marymargretstudio-typography

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Blog Post #9 Final Draft Crit

Creating the tiled poster was both fun and frustrating. I got generally good critiques from my classmates but I still wasn’t hitting the right design points. I learned that starting off fresh, even on a limited deadline, can be beneficial. I am changing quite a bit from this draft. I needed to be less showy with graphic elements and more about the font. I have a tendency to add and add and add....without thinking critically about the type. I was also missing things like type recipes & various other things. The final piece that will be displayed will be completely different than this draft which I am okay with.

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Blog Post #8 Final Draft

This is my final draft type poster. I still wanted to have some fun elements but I took in a lot of feedback from my critique last week. I changed my typeface to be Kopius rather than Bebas Neue. This way I have a better contrast between a san serif and serif fonts. I challenged myself by thinking of the type in a different way by moving, flipping and reversing it. Working with colour was hard at first but I believe I was able to achieve a good colour palette. I was inspired a tsunami, this to me that is a visual representation of impact. 

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Blog Post #7 First Draft

This week was the first week we worked on our full sized draft poster. I was inspired by my impactful statement. I was only working in black and white at the start. I wanted to include fun elements mixed with sophisticated lines and shapes. The feedback I received was very helpful!

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Design Thumbs for Final Project. Blog Post #6

On the left is my first idea sketches. I was trying to think of a unique way to show off the typefaces with a fun story behind the design. I was able to come up with 13 different concepts. Then I circled the 4 ideas I thought would best represent the idea. 

Using the scamper method (on the right) I was then able to re-draw, substitute, modify and eliminate to change around my thumbnails and bring out new ideas. This helped by thinking critically about what I drew and focusing on what is important. I found eliminate to be the most difficult because at that point I felt mostly all elements were essential, but this is something I can work on!

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Type Specimen Poster. Blog post #5

Discovery Phase.

A.) Choose 2 typefaces you’ll use for your project:

1.) Bebas Neue (Font Family)

2.) Brandon Grotesque (Font Family) 

B.)  Come up with your two manifesto statements: (See photo below)

C.)  Blog post #5: Inspiration:

What inspires you for this project? I am inspired by vintage typefaces with bold visuals and interesting/unexpected colours. I enjoy the contrast of these typefaces as well. Within my research I discovered the term “Warm Retro” and I’m really into those tone words for a theme.

What do you want your audience to feel/think about when they look at your poster? I want them to see a fun/quirky side to these typefaces. I hope my audience has a thought-provoking feeling while looking at my poster because I want to use the type in unusual but still functional ways. 

How can your type choices, layout and use of design principles guide that outcome? By using these semi-decorative fonts, it will allow me to elaborate a headline or graphic in an eye-catching way. I will keep in mind hierarchy, focal points and visual interest. Font size will play a key role in this project with focus on fine-tuning alignment and spacing.

Inspirational examples:

This example uses the text in an interesting way with the kerning. Although still readable, it’s a bold choice. I will explore kerning in my project. 

Source: https://fontsinuse.com/typefaces/37/brandon-grotesque?page=1

I’m inspired both by the typeface choices and the colour scheme. The feeling of this graphic is very lively. The overlapping is something I will most likely use in my project. 

Source: https://fontsinuse.com/typefaces/37/brandon-grotesque?page=1

The text within the shapes is engaging and fun. It’s eye catching yet simple. I hope to add shapes into my project. 

Source: https://fontsinuse.com/typefaces/37/brandon-grotesque?page=1

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Assignment a blog post #4 Typographic Capsule Library

Serif:

I can imagine every designer having a few key Serif typefaces they use on a daily basis. They can be considered your go to serifs for most everyday work. These typefaces should be considered clean and simple. Rather than distract, these typefaces are used to convey a clear design with the goal of communicating your message. While each Serif font may seem so simple, they are distinctly different. I chose the following for my type library: Minion Pro, Meta Serif Pro, Charter and Mrs. Eaves.  Below I will describe why I chose each font:

Minion Pro: This font feels inspired by old style and works well for large bodies of text. It also has many variations in the font family.

