Essay: Typography

Creative multimedia is the vehicle in which emerging technologies drive home the concept of multimedia communications in business, art and design, entertainment and education. When we think about the future, we will find that the influence of technology, especially digital technology is indispensable. Technology has developed and changed the way we express ourselves, communicate, understand and interact with the world around us. In the media aspect it consists’ of digital which is poster. The example is sketches, typography, through motivational quotes. We focused on typography that uses motivational quotes. Typography is the design and use of typefaces as a means of visual communication from calligraphy to the ever developing use of digital type is the broad use of the term typography. Our project is about Typography that focuses on font, skills, position and benefits.

Skills are one of the important assets a designer should have when we talk about typography. Designers who are willing to put the time and effort into it will magically be able to pick the right typefaces and adjust it perfectly. Hence, we need to use the software tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to develop a new product by observing or based on our experiences.

Besides that, designer should also an imaginative person. Imagination is one essential skill that leads everything achievable. Start doodling your ideas on a paper by what you got in your mind that is out of the box. You will be amazed as you will see something different in your sketches. That showcases your eye for detail, conceptual ability and typography skills as well as showing your understanding of information architecture. The important thing is, the font will represent the whole basic idea of the design.

There are thousands of fonts that are used in design today and each one falls under certain style classification types. In typography, there are five main font families that are the most used due to readability, clean design and their ability to be used across multiple platforms. They are Old Style, Transitional, Modern, Slab Serif and Sans Serif. Thus, it is necessary for a designer to know the basic fonts such as Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, Impact and Century Gothic. Auto leading, bulleted list, converting text to outline, justified type, kerning, margin alignment, positioning punctuation, external counter, internal counter, capital letters height, degree of counter opening and spacing are the common thing that designers should know in order to master the typography. The ultimate goal to design typography is simply an expansion of idea, understand the message we want to deliver and appreciate the productions.

Positioned as one of the important roles in communication, typography can easily convey a message to others. That is why typography design has been tremendously popular in advertisements and designs. Whether the text is aligned horizontally or vertically, it is up to the designers to design the text and left a good impression for those who see it or read it. A punch line is what everyone expects for. Even though the word is not long, but it strengthens the image that comes with the text and leaves an impact to the viewers. Besides that, a motivational quote could also leave a positive impact on one’s life. Together with typo play, the design will look great and engaging by adding a motivational quote from John F. Kennedy: “We need men who can dream of things that never were”.

There are a lot of benefits using typography as one of elements in your design. Through type, people learn information where they can utilize that information and communicate what they learn through shared type. Typography in personal communication gives people control of how their communication will look and can give an overall flair to any piece. Therefore, it is easy for a person to personalized or even create his own type of font when he is exposed to unlimited resources from internet, books and others.

In business, the use of typography for communications is what makes the business able to operate. Interoffice communications can range from monthly company newsletters, e-mail correspondence, letterheads, meeting minuets, invoices and business cards. Using a uniform type through business cards and letterheads can give a company a sense of alignment in company design and representation. Using the right type with a specific typography design can create a trademark that is recognizable with consumers in a local market and consumers in a global market. An excellent example of the right kind of typography being used is that of the Coca Cola trademark that is now know the world over just by use of what is now known as the Coke font.

In a conclusion, typography has become important for various communications on a global level. Typography gives people a way to communicate through various forms of type and can connect students, family, friends, businesses and governments all while supporting local and global commerce. Without the use of typography our global society would be nowhere near the advancement that it is at today. Hence, our assignment two will be in a poster form that uses a motivational quote from Harry Seidler; “Good Design Doesn’t Date”.

859 words.

