2020 Topic 12: Typography
Hi everyone, Keren here, looking at our new topic : Typography.
Typography
can elicit an emotional response, build a brand, structure a page or
piece of art and communicates words in a different way. We've seen a
turning to dislike certain fonts such as Comic Sans (remember that
one?!) and this also is a good example of how certain typography is
fashion led. It's been quoted that the first real example of typography
is the Guternberg Bible that was the catalyst for typography in the West
and that font used is in use even today (although, text and design can
be dated back from 11th Century East Asia.) Typography changed more
rapidly when things turned digital. We now have access to a myriad of
fonts and typefaces. As an aside, a typeface and font are different. The
typeface refers to a family of fonts and the font is the collection of
sizings, weights and style of the letters. Whatever your preference; the
scripty curly alphabets currently in vogue or more simple plainer text
like American Typewriter, combining these and playing around with their
size, position, colours and negative space is the art of typography.
Firstly, is this bold bunch of letters decorated using Hot Picks stamps by Lotte Christianson.
Next
is this beautiful page by Claire Snowdon incorporating a tonne of
different fonts including book pages. It makes your eyes dance between
the words.
This
next textured beauty from Sandra Reynolds has a real mix of words,
letters and numbers, yet there's plenty of 'space' to rest your eyes
upon.
For
those of you that are interested in the technical side- here's a quick
infographic (which ironically depend on good typography for clarity.)
I
think lots of us when thinking of typography will have similar images
to this in our heads; wooden blocks used in printers trays many years
ago. With a resurgence in popularity of Letterpress, these
are now pretty collectable. This example shows just how a juxtaposition
of different fonts, upper and lower case can look so beautiful.
Typographical
designs get clever when they're arranged to denote a familiar image but
using the words to describe phrases linked with it. The linked article
is a fascinating look at how typography can be a visual influencer.
Words
are everywhere, and so is typography. What we rarely consider is that
there is a psychology behind the fonts and colour that we see and how
this affects us. This link explores more on this topic.
Typography
can be seen artistically in fashion and also in art quilts. This is a
quilt that uses texture, words and negative space to achieve a calming,
gentle piece of fabric art.
Typography
isn't limited just to the digital. Whilst this example may have been
created digitally it's a good starting point to consider how doodling,
designing and being artistic in creating your own fonts and
typographical art could be incorporated into your journalling or
artistic endeavours.
For
years, scrapbookers have utilised typography, picking the perfect font
to match the emotions or events described in their memory recording.
Using different papers to decorate die cut letters is a useful
technique. This idea would look fabulous using stamped papers.
Typography
doesn't have to just use paper, I added this example for fun. I'm not
sure the art would last long but it's a great example!
The
way that letters or words are arranged is another aspect of typography.
Letters don't need to be plain, but when simply rearranged, give a new
energy to a word.
Sometimes
using the alphabet in its correct order as a bold graphic background
can be a strong design statement. This journal cover has a wonderful
almost ombre textured look.
We
also mentioned at the beginning how typography could elicit emotion.
This font, and the arrangement of it seems to perfectly fit with the
style of the drawn images and the sentiment.
Another
aspect of artistic typography is using words and phrases, cleverly
arranged to form portraits. This is a really striking example carefully
following the contours of the face.
One
of the more recognisable modern art structures fits into our topic
perfectly. Robert Indiana created this which is an iconic piece and the
design even made its way onto a postage stamp too!
How
about using a single letter and adding a design onto it? Whilst not
strictly typography, it fits our theme well and is rather beautiful in
its natural simplicity.
This
next example hasn't been chosen for its literalness, but because it
uses a technique you might like to emulate. Using the same main word and
exact font, they've folded back certain parts so when put back together
it completes the whole. You'll notice the lower words are in fact the
definition too!
Lastly
I've included this rather dreamy set of artist blocks that use
typography in a simple but impactful way. Using book pages as the
background and 2 other fonts, they've been sparing enough with the words
that it doesn't clash nor look overdone. Just gorgeous.
I
hope this typographical collection has spurred you to look around you.
Typography is absolutely everywhere, from the TV titles of our favourite
programmes, the food we eat and what we see on the internet. There are
so many wonderful ways of using this in our art.
If you want to create along with us, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to. The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook. Make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!
5 comments:
what a fascinating topic!
Wow... Great topic and inspiration
Loved this article, it must have taken a lot of work to put it all together in such an interesting way.
I so enjoyed and learning more about this fabulous topic...Thank you x.
In the series of typefaces mentioned in the article, there are some typefaces that I am very impressed with and love. However, among them, I want to share about a special typeface that I find the most interesting and attractive, which is "Robert Indiana."
The Robert Indiana typeface is more than just letters, it is an iconic work of art. I love how this typeface is crafted to create a familiar and strong image - "LOVE." The use of capital letters in this typeface, along with the unique arrangement and colors, creates a simple yet powerful message of love and happiness.
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