Design Brief

We've spent this semester developing an understanding of the history of typography and its practical applications for legible communication. Now we'll take a look at the anatomy and gain an understanding for the typeface classification, and also have an opportunity to explore the textural and expressive nature of typography and how it can be utilized for artistic means.

This project will begin with a field trip to Rose Hill Cemetery. In the past, we used wax to create grave rubbings of letterforms, but due to a major restoration of the cemetery, we are no longer permitted to do grave rubbings. Instead, we will use our cell phones to photograph the entire alphabet, focusing on identifying a variety of type classifications. In doing so, we will aim to:

• find a variety of typefaces and styles

• create a collage of type and text through thoughtful arrangement of quality photographs

• show visual use of the principles of design, in particular variety and contrast

• exercise our burgeoning knowledge of typeface classification

You are challenged to spend the class session locating a variety of letterforms, from A to Z. You might decide to work from a theme, or include some ornamental elements, but attempt to identify a great variety of styles/classifications. Photograph letterforms that are particularly interesting or beautiful to you. Your goal is to allow type to function as focal point visuals in your final collage. You may use pictorial/patterned elements to fill spaces between typographic characters.

Deliverable

Your final format will be an 11x17 inch poster, using your grave rubbings as the focal point.