Final Modular Grid

Here are the final compositions for our first project in Typography

Phase 3 focused on using color, large font, rules, and establishing clear hierarchy

Phase 2 introduced color and rules into the project. We were supposed to still lock to the upper-left corner of the grid and use only 2 font sizes and weights

Phase 1 was entirely about using the modular grid. No color allowed and only two font sizes and weight. We were allowed to lock to the upper-left corner of the grid, only.

Cats on Cats on Cats, Round 2

80 more cats due today, only with different parameters this time!

1) radical or extreme abstraction of your animal

2) must explore making marks on "another surface"

 3) must convey a specific meaning (a behavior characteristic)

 4) icon of your animal (think stereotype and cultural references)

 5) hybrid (two or more designs cut and pasted into a new form)

 6) index of your animal (think of an inspiring word: tall, long, wide)

 7) must express the texture of your animal

 8) must be entirely typographic (use a word that sums up your animal, real or made-up)

96 COMPLETED Cats (VISCOM)

It took some determination, high amounts of caffeine and some late night electronic music to ensure that all my drawings and designs fit within the parameters. For this part of the project, we were asked to represent our animal in 8 different ways

1) must be painterly - system of thick and thin strokes, calligraphic

 2) must be gestural

3) must use only circles, triangles or squares

4) must convey a specific meaning (using only one line)

5) find or take a photo that best describes your animal

6) must be graphical: use only right angles, straight lines and only two stroke widths

7) use alternative marking tool, nothing traditional (no pencil/pen, brush, marker)

8) must use a photocopier + cut/paste paper by hand

First critique woes (VISCOM)

Well that went poorly.
I showed up with 72 drawings of cats and left thinking maybe 25 were considered adequate.

Second week of school and I already want to cry.

Examples of good typography, in my opinion (Typography)

I've never been into this place, but it has always been a store front that I remember. For years, my family has gone to the Colorado Springs area for vacation and every time we pass through Old Colorado City, this large fonted business is there.

I can't explain why I like it, or why I think it's a good example of typography. All I know, is that I remembered it without having any interaction with the business or what it stands for.

This example of typography can now speak for itself. It's become iconic, even with just the colors the word uses. It's recognizable, readable, and simple. Not every word has to be fancy and filled with flair.

Setting a Haiku (Letterpress)

We were asked to write a haiku during our first Letterpress class.

Through the rolling hills
Toward a place that once was home.
Railroad stops us here.

Once we felt good about our poem, we moved on to the letterpress lab to set our text.

 And print