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VISC 202: Elements of Typography
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COVID PROCEEDURES
Masks are required at all times indoors/in studios, labs, etc. — including those who are fully vaccinated. Masks also are required on public transportation. Please see https://protect.ku.edu/ for the KU Policy.
Your KU Instructors are not under obligation to construct an online version of their in-person courses for individual students. Our class is scheduled to be in person. Grades will be the A-F system not pass/fail. Things may change as the semster goes on but for now we are in-person. If you are feeling symptoms (or even just the flu) or think you may have been exposed please talk please let me know and take an absence.*
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The more uninteresting a letter,
the more useful it is to the typographer.
– Piet Zwart
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Typography is all around us, on signage, in books, on packaging, on products, TV, movies, advertising... indeed, there are endless variations of typographic manifestations. To evaluate these we use one criterion: the purpose determines the design.
Typography can be divided into two areas: 1) The concept / idea, the arrangement, the design as a whole. 2) The space between the letters, between the words and lines – the details of typesetting.
The class provides and introduction to the discipline, function and tradition of typography as it relates to visual and verbal communication. Topics to be presented include the historic evolution of typography, the anatomy of typography, syntax and communication, legibility/readability, and technology. Emphasis will be on the interrelationships of letter, word, line and page. Projects will examine type families and their structure, two-dimensional typographic space, language sequence and information hierarchy and typographic aesthetic.
Typography is one of the principle tools of the visual communicator. The goal of this class is to understand the fundamental elements of typography, begin to familiarize you with typography in its many aspects, and prepare you for future course work.
— Provide an overview of the expressive and aesthetic dimensions of typography
— Develop a critical perspective on the technological and aesthetic qualities of typography
— Explore the use of typography
— Solve design problems while working within specific limitations
— Demonstrate independent problem solving
— Enhance technical proficiency
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REQUIRED SOFTWARE
Adobe Creative Cloud: We will be using/ you will be mastering...
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
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SLACK REQUIRED...
ku-viscom-2024.slack.com. *you should have recieved an invitation -- check your ku email. If we are meeting in person we won't be using slack to crit or handin work. Please join and turn your notifications on/ check it. We will post announcments, clarifcations, resources and you can ask questions. We can use slack instead of emails.
Skillshare (see Slack #0-general-information for log-in)
Lynda.com (see Slack #0-general-information or log-in)
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New York Times REQUIRED...
Sign up for the New York Times (free for KU students)
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REQUIRED TEXT (Google Drive)
Mac is not Typewriter (download pdf)
Meet your Type, by Font Shop (download pdf)
Designing Type by Karen Cheng
Bookmark: ThinkingwithType.com
Bookmark: LetterFountain: online version with parts of the book
Bookmark: Glossary of Terms
Watch any: 50 Type Tutorials
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SKETCHBOOK/NOTEBOOK
Design Class including Hallmark Lectures start taking notes! In a sketchbook, notebook, online software whatever works best for you. Use whatever is comfortable to for you to take notes, sketch...
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RECOMMENDED TEXT
Shaping Text, Jan Middendorp (purchase new or used off Amazon or any online source)
The Anatomy of Type by Stephen Coles (30day KindleUnlimited)
Letter Fountain by Joep Pohlen
Graphic Design, Referenced: A Visual Guide... by Armin Vit and Bryony Gomez Palacio
The Anatomy of Type by Stephen Coles
Getting it Right with Type by Victoria Squire
Graphic Design: The New Basics by Ellen Lupton
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IMAGERY
It is important that you create your own imagery, or use imagery that belongs to the Public Domain, when you can’t create your own imagery make sure you attribute where you found the images -- add attribution to any Behance post you make that has imagery that you found on the internet. Do not think that just because you found it you can use it. This is not a matter of finders keepers :)
Sources for Pubic Domain Imagery (you need to take time to search)
Flickr Commons: https://www.flickr.com/commons
Bio Diversity Library: https://www.flickr.com/photos/biodivlibrary/sets/
Public Domain Review: https://publicdomainreview.org/collections
Library of Congress: on flikr library_of_congress/albums: or website oc.gov/collections/
The New York Public Library: nypl.org/research/collections/digital-collections/public-domain
The British Library: https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishlibrary/albums
National Archives: flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/albums/72157630300235950
UpSplash: https://unsplash.com/images/stock/public-domain
Pixels: https://www.pexels.com/public-domain-images/
maybe not copywrite free but a great archives:
Letterform Archive http://oa.letterformarchive.org/
The Peoples Archive People-s-Graphic-Design-Archive
TM RSI SGM http://www.tm-research-archive.ch/
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SUPPLIES
Students will be expected to present their work in a professional manner. Quality tools and materials should be considered as an investment in one’s future.
