Week 4 - Typography

Once again, I was excited for this Digital Media lecture. With a continuation on Adobe Photoshop, I didn’t mind waking up for 9 a.m. this week. Although the previous class focused on colour schemes and design principals; typography would be the main topic of interest this go-around.

While I’m creating a design, I believe the font is just as important as the image. I have seen many examples where the artist has a strong image – just to be ruined by a poor choice in font. Finding a typography that correctly conveys the message/theme makes all the difference. This not only allows the image to connect with text, but also make overall visual very appealing.

Typography is everywhere. Even the simplest of fonts have been used over and again. However, in some cases, the designer creates their own fonts to best suit the piece. I have comes across many different typographies on the Internet - each with a unique theme; that is easily displayed through the use of font.


Although not much text is present, the typography for Kid Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, is very effective. The font, which looks similar to ‘BlairMdITC TT’, has a very futuristic outer space appearance. This theme goes hand in hand with Kid Cudi’s sci-fi lyrics and rhythms found in his music. The font also creates a connection with the image of the moon and stars on the right-hand side. Yet while kept relatively simple, the typography leaves the viewer with a sense of curiosity – much like what the audience gets while listening to this rising artist.


My next graphic is located on a Jag “Skinny Jeans” billboard. This typography is very popular, yet works outstandingly well with the product’s concept. Using a font similar to ‘Arial Narrow’ makes the advertisement clear that Jag’s jeans are skinny in size. With such simple font and red colour, the typography is easy to read. This is very important, for everyone is going to see this billboard. By choosing this font, the overall appearance also creates, a clean and classy look. With a beautiful model as the image, having a tidy appearance makes for a great display.


My last design is for Kraft’s ‘Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème’. With using a mixture of ‘Cooper Std Black’ and ‘Comic Sans’, this designer was able to create a typography that completely matches the appearance of a real marshmallow. The bubbly letters also works very well with the rainbow pattern seen in the background, allowing the product to appear fun and enjoyable. This design is probably my favourite.

Typography is very important to any design an artist creates. In Digital Media, the correct choice of font creates tone, themes, and connections that may of not existed before. Having the perfect typography strengthens everything about your design, and makes it better than ever before.

Look around. You’ll be amazed by the impact typography creates.

Additional Sources
Petrou, Laurie. Typography. Ryerson University, Toronto. Lecture. 29 Sept. 2009.

Images
Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day. 2009. (CD cover)
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00026388.html
Jag, Skinny Jeans. 2006. (Billboard)
http://my_sarisari_store.typepad.com/my_sarisari_store/billboards/
Kraft, Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème. 2009. (Product label)
http://www.candypirate.com/kraft-jet-puffed-marshmallow-creme---196g---short-dated-22nd-sept-665-p.asp