Week 02: Complex Simplicity
Complex Simplicity - Story told
You will be working towards achieving the following learning outcomes detailed in the Assignments tab:
LO2: Contextualise – appraise the social, political and historical contexts in which design practice operates.
LO3: Analyse – evaluate research findings and use sound judgment informed by critical debate at the forefront of the academic discipline.
LO4: Distil – position a creative strategic insight that has been distilled and refined through an informed investigation.
LO6: Make – select and utilise relevant tools, skills and technologies in the delivery, iteration and sustainable production of an outcome.
LO7: Collaborate – demonstrate inclusive and empathetic strategies to plan and execute a project across distributed collaborative situations.
LO8: Design – realise a final solution that evidences its strategic journey and clear relationship between form and function.
Week 02: Lecture series - Stories Told. Stuart Tolley in conversation with Colophon Foundry
Part one - This lecture with Colophon Foundry talks about their recent collaboration with Smorgasborg and the importance of conductive appropriate research how they were approached to create a custom font family for Cymru Wales and what typographical considerations they had to build in to give it a sense of place or character without being cliched or offensive.
They discuss the process of how they designed a typeface which will be widely recognised across signage in Wales and how their specific studies created not only a typeface but also, with their collaboration with Smorgasborg, a brand sympathetic to the area and will hopefully have longevity as it is rolled out across all deliverables.
Week 02 - Thursdays webinar - Stuart
This week we discussed our love-hate relationship with typography. What we are happy to embrace, experiment with, and practice versus what is totally out of our comfort zone. This is all in preparation for the impending deadlines in April and the documents we have to submit, to work out what typefaces work for the aesthetic look of our project.
Relieved that I have quite a good knowledge within this category, (or so I thought) I was quite relieved it was something else that I didn’t have to learn from scratch, but we discussed letterforms and how expressive typography design can win over the page when creating a layout. These are some of the great recommended leaders that I felt warranted further research.
Further research of great typography examples from lecture include:
Herb Lubalin
Herb Lubalin (1918–1981) stands as a pioneering figure in the world of graphic design and typography, leaving an indelible mark on the industry through his innovative and influential approach.
Renowned for his groundbreaking work during the mid-20th century, Lubalin seamlessly blended typography with visual elements to create designs that transcended conventional boundaries. His mastery of expressive letterforms, ingenious use of negative space, and bold experimentation with typefaces set a new standard for modern typography. Lubalin's typographic creations were characterized by a harmonious fusion of form and function, often conveying layers of meaning through his meticulous choice and arrangement of letters. His iconic work on publications like Avant Garde and his timeless logo design for ITC exemplify his ability to convey messages with both elegance and impact. Herb Lubalin's legacy endures, as his contributions continue to inspire and shape the contemporary landscape of graphic design and typography.
Sister Corita Kent
Sister Corita Kent (1918–1986), was described in Design Week as the nun graphic designer who created “radical” protest art. She remains a singular and transformative figure in the realms of both religious life and graphic design. A nun, educator, and prolific graphic designer, she gained widespread recognition for her vibrant and socially conscious artwork during the 1960s.
As an influential teacher at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, Sister Corita's approach to graphic design was marked by a bold and revolutionary spirit. Her creations often featured vivid colours, dynamic compositions, and a combination of text and images that conveyed powerful messages of peace, justice, and love. Kent's art became a visual voice for the civil rights and anti-war movements, earning her a reputation for creating what she called "radical" protest art. Through her innovative use of typography and her commitment to merging faith with activism, Sister Corita left an enduring impact on the field of graphic design. Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary designers to use their craft as a means of social and cultural commentary.
8vo: (Octivo)
8vo, a London-based design practice founded in 1985 by Mark Holt, Simon Johnston, and Hamish Muir, emerged as a pioneering force in the realm of graphic design, particularly in the UK. Renowned for their distinctive and experimental approach to typography, 8vo played a pivotal role in shaping the visual language of the late 20th-century British design landscape.
Their work was characterised by meticulous attention to detail, innovative use of typefaces, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional graphic design. Through projects like the iconic "Octavo" magazine and collaborations with influential clients, 8vo left an indelible mark on the industry. Their minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on typographic exploration helped redefine the possibilities of visual communication. The legacy of 8vo endures as a testament to their enduring influence on UK graphic design, inspiring subsequent generations to approach design with creativity, intellect, and a willingness to challenge established norms.
Paula Scher
Paula Scher, a partner at the renowned design firm Pentagram, is celebrated for her distinctive and playful typography style that has left an indelible mark on the design world and described on the Pentagram website as the “master conjurer of the instantly familiar,”
Her work for the Public Theater in New York City stands out as a testament to her creative prowess. Scher's typographic designs for the Public Theater's identity, including the iconic "P" logo, are characterized by a vibrant and dynamic use of letterforms.
Her innovative approach blends bold, expressive typography with a keen understanding of visual storytelling, creating designs that captivate and communicate with a sense of energy and theatricality. Scher's contribution to the Public Theater's brand identity demonstrates how design can play a crucial role in shaping the cultural and artistic identity of an institution. Her distinctive style has influenced a generation of designers, and her legacy continues to inspire those seeking to infuse their work with a sense of playfulness and creativity. Her work has influenced many and is imitated a lot in modern graphic design.
