Advanced Typography: Task 3 Type Exploration & Application
ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY - TASK 3 TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION
INSTRUCTION
Week 01 - 04 LECTURES CLICK HERE
Week 05 - 07 LECTURES CLICK HERE
Week 8
Independent Learning Week
The session this week was held online through Zoom. Mr. Vinod reviewed our progress on Task 2 and afterward introduced the requirements for the final assignment, Task 3.
Week 9
Lecture 9
During this week, Mr. Vinod discussed ideas for our final project and allowed us to choose the direction we wanted to take for Task 3.
Week 10
Lecture 10
We received feedback regarding the design of our uppercase letters. After that, we continued refining lowercase characters and started adding punctuation to complete the typeface.
Week 11
Lecture 11
Mr. Vinod commented on the adjustments we made to our lowercase (or unicase) letters. We then began transferring the typeface into FontLab, focusing on letterspacing and kerning. He reminded us to document the process in Illustrator and upload it to the e-portfolio. Additionally, he mentioned the HONOR competition, where we need to design a clock interface using our custom font.
Week 12
Lecture 12
This week we continued developing our final project. Mr. Vinod approved starting the font presentation and suggested working on font applications for the e-portfolio.
Week 13
Lecture 13
The final submission took place this week. Mr. Vinod reviewed our completed work, and we were required to submit the finished project by the end of the lecture.
TASK 3 : Type Exploration & Application
Instruction:
Create a fully developed font (.ttf file) and demonstrate its practical application.
You can choose one of the following options:
1. Create a New Font
Design a brand new font that solves a problem or contributes to a solution in a field you're interested in — such as:
graphic design
animation
new media
entertainment design
or any other related area (it doesn’t have to reflect your exact specialization)
2. Improve an Existing Letterform
Choose an existing typeface or letterform:
Study how it’s currently used
Identify its weaknesses or areas for improvement
Develop new forms, solutions, or combinations that add value and enhance its impact
3. Experimental Approach
Create something innovative and unique. For example:
A font made from 3D materials
An augmented reality font
An edible font
A typographic music video
A fine art piece involving type
Final Outcome:
You define what the final output will be — it could be:
A working font showcased in posters,
UI mockups,
A website design,
- A motion graphic, etc.
3.1 Proposal
![]() | |
| Figure 3.1.1 Emily in Paris Poster / Week 9 (18/6/2025) |
3.2 Development of Uppercase and Lowercase Letters
![]() | |
| Figure 3.2.1 Exploration on the letter / Week 9 (20/6/2025) |
- Cap height: 700 pt
- Cap height overshoot: 750 pt
- X-height: 500 pt
- Baseline: 0 pt
- Baseline overshoot: -88 pt
- Descender: -250 pt
![]() |
| Figure 3.2.3 Uppercase Letters First Attempt / Week 10 (25/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.2.4 Checking letters / Week 10 (26/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.2.5 Strokes & Guides Review/ Week 10 (26/6/2025) |
Mr. Vinod reviewed my type design and mentioned that the concept and execution were strong. However, he advised me to check if a similar font already existed online. After researching on Google, I discovered that a very similar typeface was already available — but only in uppercase letters.
To make my project more original and valuable, Mr. Vinod suggested that I continue developing the lowercase characters, since the existing font lacked them. This way, I could still keep the visual identity of my original idea while contributing something new and complete. His suggestion helped me refocus my effort and move forward with confidence.
3.3 Lowercase Letters, Numbers and Punctuation Process Work
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.1 Strokes & Guides Review/ Week 10 (24/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.2 Strokes & Guides Review/ Week 10 (26/6/2025) |
On the following week, Mr. Vinod gave me additional feedback. He pointed out that the uppercase and lowercase letters should have consistent width to improve the overall balance and alignment of the typeface. Based on his suggestion, I reviewed my letters and noticed some inconsistencies in width.
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.3 checking letters/ Week 10 (26/6/2025) |
To fix this, I used the same square method I applied earlier — placing a fixed-size square next to each letter to check and adjust their width. This helped me ensure that both uppercase and lowercase letters maintained a unified and harmonious structure throughout the typeface.
While working on the adjustments, I realized that some of my lowercase letters had incorrect proportions — they didn’t align well with the uppercase letters or follow a consistent rhythm. The height, curves, or spacing of certain characters felt off when placed next to others.
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.4 Updated variations Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
Once I identified this issue, I began refining the shapes and proportions of the lowercase letters. After making these adjustments, the typeface started to look much more balanced and cohesive. This process helped me understand how important proportion and internal consistency are in type design.
