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Typographic Design Education

The rapid advance of technology and the expanding role of visual and media-based communication in contemporary society have created new challenges for typographic education. Faced with a complex communications environment, and the changes that are occurring and are anticipated, how can a designer nurture sensitivity to typographic form and communication? An appreciation of our typographic heritage, an ability to meet the standards of contemporary design practice, and an innovative spirit in facing the future are required.

The following assignments, ranging from basic theoretical exercises to complex applied projects, were selected to provide an overview of contemporary typographic design education. An effective curriculum is composed of perceptual and conceptual development, technical training, and processes for solving multifaceted design problems. These projects were selected with emphasis upon building the perceptual and conceptual abilities that provide a foundation for effective and innovative typographic design practice.

Letter/digit configurations

Rob Carter

Virginia Commonwealth University

Visual configurations were invented by combining letters from the English alphabet and single-digit numbers (Figs. 11-1 to 11-4). Scale, proportion, weight, and shape relationships between two different signs were explored.

Objectives of this exercise include introducing letterform drawing and drafting skills, using typographic joinery to unify the ...

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