Study Task 1 - 3 Shape Modular Typeface

This task was to create 3 different shapes that would then be used to create a typeface for the whole alphabet. Initially, the rule was that every shape had to be used in every letter (and could be repeated) which was challenging but later that rule was used loosely and we didn’t have to use every shape however I think using every shape every letter allowed for a more interesting typeface as I had to create glyphs that were more experimental as I couldn’t go to my instinctual idea of what the letter should look like.

   

I initially began by cutting out very angular shapes out of black paper (as it would stand out against white sheet for photographs) and then later cut out the inside of them to make the letter more interesting and allow for more space and angles within the letters. 

I found it to be really limited and challenging and I wasn’t happy with the letters being made so I then changed my idea. I decided to explore more curved shapes as when I experimented with curves in the first task (creating 50 words using grids) I found it more exciting and interesting. I chose to cut these shapes out of thick card so that they’d be easier to use and more consistent as the paper didn’t hold its shape as much. 

An issue I faced was trying to create letters that had multiple cap-heights within them such as N, M and W however I resolved this by keeping their arrangement but just changing their direction. This allowed me to create a consistent typeface.

Another issue was consistency with letters that weren’t similar shapes such as M and W and I resolved this by reflecting back on the letters I had done and seeing what letter could be slightly altered to match the rest of the typeface. For example after I had done “D” i realised how it could be slightly changed to alter by unsuccessful “C” into a much more consistent and legible “C”. 

After finding out that the rule of using all 3 shapes in each letter was taken out I could’ve experimented with different versions of my typeface however I was happy with how using all shapes pushed me out my comfort zone and was happy with the typeface I created as I felt it was successful in looking like a consistent typeface.