FAMOUS TYPOGRAPHERS
Graphic Design Project: Santa Monica College
Client: Santa Monica College (Graphic Design Department)
Target Customer: Graphic Design Professors and Students
Objective: Improve layout skills and typography arrangement.
Strategy:
Grid-Based System:
Implement a strong grid system as the foundation for all layouts.
Explore different grid types (columnar, modular, hierarchical) to understand their impact on visual hierarchy and readability.
Use grids to guide the placement of images, text, and other design elements.
Typography Exploration:
Experiment with different typefaces (serif, sans-serif, script), font weights, and sizes.
Understand the principles of typography, including leading, tracking, kerning, and line spacing.
Explore the use of typography as a design element itself, creating visual interest and hierarchy.
Minimalist Approach:
Emphasize clean, uncluttered layouts with ample white space.
Focus on the essential elements and avoid unnecessary visual clutter.
Utilize simple, geometric shapes to create visual interest and structure.
Project Concepts:
Typographic Poster:
Create a poster that explores the principles of typography.
Use different typefaces and sizes to convey a message or create an abstract composition.
Magazine Spread:
Design a double-page spread for a hypothetical magazine, incorporating a strong grid structure, compelling imagery, and effective typography.
Brochure for the Graphic Design Department:
Design a visually appealing brochure that highlights the department's programs, faculty, and student work.
Experimental Layout:
Explore unconventional layout techniques, such as asymmetrical grids, overlapping elements, and unconventional text placement.
Tools:
Adobe Illustrator:
Create and manipulate vector graphics, including grids, shapes, and illustrations.
Experiment with typography and create typographic compositions.
Adobe InDesign:
Design and layout the final projects.
Import and manipulate images and text.
Create professional-looking publications.
Key Considerations:
Readability: Ensure all text is easily readable and legible.
Visual Hierarchy: Guide the viewer's eye through the design using visual cues like size, color, and placement.
Creativity: Encourage experimentation and exploration of different design approaches.
Feedback and Critique: Provide constructive feedback and engage in peer critiques to refine design decisions.
Deliverables:
Completed Design Projects: High-quality print or digital versions of the final projects.
Process Documentation: Document the design process, including sketches, explorations, and revisions.
Presentation: Present the final projects and discuss the design decisions made.