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.5 Updated variations Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
After refining the proportions and widths, I moved on to the final step — merging the letter shapes. I carefully selected all the individual paths and used the Unite function in the Pathfinder tool to combine the shapes into one solid form per letter. This step was essential for preparing the typeface for export to FontLab and ensuring clean, error-free outlines.
Combining the shapes helped me remove any overlapping anchor points or unnecessary segments, which made the letters look cleaner and more polished.
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.6 Uppercase letters overview/ Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.7 Strokes & Guides Review/ Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.8 Lowercase letters overview/ Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.9 Strokes & Guides Review/ Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
After finishing the uppercase and lowercase letters, I moved onto working on the numbers and other symbols. I aimed to keep the same style and consistency across all elements to ensure a cohesive typeface.
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.10 Number / Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.11 Strokes & Guides Review/ Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.11 Progression/ Week 10 (29/6/2025) |
Final Typeface
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.12 Final Font Design / (Week 11, 2/7/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.3.13 Final Font Design - Strokes & Guides / (Week 11, 2/7/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.1 Chart for Kerning - Uppercase / (Week 11, 2/7/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.2 Chart for Kerning - Lowercase / (Week 11, 2/7/2025) |
In Adobe Illustrator, I converted all letters, numbers, and punctuation into outlined shapes using Object > Path > Outline Stroke. This step ensured the forms were ready for import into FontLab as individual glyphs.
I then set up the font metrics in FontLab based on the measurements from my Illustrator design:
– Baseline: 0 pt
– Cap Height: 700 pt
– x-Height: 500 pt
– Descender: –250 pt
These values helped maintain proportional accuracy when transitioning from Illustrator to FontLab.
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.3 Progression / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
I designed all the letters and punctuation in Adobe Illustrator and then transferred them to FontLab by copying and pasting the shapes, following a tutorial video. I worked on Taylor’s Maclab, as it has a fully licensed version of FontLab 7, which allowed me to complete the process smoothly.
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.4 Progression- Uppercase / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.5 Progression- Lowerrcase / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.6 Progression- Numbers / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.7 Progression / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.8 Progression / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.4.8 Progression / (Week 11, 03/07/2025) |
Submission Requirements:
- 5 Artworks showcasing the typeface
- Dimensions: 1024 × 1024 px
- Resolution: 300 ppi
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.1 Reference / (Week 11, 10/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.2 Colors / (Week 11, 10/07/2025) |
- Typeface Overview – a short introduction describing the name, style, and intended use of the font.
- Design Concept & Inspiration – insights into the creative process and visual sources that guided the development.
- Uppercase & Lowercase Showcase – a systematic display of all letters to highlight proportion and balance.
- Practical Application Examples – visual samples demonstrating the typeface in titles, posters, or branding contexts.
- Text Block Sample – an extended paragraph to illustrate legibility and overall text flow.
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.3 Progression in Adobe Illustrator / (Week 11, 10/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.4 Font Presentation #1 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.5 Font Presentation #2 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.6 Font Presentation #3 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.7 Font Presentation #4 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.5.8 Font Presentation #5 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
Submission Requirements:
- 5 Artworks demonstrating the typeface
- Must NOT exceed 1024 px in width or height
- Resolution: 300 ppi
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.1 Reference / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
- HONOR "Standby" Competition
- Magazine Layout
- Advertising Banner
- Passport Cover Design
- Chrome Candle Packaging
- Art Painting Print"
Pattern Style: The interface features a soft 3D typographic style, created using my custom typeface Lumiere. The numerals are designed to resemble sleek, elongated clock hands, enhancing the visual rhythm of time representation. A subtle metallic gradient and bevel effects give the digits a refined, luxurious appearance, while the frosted glass-inspired background adds depth and elegance to the overall design. The combination of minimalistic composition and typographic experimentation reflects a modern, premium aesthetic suitable for a smartwatch interface.
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.2 Progression / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.3 Standby / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
HONOR Competition Website: Link
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.4 Progression / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
![]() | |
|
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.9 Progression / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
After finishing the first passport design, I created a second variation since the mockup features two passports, and I wanted them to look distinct from each other. For this second design, I experimented with a different layout approach while keeping the luxurious feel. I adjusted the composition and spacing to contrast with the first design, making the two covers complement each other visually while still standing out as unique pieces.
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.11 Progression / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.12 Chrome Candle Packaging / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
6. Art Painting Print
![]() |
| Figure 3.6.13 Progression / (Week 12, 15/07/2025) |
For the art painting print, I wanted to transform my typeface into a piece of decorative art. The goal was to show how Lumiere can go beyond functional typography and become part of interior design. Its elegant and balanced forms make it suitable for modern and sophisticated spaces, adding a refined artistic touch to the décor.
