Advanced Typography | Task 1: Exercises
22
Apr
2025
-
13
May
2025
(Week
1-4)
Justin
Cleon
(0375523)
Advanced Typography | Task 1: Exercises
Table
of
Contects
1. Instructions
2. Lectures
Lecture
1 :
Typographic
System
All the designs are based on a structural system. There are
eight (8) major typographic systems to create layouts such as
axial, radial, dilatational, random, grid, modular,
transitional, and bilateral. This system provides us for
further exploration, intuition development and
matures.
Figure 2.1 Typographic System
Lecture 2 : Typographic Composition
Principle
of
Design
Composition:
•
Emphasis
•
Isolation
•
Repetition
•
Symmetry
&
Asymmetry
•
Alignment
•
Perspective
By
applying
these
principles
into
real
life
content
(images,
textual
information
and
colour)
can
sometimes
feel
diverse.
Some
of
these
principles
may
be
effectively
used
for
interpretation
compared
to
the
others.
Rule
of
Thirds
Rule
of
thirds
is
a
photographic
guide
to
composition
and
place
the
points
of
interest
within
the
given
space.
It
is
a
frame
that
can
be
divided
into
3
columns
and
3
rows
(3x3).
Figure
2.2 Rule
of
Thirds
Typographic
System
From
the
eight
(8)
typographic
systems,
grid
system
is
the
most
used
system,
which
is
derived
from
the
gridded
compositional
structure
of
LetterPress
printing.
Currently
it
is
known
as
the
Swiss
(Modernist)
style
of
typography.
While
the
grid
system
might
seem
to
be
old
or
rigid,
it
tends
to
allow
an
infinite
number
of
adaptations,
that's
why
it
continues
to
be
popular.
Figure
2.3 Grid
System
From
orderly
typography
of
the
modernist
era,
giving
rise
to
the
post-modernist
era
in
typographic
design.
This
movement
embraced
chaos,
randomness,
and
asymmetry,
often
placing
less
emphasis
on
traditional
legibility
and
readability.
The
expressive
styles
bring
fresh
energy
and
visual
excitement
using
asymmetry,
repetition,
dilatational,
and
radial
system.
Figure
2.4 The
Expressive
Styles
Other
Models/Systems
Environmental
Grid
Based
on
the
exploration
of
an
existing
structure
or
numerous
structures
combined.
Because
of
this
system
developed
around
key
features
of
an
environment
associated
with
the
communicators
of
the
message.
Figure
2.5 Environmental
Grid
Forms
&
Movement
Based
on
the
exploration
of
the
existing
grid
system.
This
system
explores
the
multitude
of
options
the
grid
offers,
making
it
more
flexible
to
use.
The
seriousness
surrounding
the
application
of
the
grid
system
and
to
see
the
turning
pages
in
a
book
as
a
slowed-down
animation
in
the
form
that
constitutes
the
placement
of
image,
text,
and
color.
The
placement
of
a
form
on
a
page
with
multiple
creates
movement.
Whether
the
page
is
paper
or
screen
is
irrelevant. Static
version
of
the
form
placed
on
spread
to
ensure
visual
connection
and
delight
on
every
page.
Letterforms
designed
to
imitate
handwriting.
Since
the
colonization
in
the
East
from
the
West.
Most
of
the
literature
that
was
transformed
suddenly
interrupted
because
of
the
influence
of
Western
literature.
These
old
cultures
need
to
be
encouraged,
that
could
create
creative
ideas
only
original
and
unique
to
ourselves.
Currently,
Jawi
Scripts
is
still
widely
used
for
well-known
literary
classics
in
Malaysia.
Figure
2.6 Forms
&
Movement
The
level
of
complexity
increases
with
supplementary
colour,
elements,
images,
text,
and
so
on.
Figure
2.7 Forms
&
Movement
Lecture
3
:
Context
&
Creativity
Letterforms
designed
to
imitate
handwriting.
Since
the
colonization
in
the
East
from
the
West.
Most
of
the
literature
that
was
transformed
suddenly
interrupted
because
of
the
influence
of
Western
literature.
These
old
cultures
need
to
be
encouraged,
that
could
create
creative
ideas
only
original
and
unique
to
ourselves.
Currently,
Jawi
Scripts
is
still
widely
used
for
well-known
literary
classics
in
Malaysia.
Figure
2.8 The
History
of
Letterforms
Lecture
4
:
Designing
Type
Type
design
is
a
form
of
artistic
expression.
General
type
of
design
must
follow
a
structured
process
beginning
with
research,
sketching,
digitization,
testing,
and
deploying
the
typeface.
