Advanced Typography - Task 2 : Key Artwork and Collateral

20.09.2023 -11.10.2023 (Week4- Week 7)

Low Li Vern/ 0362678

Advanced Typography/ Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Task 2 : Key Artwork and Collateral

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LECTURES

 Lectures: Lectures 1 to 5 completed in Task 1/ Exercise 1 &2

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INSTRUCTIONS

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TASK 2A/ Key Art Work PROGRESS

Week 4

Instructions 

Produce explorations of possible wordmark/lettering of your name (first name or pet
name or pseudonym) with a minimum of at least 4-5 characters.

Fig 1.1 Samples of wordmark design (17.09.2023-Week 4)

Research 

Mr. Vinod asks us to find 5 word marks that we obsessed with. These designs will help on our construction later on.

Fig 1.2 Five Wordmark (17.09.2023-Week 4)

I've explored various wordmarks that possess broad visibility across different contexts. These wordmarks may appear simple, but they embody a mature and well-balanced design for this style of branding.

Ideation and Sketches

I've created rough drafts for three distinct wordmark styles that I believe can effectively represent my personal style.

Fig 1.3 #1 Sketches of wordmark (18.09.2023-Week 4)

For the first sketches of my wordmark I incorporated elements from a gothic font style as the primary design. I chose this gothic font to reflect my personality, as I'm drawn to the color black and have an affinity for the eerie, much like the character Wednesday Addams from the movie "Wednesday." While I appreciated the atmosphere it created, I recognized that the design lacked balance, prompting me to develop a second sketch.

Fig 1.4 #2 Sketches of wordmark (18.09.2023-Week 4)

Considering the necessity of creating a wordmark using four alphabets from our names, I've made the decision to utilize my last name, "VERN." In the second sketch, I drew inspiration from the renowned shoe brand "VANS," leading to some fresh ideas. I increase the size of the letter 'V' to emphasize that it is my favorited letter in my name.

Fig 1.5 #3 Sketches of wordmark (18.09.2023-Week 4)

Upon completing the initial wordmark sketches, I came to the realization that I wasn't particularly fond of the design. It proved challenging to read and failed to convey my personality effectively. Consequently, I've chosen to embark on further research and create a new sketch for comparison.

Fig 1.6 #4 Sketches of wordmark (20.09.2023-Week 4)

Regarding the third sketch, I found it more interesting compared to the other options, primarily due to its potential for further exploration. I've decided to choose this as my final design, even though it may not fully express my personality. Its appeal lies in its excellent balance and readability. What captivates me the most is the star placed in the center of the letter 'E'.

Week 5

Digitalization

Mr. Vinod encouraged us to swiftly begin the process of digitizing our sketches using Adobe Illustrator during our class, allowing us to visualize how our sketches will appear in a digital format.

Fig 1.7 First wordmark digitalization from #3 sketch (26.09.2023-Week 5)

In my first attempt at digitizing the design, it appeared quite challenging. I lacked the time to precisely measure the length and strokes, resulting in an unbalanced appearance. Nonetheless, I found the overall design appealing, motivating me to delve into the finer details of digitization.

Fig 1.8 Second wordmark digitalization (26.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 1.9 Second wordmark digitalization compare with first (26.09.2023-Week 5)

After making adjustments to the finer elements of the design, I compared it with the previous version, paying attention to the strokes. I discovered that it improved, but there was still an issue with the spacing between the letters 'R' and 'N.' I decided to further adjust the letter spacing to create a more refined wordmark appearance.

Fig 1.10 Improvising in digitalization wordmark (28.09.2023-Week 5)

I adjust the letter 'V' and 'N' by removing the connecting points. I found that the letter 'V' and 'N' is still readable without the connecting points. It makes the wordmark simple and balance without too much space.

Fig 1.11 Improvising in digitalization wordmark details (28.09.2023-Week 5)

When I arrange the spacing within the letter 'R' and 'N', I surprisingly notice that it perfectly fits together just as the image shown. This is why the letter 'N' remains legible even without the connecting points.