To view our poster, click here :D

Sources:
http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/publishing/articles/62192.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typography
http://www.pointlessart.com/education/loyalist/typetalk/garamond/history.html
http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/publishing/articles/62192.aspx
http://www.davidairey.com/typography-tips-and-advice-for-graphic-design-students/
http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/publishing/articles/62796.aspx

Assignment 2: Last But Not Least

Hi guys.
Sorry for m.i.a :D
But guess what? Im back.
For those who read this post, Thank you for your interest :)

As for today's post, I wanted to share about our progress on Assignment 2.
Currently, our assignment based on Typography. Together with three classmates,
we form a group and discussed about Assignment 2 thoroughly.
My mates are:

Nurul Filzah (i-Creative)
Noor Wahyuna (mine art 2 u)
Hazwan Shahiran (Looking through the other side of the box)

We choose typography because we just loved it. What else could it be then? :P

First thing first.
We had created two mind maps.
One is general mind map which is a general idea about Creative Multimedia.
The other one is a focused mind map which explains more about Advertising.
(FYI, our first proposal is about Advertising)

Here are some images of our Mind Maps:

General Mind Map

Focused Mind Map

After consultation, we change our topic from advertising to Typography. These are our Mind Maps after consultation:

Focused Mind Map


General Mind Map

Our submission will be in poster form. To understand more about our assignment, you can read our essay about typography by clicking here. As for the sketches of the poster, we did 100 sketches and each of us did 25 sketches. We could not afford to upload all of the sketches so, this is our download link for all the sketches.

After discussion, we had narrowed down 8 sketches and turn it into digital form using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. These are the visuals:

Visual 1


Visual 2

Visual 3


Visual 4


Visual 5


Visual 6


Visual 7


Visual 8

Therefore, we agreed to choose Visual 7 as our submission for this project and choose a quote from Harry Seidler: Good Design does Not Date . There are some changes that we made so that it looks more attractive and below is the end result of our Assignment 2:

So guys, what do you think?

Lesson 7: Assignment 2

Time goes by so fast, don't ya think?
Its been 7weeks I learn this subject, Creative Studies..
Yup, it kinda hard for me to train myself to be creative, but am still practicing.
Hopefully, I'll get used to it and can overcome these problems and naturally
be a creative person. I want to change! Don't you??

credit to: http://www.translation-services-usa.com/blog/

As for this week, we have been assigned by Mr Radzi to discuss within our group and come up with a topic that is related to Creative Multimedia. By next week ( Week 8 ), we have to show our progress by presenting our:

1. Topic
2. General logical Mind map of Creative Multimedia
3. Focused logical mind map based on topic
4. An essay of our topic (min 800words)

So, I'll upload our Mind maps later ya. Stay tune and if you have any suggestion on the topic, let me know okay?? Thanks :)

My Journey (Lesson 6): Scary Image/Object

Random Association: Exercise

Situation/ problem: To create “SCARY IMAGES or OBJECT” that will instill fear among people through out the ages
Random Words: Kitten

Association: Eyes, Teeth, Claws, Fur

Eyes : Make it look evil
To define a cute kitten, the above image represents it by big rounded eyes. As for my scary image, I will create an evil eye so that a glimpse of my scary image, people will be afraid to get close to it.

Teeth : Create sharp teeth
By adding sharp teeth, it will create a violent look.

Claws : Create longer and sharper claws
As for the claws, sharp claws represent the cruelness of the image. Besides that, longer claws makes people feel threatened and scared.

Fur : Create curly fur instead of normal fur
Curly fur will create a "yucky" effect to the image.

End Result:

So, what do ya think??
*Sorry in advance :P

Lesson 6: Random word/ image association

Random Association is an idea generation method which allows students to systematically generate new ideas through a fixed formula. The whole premise of Random Association is to use a Random Word to provoke a reaction from the brain.

The random word or random image method
Random mental inputs allow us to enter the existing patterns of our thinking at a different point, thus presenting us with a different path to an answer. The random word or random image method is a powerful lateral-thinking technique that is easy to use. It is by far the simplest of all creative techniques and is widely used by people who need to create new ideas (for example, for new products). Chance events allow us to enter the existing patterns of our thinking at a different point.

