2 sided TYPEFACE POSTER VAGD101
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
GOALS:
• Develop a concept
that works for both
text and image(s) in
one design piece
• Create a grid for a
single page document,
used for both sides of
the poster. (the
precursor for a
multipage publication)
and master use of
INDD for layout and
design
• Design using four
color process (CMYK)
and two Pantone
colors and how to
prepare files for
commercial printing.
• Identify and refine
typographic hierarchy
SPECIFICATIONS:
2 sided typeface poster
8 1/2 x 11 (2 pages)
Front (conceptual side):
large visual full color that
uses typeface name in
display and uses bold
design to communicate
information about
typeface.
Back: information side
uses text and some visual
elements. Uses 2 colors
plus color of paper.
Layout grid for both sides
must be based on same
basic structure.
All text, display type, etc.
uses the text family of
your typeface. All type
weeks 9 10 11
2 sided typeface poster The typeface poster is an expansion of a traditional
typography assignment to design a poster that explores one typeface.
Developing design processes and skills are incorporated in the application
of typography and layout in this assignment.
The two-sided typeface poster assignment helps students understand how
to develop an underlying design idea (concept) and create a simple page
layout grid. The page layout grid is an essential component in publication
design – it ensures that contributing writers, editors, and designers will
work within a common structure.
The Assignment:
Students research a selected typeface and write a three-page research
paper that is used as text for the informational side of the poster. Drawing
on their research, students also develop five different ideas for a poster
front (conceptual side) before selecting, with peer and instructor feedback,
the one with which to proceed. The front and back must relate visually. Pull
quotes and sidebars are encouraged in the layout to provide texture and
visual interest. The conceptual side may be any number of colors; the back
is two colors plus the paper color. In creating the posters, students learn
how to work with the graphics and layout production software typically used
by design professionals.
Students create and design a poster introducing the typeface to a naive
audience (audience or visual information receiver that knows little about
specifics of typography in general and the particular typeface).
Project Overview /Applications Beyond
Attention to the details of hierarchy and layout is critical to successful
communication in a range of formats, including: handouts, web sites,
brochures, formal letters, etc. Almost every discipline uses text for
disseminating information; many use images as well. It is much
easier for viewers to understand text that uses clear typographic
hierarchy and is laid out within a systematic structure (grid).
Assignments like The Typeface Poster help students learn how to
create a systematic visual structure and how to communicate their
ideas in a way that is both clear and satisfactory to the viewer
 2 sided TYPEFACE POSTER VAGD101 weeks 9 10 11
hierarchies: text, callouts, • Bodoni • Optima • Baskerville
quotes, display, etc. must
• Didot • Futura • Frutiger
be specificed (specific
typeface, point size, • Garamond • Univers • Akzidenz-
leading, any kerning • Gill Sans • Bembo Grotesk
adjustment etc. • Eurostile Std • Palatino
• Avant-Garde

classwork: class 9, work due class 10

DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN BASED ON Typeface Selection (highlighted above)

Research typeface and write paper- starting during class 10/22, gather information from internet and
book sources to write a minimum of 3 full typewritten pages (12pt times roman, double spaced, 1 inch
margin). Your information (text and visual) sources must be cited in MLA style, on a 4th page. Find
available quotes about this typeface from significant designers, typographers, etc. for use in your
poster. The poster should highlight type flexibility, history, anecdotes, etc., and use all of the alphabet
including the numbers 1-10. You may also choose to display or emphasize other characters (special
accents, commas, semicolons, ligatures, etc.).

If there is a document of cultural or historical importance printed in the font you select, you may want
to use part of this document as a visual/ representative element in your design. (make sure you cite
sources)

Find an image of the entire font in your typeface. Look at the characteristics of the characters, and
make yourself aware of the visual qualities of the characters. It is your responsibility to do applicable
research with respect to your selected typeface, such as who designed it, when it was designed,
specific applications for the typeface (was it designed for a medicine bottle, a sign for architecture, its
historical and modern (old and new) uses, classical uses, etc. What influenced the creation of your
typeface? What anecdotes involve this typeface or its designer? You are to report back to the class
next week in an oral presentation covering your findings. Dig in and find out.
Gather and edit your research. Start to visualize your ideas, collect images, etc, as you do your
research, to include ideas in your poster. Paste quotes, images, notes, etc, in your sketchbook, as a
source of information and inspiration.
DURING CLASS 9
research your typeface (see above), at end of class, present basic information about typeface,
interesting fact, people involved, and interesting visuals.
• EMAIL by WEDNESDAY 10/28 (day before class): word doc with citations: buschini@bucks.edu
CLASS 10 present:
• oral presentation about typeface, its history and uses, display an example of entire font printed out
page size, (described above) beginning of class --10/29

full size thumbnails --Drawing on their research, students develop five different ideas for a POSTER
FRONT (display 5 DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT DESIGN TREATMENTS --full size DRAWN thumbnails,
ALL design elements clearly indicated (visual, text, display type, etc.), drawn on loose sheets that can
be displayed on board, black/white/gray in pencil -- no color at this point. NOTE: Computer printed
layouts, work done on pages of sketchbook, or will any other incomplete work, will receive a zero for
this portion of the assignment. Come to class with work ready at 8:30am. 10/29

UPCOMING: weeks 10- to begining class 11 will work on development of design, recording (writing
down) , and identifying your design process, creating grid structure, and finishing work for final for
handing in final finished work, beginning class 11, 11/5.