Project. Writer’s
Compositions
Purpose. To develop
typographic composition abilities starting from content analysis.
To explore expressive possibilities of all typographic elements
which
take part in a complex piece of text. To comprehend the diverse
ways of using type and develop a typographic sense for both alphabetic
and non-alphabetic type features. To understand the value and nature
of a timeline and of a poster, their reading conditions and priorities.
Assignment. The first
part is the design of a timeline based on the work of a chosen
author. The student is encouraged to research and read the most
significant pieces of the author's work, and to determine the relevant
aspects/events/characteristics of his/her personality. These elements
are then collected, selected, and organized in a timeline of the
author’s life. Relevant photographs, book titles, covers,
symbols, and simple graphics can be combined with text to construct
this first part of the assignment. The visual atmosphere of this
timeline should be inspired by the nature of those elements found.
The
second part is dedicated to the design a typographic poster, based
on a particular phrase or quotation by the author, found
in his/her literature, interviews, book reviews, etc. This phrase
must be of special interest in some way (some passage of an interview,
a polemic statement, a humorous comment, a saying…). This
time only typographic elements can be used to make the mise-en-page
(layout) of the poster.
Students are third semester within a program
of nine. The work is corrected in class within an open discussion
where all students
participate and criticise their own and their colleagues’ designs.
Format. The timeline
is delivered in a tabloid format, full color, no limits in the
use of type variables, sizes or styles. The poster is a 60 x 90
cm (24 X 36 inches), full color, and –again– no limits
in type usage.
Time. Three classes
(1 1/2 weeks) are given to students for the author’s timeline;
and four classes (2 weeks) are given for the poster design.
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