The associations of a word applied to the new “out of context” situation generates new connections in our mind, often producing an instant effect, insight or intuition. It is said that Newton got the idea of gravity when he was hit on the head with an apple while sitting under an apple tree. It is not necessary to sit under trees and wait for an apple to fall – we can get up and shake the tree. We can produce our own chance events.

How does it work?
The brain is an efficient self-organizing system, and very good at making connections. Almost any random word will stimulate ideas on the subject. Follow the associations and functions of the stimulus word, as well as using aspects of the word as a metaphor.

Random Association: Exercise
Situation: How to make a person stop smoking in 6 months time?
Random words: Traffic Light.
Association: Color, Dirty, Metal, Sign

Random Word: Traffic Light

Association
1) Color : Use colors to indicate danger.
In practice What might this mean? Paint different colors to the cigarette to indicate the level of danger that the smoker is getting into. Starting off with, Green; start smoking and start to feel stupid. Yellow; entering the dangerous zone and finally Red; you are now about to commit suicide!

2) Metal : Make it tough to smoke.
In practice What might this mean? The cigarette is made by metal. It represent the toughness of a cigarette thus the appearance makes human think twice before smoke it.

3) Dirty : Create a “Yucky” effect to the cigarette
In practice What might this mean? Yucky effect will simply make the cigarette become gross.

4) Sign : Create a weird and scary sign
In practice What might this mean? Signs such as poison's name, placed beside the cigarette itself will play an important message on how dangerous the content of cigarette are.

End Result:

Hope this entry helps you in understanding what is random association :)

My Journey (Lesson 5): Matching Words and Images

Hi guys. Lets do this together will ya?
I have been assigned to think 3 pairs of number between 00-99, based on the image below.

I choose: 06, 58 and 89

Then, I have to create a sentence using the two random words:

a. 06 (Fly + Spider) : Spider could not fly.
b. 12 (Fire + Wood) : To create fire, we need some wood
c. 89 (Oil + Rain) : Pollution will cause oil rain.


After that, I have to create a new image by combining/describe the two words together.

a. 06 (Fly + Spider)

b. 12 (Fire + Wood)



c. 89 (Oil + Rain)

Sorry, I'm not that good in coloring and drawing. But I am still learning. :)
Oh ya! Now, its your turn. Pick random numbers and see what you got!

My Journey (Lesson 5): Analogy-Writing/Passage

As for Lesson 5's exercise, I have to:

Instruction:
1. Find 7 picture, it could be, 1 from each different categories. For example; Landscape, Dust - Bin, time (clock), animals, automobile, ice-cream, and wallet
2. Make 1 small logical mind map for the picture
3. Write a short statement/poem that describe the concept of “LOVE’. “LIFE” and “WOMAN or MAN” to each pictures
4. Write “Love is like ________________”
5. Write “Life is like ________________”
6. Write “Man or woman is like ________________”



Therefore, I choose:

1. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of “Man or Woman”

Man or Woman is like Mortar and Pestle...
They are different, but still, without one another, they are not complete.


2. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of “Pain”

Pain is like eating an ice cream.
When it melts, we quickly lick it so that it wont spill.
Same goes to pain.
When we are in pain, we quickly motivate ourselves so that we wont fall.


3. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of “Happiness”

Happiness is valuable like time.
Time wont simply stay with you. So does happiness.
You have to create your own happiness in order to be happy.


4. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of “Life”

Life is like how clear your light is.
With clear goal and mindset, you are good to go
But without them, you would not achieve anything in your life.


5. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of “Love”

Love is irresistible like chilly.
It is hot and spicy, but we keep ask for more. So does love.
Love hurts and painful but we keep looking for it. More and more!


6. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of "Man and Women"

Man and women are like these sheep.
They are different in color, they are different in heights.
They might not look alike, but they do share something in common.
They have one another. We....have one another.


