Advanced Typography - Task 2 : Key Artwork and Collateral

17/9/2023 - 16/10/2023 : (Week 3- Week 7)
Ting Wen Yi / 0361799
Advanced Typography/Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 2 / Exercise 2A & 2B


CONTENT / LINK



LECTURES

All lectures 1 to 5 completed in Task 1 - Exercise 1 & 2


INSTRCTIONS



Task 2A :  Key Artwork

In Task 2(A), we are assigned to design a key artwork that serves as both a logo and artwork using our name or initials. This artwork should have dual functionality, representing our identity while also being visually appealing and versatile. The key artwork we create in Task 2(A) will be used in Task 2(B) across various collateral, suggesting that it should be adaptable and suitable for use in different contexts and applications.

1. Ideation and Sketches

Figure 1.1.1 Mind Map - Week 3 (17/9/2023)

I started by creating a mind map with branches for visual identity, elements to consider, inspirations, and design principles.

Figure 1.1.2 Mood Board - Week 3 (17/9/2023)

I also created a mood board to establish a visual direction. I divided it into sections for my characteristics, inspiration, reference fonts, color, and layout composition.

Ideas for the key artwork and its desired overall appearance, influenced by my personal style and identity.
  • Playful Type: Expresses my creativity and INFJ personality.
  • Abstract Art: Represents my passion for unique art styles.
  • Round and Bold: Reflects my friendly and cute aesthetic.
  • San Serif: Adds a clean, modern, and professional touch to the design.
Figure 1.1.3 Sketches - Week 3 (17/9/2023)

As I start sketching, I had an idea that pops up: I want to make my name 'Bernice' appear as both burn and ice because when you separate my name, it rhymes.

Figure 1.1.4 Updated Mood Board - Week 4 (22/9/2023)

I've decided to create a new reference board to incorporate a bit of a Gothic style into my concept, symbolizing the duality of being both hot and cold to people.

Figure 1.1.5 Sketches Attempt 2 - Week 4 (22/9/2023)

After creating another reference board, I began to develop another sketch. With the assistance of planning and my initial sketch, I quickly envisioned how my key artwork would take shape. I intend to incorporate sharp edges and fiery elements into it, such as extending the 'R' tail and having half of the 'N' overlap with the 'R', representing the dual nature of my interactions with people - the 'N' standing for 'nice' and the 'R' for 'reserved,' together forming my name 'Bernice.

2. Digitalization

Figure 1.2.1 Idea Digitalization - Week 4 (23/9/2023)

For my first digitization, I used two arcs as guidelines. The choice of using arcs as guides was deliberate. Their curves and inherent sense of motion would seamlessly blend with the thematic elements of my artwork. I wanted to make the word 'Bernice' transition gradually from big to small and then gradually back to big again. 

Figure 1.2.2 Idea Digitalization 2 - Week 4 (23/9/2023)

For my second digitization, I want to try out a different approach, I plan to all the letters in a straight line, all of the same size. I use two straight lines as my guides.

Figure 1.2.3 Idea Digitalization 3 - Week 4 (23/9/2023)

For my third digitization, I will enlarge the letters 'B' and 'E' (the front and back ones). These enlarged letters at the beginning and end of the word will serve as striking visual anchors, drawing immediate attention to the name itself. To enhance the overall Gothic aesthetic, I've chosen to add intricate curves at the bottom of the letters. 

Figure 1.2.4 Eraser Tool - Week 4 (23/9/2023)

To enhance the design further, I've overlapped the curves with the words. To achieve a cleaner look, I've carefully erased the parts where they overlap, leaving small gaps between the words and the curves.

Figure 1.2.5 Digitization Progress - Week 4 (23/9/2023)

Week 5 

Figure 1.3.1 T-Shirt Mockup - Week 5 (27/9/2023)

This week, Mr. Vinod asked us to place our artwork on a black shirt, with the small artwork measuring 15mm x 15mm, and print it out on A4 paper for his feedback.

Figure 1.3.2 Key Artwork Refinement - Week 5 (27/9/2023)

Based on his feedback, which included refining the design by removing curves, thickening the outline for the ice, and reducing the intensity of the fire, I made improvements to my key artwork. Specifically, I reduced the number of small flames and increased the weight of the outline to make it more visible within the 15mm x 15mm space.

