Typography Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication

29 Sept 2021 - 13 Oct 2021 (Week 6 - Week 8)
Zetie Binti Bahaman / 0351297 / BDCM
Typography
Task 2: Typographic Communication and Exploration (Text Formatting and Expression)

LECTURES

All lectures have been completed in Typography Task 1/ Exercises.

INSTRUCTIONS

For Task 2, we are to create a 2-page editorial spread (200x200) with the provided text. We are required to use Adobe InDesign for the final page layout and Adobe Illustrator for the headline expression. The text will not include any images but minor graphical elements, i.e. line, shade, etc. might be allowed.

1. Research

Fig 1.0 Moodboard, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

I decided to express the word 'code' from the editorial text for the headline expression. I looked up photos for inspiration to brainstorm ideas. I decided to use rectangles as the graphical elements that are inspired by the barcode/morse code.

2. Sketches

Fig 1.1 Layout Rough Sketch, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

I started to sketch my ideas out to have a rough idea of how the layout will be like. I decided to digitalize them in InDesign straight away so I will have a clear idea and visualize them better.

3. Digitalization

Fig 1.2 Layout Attempt 01, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Fig 1.3 Layout Attempt 02, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Fig 1.4 Layout Attempt 03, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Fig 1.5 Layouts Blocked Out, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Following the feedback session, I decided to refine layout #2 as my final layout. Even though I have a lot of work to develop, the layout potentially has a good page composition. The repetition elements seen in the highlighted words of the subheadline create a connection to the overall composition. I didn't develop Layout #1 since there was a division between the black patches on the side and the body text. I liked Layout #3 but it seems, some of my classmates are already basing the idea of using the HTML code (</>) in their headline expression.

4. Layout Progress

Fig 1.6 Amendment for headline expression typeface, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Mr. Vinod told us to avoid putting text in the center as of the spread. Hence, I moved the code word more to the right and the letter C away from the gutter.

Fig 1.7 Amendment for line lengths, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

My first layout in the first attempt had confusing line lengths. Hence, I made a few attempts to test out different body text layouts that flow naturally and are easy for a reader to follow.

Fig 1.8 Amendment for graphic element, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

As suggested by Mr. Vinod, my black patch for the 'highlight' was unnecessarily too big for the text. I changed them following the text's cap height/ascender/descender.

Shortlisted New Layouts

Fig 1.9 Amended Layout #1, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Fonts: Univers LT Std (Ultra Condensed, Bold Oblique), ITC New Baskerville Std (Bold, Bold Italic)
Point Size: 8pt (body text), 16pt (subheading), 86pt (heading)
Leading: 11pt (body text), 19pt (subheading), 88pt (heading)
Line Length: 33-44

I amended this layout based on the feedback. This time, the line lengths are the same throughout the spread. However, I still think there is still a bit of confusion about the way the text is flowing to the next subheading.

Fig 1.10 Amended Layout #2, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Fonts: Univers LT Std (Ultra Condensed, Bold Oblique), ITC New Baskerville Std (Bold, Bold Italic)

Point Size: 8pt (body text), 16pt (subheading), 86pt (heading)

Leading: 11pt (body text), 19pt (subheading), 88pt (heading)

Line Length: 36-47

I decided to change the layout by making each subheading and body text into one column. This layout also has some breathing space compared to the earlier one, which felt packed all in one composition. However, it looks a little awkward with the empty space in the top left of the page.

Fig 2.0 Blocked out shortlisted layouts, Week 6 (29/9/2021)

Fig 2.1 Proposed Final Layout, Week 7 (6/10/2021)

After the feedback session, I revised my final layout and submitted the final version again. It is fighting with the element on the bottom right page. I should always keep in mind that if it is not enhancing the message then it is of no use.

Final Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication

Fig 2.2 Final Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication - JPEG, Week 7 (6/10/2021)

Fig 2.3 Final Task 2: Typographic Exploration and Communication - PDF, Week 7 (6/10/2021)

FEEDBACK

Week 6
General Feedback:
Complete the assignment by next week, together with updated work progression on our E-Portfolio. Mr. Vinod shared with us the kind of expected works from excellent to below average works for us to compare with ours and learn from. For the Task 2 assignment, he suggested we try putting in the editorial text, format it, and see how much space it has occupied. Then, we can work on the headline expression and explore layouts that best fit every element. Another thing to take note of is we have to ensure we make the meaning of the headline visible through expression.

Specific Feedback:

Interesting expressions of headlines, I should try changing my headline typeface to the same point size and tighten up the leading. Mr. Vinod commended my first attempt at using rectangles to highlight certain words. He suggested changing the size following the cap height/ascender/descender of the letters. However, my line length is a huge issue that I had in my layout. Different line lengths are confusing for the readers and it doesn't flow well. My second layout had an interesting expression of the headline as well. However, the black patch against the white has created a division in the layout. There is no interaction between the headline and the body text. The headline is supposed to flow into the body text instead of having separate 'islands' of their own.

Week 7
General Feedback:
This time around, the majority of us had good progressions in our e-portfolio. Some things to take note of are incomplete photo labels, one-liner feedbacks, and copying texts straight from the book for our further reading section. Mr. Charles suggested we keep up the consistency in our work progression and do what is expected of us. Mr. Vinod also highlighted that we should not chase the grades but instead, chase the learning.

Specific Feedback:
Mr. Vinod mentioned that the graphical element top left (page) is too heavy. It's fighting with the graphical element on the bottom right page. It's probably better to take it out. Other than that good attempt for my overall submission. He also advised me to analyze whether the design helps to enhance the message in my decision-making process.

REFLECTIONS

Experience:
Text formatting is quite a lengthy process. It is not just putting in a headline and body text. There are so many things to consider like point size, line length, leading, cross-alignment. All these (and more) have to be considered in effectively communicating the message to the reader. I struggled with fitting the whole body text nicely in the layout with the same line length, as well as, making sure the layout is according to the rules of typography.

Observation:
I noticed that I needed to be more observant when it comes to things like kerning, letter spacing, and leading. During the feedback session, Mr. Vinod made some of us give typographic judgments of our own to our peers' work. Some of the mistakes were recurrent and by observing designs, I believe will develop confidence and trust in our eye and judgment to our own designs.

Findings:
In this task, I found that grids help to give better control when arranging elements on a spread. The text formatting guides provided by Mr. Vinod helps me to make more informed and intentional design choices. With that, I hope to apply my text formatting skills well and convey text in the best possible way.

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