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GDES 2345 University of Minnesota
Typography

Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2017
Lead Instructor: Carol Waldron


Course Description 

Typography is an introduction to the art of visual communication: the visual realization of a most basic element of communication–the word.
    The history of typographic forms, principles of composition, and the expressive potential of type are explored through reading, research, exercises, and design production. Sequential studies will follow the design process: problem-solving through exploration, experimentation, selection, critique, and refinement. Effectiveness of typographic design will be evaluated in terms of legibility, readability, and expression: the direct correlation to gestalt design principles will be evident.

Objectives

  • Become familiar with the form and structure of Latin letterforms
  • Gain technical skills for digital and traditional type composition
  • Gain an understanding of the basic principles of typography: the selection and arrangement of type for effective legibility
  • Acquire design skills for typographic organization to ensure readability
  • Examine how visual, verbal messages can be shaped and presented for expressive communication
  • Develop effective arrangements of text, information, and visuals with typographic elements
  • Develop a keen sensitivity to the æsthetics of type arrangement

Projects


Unit 1: Letters
 Begin exploration of typography with a introduction to vocabulary, anatomy, and proper implementation of what makes a design possess “good typography.” Develop many, attractive compositions that clearly communicate information through the use of typography.

Unit 2: Letterpress
The College of Design is extremely fortunate to have a well-stocked letterpress studio in McNeal hall. The typography class will take full advantage of this manual, hands-on method of graphic design and produce typographic posters in small teams.

Unit 3: Hierarchy
Exercise design muscles by utilizing a wide variety of organizational methods for creating engaging textual relationships between words. Practice establishing visual hierarchies through sketching and bring those concepts to a full finished compositions. 

Unit 4: Application
Utilize design hierarchies to organize and structure complex information into “known” formats of a glossary and table of contents. You will learn to harness the efficiencies of Adobe InDesign so you can spend your creative energy on engaging, interesting, and easily adaptable typographic relationships.

Unit 5: Text
This project is the culmination of what you have learned in the class. You will be writing a research paper on a typographic topic or practitioner/s and be compiling your writing, relevant graphics and visualized data into an attractive physical book design.

Student Reviews


“Karl was extremely helpful. I now dream in typography. Everywhere I look all I see is type now. I tried to eat alphabet soup the other day but by the time I was ready to eat it, it was cold because I couldn’t stop testing typographic systems with the letters. It’s almost a curse. I’m scared.” (This review is my personal favorite).

“One thing that really helped the learning process was Karl coming around to each student individually and checking in. This ensured that everyone was on the right track towards success. Additionally, Karl provided a lot of written feedback for each assignment and/or project we turned in. This feedback therefore justified each grade given and helped with the execution of the other projects in the future.”

“I think Karl’s use of activities, examples and books help me learn a lot. I also think that his excitement for the material was contagious, and providing lots of feedback, and critique time was helpful.”

“Very helpful, patient and receptive. Great feedback provided on assignments and really good teaching skills.”

“Took the time to work with me individually on my work. He took a genuine interest in what I was doing and recommended some great designers for my own interest. He actually got to know his students and cares about what they did.”

“I would take a class from Karl again—he’s my favorite GDES teacher. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”