Charter: This font has similarities to Minion Pro but has a thicker line weight, which adds dimension to the words. Perfect for headers. I particularly enjoy the letter “Z”

Mrs. Eaves: This font has elegance to it, similar to its variant “Baskerville” which works well for heavy amounts of text without being overwhelming. I also loved reading the history behind it.  

Slab Serif:

This font type Is personally one of my favourites when it comes to style. While they are similar to the traditional Serif, they have rectangular shapes that stick out in a unique way. They remind me of old-fashioned typewriters. I would use any of these fonts in a graphic poster as it would grab your attention quickly. I chose the following for my type library: Circe Slab A, Museo and Rockwell.  Below I will describe why I chose each font:

Circe Slab A: This typeface feels like it has a lot of quality to it. I was attracted first to the hooks in the “f” and other characteristics

Museo Slab: The rounded upstrokes make for a very stand-out type face with a formal feel. I would use this for an uncommon body of text.

Rockwell: This popular Slab Serif font is a favourite to use in headers and small size type, but not necessarily for a body of text. This font is easily accessible.

San Serif:

Contrary to Serif fonts, San Serif fonts include the small serif lines at the end of its characters. This makes Sans Serif fonts sometimes more difficult to read, but can be used well in large pt sizes, headlines or captions. In my opinion I enjoy the ease of San Serifs, they are very straightforward with nothing fancy to confuse the eye. I chose the following for my type library: Accumin Pro, Futura PT and Brandon Grotesque.  Below I will describe why I chose each font:

Accumin Pro: This font is very easy to read and understand. The stroke weight is similar throughout and each letter is authentically itself.

Futura PT: This font has an appearance that is very popular for designers that love a modern vibe. It feels efficient in its use and works well for a lot of designs.

Brandon Grotesque: I picked this font mostly because it had a look and feel like Futura but a bit more playful in its execution.

Handwriting:

I personally enjoy the look and sense of handwriting. Growing up in school it was required for us to learn cursive along with traditional lettering. While this typeface may feel outdated or a thing of the past due to devices with screens making it not as legible, when used they often make a statement. This can appeal to many audiences in the use of banners and headings. I chose the following for my type library: Satisfy, Feltro and Aisha Latin.  Below I will describe why I chose each font:

Satisfy: This typeface has a retro impression. It uses different stroke weight throughout which adds contrast and irregularity.

Feltro: This font conveys elegance and nonsensical. I enjoy both the uppercase and lowercase letters.

Asiha Latin: This handwriting was easier to read than the other two I chose. Although each letter doesn’t attach to the following letter it still has an impression of hand lettering .

Decorative & Display:

This style of type reminds me of advertisements or causes for celebration. They are artistic and stand out when used correctly. It is easy to overuse these types of typefaces because they are so bold and fun, and it’s beneficial to use them sparingly. Display is great for posters, greeting cards and advertisements. I chose the following for my type library: Bebas Neue, Flood and Chelsea Market.  Below I will describe why I chose each font:

Bebas Neue: This typeface is extremely useful for headings. The super boldness of the letters creates a page that must stand out. It also adds colour to the page if necessary.

Flood: This typeface has impact in an artistic way. It looks hand drawn which is very unique.

Chelsea Market: I love the quirkiness of this font. It also comes in different variations including filled or outlined.  

Sources used:

Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Sept. 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page.

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Assignment D Blog Post #3 Hierarchy and Structure for Readability

“Walking Skyscrapers” Flyer.

Typefaces used: Bebas Neue (Regular) & Raleway (Regular & Bold)

I used these two typefaces together to add contrast between the thick weight of Bebas Neue (seen in “Walking Skyscrapers) and the thin weight of Raleway (seen in Spring 2009..)

Format Choices:

Colour- At first I didn’t realize we should add colour. This wrongly glossing over the information may have ended up being a good thing because it made me focus on the text being the key focus. Once I added colour I wanted to use it to highlight the important information on the page. I used two colours I thought would draw attention and worked well together.