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.4 Font Lab Screen Grab / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.5 Font Presentation #1 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.6 Font Presentation #2 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.7 Font Presentation #3 / (Week 12, 11/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.8 Font Presentation #4 / (Week 13, 16/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.9 Font Presentation #5 / (Week 13, 16/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.13 Font Application #3 / (Week 13, 16/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.14 Font Application #4 / (Week 13, 16/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.15 Font Application #5 / (Week 13, 16/07/2025) |
![]() |
| Figure 3.7.16 Font Application #6 / (Week 13, 16/07/2025) |
Experience
Working on Task 3 was both challenging and insightful, as it required me to fully apply my typeface in a practical context. Designing a clock interface for the HONOR competition allowed me to explore new ways of integrating typography into functional digital products. I experimented with gradients, 3D effects, and composition to highlight the unique features of my typeface Lumiere. This process helped me understand how type design can influence visual hierarchy and user perception in interface design.
Observations
I noticed that subtle adjustments in letterspacing and kerning significantly affected the readability of the numerals when displayed on a small watch screen. The combination of color, texture, and lighting effects played a crucial role in making the typeface appear both elegant and functional. I also observed that minimalist and clean layouts were more suitable for wearable devices, as excessive decorative elements reduced clarity.
Findings
Through this project, I learned that a typeface is not only a stylistic element but also a functional tool that must adapt to various digital interfaces. Applying my font in the HONOR clock design demonstrated the importance of balancing aesthetics with usability. Additionally, this task allowed me to see the commercial potential of custom typefaces, as they can be effectively used in branding and digital product design.
Week 8 (12/6/2025)
Written by: John Kane
Link to Source
I selected this book because I wanted to strengthen my understanding of typographic fundamentals while working on my type design project. The exercises and visual examples were especially useful, as they encouraged me to experiment with hierarchy, spacing, and alignment rather than simply relying on intuition. One part that stood out to me was the emphasis on "thinking in systems rather than single letters"—reminding me that typography should be consistent and functional as a whole. This insight pushed me to revisit my typeface spacing and kerning for Task 3. It also made me more aware of how small adjustments can significantly improve readability and overall aesthetics.
Week 9 (19/6/2025)
Written by: Ellen Lupton
Link to Source
I chose this book as a reference because it offers practical approaches to using typography across different media, which I found relevant for my final project. I was particularly interested in the chapters discussing typographic hierarchy and the relationship between text and images. It helped me better understand how to use contrast, weight, and scale to guide the viewer’s attention. I realized that typography is not just about choosing a nice typeface, but about creating a clear visual flow. This idea inspired me to test different weights and sizes in my clock interface design for the HONOR competition, making it both functional and visually appealing.
Week 10 (26/6/2025)
Written by: Robert Bringhurst
Link to Source
I decided to read this book because it is often referred to as the "typographer’s bible." While some chapters are more theoretical, I found the sections on rhythm, proportion, and spacing particularly valuable. One key takeaway for me was that typography should have a sense of “musical rhythm,” which resonated with my ongoing work on letterspacing and kerning in FontLab. This perspective helped me slow down and look at my typeface not only as individual letters but as part of a harmonious visual composition.
Week 11 (3/7/2025)
Written by: Emily Stevens
Link to Source
This online article was helpful for understanding how different typographic styles function in practical applications such as branding, posters, and packaging. Since I was preparing my font application for Task 3, it made me think about how my typeface could be used beyond just this project. One point that stood out was how posters require expressive and attention-grabbing typography, while logos demand simplicity and memorability. It made me realize the importance of adaptability when designing a typeface for multiple purposes.
Week 12 (10/7/2025)
Written by: Simon Garfield
Link to Source
I picked this book because I wanted to explore the cultural and emotional aspects of type design. Unlike the other books, which are more technical, this one tells stories about famous typefaces and how they shaped visual culture. Reading about the history of Helvetica, Baskerville, and Comic Sans reminded me that typography carries emotional weight and identity. This inspired me to think more about how my typeface Lumiere could communicate personality and mood in its applications.
Week 13 (17/7/2025)
Written by: Karen Cheng
Link to Source
I included this book in my further reading because it provides a clear explanation of type construction and how each letterform relates to others in a family. The detailed analysis of proportions, stroke contrast, and optical adjustments helped me evaluate my own typeface more critically. One particularly useful insight was how small refinements in curves and terminals can significantly improve legibility at different scales. This was especially relevant for my final project, as my typeface had to remain readable and elegant on a small smartwatch display.







































































.gif)
Comments
Post a Comment