Typography: 3D Lettering Project

Definition of Typography: 

Typography is, quite simply, the art and technique of arranging type.

[Long Definition] The study of the design of typefaces, and the way in which the type (letters & symbols) is laid out on a page to best achieve the desired visual effect and to best convey the meaning of the reading matter. (source)

What’s a “typeface”?

A set of letters, numbers, etc., that are all in the same style and that are used in printing. (What fonts are based on.)

For this project, students will choose a letter from the alphabet to design and draw as a 3D block letter. The final piece will be drawn on kraft paper or butcher paper, using paint markers, pencils, white colored pencils, and black Sharpie markers.

This project will introduce students to the art of typography, a general skill used in graphic design, but also a specialized job title.

Artists we will look at: Jessica Hische & Matthew Carter

1. In class, we’ve been going over how to make a block letter look 3D. We used the green “E” picture (above) as our example. Here are pictures of the process we learned in class.

1. 

   

   

   

   

    

2.  Then I gave you a brainstorming worksheet to help you develop your ideas on paper.

   

   Processed with VSCO with f2 preset

    

3. Then you chose your favorite design and drew it on another paper. This was your final rough draft. You also colored it with marker and shaded it (not shown).

   

   Processed with VSCO with f2 preset

    

4. Next, you will draw your letter on butcher paper or a kraft paper bag.

   

   Processed with VSCO with f2 preset

    

   ---

   Examples / Inspiration

   

 

1st Day of Art Class

First Day of Class!

It was great to meet all of you. I’m really excited to be your art teacher this year. 🙂

What we did today:

1. Syllabus Review
2. Classroom procedures
3. Class Rules
4. FCS Blogs Handout
5. Meet the Teacher Handout
6. Watched video examples of drawing “tangles”: random drawings of patterns inspired by the Zentangle method. These can be a great way to relax / have fun / make something cool. They are  also a great way to “warm up” your creative muscles. All you need is paper and a pen or marker.
7. Drew our own tangles on small white squares aka “tangle tiles”.
8. Looked at a picture of Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room” currently installed at The Broad museum in downtown LA.
9. Watched a short video taken from inside the infinity mirrored room.

Homework:

Syllabus signature sheet is DUE THIS THURSDAY AUGUST 25TH.

___

Below, you will find our class rules, “tangle” videos, and a step by step progression of drawing a tangle.

 

---

Activity: “ZENTANGLE”

 

Zentagle How-To Videos:

Zentagle Pattern Inspiration:

---

In Class Tutorial:

---

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room