Project. Cover design: Pioneers of Modern Typography by Herbert Spencer.

Purpose. Introduce sophomore students to the use of typography from basics to more complex structures.

Assignment. Design three covers per week using Structure, Chaos, and Hiding as the underlining theme. The structure is a grid system using the major and minor axis with the intersecting lines dividing the space into thirds

Chaos is a freeform study to allow the students complete freedom to cut, tear, or mutilate the type to achieve a typographic picture. Finally, hiding or covering up type is used for fun or to discover clever new ways to design with type.

Hand/eye coordination is emphasized and no computers or mechanical instruments are used. The goal is to give students confidence and freedom before they learn the strict rule of typographic composition. They can then see the results and be able to discuss any problems or areas of concern. The computer is not used for this project because the results are much more creative and not restricted to the right angle the computer normally dictates. As the students cut-and-paste the given typographic elements they are unconcerned with fonts and sizes and weights, they can concentrate only on the design.

Format. 7.5 x 7.5 inches (45 x 45 picas) square on 8.5 x 11 inch paper.

Time. Five weekly 2-hour meetings.