GDS 110 Typography I

Blogging Assignment: Typography Survey
Instructor: Maya Bruck <mbruck@parkland.edu>
Office Hour: Mon 5:30–6:00pm, Wed 5:30-6:00pm in X126B

Objective

To survey the range of creative typography visible around you. To identify various fonts and styles. To survey current trends in typography.

Description

Type is everywhere. In this semester-long assignment, you will take inventory of the creative typography work around you. Take pictures of fonts and typefaces wherever you go. Pick up printed samples and scan them. Every week, publish at least one image on your blog. During the semester, showcase a broad range of examples. Consider the following categories:

Advertising (print, outdoor, direct mail, online, etc.)
Promotion (posters, brochures, displays, T-shirts, etc.)
Identity (logos, business cards, signs, bar napkins, etc.)
Packaging (products, CDs, DVDs, cartons, bags, etc.)
Publications (books, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, etc.)
Information (graphs, maps, directional signs, etc.)
Other (tip: look for unusual applications of typography)

For each entry in your blog, write one paragraph describing your selection:

Try to identify the typeface (name the font)
Describe the font style (serif, sans serif, old style, modern, etc.)
Describe its function (informational, identity, advertising, etc.)
Discuss the quality of the typography (spacing, proportion, kerning, color, etc.)
Describe where you saw it
Discuss what attracted you to the piece
(use adjectives from the vocabulary wheel ).

Extra credit: Feel free to also use Parkland Library's resources (books, annuals, periodicals). Graphic design students are allowed to check out periodicals from the library for scanning.

Procedure

Take your camera with you wherever you go. Take pictures of examples of creative typography (or scan pieces you pick up). Edit your selection down to your favorites and post at least one image to your blog every week.
In your blog entry, write one paragraph about each piece. Be sure to describe where you found the example.
Present your blog for team critique and feedback every week by posting your blog's web address as part of each week's Angel homework assignment. Revise your blog as needed for grading at midterm and at the end of the semester.
Read the posts 6 of your classmates, starting with the ones who have the fewest responses. Comment and critique their entries by posting responses to their entries.
Prizes may be awarded for high quality finds and excellence in writing.

Important: This is a graded assignment. Spelling, grammar, clarity of thought and adherence to assignment specifications will count towards your grade.

Schedule

Your initial post is due Thursday at 11:55pm every week. You must also respond to your classmates' posts by Sunday at 11:55pm.