Additionally,
history,
anatomy,
and
type
conventions
needed
to
consider.
From
all
these,
define
its
purpose
and
find
references
from
existing
typefaces.
Designing
typefaces
might
be
motivated
by
personal
interests
or
from
problems
in
the
current
typeface
designs.
In
an
extrinsic
style,
it
could
be
influenced
by
commissions
from
other
people
and
tasks
to
complete
for
students.
Figure
2.9 Influental
Type
Designers
3. Exercises 1: Typography System
For the first exercise, we were tasked to do the 8 typographic
systems in our version, from the text given in the MIB and
limited to the 10 fonts given in the previous Typography module.
We will do this exercise in Adobe InDesign (200 x 200mm , 2
page, 3 column with gutter 5mm, margin 10mm).
Notes:
- Every design element should support the overall structure, not distract from it.
- The ideal text or font size should be 8-12pt, add 2-3pt more for leading.
- 'shift+enter' to remove hypens.
- Proper margins and clear gutters are essential, especially in grid systems.
- A strong layout should still work even without graphics as the text alone should command the space effectively.
Research
I started by searching for examples of the given words using
Pinterest, Google, and some websites to help me get a better
idea.
Figure 3.1 Source: Pinterest - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Digitilization of The Process
Initially, I began with making a layout and grid in Adobe
Indesign based on the requirements of the assignment. Then, I
tried to make a Typographic System in Axial due to it being
easy and simplified. However, I took a lot of time in Axial
since I underestimated and the worst part is the result is not
in Axial although for Bilateral.
Here are some images (more images remain) that the process I
making the task to do the Typographic Systems:
Figure 3.2 Digitilization of The Process (Overall) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Axial
My first concept with axial was using an axis or line. All
elements are organized either to the left or right of a
single axis. Additionally, I wanted to make it keep
simplified and minimalist, so I made three (3) designs and
compared which ones are better.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Bold)
.png)
Figure 3.3 Axial (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.4 Axial - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Radial
For radial, I was quite struggling and challenging what
design or style I wanted to make and ensure the
information was clear and readable. However, I get
inspired by some examples of design on Pinterest, which
is the orbit of the solar system.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Bold)
.png)
Figure 3.5 Radial (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.6 Radial - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Dilatational
My starting point is to use the Yin & Yang concept,
where two (2) opposite forces are interconnected and
interdependent to create balance, contrast, and
harmony.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Bold, Extra Bold)
.png)
Figure 3.7 Dilatational (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.8 Dilatational - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Random
For random, I tried a different approach compared to
how most people will do it. As for me, I put the word
“ABC” in the middle with big sizes and irregularities.
Additionally, for the information text I make it on the
side with some mirrored version and low opacity.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Bold)
Abaddon™ (Regular)
Bodoni 72 (Book)
Gill Sans Std (Shadowed)
ITC Garamond Std (Bold)
Helvetica (Light Oblique)
Futura (Medium, Medium Italic, Bold)
.png)
Figure 3.9 Random (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.10 Random - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Grid
Proper margins and clear gutters are essential in grid
layout. I reused the elements, fonts, and layout from
axial and slightly modified them. Overall, I make two
(2) layouts and so I can select the better option.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Italic, Bold, Bold
Italic)
.png)
Figure 3.11 Grid (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.12 Grid - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Transitional
Transitional system is the second hardest after the
random. It can be particularly challenging due to its
inherent freedom and lack of inflexible structure. In
the first design, I think it differs from transitional.
Therefore, I tried to modify it and made sure the
information was like flowy versions.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Extra Bold)
Futura (Bold)
Figure 3.13 Transitional (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.14 Transitional - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Modular
The modular system was related to the grid, where the
elements are interchangeable and can be combined in
different ways (often for efficiency and
flexibility).
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Bold, Bold Italic)
Futura (Medium, Bold)
.png)
Figure 3.15 Modular (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.16 Modular - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Bilateral
In a bilateral layout, every element or component
has to be symmetrical because this system is
mostly used for formal and invitations. Therefore,
I set the main title first and followed by the
other to support information to be placed
accordingly. Additionally, it was easier to
organize if I set it up like this.
Font used:
Bembo Std (Regular, Bold, Bold Italic, Extra
Bold)
.png)
Figure 3.17 Bilateral (Process) - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Figure 3.18 Bilateral - Week 1 (22/4/25)
Final Typography System
.jpg)
Figure 3.19 Axial System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg)
Figure 3.20 Radial System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg)
Figure 3.21 Dilatational System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg)
Figure 3.22 Random System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg)
Figure 3.23 Grid System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg)
Figure 3.24 Bilateral System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg){kind=spacer}
Figure 3.25 Transitional System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
.jpg)
Figure 3.26 Modular System (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Figure 3.27 Final Typography System (PDF) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
4. Exercises 2: Type & Play
For the Exercise 2, we
were tasked to create
letterforms from the
things that we see
daily. I chose noodles
because the structure
seems like easily into
curves and lines,
perfect for shaping
letters.
