AY1718 S1 Typography1 G3

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Project 2b: Organic Type

1. Exploring the Quote

I wanted a quote from our everyday lingo so that everyone could relate to it. To prevent my indecisiveness from becoming a stumbling block, I quickly decided on the quote

‘CAN YOU NOT’

This quote is interesting as it can be used in different contexts – sarcasm, annoyance, fury, etc. It could be said as a passing remark or in an argument.

Project Emo Lines: Fury

This assignment reminded me of our very first 2D assignment about emotions and I decided to ride on one of them for my typography – FURY. Using the same aesthetic of black paint and torn paper, I experimented and created an A3 draft.

Thankfully all the alphabets are symmetrical!

While I do quite like the end result, I felt that this was too simple as it is riding too much on my previous work and not creating any new value. Hence, I decided to experiment with another emotions from the other end of the spectrum.

I get quite annoyed with sticky tapes when they crumpled up before I could use them. Translating this experience into my typography, I decided to use crumpled text to form the quote. The transparent crumpled PVC tape differentiate itself from the white cartridge paper. I thought the subtle difference may help suggest the slight annoyance. However, most classmates preferred the B&W one because it evokes a stronger energy. I decided to go with the piece that communicates better with people.

2. Experimenting with Material

I started to experiment with other materials that could also evoke the same strong emotions. I had a sudden inspiration from my friend’s complaint when she said “Why must he copy and not just use something else such as hair?” Oh yes, I get quite disgusted with wet hair stuck on toilet walls. (Can you not leave behind your wet hair on the toilet walls???) I could do something along that line! Perhaps a poster to tell people that.

Hence, I collected hair from the nearby salon and hid in the toilet for an hour to ‘design’ this hair font. (P.s. I forget to prepare gloves and did it with bare hands.)

While the font is visible, I do agree with Shirley that the lines are too fine and not able to stand out if it is used as a campaign poster. Instead, the chromed shower head seem to demand for more attention in the poster. I needed to consider the hierarchy in my poster.

  1. Headline: ‘CAN YOU NOT’
  2. Suggested Context: a small shower head will do.

3. Finalising

Firstly, to create outline of the alphabets, I had to shoot the alphabets individually because I did not have enough hair to form all the alphabets needed for the poster at once. And, at this point of time, I decided to use my own hair. It’s too gross to touch other people’s hair. This makes it convenient too as whenever I needed a bit more of hair, I would just snip a lock from my head.

Secondly, I had to create a pseudo toilet with Photoshop to get the right angle and elements within my poster.

I also decided to use white tiles instead because it helps to emphasise the alphabets a little more.

Alas, I’m using Crescent Hall’s logo for purely for aesthetic purpose. They have rather clean toilets actually.

Project 2a: Vernacular Type

1. Chosen Space

I think this assignment is a very good excuse to hand out at your favourite place. Hence, I choose Tiong Bahru.

Ideas for quotes

It’s a place I frequent almost every week because my Ah Ma stays there. To me, Tiong Bahru is synonymous to Ah Ma’s house.

While researching about the place, I found out that it literally means ‘to die new‘. ‘Tiong’ means to die in Hokkien and ‘Bahru’ means new. I felt that literal translation also accurately reflects the co-existence of old and new in Tiong Bahru. In comparison to the latter, this quote was less personal and able to be understood by most.

2. Photos

It took me 2 trips to get the right photos. I shall review the rejects first before showing what worked. During my consult with Shirley, I learnt that what didn’t worked could easily be explained with Gestalt Theory.

Left: If there is no border, it is harder to recognise it as D.

 

Right: However, when there is a white space around it, it helps to focus on the subject ‘D’. The border acts as a ‘closure’ for the subject ‘D’.

 

Left: the white building is bleeding into the white (overexposed) sky at the top and become a part of the subject ‘E’.

 

Right: The subject ‘E’ stands out when there is a clear distinction between the subject and background.

 

 

 

Both of these letter works. However, in different ways.

Left: We recognise ‘L’ instead of ‘i’ because due the peephole is too far to be seen as a part of the handle.

Right: Due to the proximity (and size), we can recognise an ‘i’.

 

3. Layout

So, these were 3 layouts I were experimenting. While the first two are rather neat and structured, I decided to go with the last one because it resemble a flying bird could possibly symbolises the revitalisation of Tiong Bahru.