Alphabetic Form/Counterform
Lower Case Z
Typography 1 Fall 2006
Instructor: Joan Dobkin
Objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the basic elements of the letterform
2. Demonstrate the importance of the relationship between positive and negative space
3. Explore the use of cropping
4. Recognize the significance of the design process
5. Fine tune presentation skills
6. Create a preliminary design that can be used in a later project
Description:
Students were asked to explore different ways of cropping a letterform in a square composition. They were given a specific typeface, Baskerville Semi-bold, and a specific character to work with. Artistic elements students were encouraged to focus on include the edges and corners of the composition, abstract shapes, visual hierarchy, areas of the composition that contain contrast and areas that contain similarity, as well as visual weight.
Design Rationale:
I chose to position the lower case z in such a way to create an interesting composition with a lot of contrast. The first step I took was to tip the letter roughly 30 degrees to the right. I then chose to move part of the letter off the art board, creating an energetic asymmetrical composition that leads the viewers’ eye smoothly through the piece. The placement of the z also creates four distinctly different areas of negative space, a key aspect in creating visual contrast. I included the top serif and fillet, as well as part of the bottom serif in order to create visual dissimilarities. The fillet is the only curved part of the z, thus I had to include it in order to show both the curved and straight components of the letter. I chose to reveal parts of the stem and both arms as a way to show both the thick and thin elements of the letterform, another tool that serves to create a dynamic design. All of these choices came together to create an interesting, active design that engages viewers’ interest.
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