— Dropbox OR GoogleDocs
— Sketch book or pads of paper
— Grid Paper
— Tracing paper
— Circle template
— White out pen
— Colorless Blender Marker *you will use it
— Tape
— X-acto blades:
— Self-healing mat
— Ruler
— Markers: thin and thick: have a range
— Pencils
— Eraser
— Scissors
etc...
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BEHANCE.NET
You will also be posting your final projects, sketches, project overview to a Behance page. Sign in it is free. Start following professionals, peers, classmates.
Follow: my class behance page :: http://www.behance.net/kudesign
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PROJECT EVALUATION PROCEDURE
This course is required under the majors studies section on your degree check sheet you must receive a grade of C (2.0) or better to continue on to the next course in the sequence. Projects will be graded in the following 3 categories. These categories will together make up your final grade each project.
50% Process: includes demonstrated process of idea development, research, type/image studies, concept development, quantity and quality of sketches. More than just one idea explored, prepared for class and critique participation. I will keep track of your process.
PROCESS will be handed in with each project. The process contains ALL your sketches, refinements, notes... from the project. Directions will be given specifically for each project. It should be organized, neat and professional.
40% Product: comprehension of problem, originality of solution, appropriateness of solution, typography, visual invention, visual aesthetic, application/translation of concept, followed the assignment sheet or directives given in class.
10% Craftsmanship: presentation of final, neatness, precision, technical proficiency, appropriate materials. Poor craft can reduce a project grade by 1 full grade. You are learning to be professional and craft is a large part of being professional. (most of you will get an F in craft the first time around)
Levels of Performance
A superior / exceeds expectations
B good
C satisfactory / meets expectations / work was done up to expectations but not beyond
D weak
F unacceptable
PLEASE NOTE: To earn an "A" your process, product, participation all have to exceed expectations. An "A" is not awarded for completing the project as asked. It is not a matter of checking off the boxes. You can earn an "A". Be Exceptional Every Day. If you come to class prepared and do what is asked that is the minimum expected effort which equals "satisfactory" " meets expectations" = the letter "C". Remember that a "B" is very good!
LATE PROJECTS
All projects and assignments are due on the date and time set by the instructor. Late projects will be penalized by lowering the project grade by one full letter grade for each day that it is late. Late projects will not be accepted beyond three days after the original due date. Projects are due at the start of class. Instructors may elect not to accept late work, but must note their policy regarding late work in the syllabus for each class.
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FINAL CLASS GRADE
Projects grades are broken down with 50% Process, 50% Product
_ 25% Modular Grid: print, behance, process book
_ 30% Modular Font: behance with animation, process book
_ 15% Typesetting Studies and Rules: epub, behance
_ 30% Resident Expert: Poster flyer/r pint, behance, process book
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EXPECTED WORKLOAD
Throughout the semester you are required to work a minimum of 3 hours of homework per 1 credit hour. A 3 credit hour studio will have a minimum of 9 hours of homework per week.
Many will find the need to spend even more time per week. Studio course projects require a great deal of time in order to develop and complete. Please be aware that not all project work can be done at home or at your convenience. If you are expecting to work a full-time or near full-time job (over 20 hrs. per week) it will most likely have a negative impact on your performance and grade. It is very difficult to try and balance both a full-time job and a full load of studio classes.