Spacing & Hierarchy- I wanted the title to stand out the most. By having the “Walking Skyscrapers” vertical it adds interest, while in my mind making it look like an actual New York City skyscraper with the different heights. As for spacing I tried to keep in mind that viewers read in a “Z” pattern and I bolded other important information.

Q: What was most challenging for you?

A: The most challenging part of this project for me was using all the text, making it look interesting and not having everything cluttered. Also I feel like my style can sometimes come off as “tacky” so I have to keep an eye on that.

Q: What is one take-a-way from this activity that will help with similar tasks?

A: One take-a-way from this project id use again would be text selection shortcuts and other helpful keys in indesign to make my work more efficient.

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Assignment C Blog post #2 Recreating good typography.

^ Original scanned magazine layout

^ My final layout

Characteristics of this layout/what makes it a good layout:

Type hierarchy, with the title at the top/left 

Very noticeable/stands out

Graphic numbers

Listed article, easy to read

Spaced out well, not too cramped

Mix of black, white and colour

What I noticed recreating this sample:

Overall I liked this design and would try to use it in the future. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like since it seemed like the person made a great effort in this design. Their choice of what to bold and not seemed like a conscious decision and really makes the information feel more organized.  

What I learned:

In this project I learned to print out my pieces as a rule. When I was finished the layout I was sure it was complete, I printed it out and then noticed a few errors I made. This was I was able to notice them before handing it in.

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Assignment B: Blog post #1 Real life signage critique.

Stillhead Distillery Inc: Good Sample:

Classification: STILLHEAD: Decorative & Display DISTILLERY INC: Sans Serif

Font Name: STILLHEAD: Nü*Creactivo 2008 By bran (Modified) DISTILLERY INC: Asterisk Sans Pro

Q: Did the designer accurately convey the concept of the business or information represented through the choice of typeface? A: Yes, I believe the designer made the right choice for this brand. This type not only stands out in all capital letters but the added points on the sides (serifs?) create an edgy and interesting look. The kerning of the letters feels deliberate to add space for the points and to draw you through the word. The top decorative font “STILLHEAD” to catch your eye, and the more subdue “DISTILLERY INC” in Sans Serif tells you what the business is.

Q: Is it readable? Why or why not? A: This sign is definitely readable, up close and from afar. It demands your attention due to the capital letters. The kerning of the letters feels deliberate to add space for the points and to draw you through the word.

Q: How might this typeface appeal to its intended audience? A: Stillhead Distillery has a rustic feel, with a fishing and outdoor theme, but still and modern with copper metal accents. I believe this font adds well to that theme and makes the audience want to know more about the business. The sign makes the business feel like a cool & intriguing place people would want to visit.

The Breakfast Nook: Bad Sample:

Classification: Decorative & Display

Font Name: Could not locate. Looks like a mix between Comic Sans and Chalkboard Wordart

Q: Did the designer accurately convey the concept of the business or information represented through the choice of typeface? A: I think another font could have been chosen for this business. A font more suitable would be still fun but more sophisticated. Unfortunately, this sign has an amateur feel to it.

Q: Is it readable? Why or why not? A: This sign is somewhat readable but could be better. I assume the kerning of the letters is supposed to display a “cozy” like feel. Instead this makes the letters look cramped and creates dark unwanted shadows in the text.

Q: How might this typeface appeal to its intended audience? A: The breakfast nook is a cozy and quant coffee house to read a book in, but the sign doesn’t connect to this theme. This font conveys a child-like feel with the bubble lettering, making this business seem less like an adult orientated coffee shop and more like a daycare center.

I changed the undefined font to New Farm Designed by Ben Mitchell and Miles Newlyn. 

Changing the font adds a more modern look without losing the fun and easy rounded corners.

I changed the colour of the font from a very bright, “miss matchy” yellow to a standard black, this makes it easier to read. 

I changed the kerning of the letters so they had more space between each, making it more readable. 

My Good Typography Example:

My Bad Typography Example:

Claire’s Good Typography Example:

Claire’s Bad Typography Example: