typographic sign
learning goal
I can use typography to convey meaning and engage an audience.
1
View Now
-Think About-
What is the definition of a sign?
What do signs do?
How do signs change a thing or place and the way we perceive it?
2
Practice
Most signs consist of type-- characters and letterforms. Typography describes how type is used to convey ideas and meaning. Check out some of the examples of signs below and think about how typography communicates meaning. Also, try the Kerning Game , Shape Type Game , Serif Game , Typewar and the Bezier Game to familiarize yourself with the letterforms.
Use google images to find examples of typography that you like. Look for images of signs, menus, logos, or online magazines advertisements. Save photos you like.
Open the photos in Photoshop, Google Slides, or PowerPoint, cut out letters and then arrange them on a slide or canvas to create an alphabet, your name, a quote or song lyric.
After completing your Typographic Inspiration slide, visit Glyphr Studio to create your own font. Also check out the work of typographic designer Tre Seals at Vocal Type and try his fonts out at Write it Right. To find out more about typography and its history, check out An Introduction to Typography.
Consider the role of color in your design. Start by playing the Color Game. You can also use Adobe Color to find colors that work well together.
3
Create
Determine a place / thing / situation that you feel could use a sign. Design a sign, or signs for use somewhere in the public.
Your sign can be:
— practical
— directional
— personal
— informational
— poetic
Your sign should be designed for a particular place and audience. Just as important as the content and design of the sign is where you might put it and why. Signs mean very little without their proper context. Just by moving an everyday sign somewhere new, can change its meaning entirely. Consider your target audience. Who will use/see your sign(s).
Your sign should reveal something. The content/message is up to you. It can make a new connection. It can be a piece of information that you feel everyone should know. It can attempt to change people’s perception of a place or thing.
Your sign should include type. It can also include image(s), or simply be a shape and
Use Method Draw to create your sign(s). For details on how your sign will be assessed, look at the typographic sign rubric.