PEM / S19
My Type Exercise 1
ComD 15
Students will be assigned a typeface from the legendary ‘ComD 15’ typefaces to research, write an article, and design a zine.
Assignment:
There used to be a set of 15 typefaces that students were only allowed to use during their Sophomore year in the Communication Design Department.
As pathetic as it sounds, these typefaces were actually very well designed typefaces and covered most of the typographic categories, which helped students built solid typographic foundation.
First of all, students will research and analyze all 15 typefaces, and then will be assigned a typeface from the list to further research. They will write an essay and design a Zine with their essay.
Process
Step 1: Research and Analyze the ComD 15 Typefaces
First of all, students will research and analyze all ‘ComD 15’ typefaces to get an overview of typographic classification and understand context of typographic design.
They may implement LATC theory to analyze the typeface. For example, Location might relate to place of manufacture or the specific type foundry where the typeface was designed. Time could relate to when it was designed or period of time when the typeface was popular. They will organize their research in visual form.
Step 2: Write an essay about the assigned typeface.
Each student will be assigned a typeface form the ComD 15. They will thoroughly research the typeface and write an essay about it. They should give a thought provoking title, and not be afraid to include their own opinion bout the typeface. Student should pay close attention to the internal structure of their essay which will help them create clear visual and typographical hierarchy when they design the layout later.
Student must submit their essay via Google Classroom by Monday, February 4.
Step 3: Design a Zine
Students will design a zine with their essay. They will visualize the key points with diagram, chart, photographs, illustration, and so on. They should also add quotes, captions, footnotes, and bibliography to make the zine more informative and engaging.
Student must present at least three different layout options for the first presentation.
Design format will be discussed.
Assigned Typefaces
Adobe Caslon / Isabel C.
Adobe Garamond / Noah S.
Baskerville / Julia F.
Bodoni / Emily G.
Clarendon / Ashna K.
Din / Amanda H.
Franklin Gothic / Pharrapatra R.
Futura / Sherry W.
Gill Sans / Maria U.
Helvetica Neue / Ashley K.
Optima / Nicholas L.
Palatino / Jamie Y.
Snell Roundhand / Derrick Z.
Trajan / Michelle C.
Univers / Austin S.
Supplemental Readings
The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton
Why Fonts Matter by Sarah Hyndman
ComD 15
Adobe Caslon
Adobe Garamond
Baskerville
Bodoni
Clarendon
Din
Franklin Gothic
Futura
Gill Sans
Helvetica Neue
Optima
Palatino
Snell Roundhand
Trajan
Univers
Schedule
Week 1 (1/23)
Assignment will be given.
Week 2 (1/31)
Present the research in a visual form.
Week 3 (2/7)
Submit your essay. Present design options for zine. Create at least 3 design options.
Week 4 (2/14)
Present final design
Opportunities
Grid System
Typographic Hierarchy
Diagram
Illustration
Photography
Booklet/Zine
Cover Design