Advanced Typography - Task 3 Type Exploration and Application
18.9.2023 - 22.9.2023 / Week 08 - Week 13
Low Li Vern/ 0362678
Advanced Typography/ Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 3 Type Exploration and Application
LECTURES
Lectures: Lectures 1 to 5 completed in Task 1/ Exercise 1 &2
INSTRUCTIONS
Task 3: Type Exploration and Application
For Task 3, we get to dictate our own project.
1. Create a font that is intended to solve a larger problem or meant to be part of a solution in the area of your interest be it graphic design, animation, new media or entertainment design or any other related area not necessarily reflecting your specialization.
2. Explore the use of an existing letterform in an area of interest, understand its existing relationship, identify areas that could be improved upon, explore possible solutions or combinations that may add value to the existing letterform / lettering.
3. Experiment. For your idea to qualify as an experiment it must be novel and unique — working with material that might be 3-dimensional, digitally augmented, edible, unusual, typographic music video or fine art. End result: defined by student.
Ideation proposal :
I have decide to choose idea #1 which is to use cucumber slice and cut it to look like a font. The concept behind this cucumber slice is my recognition of the scarcity of round-shaped fonts. Personally, I believe that circular fonts are well-suited for children learning the alphabet and can be utilized in creating posters for kids. As a result, I conducted research on circle fonts.
Research :
Circle fonts, often characterized by rounded letterforms, are known for their playful and friendly appearance. They are commonly used in designs targeting children or conveying a whimsical and approachable vibe.
Child-Friendly Design: Circle fonts are often chosen for educational materials, especially for teaching young children the alphabet. The rounded shapes can be visually appealing and are perceived as more accessible to kids.
Readability: The rounded shapes in circle fonts can enhance readability, especially in larger display sizes. This can be beneficial for signage, banners, or any application where text needs to be easily readable from a distance.
Fig 1.1 Designing digital products for kids by Rubens Cantuni (18.10.2023-Week 8)
Fig 1.2 Round Counters (18.10.2023-Week 8)
In Rubens Cantuni's book, "Designing Digital Products for Kids," I gained valuable insights into crafting improved fonts tailored for children. When designing for preschool and elementary school-age children, caution is crucial, as these early experiences significantly shape their introduction to reading and writing.
Link of Rubens Cantuni's book, "Designing Digital Products for Kids," : https://medium.com/ux-of-edtech/typography-in-digital-products-for-kids-f10ce0588555
Stage 1 progression :
I began by carefully selecting round and fresh cucumbers from the market, choosing varieties that would facilitate the ease of experimenting with font design. Following this, I proceeded to skillfully slice the cucumbers and carve them into distinct alphabet shapes.
Fig 1.3 Cutting Cucumber (25.10.2023-Week 9)
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Fig 1.4 First attempt on cucumber slice (25.10.2023-Week 9)
I strive to carve the alphabet shapes without compromising the cucumber's round form, although maintaining the circular shape proves challenging for certain letters, such as K and V. Nevertheless, I am generally content with the overall appearance of the cucumber slices.
Fig 1.5 Cucumber shot using Flash light (25.10.2023-Week 9)
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Fig 1.6 Cucumber shot using Natural light (25.10.2023-Week 9)
Following the letter carving process, I captured close-up shots of each alphabet using two different methods: natural light and flash. I favor employing natural light for photographing the cucumber slices, as it provides clearer details of the intricate shapes.
Stage #2 All letters
I decide to name this font as "CukeType", the reason of choosing this name is that "CukeType" is a combination of "Cuke", a colloquial term for cucumber and "Type", referring to typography or font. This name allows for a bit of wordplay and creativity in its interpretation.
With its delightful curves and friendly appeal, this font is perfect for kid-friendly designs. Embrace the versatility of "CukeType," where the roundness of each character brings a sense of warmth and approachability, making it an ideal choice for creative endeavors geared towards children and anyone seeking a cute, inviting aesthetic.
