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Advanced Typography / Task 3

25/10/2023 - 29/11/2023 / Week 9 - Week 13
Iman binti Kamarudin / 0364014
Advanced Typography / Bachelors in Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 3: Type Exploration and Application
INSTRUCTIONS

Task 3: 


My idea for this task was to create a typeface specifically for medieval-themed games. The problem they face is most of the time they use a serif typeface that is hard to read when you're in the middle of an action. However, some medieval-themed games also choose to use really modern typefaces that take the player out from the game. My goal is to create a typeface that is easily legible, modern yet having medieval themes that immerses the player in the game.

I initially got the idea for my font while I was casually watching gameplays of Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring since the developers used the same UI and I felt that it could be a bit better. After I decided on my problem and purpose, I went to Pinterest to look for some inspiration and references. 

Fig 1.1 - Task 3 Typeface Proposal PDF

Fig 1.2 - Task 3 Typeface Proposal Slide 1 JPEG

Fig 1.3 - Task 3 Typeface Proposal Slide 2 JPEG

Fig 1.4 - Task 3 Typeface Proposal Slide 3 JPEG

Fig 1.5 - Task 3 Typeface Proposal Slide 4 JPEG


From there I went onto Adobe Illustrator and just started making up some letters while referencing an existing typeface called ‘Bohemian Soul Regular’.

Fig 2.1 - Typeface Process Attempt #1

I kept comparing the letters with eachother and zooming out to see how they would look at a smaller font size and decided to make them skinnier for more readability and then continued.

Fig 2.2 - Typeface Process Attempt #1 pt.2

Fig 2.3 - Typeface Process Attempt #1 pt.3

Fig 2.4 - Typeface Process Attempt #1 pt.4

Fig 2.5 - Typeface Attempt #1 Final Uppercase Letters

Fig 2.6 - Typeface Attempt #1 Game Title Demo

I also tried making lowercase letters.....badly. However this is when I received my feedback so it was scrapped.

Fig 2.6 - Typeface Attempt #1 Lowercase


After some feedback, I redid my whole typeface using the original version for more width contrast and also tried using a grid to make it more cohesive.

Fig 3.1 - Typeface Attempt #2

Fig 3.2 - Typeface Attempt #2 pt.2

After more feedback, it was clear that the typeface wasn’t really giving off the medieval vibes that it was supposed to so we came up with an alternate style by basing it off of uncials. By using a brush and applying it to paths it made the process much faster and cohesive.

Fig 4.1 - Typeface Attempt #3

Fig 4.2 - Typeface Attempt #3 pt.2


I then worked on the punctuation and numbers. It was a little hard since I wasn’t sure how they should look like but I ended up with something quite okay in my opinion.

Fig 4.3 - Typeface Attempt #3 pt.3

Fig 4.4 - Typeface Attempt #3 pt.4

Fig 4.5 - Typeface Attempt #3 pt.5

Fig 4.6 - Typeface Attempt #3 pt.6


After all the glyphs were made, I imported them into Fontlab 8 and adjusted the bearings.

Fig 5.1 - Fontlab 8 Character Map

Fig 5.2 - Fontlab 8 Kerning Process pt.1

Fig 5.3 - Fontlab 8 Kerning Process pt.2

Fig 5.4 - Fontlab 8 Kerning Process pt.3

Once I finished making the typeface in Fontlab, I moved onto the type presentation and applications. I found screenshots from Elden Ring online and decided to include that into my presentation.

Fig 6.1 - Type Presentation Process pt.1

I also decided to add in some ripped old paper  on top to give more medieval themes in the presentation as well. Behind the holes in the paper are more screenshots from the game.

Fig 6.2 - Type Presentation Process pt.2

I tried overlaying some noise on the presentation and accidentally discovered an interesting effect and liked how it looked.

Fig 6.3 - Type Presentation Process pt.3

I received feedback that the presentation would be better with more focus on specific letters and larger words so I tried making a few more designs.

