1.25.2009

WEEK 1 A

RESEARCH TRENDS

research current topics in type design and typography to identify tendencies, trends, areas of practice and topics of personal interest. we want to assemble a “state of the typographic union” as a junior class, amassing as much information as we can. gather everything you can find. read lots of design and non-design magazines (important), skim books (important), go out and observe the real live physical world, and skim blogs. look at things that aren’t necessarily design – a trip to walgreens might reveal some interesting stuff, for example. collect stories, images, etc. make notes, prints, photos, copies, etc, as needed. shoot for collecting 50 things for next class. this definitely means you have to work quickly and intuitively.
- what things are you seeing over and over again?
- where is type appearing that is new, unusual, important, or that we don’t normally think of?
- what’s an area of typographic practice that you’re personally interested in?
- who’s using type, both inside and outside of the design profession?
- how is type being used by both groups? how is it different or similar?
- what types of type are being utilized today? are there cultural preferences or market-based preferences?


TYPE WALL!
bring in physical, visual stuff (copies, printouts, actual printed pieces, photos, etc) for next class for a massive find+share and discussion. we are going to assemble things, and keep collecting things as we go, into a massive wall which will be our visual “state of the typographic union”.

in class: read the bil'ak reading under "course materials" in the blog sidebar to the right.

homework: collect stuff! and read the triggs link under “course materials”, up to p 12, stopping at “typography and its swiss roots”.

ABOUT THIS BLOG

1
all project descriptions, objectives, specifications and deadlines will be posted here. it is your responsibility to check regularly for important updates, new assignments and topical references.

2
i intend the blog to function as an ongoing dialog and extension beyond the classroom. if you have project-specific questions that arise outside of class please email. i will respond as soon as i am able, or in the next class session.

3
required readings and discussion topics are provided to clarify and expand your knowledge of issues addressed in studio and design in general. we will discuss these either as a class or you will be asked to post responses to this blog.

4
visual & creative inspiration abounds online and i encourage you to embark upon serendipitous or purposeful surfing. once you find something share-worthy post it to "find+share".

5
occasionally i will assign an online crit in order to provide an alternative forum for classroom feedback and collaborative effort.

if those reasons aren't enough to get involved, remember, your online presence does count toward your online participation grade. i evaluate post quality and quantity.