7. Create a passage/writing that describe the concept of “Love or Pain”

Love or Pain is like an option to the cat.
It can choose to give love to the duck, or vice versa.
We, are like cat. We, do have options.
Instead of pain, why don't we choose to spread love?
Peace, no war :)


What do you think? How about you choose one of those themes and create a poem that is related to the photo? Good Luck!! :D

Lesson 5: Juxtaposition II

This week, we continue the discussion on juxtaposition. The act of juxtaposing is to place two objects or word next to each other. When 2 things put side by side, your brain try to figure what is the relationship between these two?

What automatically happens is that there is transference of meaning. Usually from something familiar to something less familiar. (what is the relationship? Or the Meaning Or the similarities?)

CONFLICT between LEFT BRAIN and RIGHT BRAIN happens….

For example: We place the picture of a person next to the picture of a monkey. Automatically we will assume that they share similar characteristics. The transference of meaning will happen in our brains automatically. We will assume that the person is like a monkey or that the monkey is like the person.

Question: Juxtapositioning is used in many advertisements in order to get a point across. Can you think of any advertisements which use juxtapositioning?

Answer: Neu.de

This is an online ad from dating site. This advertisement never said a word about dating or singles, just the intention of an idea person. :)


Analogy (Making the Strange Familiar)
Analogies use something that has no apparent connection to the object to explain something about the object. The main use of analogies in daily conversation is to use something familiar to explain something complex. Example:

“Dolby Stereo is like a Sonic Washing Machine for sound.”

What this means is that Dolby acts like a washing machine but instead of washing clothes it washes sound. It cleans the sound this giving it better quality, making it sharper and clearer. (Example taken from: Roger von Oech’s A Whack on the Side of the Head.)

So, with these explanations, what other advertisements that you think uses juxtaposition?? :e

My Journey (Lesson 4): Juxtaposition

In my point of view, juxtaposition is simply the idea of putting two contrasting ideas side by side. I did learn a lot about juxtaposition. Though it is hard for me to explain in words, I will try to explain in various form of examples. 1. David Macaulay (a Master Illustrator that is best known for his books that explain complex things—like buildings and bridges and bodies—in a simple, visual way). His book:

Rome Antics is amazing. As readers follow the path of a pigeon carrying an important message through the streets of Rome, they discover a fascinating city that has been recycling itself for more than 2,000 years. This juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern, as seen with Macaulay's ingenious vision, provides an imaginative and informative journey through this most wonderful of cities.


2. A photograph by Phil Douglis,

Mailman, Tucson, Arizona, 2009

By juxtaposing a mailman sorting mail as he energetically strides to his next destination, with a stereotypical cartoon on the wall of a Mexican restaurant, I contrast the presence of hard work to a restaurant sign that speaks of “no work”. While we were surprised to find such ethnic stereotyping in Tucson, which is one-third Hispanic, perhaps political correctness has yet to take effect this close to the Mexican border. Or maybe the cartoon on the wall of this 76 year old landmark restaurant has been there so long that it is now just seen as part of the urban landscape.

So, tell me what do you think of juxtaposition? Mind to share your examples? :)

Lesson 4: Juxtaposition

Hey guys :D
This week, we had learned about juxtaposition. Juxtaposition can be defined as placing two variable, side by side and their contrast or similarity are shown through comparison. Many creative processes rely on juxtaposition. By juxtaposing two objects or words next to each other, human brain will automatically associate or transfer meaning. Usually ‘turning’ something familiar to something less familiar or vice-versa.

The easiest way to understand juxtaposition is by simply understand these sentences:

1. It's raining, but I am not taking an umbrella.
2. We will be giving a party for our new students. We won't, however, be serving drinks.
3. The student knew about the test on Friday, but still he did not study.

In the first clause, It's raining implies that the speaker knows the weather situation and so will prepare for it, while the second clause I am not taking an umbrella implies that the speaker will still get wet. Both clauses (or discourse segments) refer to related situations, or themes, yet imply a contradiction. It is this relationship of comparing something similar, yet different, that is believed to be typical of contrastive relations.