.HEIC)
Fig 2.1 Letter "A" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
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Fig 2.2 Letter "B" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.3 Letter "C" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.4 Letter "D" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.5 Letter "E" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.6 Letter "F" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.7 Letter "G" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.8 Letter "H" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.9 Letter "I" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.10 Letter "J" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.11 Letter "K" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.12 Letter "L" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.13 Letter "M" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.14 Letter "N" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.15 Letter "O" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.16 Letter "P" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.17 Letter "Q" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.18 Letter "R" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.19 Letter "S" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.20 Letter "T" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.21 Letter "U" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.22 Letter "V" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.23 Letter "W" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.24 Letter "X" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.25 Letter "Y" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Fig 2.26 Letter "Z" (26.10.2023-Week 9)
Stage #3 Numbers
Fig 3.1 Number 1 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.2 Number 2 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.3 Number 3 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.4 Number 4 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.5 Number 5 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.6 Number 6 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.7 Number 7 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.8 Number 8 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.9 Number 9 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Fig 3.10 Number 10 (02.11.2023-Week 10)
Stage #4 Video Progression
Upon Mr. Vinod's recommendation, I've chosen to create a video presentation for my "CukeType" font. Following careful consideration over the past few days, I've decided to embark on a stop-motion video project, utilizing the charming cucumber letters to showcase the font's unique features.
Fig 4.1 Video Progression (8.11.2023-Week 11)
Exploring the world of cucumber letters is an enjoyable experience, but it comes with a challenge – the cucumber's water content poses a risk of dampening the background. To assess the progress and troubleshoot potential issues, I've taken a few initial shots. Given that I had pre-designed the scenes, I managed to complete the stop-motion video shoot within a concise one-hour timeframe.
Fig 4.2 Video Progression (8.11.2023-Week 11)
Fig 4.3 Video Progression (8.11.2023-Week 11)
Fig 4.4 Video Progression (8.11.2023-Week 11)
Final Video Present:
Fig 4.5 Final Video Present (9.11.2023-Week 11)
Stage #5 GIF Progression
I've chosen to employ the cucumber font for crafting GIFs. I've captured images of the cucumber font spelling out words such as JUICY, PICKLE, KIDS, COOL, and GREEN. These words aptly convey the attributes of a cucumber, making them ideal for creating typographic GIFs with the cucumber font.
Fig 5.1 GIF word JUICY (14.11.2023-Week 12)
Fig 5.2 GIF word PICKLE (14.11.2023-Week 12)
Fig 5.3 GIF word KIDS (14.11.2023-Week 12)
Fig 5.4 GIF word COOL (14.11.2023-Week 12)
Fig 5.5 GIF word GREEN (14.11.2023-Week 12)
Progress in Adobe Illustrator
I import the letter images into Adobe Illustrator, using the artboard to fine-tune their size and position. Experimenting with various patterns and placements, I explore diverse designs for the GIF, aiming to create a dynamic visual impact with different arrangements and styles for the words.
Fig 5.6 GIF progress (15.11.2023-Week 12)
Fig 5.7 GIF progress (15.11.2023-Week 12)
Upon exporting the artboard from Adobe Illustrator, I bring it into Adobe Photoshop to craft an animation timeline. Specifically, for the word "JUICY," I implement a sequence spanning 56 frames to achieve the desired animation effect. Additionally, I fine-tune the brightness and vibrance of the GIF to enhance its visual appeal.
Fig 5.8 GIF progress (15.11.2023-Week 12)
Final GIF Present:
Fig 6.1 GIF word "COOL" (22.11.2023-Week 13)
Fig 6.2 GIF word "KIDS" (22.11.2023-Week 13)
Fig 6.3 GIF word "JUICY" (22.11.2023-Week 13)
Fig 6.4 GIF word "GREEN" (22.11.2023-Week 13)
Fig 6.5 GIF word "PICKLE" (22.11.2023-Week 13)
These GIF can link together as it is also a short sentence, "Cool kids, juicy green pickle." I like the word JUICY most as it is design using a line to link the letters together.
