Typography Layout & Design

For this project you will use the text from a fortune cookie to develop a layout for a poster design. You will learn to place emphasis on the text and different strategies for laying out text on a page. The design of your poster will direct the viewers eye through the message 
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Project Specifications:

Size: You will choose the size you wish to print.

8x10
8x12
Resolution: 300dpi
Color Format: RGB
Programs: Adobe Illustrator
Files to Submit: .JPG

The Objectives:



Technical Skills (Current Objective):
  • Utilize the Functions of the Text Panel
  • Utilize the Ruler (Cmd-R) and Guides to help with alignment and grid design
  • Utilize whitespace and alignment in design


Design Concepts and Techniques (Elements and Principles of Design):
  • Utilize the grid method to layout your project
  • Use techniques to create emphasis on your typography 
  •          -> Use scale, contrast, color, placement, proximity/isolation,
  • Create a unified poster where the images or graphic elements are tied to the type.


Typography Concepts to Know

  • Serif vs San Serif: The caps at the ends of letters, or lack of caps.
  • Display Fonts (and ones to avoid)
  • Font Pairing: Using fonts that compliment each other.
  • Kerning: The space between letters in a word.
  • Leading: The space between lines of text.
  • Tracking: The spacing between all letters in a word.
  • Hierarchy: A level of importance in a design.
  • Alignment: How elements are lined up or justified.

Now try designing with Typography:

Choose a five word quote or a fortune to select some words to experiment with typography layout.
Picture
Five Word Quotes
Click to open your virtual fortune cookie.

Research:

Read the following websites to learn more about typography and design.

Sketchbook:

Write: Write your fortune down and circle it. Create a mind map that explores each word that is included in your fortune. Write down words that you associate with each word. Write down synonyms and any word you can think of that relates to that word.   

Develop your own interpretation of your fortune. Re-write your fortune in your own words without using any of the words used in your fortune. This process will lead to a deeper understanding of your fortune..

Sketch: Begin to transform your notes into images. What images would you choose to help illustrate or support your text. How are the words connected with the image?  

Make two pages of thumbnail sketches of possible design layouts. Sketch different orientations for your poster (portrait or landscape). Sketch out some gridlines to help organize your design. Consider using the rule of thirds within your grid layout.

Write your fortune out at the scale you might use in your design. Try sketching different ways of writing your words in your design space.

Rough: Before you begin work on the computer create a larger drawing of your poster design. Work out scale of objects and type, placement on the page, use alignment principles, and graphic element placements. 

Resources:


Download Fonts: DaFont.com
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Text & Tutorials




The Kerning Game