GDS 110 Typography I

Project 1: Type Specimen Poster
Instructor: Jennifer Davis

Objective

To develop conceptual thinking skills. To communicate ideas visually and verbally. To explore typography styles. To develop systems of visual organization.

Secondary objectives

To utilize Illustrator as a layout and production tool.

Description

Design a type specimen poster for the International Typeface Corporation (ITC). The final poster will be printed on an inkjet plotter and framed. The size of the poster is 24x36 inches and it must "sell" the typeface to potential users of the font. You may only choose fonts from their "classic" list (Parkland may not own all of these fonts).

Required elements for the poster:

must include the entire alphabet of the font (caps and lowercase)
a paragraph about the font and/or designer written by you
the ITC logo
ITC's web address: www.itcfonts.com
your name as designer

Approved font requests:

Avant Garde - Reese Martin
Bailey Sans
Benguiat
Berkeley - Jennilee Benda
Bodoni
Bookman
Caslon 224
Century Book
Cheltenham - Robin Mitchell
Clearface
Cushing
Eras - Jonathon Pearce
Esprit
Fenice
Franklin Gothic
Galliard - Clint Spiker
Garamond - Ashley Whittaker
Giovanni
Goudy Sans
Kabel
Kallos
Korinna
Leawood
Lubalin Graph - Corey Burton
Mendoza Roman
New Baskerville - Sarah Chen
Officina Sans
Officina Serif
Slimbach
Souvenir
Tiepolo
Usherwood - Brandon Satterfield
Veljovic - Cristy Scoggins
Zapf Chancery

Procedure

1. RESEARCH: Review the fonts available in C138 and "claim" your top three choices by emailing me at jdavis@parkland.edu. I will do my best to accommodate your preferences (but I cannot guarantee that you will get your top choices). Consideration will be given to the order I receive your emails (so don't delay).

2. COPYWRITING: Upon approval of your font selection, research your font's history as well as the font designer (tip: start with book Typography which is in Parkland Library's reference section). Write a paragraph about your font and its designer. Print a draft of your text and have the Writing Lab review your work. Revise your draft as needed, then post it to your blog. Be sure to give yourself ample time to make revisions and corrections.

3. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see examples of sketches) Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and redraw them on 8.5 x 11 white paper using a felt tip pen. Scan and publish your concepts on your personal projects page for critique.

4. EXECUTION: Based on the critique of the above, use Adobe Illustrator to translate your sketch into a digital file. Print a b&w proof of your design for critique. Also generate a web-ready JPEG and publish your proof on your personal projects page.

5. PORTFOLIO PREPARATION: Based on the critique of the above, make adjustments as needed and add color. Add revised JPEGs of your designs to your personal personal projects for final critique (do not delete older versions). If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Print a color "comp" for your portfolio. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.

6. GRADING: Submit two high quality color laser proofs with your name on it for grading. File the graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review along with all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, sketches, proofs, final color comp). You will not receive credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

7. STUDENT GALLERY ARCHIVES: Once you are 100% satisfied with your project, prepare a low resolution PDF (smallest file size) of your project and drop it in Angel's drop box. Your project may be published in a showcase of student work on Parkland's website. I may also ask for a high resolution PDF for professional printing and framing for this project only.