Final GIF Application:
I attempted to use the GIF in Messenger, and while I find it cute, it doesn't seem quite fitting for everyday use.
Fig 6.7 GIF application (23.11.2023-Week 13)
FEEDBACK
Week 8
Independent learning week no feedback.
Week 9
Absent no feedback.
Week 10 Specific Feedback:
-The picture is interesting than the font design, Mr Vinod suggest that I can use the picture of the cucumber and different color lines to make a GIF.
Week 10 General Feedback:
-Go ahead with your work.
Week 11 Specific Feedback:
-Try to make a video out of the letters
Week 11 General Feedback:
-No general feedback.
Week 11 Specific Feedback:
-Try to make a video out of the letters
Week 11 General Feedback:
-No general feedback.
Week 13 Specific Feedback:
-Make the GIF to be interesting in some words such as: cool, cucumber, green.
Week 13 General Feedback:
- No general feedback.
REFLECTIONS
Experience
Task 3 pushed the boundaries of traditional design, encouraging us to think outside the box and infuse our creations with an unexpected twist. At first, the idea of using a cucumber as the foundation for a font seemed whimsical, almost absurd. However, as I delved into the task, I discovered the untapped potential and creativity that lay within the contours of this seemingly mundane vegetable. The process began with a deeper exploration of the cucumber's physical characteristics, its smooth surface, curved lines, and the vibrant green hue. These features inspired me to envision a font that echoed the organic elegance of the cucumber.
Observations
For this task I have discovered that the initial challenge was to translate the essence of a cucumber into letterforms that were not only legible but also visually captivating. I experimented with different cuts, slices, and angles, observing how each modification influenced the overall aesthetic. The organic nature of the cucumber lent itself well to fluid and graceful letter shapes. Serendipitously, the curves and lines of the cucumber allowed for a harmonious blend of elegance and readability. As the font began to take shape, I encountered unexpected design dilemmas. Balancing the intricate details of each letterform while maintaining a cohesive look across the entire alphabet demanded careful consideration. It was a delicate dance between creativity and functionality, requiring me to constantly refine and tweak the design.
Findings
Through the process of designing a font from a cucumber required a shift in perspective. I found myself contemplating the vegetable's symbolism, freshness, vitality, and health. These qualities became integral elements of my font, with each letter carrying a hint of the cucumber's essence. It was more than just a design exercise, it became a journey of translating the characteristics of a humble vegetable into a communicative and expressive form. Task 3 of the advanced typography class was a remarkable journey of creativity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of conventional design. Designing a font using a cucumber not only expanded my understanding of typography but also instilled in me a newfound appreciation for finding inspiration in the most unexpected places. This experience reinforced the idea that true innovation often arises when we dare to step outside my comfort zones and explore the uncharted territories of design.
FURTHER READING
Fig 1.1 Designing digital products for kids by Rubens Cantuni
After reading the book, I've come to understand a widespread misconception regarding the typography used on children's products. It's often assumed that one should exclusively opt for quirky, funny, or even deliberately challenging-to-read typefaces in these contexts. However, this notion is flawed for various reasons. Besides, I have learn about What Are the Characteristics of a Good Font Family for Children.
1. Round Counters
Simple, friendly shapes, generously drawn with rounded counters. Avoid counters that are rectangular or too narrow. Wider typefaces provide better readability and they also resemble more the style of handwriting children learn at school.
2. Taller X-Height
The x-height of a typeface is the height of its lowercase “x”, which is the height that should guide the design of all lowercase letters without their ascenders or descenders.17 Typefaces with a taller x-height look more readable.
3. Avoid Decorative Typefaces
Decorative typefaces should be avoided at all times on any digital product, regardless of the age of the users. But it’s very common to think overly decorated fonts are childish and therefore good for kids’ books, websites, and apps. This is simply wrong for all the reasons mentioned previously. Such typefaces are not fun to read (or watch), just confusing and overwhelming.
The weight and width of a font have a direct impact on its readability. Fonts that are too bold or too thin, too condensed or too extended, tend to be less readable than a well-balanced font.
THE END
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