Digital Training
This digital training module focuses on mastering Fontlab 8 both from a letter or type design perspective and from a digital production one.
Using a professional powerful tool for digital type design we cover all aspects of digital font creation, including drawing, editing glyphs, managing font metrics, and exporting fonts.
Due to time and human-resource constraints, we focus on the majuscules’ design. When the semester allows, or as students require we approach Kerning, OpenType programming, hinting.
The course includes curated video playlists and custom tutorials to provide step-by-step guidance through the font production process. The course also covers digitizing designs, requiring a deep understanding of vector drawing and digital typography principles. It covers best practices for creating clean, precise vector paths and managing glyphs efficiently.
Regular feedback from instructors and peers will help refine digital type designs, and a portfolio will be created to showcase digital type design skills.
Research
During this module we may explore the intersections of historical typefaces and modern design, focusing on type revivals and contemporary interpretations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of typefaces, analyzing their design characteristics, significance, and cultural impact. The module also explores how modern designers reinterpret these classic forms, balancing tradition with innovation.
The module uses various research methodologies, including archival studies, typographic analysis, digital resources, and fieldwork, to gather and synthesize information for design projects. The module encourages creative thinking and developing unique type solutions, pushing the boundaries of traditional design. Studying successful type revivals and contemporary projects provides valuable insights and inspiration. Individual and group research projects are undertaken, focusing on in-depth studies of specific typefaces, periods, or design movements.
The work produced will contribute significantly to the professional portfolio, demonstrating the ability to conduct thorough research, apply historical knowledge, and innovate within the field of type design.
Variable Font Design Production
This final module aims to provide students with a comprehensive design project that involves digital font production and its application in a communication design artifact. The collaborative nature of the project will be experienced through group work, fostering effective teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
The final project will cover all stages of font production — despite working on a limited character set —, from initial concept development to digitization and refinement, utilizing calligraphy, lettering, and digital design skills. Emphasis will be placed on continuous refinement based on feedback and testing.
The project will also involve applying the digital variable font in a communication design artifact, such as posters, branding materials, web and mobile interfaces. Understanding the practical application of the typeface will enhance the design’s functionality and usability, meeting the needs of its intended context.
Professional presentation is an essential skill, requiring students to create compelling presentations that showcase their design process. Regular feedback from instructors and peers will be provided throughout the project, guiding students in making informed decisions and improving their work. Technical documentation detailing the font production process will be produced, providing a valuable reference for future projects.
The course culminates in a final group presentation, where students showcase their project to peers and instructors, highlighting the design process, key decisions, and the final outcome. This presentation will provide constructive feedback and celebrate achievements, making the final project a significant addition to the student’s professional portfolio we hope and expect to serve as a powerful tool for demonstrating expertise to potential clients or employers.