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SOPHOMORE REVIEW
This is your review year. This course is required under the majors studies section on your degree check sheet you must receive a minimum grade of a “C” (2.0) or higher in both VISC 202 and 204 to continue onto the spring semester VISC courses. You do not have the option of repeating either course and must transfer to another major. Please hold onto all of your work completed in both classes. The Spring Portfolio Review is of all projects produced in both the fall and spring semesters in Visual Communication Design courses. The Visual Communication Design faculty use this review to determine if the students’ work is at a satisfactory level. Supplemental to the grade portion of the Portfolio Review, students are also evaluated on attendance, work habits, attitude, and the ability to listen and learn from constructive criticism.
Helpful Hints:
Show up and care.
Be present.
Attend any and all workshops, events, lectures...
Always go to class.
Read everything you can get your hands on.
Look at movies carefully and often.
Save everything - it may come in handy later.
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PROFESSIONALISM AND PARTICIPATION
Design is a collaborative profession. Clear verbal skills are all important in communicating your ideas to clients and Design team members, and professional conduct can have a significant impact on the ability of a Designer to succeed. Because of the importance of professionalism in communication and conduct, students should maintain themselves according to the following guidelines:
— Attend each session of class in its entirety.
— Come prepared to present their concepts, discuss how the form of their design supports their concept, and describe how they arrived at their ideas.
— Participate in critiques and discussions with a spirit of mutual respect. Providing comments to one's peers is a privilege. Students will benefit from both giving and receiving feedback - one does not have to “like” another’s work, but must provide insightful commentary in a courteous and productive manner.
— Maintain a positive and open-minded attitude.
— Demonstrate self-discipline and eagerness to participate.
— Consistently strive for the highest standards of quality in work and conduct.
Please note: Failure to abide by the guidelines and policy notes stated in this policy can lower a student's grade by one full letter grade or more, and can result in administrative withdrawal from one or more classes.
Note regarding cell phones:
Students are required to turn their cell phones off or on silent and refrain from browsing the web, using social media, checking email, text messaging, etc. during class, lectures, and demonstrations. Students may use these devices only during designated break times.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
Each class is a significant financial investment by each student, is based on sequential information and projects, and requires the full participation of each student. Each session of class missed or coasted through is a wasteful and impedes the student’s ability to succeed in that class. For those reasons, students are required to attend classes in which they are enrolled and/or intend to enroll, must be on time for each session of class, and must remain in attendance for each entire session of class. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each session of class. In the event of any absence, students are responsible for obtaining all missed information, materials, and assignments from the class period(s) during which they were absent. Students who are absent must complete all assignments by the due date originally assigned for the work.
For each class that meets twice per week, only three absences will be allowed for any reason during the course of a given semester. A semester total of four absences in a given class that meets twice per week will result in a penalty of one letter grade in that class. A semester total of five absences in a given glass that meets twice per week will result in a semester grade of “F” in that class. In case of exceptional circumstances, instructors may make exceptions to this policy at their discretion. Your instructors will submit an Absence Warning Form after two absences for a class that meets twice per week.
If you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, you should not go to any KU classroom or space. You should attend class remotely — do not go to school if you have symptoms, If you believe you have been exposed, or have been identified by health professionals as part of a contact investigation, you must isolate for 14 days.
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MEDICALLY-RELATED ABSENCES:
Because of the fast-paced, project-based nature of studio curricula, absences as the result of a medical condition will count in the same way as non-medical absences. Excessive absence for any reason, as outlined in this policy, are irreparably detrimental to a student’s ability to succeed in our studio curriculum.
Extended Illness due do Covid
If you are facing an extended COVID illness, you or someone you designate should email course-adapt@ku.edu and ZacShields@ku.edu with the email subject “Extended Illness”. The university and Zac will then notify each of the student’s instructors. You will need to follow up with each of your instructors once you’ve recovered to discuss your missed work and identify possible next steps.
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RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
If any scheduled course meeting conflicts with mandated religious observance, the student must notify the instructor prior the day of the observance that the student will be absent.
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Students who have a documented disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can register with the University Academic Support Center (UASC) if they would like to request accommodations. Requests for any accommodations should be filed through the UASC prior to the start of classes or very shortly thereafter. Requests for accommodations are most effective when submitted prior to beginning or immediately after beginning a class. More information regarding requests for accommodations is available at http://access.ku.edu/.