Fig 1.12 Difference between the three digitalization wordmark options (28.09.2023-Week 5)

After that, Mr. Vinod instructed us to print our artwork, which includes a preview version on a black T-shirt. We were required to save it as a PDF before proceeding with the printing.

Fig 1.13 Printing out version-JPEG (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 1.14 Printing out version-PDF (28.09.2023-Week 5)

FINAL KEY ARTWORK ( BLACK & WHITE )

Fig 1.15 Final key artwork-JPEG (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 1.16 Final key artwork-PDF (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Task 2B/ Collaterals

- Go to the colour hunt site and pick a colour palette for your brand's identity 

- Begin Task 2B collateral (same T2 eportfolio), identify 3 collaterals (T-Shirt, Tote Bag, etc.)

- Expand your key artworks identity into your chosen collateral. For inspiration view Pentagram site and study how identities are expanded.

- Take a black and white self-portrait

Fig 2.1 Exploring colour of my brand identity (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 2.2 Choice of color hunt (28.09.2023-Week 5)

FINAL KEY ARTWORK (WITH COLOUR)

Fig 2.3 Final key artwork-JPEG (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 2.4 Final key artwork-JPEG (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 2.5 Final key artwork-PDF (28.09.2023-Week 5)

GIF :

Fig 2.6 Final key artwork-GIF (28.09.2023-Week 5)

Self Portrait :

Fig 3.1 Self-Portrait Black & White (30.09.2023-Week 5)

Fig 3.2 Self-Portrait PNG blue (30.09.2023-Week 5)

I use Adobe Photoshop to remove the background and change it into grayscale, but I discovered that black and white is not suitable for my design. I change the color of my self portrait to match my key artwork.

Expand Key Artworks :

Stage 1 :

Fig 3.3 Stage #1 Process (30.09.2023-Week 5)

I've change the position and let my wordmark reflect in a different side to enhance its visual appeal and give it a distinctive character that reflects my identity. But I discover that it is not a good expand for key artwork.

Stage 2:

Upon my exploration, I found that the stage 1 design was quite standard and hadn't significantly emphasized the key artwork. Consequently, I made the choice to enhance the prominence of the key artwork by highlighting the star within the letter 'E.' Additionally, I incorporated the outline of the key artwork into the design, signifying its importance in a more significant manner.

 

Fig 3.4 Stage #2 Process (30.09.2023-Week 5)

Stage 3:

Fig 3.5 Stage #3 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Stage 4:

I extended the prominence of the key artwork by altering the color of the star. I particularly favor the star because it symbolizes the essence of my personality, reflecting my aspiration to shine as a star in my own life.

Fig 3.6 Stage #4 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Fig 3.7 Stage #4 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Fig 3.8 Stage #4 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Fig 3.9 Stage #4 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Fig 3.10 Stage #4 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Fig 3.11 Stage #4 exploration (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Fig 3.12 Final exploration PDF (4.10.2023-Week 6)

Collaterals:

Stage 1:

Fig 4.1 Stage 1 collateral recycle bag (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Fig 4.2 Stage 1 collateral hoodie (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Fig 4.3 Stage 1 collateral bottle (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Fig 4.4 Stage 1 collateral tag (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Initially, I had only placed my key artwork on the products. However, after receiving feedback from Mr. Vinod, I realized that I had not sufficiently developed the collateral design.

Stage 2:

Business Card:

Following the feedback, I decided to expand my key artwork onto skincare products. My next step in this expansion was designing a business card for the company. And after the business card I design a body shampoo and a face wash package for my skin care product.

Fig 4.5 Business Card (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Body shampoo: 

Fig 4.6 Body Shampoo (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Face wash:

Fig 4.7 Face wash (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Fig 4.8 Final Collateral PDF (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Instagram's Layout:
I opted for two different background colors and organized the Instagram posts in a way that the first post had a light background, followed by the next post featuring a darker background. This was done to create a distinct and engaging color pattern.

