Opposing Forces
The Brief
Design a creative, conceptual double page spread in the style of Fontsmith's magazine TypeNotes. Base this spread on a 'pair of opposites'. Explore opposing words through typeface using a combination of materials and media before enhancing them digitally.
Typenotes
"We cater for everyone from the resolutely typographically technical to the graphic design geek to the bystander with a passing interest in visual culture"
The magazine explains the importance of typography for contemporary and conceptual art to your local samosa shop. We learn about the history of type while looking into up-and-coming artist studios.
It's interesting to see how space is occupied as well as the use of negative space in their magazine. It's interesting to see how they've split the page into thirds (see the first image). They have separated "MAD MEN" and installed a piece of descriptive text within the final section. I think this is striking.
When positioning the pair of opposites, I will have to be considerate of how to draw attention to the words as well as depicting their separate themes in a similar style.
Looking at Typographic Artists
Kate Moross
Kate's use of colour and font triggers an emotional response. Her format and style is playful and intriguing. I enjoy how she isolates words and gives them character. Her use of display fonts is very fun to look at and interpret.
Jonathan Hoefler
Jonathan's work is very methodical and traditional. He appears in the Netflix documentary, abstract in which we get an insight into his inspirations and process. He gives direction on how to create a pleasing, effective typeface. I feel he's a great teacher to develop an understanding of what characteristics can be interchanged and continued to get the feeling you need from a typleface.
Similar Work
I found this piece by eye magazine really interesting and amusing. It presents the words in a seemingly opposite style of typeface related with their definition. It demonstrates how we understand and are influenced by type.
Words through Typeface
I chose three pairs of opposites to explore. Using Pinterest, I hunted for fonts which best explained the definition and connotations for the word.
Ancient and Modern
Curse and Bless
Fiction and Fact
I sketched further typefaces I found on Pinterest to understand and compare their similarities and the essence of which explains the word's theme. This process also helped me understand their structure and synchronisation.
Cursed and Blessed: My Chosen Opposites
I chose this font, Curse of the Zombie because of its fearsome appearance. The form of the letters is unpredictable and intense.
I created these pieces with red and green acrylic paint and charcoal. I was inspired by the slender man game and cult themed motifs.
You may notice I flipped the orientation of the 'S'. I simply didn't realise it was incorrect. However, 'R' I did purposely keep flipped to give a disconcerting effect.
I added the exclusion blend mode to create this ghoulish tone as well as a scratchy pattern which almost glows underneath. I feel the drop shadow makes the piece look very creepy as it exaggerates the font's spikes.
I cut out the letters from my original painting physically and then scanned them in. I then cleaned them up digitally but there were some imperfections. These were exaggerated in the shadows. However, I think I cleaned all the imperfections up for the magazine spread.
I chose this font, Angel Bilsh for it's soft curvy appearance. The swashes or shoulders of the letters are thin or/and exaggerated but inline which make the font look esteemed but delicate.
On top of white paper, I glued on white tissue paper. I chose white because it has connotations of purity while I thought the tissue paper would add a delicateness. I also added circular cut-outs of grey paper with reflective gold specs. I thought this would add some interest while the gold communicates a preciousness. I added gold sequins to continue the theme. I also glued on rose petals introducing the idea of love and stamped on lilies which have connotations of innocence.
I took pictures of my physical college to capture the reflection of light on the gold. I then cut the letters out digitally.
I used a pattern overlay of pool water to create the affect within the second image. I feel light is often related to a purifying presence or manifestation so I thought it was important to include.
The Themed Double Page Spread