In literature and film, juxtaposition is the arrangement of two opposing ideas, characters, objects, etc. side-by-side or in similar narratives for effect. Lost often uses juxtaposition to further develop the storyline or characters - it is applied variously to opposing emotions, abstract concepts, character traits/values, or images

This video shows a juxtaposition of civilization and wilderness

Civilization/Wilderness - The opening shot of the very first episode, "Pilot, Part 1", shows Jack's eye, and then slowly pulls away, showing him lying in the middle of the jungle. The juxtaposition of Jack's civilized suit and the wilderness around it (ditto for the white running shoe) sets the tone and inherent conflict for the entire series. ("Pilot, Part 1").

Still don't understand?
If you want to read more about juxtaposition, feel free to click here.

My Journey (Lesson 3): Mind Map

As for the mind mapping techniques, what i did understand in class is that it involves with this procedure:

Understand Subject Matter --> Research --> Produce Mind Map --> Write Reports

I do understand that Mind Mapping uses key words.. I mean, instead of explaining, Mind Map just use a word that represents the whole explanation. For example, I wanted to list that I have a car. Therefore, what I have to jot down in mind map is just "CAR".

Do a creative digital mind map of yourself and upload it to your blog. Give a simple explanation if you wish e.g. explain more about yourself, or your experience in doing the mind map etc.

So..here it is.. :e

Lesson 3: Convergent and Divergent thinking, Logical Mindmap, Stereoptypes

Hello everyone :)
We could see creativity as a process of divergent thinking followed by convergent thinking.

Convergent thinking takes all the information and possibilities you have come up with and turns it into a solution. Most people are good at either divergent thinking or at convergent thinking, but usually not at both. For example, if you are given a multiple choice question, then you would have to use convergent thinking because you are trying to find the correct answer to that question.

On the other hand, divergent thinking involves brainstorming, playing with the problem, looking for alternatives. If you were given a question which asked for new ways in which something could be improved, then you would use divergent thinking because you are required to provide more than one answer to something where there is no predefined “correct” answer.

Mind Mapping, introduced by Tony Buzan is a great tool for idea generation and brainstorming. It enhance both sides of the human brain and widely used in taking notes, research or generating new ideas. A creative Mind Map is able to stimulate and create interest to the individual and also to the viewer.

Examples of Mind Map

Logical Mind Map
The Logical Mind Map is directly connected to stereotypes. The Logical mind map comprises of solely stereotype words. Which means that every word or image that is put within the mind map is directly related to the central subject through its links.

Associated Mind Map
Using an associated mind map we are able to generate random words and also show the links between words that seemingly have no connection.

Logical Mind Maps & Stereotypes
Before beginning a Logical mind map we have to understand what a Stereotype is; below is the definition of the word.

Definition of Stereotypes (ster·e·o·type)
A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image. One that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type.

The Rules Of Logical Mind mapping
-Always have your SUBJECT in the center of the page.
-Try to make the subject more dominant than the rest of the words and images in the mind map.
-Decide on the main categories of the subject before executing on mind map.
-Try to have the different categories in different colors, to make it easier to identify.
-Try to use drawings or images to make your mind map more interesting and personal.
-The ideal mind map should be shaped like the roots of a tree, branching out from a center. (It is OK to repeat words or even interlink certain words)
-Try to make your mind map neat and easily legible. (REMEMBER one of the aims of the mind map is to create interest and to be able to access information easily)


Benefits of Logical Mind-Mapping Technique
-It is a concise way of listing and categorizing a mass of information.
-The relationship between each word will help trigger memories and greatly reduce the amount of note taking and assist in the understanding of the subject.
-The more interesting the mind map the greater the interest that the on looker will have in the information.
-The usage of images along side with word will again create interest for the mind map as well as assist in triggering a memory of the subject.

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In the class, Mr. Razi gave us an A3 paper to draw a logical mind map of Mortar and Pestle based on the picture below:

We have to choose 5 words and draw the usage of mortar and pestle for each defined words in the future. I'll upload my sketches later.. :)