GWD-115: Typography & Hierarchy

This course will explore printed communication and the use of typography as an exclusive element of design. The course will focus on the development of marketable, original and creative problem-solving solutions with an emphasis on professional presentation techniques. This course includes three distinct areas of learning in the subject of typography: Traditional Typography is an introduction of lettering skills and the history and foundation of letterforms. The placement of display and text type in a formatted space, and the relationship between the appearance and readability of letterforms, are also studied. Students will work in a traditional context of hand-rendering type and will also be introduced to contemporary typesetting technology. Expressive & Experimental Typography is designed to further investigate the power and beauty of expressive typography and its applications. The use of computer software and non-traditional media are explored. Projects will include kinetic typography, unique typeface/font design, and creative title designs. Contemporary Typography will explore the current design trends in typography. The work of contemporary type designers will be analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation of creative, innovative and new-wave type designing. At the conclusion of this course, students will produce a portfolio artifact that can be added to their developing capstone portfolio.