Archived copy for reference only
 

 

Graphic Design / Interactive Design / Fine & Applied Arts / Parkland College

GDS 110 Typography I
Typography Journal

(Archived from 2019)

Objective

To practice thumbnail sketching. To record ideas for future reference. To study typographic elements by looking, copying and drawing.

Description

Type is everywhere. Open your eyes and record a typography journal of interesting type elements that you see. Draw letterforms, words, phrases, signage, etc. Be inspired by interesting typefaces that you see, make typographic compositions of quotes or lyrics, or even make up your own typefaces. The contents of your journal will be kept strictly confidential. (You will be graded on quantity and quality, not content.)

Also see:

Procedure

Purchase a blank book. Carry it with you wherever you go. You may use it to take notes with, to doodle in, to write in, whatever.

  • Discipline yourself by drawing something in your journal at least once every day (tip: there are 26 letters in the english alphabet [plus numbers and glyphs]—that covers almost 4 weeks of ideas. Fill a page with as many versions of the same letterform as you can come up with!)
  • Whenever you see something interesting (especially if it's a neat letterform) sketch it in the book
  • Date each of your sketches (required)

Feel free to develop concepts and roughs for your projects in your journal, but project sketches do NOT count towards your typography journal grade.

Grading

Bring your typography journal for individual critique at midterm and at the end of the semester. You should have at least 91 sketches by the end of the semester (13 weeks multiplied by 7 days per week equals 91).

Note

If you are concurrently taking more than one graphic design class which has a journal or sketchbook assignment, it is recommended that you use one blank book for all your classes. If appropriate, you may also use your sketchbook for any other classes as along as it fulfills your instructor's requirements. You may combine notes, journal entries, classroom assignments, etc. all into one sketchbook.

BACK TO TOP
Last updated: 5/4/21 • Webmaster: Paul Young <pyoung.parkland@gmail.com>