Type & Page.
Task 10:
This week's challenge is all about typography, my muse. We are asked to take an excerpt from a national poet or writer and transform the text into a single typographic composition; by either redesigning the first line of text in a style that's appropriate to the subject - drawing it, rendering it, building it, or by taking the body of the text and typesetting it. We're encouraged to experiment with the leading, positioning, emphasis on specific words, and detail. It's all about establishing a connection with the end product and how interpretation affects the meaning.
Typography is a passion that consumes me, as I find immense joy in the artistic shapes and forms of letters in various languages and calligraphic styles worldwide. The prospect of starting a project that involves my love for typography is exhilarating, especially because I have already found a collaborator who is not only an exceptional poet but also my best friend. Back in our school days, people recognized me as an artist, while my best friend was celebrated for her writing skills. Together, we used to create art by combining my drawings with her words. Despite the passing years, we have remained close, and our friendship remains unbreakable. To mark our graduation, my friend gifted me a precious book of poems she had written solely for me, a gift I have cherished since 2017. Now, it feels like the perfect time to bring these unforgettable poems to life and create something truly meaningful with them.
Learning objectives:
Research into typographic design broadly.
Analyse how typographic conventions and design can inform and imbue the meaning of a given text.
Imagine how written text can be translated and communicated into a new typographic form.
Create and analyse my typeset pieces.
Document and communicate my working process on your blog.
Participate in and reflect upon debate on the ideas wall.
Manage my independent learning through good planning and self-direction.
Discover:
Personalised book of poems: “Moon & H2O” - by Almaha Alghamdi
Collaborative work in 2017:
This is a depiction of our friendship where I, dalal, a former geometric mandala artist, merge my love for organization with Almaha's passion for writing. Almaha, a strong leader and Leo, inspired the portrayal of a lion. She has been my best friend for so long, but I used to be scared of her persona. However, I discovered that she has a side of tenderness and affection towards me.
Thus, I created this collaborative piece of work to represent our intense love for each other by depicting our different characters together. The lion is divided into two parts. The first comprises my hand-drawn mandalas, and the second displays my hand draw calligraphy skills in Almaha's poems.
Define:
Chosen poem:
Moon & H2O
The moon I saw in you,
Awake to hold the very few.
Little did I know,
It’d be my greatest woe.
The waters I saw in you,
Humble to their significance,
Harmonic to the chaos,
Open to the changes.
Tonight, I write the saddest lines,
Hopeful to change the signs.
Tonight, you’re overseas,
Singing to the moon on your knees.
- by Almaha Alghamdi
Mood Board:
Develop:
Process Videos:
Failed trials:
Deliver:
Final Poster:
Contextual Research:
I have learned a lot about typography from reading this book. The first thing that struck me was the historical context of typography. I was able to appreciate the heritage of typography, and I was able to draw inspiration from the styles of the past. The second thing I learned was the fundamental typographic principles. From the hierarchy to the grid system, from the type anatomy to layout design. Each concept is explained in detail with visual examples. Now I understand typography principles well and can create visually cohesive, practical strategies.
One of the most valuable aspects of this book is its emphasis on experimentation. It challenges typographic norms and presents unconventional solutions that have captivated readers and conveyed unique messages to them. This ignited my creativity and helped me to create more impactful designs! All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about typography.
Reflection:
This week’s challenge captivated my attention deeply. I wanted to explore the expressive power of typography and experiment with different design elements. I have a special relationship with typography and see it as a powerful form of communication. I wanted to push my creative limits and create a unique design that expressed a personal message. However, I was too stressed to dedicate the time and energy to the challenge. Although my creation was successful, it didn’t live up to my ambitious vision because of stress and time constraints. Nonetheless, I’m proud that I put in the effort despite the obstacles. This experience serves as a reminder that life’s journey can be difficult. Looking forward, I will continue to learn more about typography and improve my design skills. The Type and Page challenge gave me the courage to keep going, learning, and creating. Despite the failure, typography is still my passion, and I will continue to nurture it despite the pressures of the future.