Figure 1.3.3 T-Shirt Refined - Week 5 (27/9/2023)

After making the refinements and confirming my final outcome, I placed my artwork on the T-shirt to see how it would turn out.

Final Design - Task 2A: Key Artwork

Figure 1.4.1 Final Key Artwork - Week 5 (29/9/2023)

Figure 1.4.2 Final Key Artwork (Colored) - Week 5 (29/9/2023)

Figure 1.4.3 Final Key Artwork (PDF) - Week 5 (29/9/2023)


Task 2B : Collateral

Building upon the previous key artwork assignment, we were tasked with establishing an Instagram account to promote our key artwork as a brand. Additionally, we were instructed to design an animated key artwork and develop related collateral materials to represent our personal branding.

1. Animation Key Artwork

I would like my key artwork animation to feature fiery movement while the ice remains frozen and twinkles with stars.

Figure 2.1.1 Animation Key Artwork Process - Week 6 (3/10/2023)

I have been working on my animation key artwork in Adobe After Effects after importing the vector files into the program. Since I'm not very familiar with After Effects, I turned to YouTube for tutorials. To achieve the fiery elements, I used Wiggle Paths and smoothed out the points. For the ice element, I used Gaussian Blur and Histogram adjustments. I also adjusted the opacity of the stars to create a blinking effect.

Final Animations Key Artwork

Figure 2.1.2 Final Animation Key Artwork (Instagram) - Week 6 (3/10/2023)

Week 6

    


Figure 2.2.1 Color Scheme - Week 6 (3/10/2023)

I decided to go with a dark color scheme for my artwork, primarily using purple and a Halloween theme. Initially, I had two different color schemes found on Color Hunt . I made a change by swapping out the red color with purple from swatch 1, which created the perfect Halloween-themed color palette.

Figure 2.2.2 Final Animation Key Artwork (Instagram) - Week 6 (3/10/2023)

This week, Mr. Vinod asked us to identify three collateral items such as T-Shirts, Tote Bags, and so on, and expand our key artwork's identity into our chosen collateral. I placed my key artwork into these collateral items while adding fiery elements.

2. Key Artwork Expansion 

Figure 2.3.1 Key Artwork Expansion - Week 6 (8/10/2023)

Mr. Vinod's inspiration has been invaluable in expanding my work. While expanding my project, I consistently returned to the four colors I had selected. I divided my key artwork into two parts: one representing "bern" and the other "ice." For the fire element, I added more flames in the background, creating a dynamic effect. To depict the ice element, I created pieces of breaking ice to convey the idea of ice cracking. Additionally, I incorporated a repetition of small fire flames in the background.

Figure 2.3.2 Progress for IG Handle #1 - Week 7 (9/10/2023)

When managing my Instagram handle, I took great care to arrange my posts in a way that avoids placing similar colors next to each other. 

Figure 2.3.2 Progress for IG Handle #1 - Week 7 (11/10/2023)

I made some changes to my Instagram feed. I made a change to my fourth post, as suggested by Mr. Vinod, and replaced it with snowflakes. For my portrait, I included a quote that suits my fire and ice element and added a purple shadow to align with my chosen color theme.

Figure 2.3.4 All Key Artwork Expansion - Week 7 (11/10/2023)

My goal was to reflect my brand identity and maintain a visually cohesive and engaging feed.

Figure 2.3.5 T-shirt Attempts - Week 6 (8/10/2023)

I believe that a T-shirt is the most essential item in the collateral collection. In my first attempt, I used a purple T-shirt with black lettering, but I found the contrast too strong. Therefore, I decided to go with a black T-shirt for the design. In my second attempt, there was not much expansion on my key artwork, except for adding the fire element behind it. As a result, I made refinements in my design, as discussed in Figure 2.3.2. 

