Objective

To learn to use Adobe Illustrator tools by example. To study the unifiying modular system of type design.

Discussion

Type designers work very hard at unifying all the characters of a typeface so that they look like they belong together. One approach to unifying a typeface is to repeat visual motifs over and over by re-using design elements from one character in another character. In this exercise, you will construct missing characters from a typeface by copying exisiting elements from other characters in the same typeface.

Procedure

reconstructing missing characters

1. download starter file
2. open "missing.ai" in Illustrator
3. practice Adobe navigation keyboard shortcuts: space=hand; space+cmd=zoom in; space+cmd+opt=zoom out; cmd+zero=fit in window
4. view > outlines (cmd+Y)
5. study the design of the typefaces (what is the difference between "old style," "transitional," and "modern" serifs?)
6. reference the design of the missing characters
7. copy select elements of your choice to reconstruct the missing characters (direct select tool)
8. save, print

grading

1. add your name to the bottom of the file
2. file > save for web: preset=GIF 32 no dither, image size=800px wide
3. publish GIF as a link from your projects page
4. submit a b&w laser proof with your name on it for grading
5. file graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review