︎
Font Study
Resident Expert: Teach us about a TypefaceThis project focuses on learning to identify fonts, font characteristics, and type classifications. And then teaching them to us—you become the resident expert of a Typeface.

The task is to teach the audience everything there is to learn about a specific typeface. Who designed it, when, its character, and how to identify it.
Graphic design professionals are expected to recognize an almost infinite number of typefaces; it is essential, therefore, that one begins by learning the parts of the letter (terms) and characteristics and classify typefaces into these major historical categories (type classifications): Old Style, Transitional, Modern, Slab Serif, Sans Serif. You will utilize a typographic hierarchy to express content organization, emphasizing some elements and subordinating others. Using a visual scale, you can help readers scan a text, knowing where to enter and exit and how to pick and choose among its offerings. One or more cues should signal each level of the hierarchy, applied consistently across a body of text. A cue can type size, style, color, horizontal or vertical alignments, placement, leading, or tracking. Infinite variations are possible.

We will do some workshops and focus on the details, looking very closely at characteristics and how letters are drawn and optically corrected to become legitimate typefaces—an attempt to focus on learning to identify fonts, font characteristics, and type classifications. And then teaching them to us -- you are the resident expert of a Typeface. Your task is to teach us everything there is to learn about a specific typeface. Who designed it, when, its character, how to identify it... You will become the resident expert of your font. We must learn about the typeface through your final animation(s).
Learning Objectives
  • understand the anatomy of letterforms
  • understand the history of typography
  • understand type classifications
  • explore the expressive potential of typography
  • solve communication problems within given parameters
  • methodically document relevant design inspiration and process
  • present and assess work in a visually and verbally articulate manner
  • professionally document outcomes

Explore Design Principles
  • Tension: how the page is used, how the edges are used, activate the page
  • Grouping: how things are grouped together, use triangulation as a guide.
  • Alignments: vertical, horizontal (type must stay horizontal)
  • Coding: type that is the same size and style will be read together
The Final Artifacts
  • 11x17 with 8-page zine
  • Name of typeface
  • Typeface classification
  • Name of inventor and/or foundry
  • 250-word write-up of the font must be cited
  • The entire alphabet + all notable weights (including numbers)
  • Anatomy of type with six characteristics 
  • ONE created graphic inspired by your typeface (this can be anything created by you inspired by your typeface)
     
  • (6) Slide Landscape Presentation documenting process, design decisions, and final
  • SLIDE 01: Your Name, Typeface Name, Classification
  • SLIDE 02: Name of inventor and/or foundry + 250-word write-up of the font must be cited
  • SLIDE 03: Entire alphabet + all weights (including numbers)
  • SLIDE 04: Style Guide i.e., colors, inspo, decorative elementsSLIDE 05: Documentation of zine (3–5 images)SLIDE 06: Behance post QR code
     
  • One Color 8.5 x 11 "poster" to Riso
  • Must make an edition for everyone in the class, including Sam (22 people)

  • Behance Post
  • Name of typeface, Typeface classification, Name of inventor and/or foundry
  • Diagram of 3–5 unique characteristics of your typeface
  • ONE creative graphic inspired by your typeface
  • Documentation of zine (3–5 images)Extra credit: add motion graphic
       
  • Digital Process Book PDF
  • 16:9 Ratio OR Horizontal Tabloid

Risograph Posters