3. Instagram Account

                                                 
Figure 2.4 Instagram Layouts - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

My Instagram bio, "Exploring Life's Duality Through Fire and Ice," reflects my exploration of the contrasting elements of 'burn and ice' in life. I've included my name, Bernice, and as an INFJ, I embody qualities of being both 'hot' and 'cold' in my interactions with people. This is a metaphorical way of describing my multifaceted personality, where I can exhibit both warmth and coolness.

I've organized my Instagram account with a 3 x 3 layout. This means I've strategically designed my feed to present a cohesive and visually appealing grid of nine posts that work together to promote my key artwork and establish it as my personal branding.


Final Task 2: Key Artwork and Collateral

Link to Instagram : Click Here!

Figure 3.1.1 Final Key Artwork (Black and White) JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.2 Final Key Artwork (Coloured) JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.3 Final Key Artwork (Coloured) JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.4 Post- Bern JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.5 Key Artwork GIF - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.6 Post- Ice JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.7 Key Artwork Expansion : Ice JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.8 Self-portrait JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.9 Key Artwork Expansion : Fire JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.10  Final Collateral 1: T-shirt JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.11  Final Collateral 2: Water Bottle JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.12 Final Collateral 3 : Stickers JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.13  Instagram Screenshot on Desktop JPG - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.1.14  Color Palette - Week 7 (15/10/2023)

Figure 3.2 Final Task 2 PDF - Week 7 (15/10/2023)


FEEDBACKS

Week 7:

Specific Feedback: Expand the collateral and make it more interesting. You have fire at the both sides, who don't you make one side to be ice.

Week 6

Specific Feedback: Instead of placing the key artwork directly on the collateral, consider creating a pattern with fire or ice as the background of the shirt, for example. You can use small flame elements to create a pattern in the background.

Week 5:

Specific Feedback: To refine the design, removed the curves, thickened the outline for the ice, and reduced the intensity of the fire by removing some of it.


Week 4:

General Feedback: When crafting a wordmark, it should convey a message or meaning beyond its visual appearance
Specific Feedback: The first idea is good, but explore it further in terms of forms.


REFLECTIONS

Experience
This project allowed me to put into practice a wide array of skills and concepts. Creating the Key Artwork (KA) was the cornerstone of this project. Developing both a black and white version and a colored version of the KA helped me understand the power of color in visual communication. However, I encountered challenges during the expansion phase, experiencing moments where I felt creatively stuck and struggled to generate new ideas. Additionally, the process of animating the artwork presented its own difficulties, particularly since I lacked familiarity with using After Effects.

Observation
Throughout the process, I observed the importance of color selection and how it impacts my brand identity. Choosing a color palette that not only resonates with the audience but also reflects my personal brand identity was a significant decision, necessitating careful consideration and an understanding of color psychology.

Findings

I found that this task emphasized the importance of attention to detail, not only in creating the key artwork but also in designing collateral materials. It became evident that the aesthetics played a crucial role in enhancing the overall design. This task underscored that it's not merely about placing the key artwork on any collateral item; instead, it's about expanding and evolving the concept and identity.


FURTHER READING


Type Matters!

Reference
Author(s): Jim Williams.
Publication Year: 2012
Title: Type Matters!
New York: Merrell, 2012, 160 pp.

The book likely covers the basics of typography, including discussions on typefaces, fonts, font families, and the anatomy of letterforms.

 Ligature

In this elegant typeface, the 'fi' ligature seamlessly connects the lowercase 'f' and 'i,' eliminating any potential clash and ensuring a harmonious appearance.

Ligature II

Good typography is often unnoticed because it flows well and is easy on the eyes. Poor typography makes reading difficult and spoils the experience. Typographers need an eye for detail, including decorative elements when appropriate, but these should be used sparingly. Consistency in design is crucial, especially in book layout, to ensure a smooth reading experience across all pages.

Diphthong

A diphthong is a linguistic term used to describe a combination of two vowel sounds within a single syllable in a word. In a diphthong, the tongue glides or moves from one vowel sound to another within the same syllable, creating a unique blended sound.

Learning Outcome

I learned about best practices for legibility, readability, and accessibility in typography.   This book also include case studies or examples of effective typography in real-world design projects to illustrate key concepts. These real-world examples can help me to see how typographic principles are applied in practice and gain inspiration for my own work.

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