Assignment 05
Modular Type
Graphic design oftentimes is about a system: a group of parts that come together to make a unified whole. We rely on the system to create consistency across form, meaning and message.
You will design a modular set of letters, numerals, and basic punctuation. In devising the system, you will be responsible for setting your own logic for a complex system of relations. Design at minimum a full set of either uppercase or lowercase letters, a–z and numerals 0-9. When you finish your alphabet design a poster promoting the typeface.
Your alphabet characters must be 100% black, no grey values are allowed. It must be created with a grid. It can be a crafted from a collection of elements, geometric shapes, organic or geometric forms.
Deliverables
Week 11, 11.19.18: Design 5 letterforms for 3 potential alphabets: 15 letters total
Week 12, 11.26.18: Design your full alphabet, each character printed 8.5×11"
and a 24×36" specimen poster
Required Letters
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
or abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
and 0123456789
Week 11
11.19.18
Bring in 3 potential alphabets, 5 letters for each. Print all 15 letters on 8.5×11" paper. These 3 alphabets should be totally different from one another structurally and stylistically. Print every letterform twice: one with your underlying grid, and the other set without your underlying grid.
Week 12
11.26.18
Based on our crit you will choose one direction to develop. Design all characters for your alphabet. The minimum is to design a full set of either uppercase or lowercase letters, a–z and numerals 0-9. Print every letterform on 8.5×11" paper. Also print a specimen poster 24×36" with every letter represented.
Things to consider
Type design is all about modular design: If you’ve made a decision in a capital E, for example, this should be reflected in a capital B. Your logic and system, if well defined, will help you design the rest of the letters.
Galapagos, by Dinamo & Felix Salut
Found Font, by Paul Elliman
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Poster 1968, by Wim Crouwel
typographic grid examples