Fig 4.9 Instagram's Layout (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Preview in Instagram (Mobile):

Fig 4.10 IG Design Layout Mobile (11.10.2023-Week 7)

Final Instagram's Layout (Desktop):

Link of Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_v.ern_/

Bio: Introducing "VERN" - Your Path to Flawless Skin ! 

— 🌟 Nourish inner beauty 🌟 —

Fig 4.11 IG Design Layout Desktop (11.10.2023-Week 7)

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FEEDBACK

Week 4 Specific Feedback:

-be more balance

-must make it more smooth

Week 4 General Feedback:

- You design the word to express yourself

- When you create something it must be readable

- Too much personality effect readability

Week 5 General Feedback:

-Make sure the balance of the font

-Choose the color with one light color and two medium colors and a strong color

Week 5 Specific Feedback:

-Overall is good but can make the sharp points to be cut to end

Week 6 Specific Feedback:

-Don’t just put the wordmark into the assets as a designer you need to expand the wordmark

-Don’t make the word stacking.

Week 6 General Feedback:

-No expand of the wordmark.

Week 7 General Feedback:

-Make more experiment on the wordmark.

-Make sure to use the color palette wisely.

Week 7 Specific Feedback:

-The wordmark don’t just change the position add some elements.

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REFLECTIONS

Experience

In the past few weeks of this course, I've come to realize the vital importance of self-awareness for designers. Task 2 has been particularly enjoyable because it involves crafting a wordmark that represents who we are. It's fascinating to explore how to convey our personality through just a few letters of design. I take great pleasure in the process of designing a wordmark for myself, and when I apply it to various products, it feels as if I'm truly launching a business. As I delved into expanding my personal identity, I encountered a challenge.

Observations

Mr. Vinod encouraged us to explore and expand our wordmarks without altering the font size or distorting it. I felt this was quite limiting, because my wordmark must stick together to have a good readability so it is a difficulty for me to expand the wordmark. I've come to understand that it's essential to consistently maintain a distinctive design to ensure that others can easily recognize it as the brand we are representing.

Findings

Through this assignment, I gained a valuable lesson in the significance of avoiding last minute work and the importance of consistent class attendance to ensure I don't miss critical information. Furthermore, this project offered valuable insights into the prerequisites of logo design, underscoring the significance of creativity and simplicity .This assignment highlighted the importance of time management, preparation, adaptability, and effective communication in the field of design, providing a valuable learning opportunity for future projects.

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FURTHER READING

Fig. 5.1 Typographic design: Form and communication (2015)

The author of this book is Rob Carter, Philip B. Meggs, Ben Day, Sandra Maxa, Mark Sanders. Rob Carter is Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, and has served as a visiting professor at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam.

Fig. 5.2 Typographic design: Form and communication page 56

From this page I learned more about legibility and color , as we can know that it has been widely accepted that black text on a white background is the most legible option. Every color possesses attributes of hue, value, and saturation. When blending color with typography, maintaining a balance of these properties becomes a crucial consideration for legibility.

Fig 5.3 Typographic design: Form and communication

Blue and violet hues are closely positioned on the color wheel, and when employed for both text and background, they lack adequate contrast. But incorporating a tint or shade of one of these colors can enhance legibility.

Fig 5.4 Typographic design: Form and communication

By closely examining the roles of value and hue contrast, it is possible to enhance the legibility of the majority of typefaces. Typeface designs that pose visual challenges due to extreme proportions, such as heavy, light, wide, or thin variations, can be rendered more legible through the application of suitable color combinations.

Fig 5.5 Typographic design: Form and communication

As the type size becomes smaller and more delicate, it becomes increasingly essential to provide sufficient contrast to guarantee adequate legibility.

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THE END