Figure 4.1 Noodles - Week 2 (29/4/25)
For this part, which is to trace
the image and extract the
letterforms.
Figure 4.2 Extracting Letterforms - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Then, I find a reference
typeface that could match
with my letterforms is
Futura Condensed
ExtraBold.
Figure 4.3 Refining Process - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Here is how it looks after
being refined, definitely looks
more like the original font
while retaining elements from
the initial
extraction.
Figure 4.4 Final Refinement - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Figure 4.5 Noodls Letter - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Once all the letterforms were
complete, the next task was to
use the finalized letterforms
to create a mock-up movie
poster. These are all created in
Adobe Illustrator and Adobe
Photoshop.
.png)
Figure 4.6 Noodls Poster (Process) - Week 3 (6/5/25)
Figure 4.7 Noodls Poster - Week 3 (6/5/25)
Final Type & Play
Figure 4.8 Extracting Letterforms (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Figure 4.9 Refining Process (Final) - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Figure 4.10 Final Refinement - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Figure 4.11 Noodls Letter - Week 2 (29/4/25)
Figure 4.12 Noodls Poster - Week 3 (6/5/25)
Figure 4.13 Final Type & Play (PDF) - Week 3 (6/5/25)
5. Feedback
Week 1
General Feedback : Introduction to Advanced
Typography and e-portofolio
creation, followed by a briefing
about the lectures and Task 1
(Exercises).
Week 2
General Feedback : Overall, Mr. Vinod gave
feedback on Exercises 1 and
followed by explaining Exercises
2.
Specific Feedback : Mr. Vinod told and explain
about typography work is about the
details. every design element
should support the overall
structure, not distract from it.
Proper margins and clear gutters
are essential, especially in grid
systems. A strong layout should
still work even without graphics
as the text alone should command
the space effectively. Lastly,
axial system is every text align
to the line avoid 45° angle.
Week 3
General Feedback : Mr. Vinod gave feedback on Exercises 2 and
reminded us to finsih entire Task 1 by the next
class.
Specific Feedback : Our letterfrom progress focuses on learning
observation through visual dissection, extracting
the core characteristics of an object, not its minor
or detailed features.
Week 4
General Feedback : Mr. Vinod provided feedback on our movie
poster and explained Task 2.
Specific Feedback : Overall, Mr. Vinod told me "You can pass with
that result, but what you can do is improve it
yourself, and what you get from other friends'
feedback"
6. Reflection
Experience
It's been half a year since I started the first Typography module, and
honestly, I'm quite afraid to start Advanced Typography again. The
assignments in the previous module were a bit more intensive compared to the
other modules from the first semester.
Observation
For observation, the process involves asking Mr. Vinod to review my work.
Additionally, feedback and comments from other friends has helped me to
improve and for me to complete the assignments.
Findings
Overall
for
Task
1,
for
me,
the
extensive
knowledge
and
the
information
that
I
have
gotten
about
Advanced
Typography.
While
making
comments
about
design
elements
might
seem
straightforward,
however,
deeper
understanding
shows
the
complexity
and
depth
of
the
subject.
The
knowledge
that
I
have
gotten
from
this
learning
experience,
even
though
it
does
not
immediately
applicable,
may
prove
that
it
is
valuable.
7.
Further
Reading
Typographic
systems
provide
a
method
for
organizing
type
within
a
space.
The
typographic
systems
are
frame,
grid,
radial,
modular,
bilateral,
axial,
dilatational,
and
random.
These
systems
function
as
both
a
design
process
and
a
design
solution.
They
address
and
resolve
issues
of
hierarchy,
order
of
reading,
and
legibility.
The
page
is
a
field
of
information,
a
structured
space
in
which
content
and
visual
hierarchy
are
articulated
through
typographic
elements.
The
grid
provides
the
underlying
structure
that
supports
the
active
composition.
These
systems
encourage
innovation
and
experimentation,
while
giving
structure
to
typographic
composition.
The
systems
demonstrate
that
functional
and
expressive
typographic
solutions
are
not
mutually
exclusive.
In
design
education
and
practice,
understanding
and
employing
these
systems
helps
develop
refined
and
innovative
visual
communication.
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