Introduction.
Task 1:
This week's challenge asks us to take pictures of at least ten typography and lettering examples representing our hometown, the nearest city, or the surrounding area. I live between Bournemouth and Poole, so I decided to go to the beach because it reflects historical and modern influences. During my walk, I found many exciting typographic elements with different styles and colours, which I found visually appealing. The main goal of this task is to collect diverse examples, such as hand-drawn, printed, old, new, and industrial lettering, and then analyze how well they communicate the area's character and identity. We also need to write a brief 100-word description for each lettering example.
Learning Objectives:
LO2: Contextualise – appraise the social, political and historical contexts in which design practice operates.
LO3: Analyse – evaluate research findings and use sound judgement informed by critical debate at the forefront of the academic discipline.
LO4: Distil – position a creative strategic insight that has been distilled and refined through an informed investigation.
LO6: Make – select and utilise relevant tools, skills and technologies in the delivery, iteration and sustainable production of an outcome.
LO7: Collaborate – demonstrate inclusive and empathetic strategies to plan and execute a project across distributed collaborative situations.
LO8: Design – realise a final solution that evidences its strategic journey and clear relationship between form and function.
Workshop Challenge:
Zoom in photos:
Chosen Photographs:
This picture is a captivating blend of art and nature. It featured typographic designs beneath a glass surface crafted from marble tiles. What intrigued me most was how nature had left its mark on this creation. Upon closer look, I discovered a hidden world swarming with tiny worms. They had made a home in the space between the glass and marble, showcasing the resilience of life. This unexpected habitat, a typographic marble piece enclosed in glass, was a testament to nature's ability to thrive in unlikely places.
Not only does this picture tell a story, but it also tells its context. You can tell right away that it’s a beach or seaside number. It’s probably a house number, too. I was especially interested in how much effort the creator put into making this number unique. In a sea of ordinary and mundane numbers, this number really stood out. It showed me how important typography can be in defining, communicating, and symbolising a place’s infrastructure.
Process of GeoTyping:
Case Studies:
As a graphic designer, I’ve always been drawn to typefaces that communicate meaning, and reading through Paula Scher’s work was a huge inspiration for me to think outside the box. Her typographic style didn’t necessarily match my own preferences, but a closer look at one of her posters (for the New Theatre) revealed a few key elements of type design that caught my eye.
First, I liked how the poster depicted chaos, but the central figure within gave the words a sense of purpose, creating a harmony amidst the chaos. The unconventional grid structure (as opposed to the usual vertical and horizontal lines) had a geometric configuration that was broken up into segments, which struck me as interesting.
I hadn’t thought much about typographic posters before this experience, but I can safely say that I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for how lettering and typography can be used creatively to communicate a particular message in unique ways.
Contextual Research:
Ivan Dilberovic’s “Global Warming Poster series” has left a lasting impression on me and sparked my creative process, especially regarding typeface design. But what strikes me most is how much effort and creativity they put into their work. For “Ice is melting,” their decision to freeze the letters and document their thawing naturally struck me as incredibly authentic. They chose not to use digital manipulation to convey the reality of the melting ice caps and rising global temperatures. The second poster, “Desert Is Spreading,” was equally eye-opening. The letters were covered in modelling clay, and the backdrop was Tunisian sand, all within the size of a shoe box. This was an incredibly creative way of representing the spread of deserts due to climate change.
Self-Reflection:
I enjoyed this week's challenge. When I read the brief for the new module, I didn't know what to expect. After a long time off, I felt tired and unmotivated. But this challenge gave me a new lease of life. It helped me rediscover my passion and see the world differently. I used to walk the same route every day, but I never noticed the typography or textures of the signs. Doing this task helped me see the little things I used to ignore. Not only did it help me understand my surroundings better, but it also allowed me to sharpen my observational skills. I could see and appreciate everyday things that I had previously ignored.
