CDS3305 · Type design

Overview

This unit is concerned with the process of designing type to a professional level. It provides the opportunity to take a deep dive into this field from a pragmatic and theoretical perspective guided by the idea that letters mean what they are as much as what they say. You will delve into the latest developments in type technology and understand the formal complexities of designing your own typefaces whilst grappling with questions of originality, and how to approach historical models and the political nature of letterforms and language. Emphasis is given to experimentation and exposure to contemporary type design software and workflows.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

100% in-semester assessment

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Understand how to create digital fonts using specific design software;
2. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of type construction;
3. Use a computer as an effective design tool;
4. Demonstrate a greater understanding of the importance of type legibility through the design and application of digitally produced fonts;
5. Digitally produce fonts with skill and focused experimentation to a professional standard;
6. Consider research as a strategy to develop and initiate concept development within your practical work.

Workload

12 hours per week including 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.