Fig 6.4 - Type Presentation Process pt.4

For the application, I replaced the typeface in Elden Ring’s UI with my own. I tried making fake character introduction screenshots for The Witcher 3 Wildhunt game as well however I didn’t really like how they turned out.

Fig 7.1 - Type Application Process pt.1

Fig 7.2 - Type Application Process pt.2

Fig 7.3 - Type Application Process pt.3

Fig 7.4 - Type Application Process pt.4

Fig 7.5 - Type Application Process pt.5

Fig 7.6 - Type Application Process pt.6

With some feedback, I also created an art book and promotional poster for Elden Ring for a larger application of the font. I then placed the designs into a mockup.

Fig 7.7 - Type Application Process pt.7

Fig 7.8 - Type Application Process pt.8

Fig 7.9 - Type Application Process pt.9


FINAL TYPEFACE


Fig 8.1 - Grayscale Alphabet Glyph

Fig 8.2 - Grayscale Punctuation/Number Glyph

Fig 8.3 - Final Type Presentation Slide 1

Fig 8.4 - Final Type Presentation Slide 2

Fig 8.5 - Final Type Presentation Slide 3

Fig 8.6 - Final Type Presentation Slide 4

Fig 8.7 - Final Type Application 1

Fig 8.8 - Final Type Application 2

Fig 8.9 - Final Type Application 3

Fig 8.10 - Final Type Application 4

Fig 8.11 - Final Type Application 5

Fig 8.12 - Simulated Type Application 1

Fig 8.13 - Simulated Type Application 2

Type Here:

FEEDBACK

Week 9:
Specific Feedback - Choose a specific game to cater the typeface to.


Week 10:
General Feedback - Develop lowercase letters net to uppercase letters.

Specific Feedback - First version is better (width contrast). Rework everything like the first version and use a grid to maintain consistency.


Week 11:
Specific Feedback - Too classic, doesn't really feel medieval. Develop an uncial-based typeface. Use brushes to make it go by faster.


Week 12: 
Specific Feedback - Start thinking and working on your type presentation. The '7' looks a little weird and the 2 is off as well.


Week 13:
Specific Feedback - Larger application of font. Make the typeface sing, not the background. Don't have to include all the letters - you can just focus on a few. Make the words bigger in the presentation, keep working on it a bit more.


REFLECTION

My experience with this task was…painful however it was also rewarding at the end as most assignments are. Having to remake my typeface twice was the hardest part but although it was quite tough, I ended up pulling it off and am much happier with it than my original. I found that I learned a lot about my limits and preferences and feel like this is the task that has taught me the most. Creating the art book and promotional poster was also enjoyable however menial the task was. 

I've observed that you really really need to plan and manage your time well in order to get things done when they're due. Making sure I was able to complete everything on time was a struggle but it was for a good cause and if I hadn't done so, I probably would be 100x more stressed and disappointed. It was also fun to see what my peers came up with and how they applied their typeface.


FURTHER READING

Week 9 - Week 14

Fig 9.1 - 'What Is a Product Mockup', Unknown (n.d)

"When you create a mockup, you’ll want to use color in the same way it will be used in the final product." Using your typeface in the context it was made for will help you see if it accomplishes your goal.
Use white space to your advantage to highlight the specific elements you want attention on. This article was quite basic but it was sort of helpful.


Fig 9.2 - 'Getting Started with Typeface Design', Jonathan Hoefler (n.d)

Train yourself not to look at letterforms, but at the contexts. Judge your letters by looking at it being used in words and then in paragraphs etc.

Type design is about applying your judgment, and that kicks in when you stop to take in the things you’ve made. You’ll be more productive if you spend less time tinkering to make something perfect, and more time submitting creating rough drafts to comment on and think about.

Be prepared to throw everything away. Make sure you put your work down and come back to it later for a fresher perspective. 

This article resonated with me and I feel like it had a lot of helpful comments about being a designer and creating a typeface.
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