligently discuss and critique type. These lecture slides were built to introduce the vocabulary clearly and educate students on the subtle nuances that make a well-crafted typeface unique. Specimen examples helped the class to identify show-stopping letterforms within each typeface, and tied a technical conversation back to a wider perspective of design.


Lecture: Message

This lecture illustrates my ability to take a topic that could be discussed in broad strokes (as it was in my Graphic Design class) and instead focus on it through the lens of typography. Examples of how expression and message can be created with type-only solutions opened the student’s minds to new possibilities in their design executions.