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THE PURPOSE OF CRITIQUE
Critique is one of the most valuable parts of a formal design education. It is also one of the most difficult aspects of the design school experience. It is a collaborative activity that takes quite a bit of time to learn — both in terms of how to give feedback, and how to accept feedback. READ: http://howtocrit.com/index.html
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PLAGIARISM
All work you hand in for this class must be made by you, over the course of this semester, exclusively for this class. All necessary and appropriate sanctions will be issued to all parties involved with plagiarizing any course work. Plagiarism is in violation with the University Senate Rules and Regulations will not be tolerated, and may result in being disqualified from the review, failing the course, suspension from the department, or expulsion from the university.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The student conduct process exists to protect the rights of the community. The rights and privileges of the individual are components of a community. These rights are protected with vigilance equal to the enforcement of rules and procedures. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations and values the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community. http://studentconduct.ku.edu/
RESPECT: You are expected to show positive regard for each other.
COMMUNITY: You are expected to build and enhance a community of your peers.
INTEGRITY: You are expected to exemplify honesty, honor and respect for the truth in all your dealings.
RESPONSIBILITY: In relation to student rights, you are given and accept a high level of responsibility to self, to others and the community.
The School of Architecture and Design Policy on Misconduct
Academic misconduct by a student shall include, but not be limited to, disruption of classes; threatening an instructor or fellow student in an academic setting; giving or receiving of unauthorized aid on examinations or in the preparation of notebooks, themes, reports, or other assignments; knowingly misrepresenting the source of any academic work; unauthorized changing of grades; unauthorized use of university approvals or forging of signatures; falsification of research results; plagiarizing of another’s work; violation of regulations or ethical codes for the treatment of human and animal subjects; or otherwise acting dishonestly in research. The full policy of the School of Architecture & Design and the procedures of the Department of Design for processing allegations of academic misconduct are outlined at http://design.ku.edu/academic-misconduct-policyprocedure
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NONDISCRIMINATION
If you believe you have been the target of racism or some other form of discrimination and harassment, (COVID-19 has no nationality, no ethnicity, no race, no gender) please report the incident to Institutional Opportunity & Access at ioa@ku.edu or 785-864-6414. For additional support, you can also contact the Office of Diversity & Equity at diversity@ku.edu or 785-864-4904.
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CONCEALED CARRY
Individuals who choose to carry concealed handguns are solely responsible to do so in a safe and secure manner in strict conformity with state and federal laws and KU weapons policy. Safety measures outlined in the KU weapons policy specify that a concealed handgun:
— Must be under the constant control of the carrier.
— Must be out of view, concealed either on the body of the carrier, or backpack, purse, or bag that remains under the constant control of the carrier.
— Must be in a holster that covers the trigger area and secures any external hammer in an un-cocked position
— Must have the safety on, and have no round in the chamber.
Studio classes
These courses take place in spaces that will require students to leave belongings such as backpacks and purses away and unattended for the duration of class time. Students who choose to carry a concealed handgun in a purse, backpack, or bag must review and plan each day accordingly, and are responsible for making alternate arrangements as necessary. The university KU School of Architecture & Design’s lockers are not does not provide appropriate secured storage for concealed handguns.
Individuals who violate the KU weapons policy may be asked to leave campus with the weapon and may face disciplinary action under the appropriate university code of conduct.
Labs, Shops and Workshops
Coursework in labs, shops and design-build courses takes place in spaces that will require students to leave belongings such as backpacks and purses away and unattended. Course-related activities require use of equipment and physical movements that may reveal the presence of a concealed handgun.
Students who choose to carry a concealed handgun must review and plan each day accordingly, and if they cannot adequately conceal a handgun on their body, are responsible for making alternate arrangements as necessary before arriving to the workspace. The KU School of Architecture & Design’s lockers are not appropriate secured storage for concealed handguns.
Individuals who violate the KU weapons policy may be asked to leave campus with the weapon and may face disciplinary action under the appropriate university code of conduct.
*For more information on the law, safety, resources and FAQs the Provost’s Office and KU General Counsel have prepared http://concealedcarry.ku.edu.
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