Advanced Typography / Task 3: Design Exploration and Application

27.5.2022 - 1.7.2022 (Week 9 - Week 14)
Moey Jo Min (0350567)
Advanced Typography / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 3: Design Exploration and Application

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LECTURES

All lecture 1-5 are completed in Task 1: Exercises.

INSTRUCTIONS


Task 3: Design Exploration and Application

1. Proposal

Fig 1.1 Chosen Idea (3.6.2022)

I realized that many Chinese style designs do not have a complementary Latin typeface that suits the Chinese characters. They either use some typical serif/sans serif typefaces, or typefaces like Wonton that do not seem to look Chinese. 

I suddenly had an idea of creating a clerical script inspired typeface, as I felt that it has more potential to be designed as a Latin typeface. 


2. Sketch

Fig 1.2 One of the pages of the clerical script copybook (3.6.2022)

I have a copybook of the clerical script published by my high school (Hin Hua High School), which includes a few styles of the script and some tips of writing the characters. I also watched some videos of how the strokes are written to better observe the shapes. 


Fig 1.3 First sketch (3.6.2022)

I tried sketching out the letters "O-A-T-H" referring to different Chinese characters written in the clerical script. However, they seem to be too similar to the Chinese calligraphy brush strokes, which looks awkward to me. 


Fig 1.4 Second sketch (4.6.2022)

I was just sketching freely on my notebook as I was thinking of a better solution. Suddenly, I had an idea of drawing a 4×3 grid to get the extended letterforms. Then I began sketching out a few letters. I like this better than the first sketch. I decided to maintain the extended characteristic of the clerical script. The strokes of the final typeface are slightly curved inwards. I got the idea while sketching out the letter I. 


3. Digitizing and Generating

Fig 1.5 Grids to construct letterforms (.6.2022)

I have created grids so that I can maintain a similar width for the letterforms. The standard dimension of the letters is 4×3 cells. For letters like I, L, M, W, the width will be decreased or increased. The thickness of the vertical strokes is one cell. 


Fig 1.6 First draft (10.6.2022)

I only managed to complete 15 letters in week 11, the above is the outcome. Instead of making the strokes identical to Chinese scripts, I simplified it and make the strokes slightly bent inwards to mimic the characteristic of brush strokes. 


Fig 1.7 Letter "C" (12.6.2022)

I was given feedback that the top section of the letters C, E, F, G and J do not seem to be like part of the letters. So, I tried editing the shape. The one on the left is the first version. I made the shape more alike to one of the characteristics of the clerical script, and adjusted the shape from it. 


Fig 1.8 Letter "D" (12.6.2022)

For the curved parts like the letter D, I made them curve even more. The upper part also slightly overshoots the cap line to make the curve more obvious. 


Fig 1.9 Workspace (17.6.2022)

My workspace is packed as I do not delete the process of developing each letterforms in case I need them afterwards. What I do to "tidy up" is to put them in another layer and hide the layer to have more space. 


Fig 1.10 Final Type Design - Kopitiam (17.6.2022)

I planned to use my typeface for kopitiams (coffee shops), and I eventually felt that I should name the typeface "Kopitam" for some reasons. The typeface looks best in large point size and short line length due to its extended characteristic. 


Generating Typeface

Fig 1.11 Generating typeface in FontForge (19.6.2022)

I used FontForge to generate my typeface. Since I am only designing uppercase letters for this task, I added them into the lowercase letters cells so that the letters will appear even not typing in capital letters. 


Fig 1.12 Scaling (19.6.2022)

Some letters are imported larger or smaller in size. So, I scaled them up and down manually to get all of them in the same size. 


Fig 1.13 Kerning Letters (19.6.2022)

After placing all the letters, numbers and punctuations into their respective cells, I kerned them. The software actually automatically kerns the letters just by a few clicks, but I also checked them and adjusted a little in the metrics tab. 


Try out the typeface here! :D



4. Application


Fig 1.14 "Eng Ho Hainam Kopitiam" (20.6.2022)

As I mentioned earlier, I will be using my typeface for kopitiams. I decided to name my kopitiam "Eng Ho Hainam Kopitiam"(永和海南茶店). The word "Eng Ho" is translated from Hokkien, written as "永和" (yǒng hé) in Chinese, which the two characters mean "forever" and "peace" respectively. I used an online font generator to generate the Chinese words that suits my typeface. 


Application 1 - Cup and Saucer

Fig 1.15 Cup and saucer image by Gabi Miranda on Unsplash (21.6.2022)

The coffee cups in kopitiams are very iconic, so I decided to apply my typeface on a cup and a saucer. I downloaded the white coffee cup image from Unsplash and edited it in Photoshop. 


Fig 1.16 Warping text (21.6.2022) 

I recolored the cup and the saucer into a light yellow to mimic the typical kopitiam cup. Then, I warped the green text on the cup using the warp tool. 


Fig 1.17 Creating scratches on the text (21.6.2022)

Since the text is printed on, it will eventually have some scratches. I tried making the scratches using the eraser tool, and I quite like how it turns out. The process somehow reminds me of the type and image exercise. 


Fig 1.18 Text and scratches on saucer (21.6.2022)

I repeated the steps for the saucer. Perspective warp tool and a little bit of gaussian blur was being used for the text on the saucer. 


Fig 1.19 Edited background color (21.6.2022)

Mr Vinod emphasized that the color of our images should be almost the same to make them look like a set. So, I changed the background color of the original image. 


Application 2 - Staff's T-shirt

Fig 1.20 T-shirt created by rawpixels on Freepik (21.6.2022)

The second application is a staff's t-shirt. As I wanted to retain the old school style, I had chosen a plain white t-shirt.


Fig 1.21 Front design (21.6.2022)

The front design of the t-shirt is very simple as it is a staff's t-shirt instead of a fashion clothing, with a seal writing "永和" and the word "ENG HO" below. 


Fig 1.22 Back Design (21.6.2022)

I realized that some Chinese old school designs tend to have the text arranged as an arc. So, I tried adding that into the back design. 


Fig 1.23 Staff's T-shirt (21.6.2022)

I had also warped the text slightly to match the folds of the t-shirt. The above is the outcome.


Application 3 - Shop Sign

Fig 1.24 Shop sign created by rawpixels on Freepik (22.6.2022)

I don't want to use pictures from Google as I am concerned of the copyright issues. I only managed to find one that could possibly look like a kopitiam. 


Fig 1.25 Shop Sign 1 (22.6.2022)

This is the design that I came up with, but I think it doesn't look right. Mr Vinod said that it doesn't seem real, and he suggested me to change another image. 

                        
Fig 1.26 Shop Sign created by freepik on Freepik (29.6.2022)

I found another image that is more simple and looks more like a kopitiam. I changed the image I was previously using into this. 


Fig 1.27 Shop sign designs (29.6.2022)

I created a few designs of the shop sign in Illustrator. The designs does look better on this image. 


Fig 1.28 Final shop sign (30.6.2022)

I had chosen this as final out of the six designs as I like it the most. 


Application 4 - Menu

Fig 1.29 Menu 1 (22.6.2022)

I designed the poster in Illustrator. I found it challenging to design an old school menu for kopitiams, and I was trying to not be dependent on graphical elements. 


Fig 1.30 Menu simulation (22.6.2022)

I wanted to create a laminated effect at first, like the menu in many kopitiams. However, I did not manage to find a free mockup image of it. So, I laid the menu down flat and added shadow to it. 


Fig 1.31 Menu layout (30.6.2022)

I made another few layouts, these are the ones that I am more satisfied with. I removed the images that the menu had previously as I felt that they made the design rather distasteful. The two layouts are basically the same, one with borders and one without. The borders somehow made the design to have a vintage style. So, I decided to go with the one on the right.  


Fig 1.32 Chosen menu layout (30.6.2022)

The borders somehow made the design to have a vintage style. So, I decided to go with this one. 


Fig 1.33 Final menu simulation (30.6.2022)

I added shadow below the menu. This is the final outcome. 


Application 5 - Coaster

Fig 1.34 Coasters created by freepik on Freepik (28.6.2022)

There would possibly be coasters as cold drinks are being served. I decided to also apply my typeface on coasters. 


Fig 1.35 Coasters (28.6.2022)

For the coasters, I made two colors. I did not add too many design elements as the text will be the main focus. Perspective warp was being used. I also tried different blending modes and adjusted the opacity to make them look more realistic. 


Application 6 - Paper Bag

Fig 1.36 Paper Bag created by rawpixels.com on Freepik (28.6.2022)

Some kopitiams nearby my house have started using paper bags instead of plastic bags as they are more eco-friendly. So, I also used my typeface on paper bags for takeaways. 


Fig 1.37 Paper bag designs (28.6.2022)

I tried making a few designs in Illustrator. Out of the five, I like the top left one and the first two from the second row. 


Fig 1.38 Paper bags (28.6.2022)

I simulated the three designs by warping the text on the paper bag using the warp tool. I changed the blending mode as well as the opacity to create the more realistic look. 


Final Task 3: Design Exploration and Application


Fig 1.39 "Kopitiam" - Final Type Design (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.40 Application 1 - Cup and Saucer (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.41 Application 2 - Staff's T-shirt (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.42 Application 3 - Signboard (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.43 Application 4 - Menu Design (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.44 Application 4 - Menu (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.45 Application 5 - Coaster (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.46 Application 6 - Paper Bag (30.6.2022)


Fig 1.47 Application: Flat Lay (30.6.2022)

 
 
Fig 1.48 Final Design Exploration and Application - PDF (30.6.2022)

FEEDBACK

WEEK 10

General Feedback:
We need to consider the application of our typeface.

Specific Feedback:
Mr Vinod is okay with my idea. However, while designing my typeface, I should not be making it to look like Chinese characters, but to give a hint through the characteristic. 

WEEK 11

General Feedback: 
We need variety in our design so that it would not be monotonous. The letterforms must be built from scratch instead of modifying existing typeface. 

Specific Feedback:
Mr Vinod likes the curved vertical stroke in the letter O. However, it is not as prominent as it is in the letters B, C, D, G, J, P. The curved parts in those letters will be thicker if written using a brush, as the pause will cause the paper absorbing more ink. The shape of the top section of my letters C, E, F, G, J needs more work, currently they don't seem to be like part of the letterforms. 

WEEK 12

General Feedback:
The application is what that makes our typefaces meaningful. 


Specific Feedback:
I intended to use the typeface that I designed for kopitiams. Mr Vinod is good with the idea, he gave a few suggestions for the collaterals, including menu, coffee cups and staff's t-shirt. I can also use my typeface with Chinese characters in Clerical script. The application should maintain the vintage style.

WEEK 13

General Feedback:
When we do the simulation, the item should be larger so that the text can be seen. The background color of our applications should be the same, or else they do not look like they are a set. Mr Vinod encouraged us to do both uppercase and lowercase letters to stand a chance being selected to get our typeface copyrighted.

Specific Feedback:
The cup and the t-shirt are fine. The shop sign and the menu do not seem real. Maybe I should change an image for the shop sign or make it look like it is painted on. The design of the menu can be better, but still remain the vintage look. Do more applications. 

REFLECTION

Experience:
This is my first time designing a typeface with a full set of uppercase letters. The process was not as heavy as I thought, though I did face some issues. Generating the font in FontForge took me quite some time, as I am not used to the interface of the software and I needed to look for tutorials online. I like the typeface, I think it does go well with the clerical script, but I am still not completely satisfied with some parts. I am planning to spend some time during the break to make things better, and hopefully able to design the lowercase letters as well. 

Observations:
I found that I prefer working within a shorter period of time, though I might get overwhelmed sometimes. I will start to lose interest on the work and somehow procrastinate if the time frame is long. 

Findings:
I realized that my skill in Photoshop is weaker. I do not know many of the tools, which sometimes I ended up using a more complex way to do something simple. What I can do is to look for tutorials on YouTube to learn about the different tools and practice on my own during free time. 

FURTHER READING


Fig 2.1 Typographic Design: Form and Communication


Fig 2.2 Chapter 11: Typographic Design Education - pg 217

I remember reading this page previously, but I was not clear what exactly it is about. I only fully understood the content after task 3 started. The pictures shown in this page are some experimental type design by students. What they did looks very interesting, which motivates me to try designing an experimental typeface in the future. 

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