Overview
An exploration of the potential of digital manipulation
of type, to liberate us from
traditional methods of typography and design.
Background
The printed page is the product of 500 year old technology. The
organization of type and graphics results from the physical limitations
of the printing press and the financial constraints imposed by
the publisher. Historically, metal type and rectangular images
are presented most economically when condensed into narrow columns
and arranged in a grid. Design has thus been influenced by these
limitations. Yet even as technology has afforded the designer
more freedom in the use of text and visual imagery, print media
continues to reflect tradition. Even Web pages mimic the form
of the book.
How do we explore the potential of digital technology? We are
still restricted by the frame of the monitor or the electronic
print, but we may more easily focus on a solution that could speak
to a more visually literate audience. Is it important to reach
a wider audience... communicate more economically... create a
cross-cultural communication?
Assignment
Design a work
that speaks out on an issue involving politics and technology. Choose a current issue that reflects how technology is changing the political environment, or on how politics is changing technology. Conduct the appropriate research to inform your message. Consider, for example, computerized voting, the media, digital rights management, digital millennial copyright act, wiretapping, creative commons licensing…
Express your message with type, considering the visual qualities of the letterforms, and also the elements
of design which can be used to convey your message — shape, scale, line, space and texture; emphasis, balance, rhythm, pattern, color, and unity. (See CourseWork for an interactive guide to design principles).
The type design must function on two levels: text
as image & image as text. At first glance, the design should suggest a visual attitude that will influence the viewer's perception. Upon closer examination and reading, the textual content will be revealed, reinforced by the visual attitude.
The text should not necessarily take the form of an object or recognizable visual element. Instead, the type forms should be treated as visual objects themselves, and arranged in a way that suggests a mood or attitude.
Your role as a designer
Focus on one aspect of your topic, and communicate your message based on that point. To help you focus and clarify the point of your communication, consider the following questions:
Who is your client?
What are they saying?
Why are they saying it?
Who are they saying it to?
Once you understand the answers to these questions, executing the design (choosing the words and imbuing them with a visual attitude) will be much easier, and the conveyed meaning will be more clear. Consider using the answers to these questions as part of your project proposal/statement.
Requirements
• One text/image design using Illustrator CS3, no larger
than 11" x 17", effectively dealing with the theme and concepts
as stated above.
• The piece should refer to principles of graphic design
such as composition, color theory and typography, either by incorporating them or purposefully rejecting them. Design must
make use of text as image and text as type.
• Raster imagery may not be used
Timeline
• Consultation 1 — Proposal: Submit a proposal
via email, meet individually to discuss (see section schedule).
• Consultation 2 — Image: Preview a preliminary layout
with your instructor (see section schedule).
• For Critique, prepare a written statement
and upload your Illustrator file to the server before class.
Submit:
1. Color laser print of your Illustrator file
2. Upload your Illustrator file
to the appropriate section of VS Server 2 / Coursework
/ ART 250.
3. Post a GIF or JPEG image (whichever is appropriate) to your Web portfolio, accompanied by your artist's
statement and credits for any referenced material.
Note: Keep a copy of your work files in
native Illustrator format.
Grading
This project will be graded on (in order of importance):
• creative and effective approach to your subject matter
• demonstration of technical proficiency with advanced
Illustrator procedures
• fulfillment of project requirements
• effective visual and oral presentation of solution
• involvement in group critique
• punctuality.
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