Typography

Remind you of anything?👇🏼

With your elbow partner tell discuss why do you think when you were learning to write they used this type of paper? How would this image help you when you're creating a poster or illustration?

Today you will learn all the domain specific terms in "Anatomy of Typography. See how the use of the paper when you were writing in elementary school is used in this diagram? When you're creating a thumbnail or illustration you will keep these guides in mind.

Now, look at the image and write down some of the terms that are not common to you.

Typography Anatomy Basics.pdf

How does the anatomy of typography assist you when designing a advertisement?

Let's write out some notes/vocab to get a better understanding of this.

Font Families -

How many Font Families are there? Link

How to Pair the font families - link

AT HOME ASSIGNMENT:

Typography Exploration: Find 5 examples of typography used in real life (logos, ads, websites). Write a paragraph for each example explaining why the choice of typography works for that specific design.

You will be creating an illustration for the given term/content domain vocabulary. The one-page illustration/thumbnail must include the following:

Term
Color Scheme
Definition
Illustration(s) that will provide a reference for the term(s). Make it simple and plain for someone who never heard the term. Looking at the illustration it will allow the viewer to remember the definition.
Document Size should 8.5 inches width and 11 inches height
Make this pretty, it's going on the wall.

Take your pick of a term:

baseline
mean line
X-height
cap height
ascender
descender
stem
bar
bowl
counter
leg
shoulder
cases
serif
sans serif
font classifications
four main font types

Example

Practice Lesson 1: Making your own font with Abbi Connick

Download This Typography PDF
Build Your Initials in your sketch book
Watch video and complete the assignment

KERNING - LEADING - TRACKING

Play Kerning Game

Link to Game & Play it 5 times

Practice Lesson #2: Typography, Alignment, Kerning, Tracking, Leading

Download this file and complete assignment, turn into TEAMS: typography, alignment, kerning, tracking. Lesson copy.ai

BUSINESS CARDS-- THIS TIME FOR YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS

Designs that Don't Suck

Video showing successfull designs. We will watch together in class and discuss.

Micro/Macro White space

Watch and discuss together in a group of 3 or 4 people.

EVIDENCE PROJECT #1

Make these to be towards YOUR own graphic design business, think of a name, think of the message you want to portray, etc,.

Create Your Own Business Card

For this project, we are only thinking about color and fonts.

Include information: Name, contact info (phone number and email), skillset you offer (ex: designer)

Must Have's Checklist:

Sketch out 4 different ideas of logos, take a photo and turn them into teams.
- You'll design all 4 logos in Illustrator
Sketch out 4 different ideas of how your card can be laid out. Take a photo and turn them in.
- You will only make one final business card
Size of artboards: 2 x 3.5 inches
- Bleed needs to be 3MM on top, bottom, right, and left as well.
- Safety line (where you'll make a new rectangle in the size of W= 3.375 inches and H= 1.875, right click the new rectangle you created and click MAKE GUIDES)
Make 1 amazing business card and turn in to TEAMS.
Must use gridlines (take a screen shot to show evidence)

DO THESE 👇🏼

Do 2 tutorials below:

Evidence Project #2

Mixx Music Poster

Assests - Download

Must Have:

Make a collage/poster of some sort to convey the idea of a mix with the logo and tagline included.
One Final artwork 17 inches x 22 inches
Only use Approved Colors -- on document
Use combination of approved image(s) -- assets link above
Use of Logo -- Mixx logo
Use of Tagline "Level Up Your Mixx"
Make this your own, play with effects, play with micro and macro white space. Be sure to be balanced.

EVIDENCE PROJECT #3

IT'S YOUR TURN TO BE CREATIVE --- YOU HAVE FREE REIGN

Key Requirements:

Concept Development:

- Select a theme or concept for the poster (e.g., event promotion, social issue, product advertisement).
- Develop a clear visual and conceptual narrative for your poster that reflects the chosen theme.
- Can have humor involved with it, but it needs to be understandable.

2. Design Elements:

- Typography: THIS IS A REQUIREMENT. Some kind of message needs to be on the poster. POSITIVE FOCUSED. Experiment with different fonts and typefaces. Ensure readability while exploring creative approaches (e.g., custom type, hand-lettering). Make sure it fits the theme of the poster.
- Color Palette: Use a cohesive color scheme that complements the theme and enhances the mood/message of the poster.
- Images/Illustrations: Integrate high-quality visuals (photography or illustrations) that align with the poster's theme.
- Composition: Apply principles like alignment, contrast, balance, and whitespace to create a visually engaging design.

3. Analyze Existing Posters:

Study famous movie, music, event, or social issue posters. Consider how these designs use typography, composition, and imagery to communicate their message effectively.
Look at posters from different periods and genres to see how design trends evolve. This will help you understand how cultural shifts and technological advancements influence visual storytelling.

4. Size and Format:

The final poster should be designed in a standard size (e.g., 17” x 22”) and exported in high-resolution formats suitable for both print and digital use (PDF, PNG, JPG).

5. Creativity and Innovation:

Encourage experimental approaches—whether that’s through abstract design, mixed media, or unconventional layouts.
The design should express creativity while effectively communicating the intended message.

6. Deliverables:

Final high-resolution poster file (print-ready version).
A brief design rationale (max 1 page) explaining the design choices and how they align with the poster's theme/message.

Evaluation Criteria:

Creativity and Originality – Unique and innovative design approach.
Technical Skill – Proficiency in design software and attention to detail.
Concept Execution – Clear communication of the chosen theme or message.
Aesthetic Appeal – Visual balance, harmony, and use of design principles.
Presentation – Professional presentation of the final design, including rationale.

Student Examples

Learning Target:

Students will explore the fundamentals of typography by creating original poster designs in Adobe Illustrator and developing a custom typeface, using layout, font anatomy, and visual hierarchy to communicate strong, clear messages through type.

Learning Intentions:

I will analyze the role of typography in visual communication and design.
I will explore font anatomy and terminology, including baseline, x-height, ascenders, descenders, serifs, and more.
I will create multiple poster layouts that experiment with different typographic styles, hierarchy, and message delivery.
I will develop my own custom letterforms to build a unique display font using Illustrator’s shape and pen tools.
I will experiment with kerning, leading, tracking, and alignment to improve readability and design flow.
I will use color, contrast, and scale to emphasize important information within a composition.
I will reflect on how typography choices—such as mood, tone, and font style—impact the viewer’s perception of a message.
I will refine and revise my work based on feedback and design principles.

Standards

Demonstrate the use of appropriate typography for various projects (GD2.3)
Demonstrate the ability to proofread and use technology in editing and correcting (GD8.1)
Identify the anatomical components and qualities of type (i.e., x-height, ascenders, descenders, counters, etc.) (GD2.3.1)
Apply and adjust formatting to type. (GD2.3.2)
Construct graphic works utilizing and manipulating type. (GD2.3.3)
Demonstrate knowledge of the history of typography. (GD2.3.4)
Demonstrate ability to proofread and edit various forms of copy for different audiences. (GD8.1.1)
Demonstrate knowledge of proofreaders’ marks. (GD8.1.2)
Demonstrate knowledge of electronic forms of editing and correcting. (GD8.1.3)
Identify the history of the graphic design field (GD1.1)
Demonstrating the appropriate use of industry terminology (GD1.2)
Identify the purpose, audience, and audience needs for preparing images. (ACA 1.1)
Identify and use common typographic adjustments to create contrast and hierarchy, and enhanced readability. (ACA 1.5b)
Add and manipulate text using appropriate typographic settings. (ACA 4.2)

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