Advanced Typography - Task 3: Type Expression and Application

Typography Experimentation: Explore a creative approach to typography through experimentation (e.g., working with 3D materials, digital effects, or unconventional mediums like edible materials).

3.1 Research

Idea #1

Fig 3.1.1 The alphabet of Unown. (Source)

Unown is a Pokemon that has various forms, all of it resemble the roman alphabet.
Reimagine/expand this Pokemon into an inspired font.
Font will be used to advertise a new game.

3.2 Ideation

Fig 3.2.1 Initial Sketches.

To start, I sketched out uppercase letters to try and mimic the style of Unown. After feedback though, I realised that the eye gimmick was a bit too repetitive and needed a bit of tweaking.

Fig 3.2.2 Sketches

To which I then altered in Fig 3.2.2.

Fig 3.2.3 Letter Digitization Process #1.

I started by using the Ellipse tool to create the general outline of each letter and number. After that, I utilised the pathfinder tool to divide, each shape of the letter and remove the ones within the negative spaces. Like in Fig 3.2.3, I had to remove apart of X at the very top so I had to use both pathfinder and the eraser tool to separate it.

Fig 3.2.4 Letter Digitization Process #2-3

Fig 3.2.5 Letter Digitization Process #4

I had to adjust things here and there because they didn't really look too good in my eyes and the most prominent change was the S and J with S having a more cleaner form and J having a shorter height.

Fig 3.2.6 Importing letters into FontLab.

After creating the simple symbols and punctuation, I imported everything into FontLab and adjusted things again because some had their negative spaces gone so I had to fix it.

Fig 3.2.7 Adjusting Kerning.

I then adjusted the kerning of each letter in the metrics tab. Using the lyrics to Hello World by Louie Zhong, I got to test out multiple different combos of letters.

3.3 Final Outcome

Fig 3.3.1 Final Font Design.

Download the "Unknown" font here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14oZmiSFpLvU1_3922bv_PoT5vdrU2UO8?usp=sharing

Font tester:

4. PROCESS WORK FOR FONT APPLICATION

4.1 Research

Fig 4.1.1 Inspo-board.

Link to Pinterest Board: https://pin.it/3XdlTKrlD

4.2 Ideation

Fig 4.2.1 Font Presentation Progress.

I decided to create simple presentations for my font that alluded to some type of mystery since the font itself is derived from a mysterious Pokemon within its lore. Plus, it also reminded me of those typical alien crop circles. I stuck to a warm palette, loosely inspired by a different mysterious Pokemon named Mimikyu.

I decided to use a rationale where I'd be trying to sell both a game and its merchandise targeted at gamers which would then be:

The game itself
Hoodie
Poster
Mousepad
Pin badge

For all Mock-ups, I acquired them through Unblast.com.

Fig 4.2.2 Font Application Progress #1 - Poster

I started with choosing a poster to create of the new fictional Pokemon game called "Pokemon NWONU". Which is basically just Unown backwards.

Fig 4.2.4 Font Application Progress #- Hoodie

Next, I decided something simple for the Hoodie, where I'd place the NWONU as the big focus title whilst POKEMON would be on top at a much smaller yet legible title.

Fig 4.2.5 Font Application Progress #- Game Cover

Onto the game cover itself, I took referenced heavily to my initial Type Expression and used the Big Smoke as the background with the faded letters behind the actual title. This time though, The letters behind spell out UNKNOWN to really capture the mysterious aura. Additionally, I also added a big letter O in the cover since it resembled an eye which would make the whole game vibe more creepy.

Fig 4.2.6 Font Application Progress #- Mouse Pad

For the mouse pad, I took a slightly different approach for the mouse pad. I decided to use some other symbols to be put into the designs.

Fig 4.2.7 Font Application Progress #- Pin Badge.

The pin badge had a simple design to not overcomplicate things.

4.3 Final Outcome

Fig 4.3.1 Font Application #1 - Poster

Fig 4.3.2 Font Application #2 - Hoodie

Fig 4.3.3 Font Application #3 - Pin Badge

Fig 4.3.4 Font Application #4 - Mouse Pad

Fig 4.3.5 Font Application #5- Game Cover

File 4.3.1 Font Application Compilation (PDF)

5. FEEDBACK

Week 10

General Feedback:

- Keep canvas/artboard height AT MINIMUM, at 1000pts.

- Your letterforms should fit snugly within the canvas height.

Specific Feedback:

- Idea is workable, but needs more expansion and less "eyes" in certain letters because it can become too distracting.

- Make your application towards the advertising side of the game.

Week 11

General Feedback: N/A

Specific Feedback: N/A

Week 12

General Feedback: N/A

Specific Feedback: N/A

Week 13

General Feedback: N/A

Specific Feedback: N/A

Week 14

General Feedback: N/A

Specific Feedback: N/A

6. REFLECTION

6.1 Experience

The process of creating the font itself was a fun time. Being able to insert my interest (Pokemon) into it somehow was also quite nice. But I was in a rut for most of the time during this Task, so trying to find that spark for me to properly continue with it was really hard. But I managed to barely pull through.

6.2 Observations

I tried my best to not fall into that unhealthy mindset of "I'll never be as good" when looking through my seniors' works. That feeling came flying by like an annoying mosquito that I couldn't get rid of. It's also what led me to less than satisfactory results. But besides that on-going mindset, I think I've learned a thing or two.

6.3 Findings

I found that to be a good typographer, I have to learn to be my own critic; to be more critical of my work. And afterwards, I'd have to be open to criticism and not let it easily get me down. And to always not be afraid to ask for help when in need.

7. FURTHER READING

Fig 7.1 Making Font by O Street (Source)

Coming across this article randomly turned out to be quite a find personally. O street is a studio filled with over 50 artists in Washington DC. In this article, a group of them who happen to like the quirky typography of the roads in the UK. So throughout the article, they interview multiple road design professionals and from there the team decides to create a font inspired by the road typography.

The whole article felt quit down-to-earth and made me feel like wanting to go out into the city and find unique road typography myself. The team showing each stage of creating their font was insightful. I only hope to have as much of their patience and passion for creating a typeface. They also included a quite mice note at the very end.

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Qistina Nuralya Maria Binti Azly (0354180)

Advanced Typography - Task 3: Type Expression and Application

Table of contents

2. INSTRUCTIONS:

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