Document Design

English 3115 CRN15719

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Typography Analysis

Due on paper 2/9. 15% of final grade.

Purpose:
To familiarize yourself with three typefaces from use to history. This should help with future design work and increase your understanding of how to analyze typefaces.

Assignment:
Chose 3 typefaces for this assignment. For each typeface analyze:

• Serifs (does it have any? What type?)
• x-heights (Size, high-ratio or low-ratio? )
• Width
• Line quality, form, and structure
• “Voice-over” of typeface
• Ethos of typeface
• Category of the typeface
• Typefaces that would provide a good contrast and that would provide conflict
• Weight of typeface
• Likely audiences and uses of the typeface

Also provide a typeface size cascade from size 6-20 and a list of the treatments (all caps, small caps, italics, bold, outline, shadow, expanded by 1 point, 2 points, and 5 points, and condensed by 1 point and 2 points ). Check out my example of the typeface size cascade and treatments.

In addition, research the typeface and write a paragraph on its history, creator, and other information background information. Of course, any information from outside sources must be cited correctly including quotes and paraphrases (check out the resources page for references on this, should you need them). You may also want to provide an example of the use of this typeface, perhaps a brochure or an ad, but this is not required.

Turn in the three typeface analysis on paper as in document at the start of class. Feel free to arrange your assignment, especially the list of things to analyze, in whichever way works for you (as long as it responds the assignment and is readable). You will be graded on the how well you analyze and discuss the typefaces using concepts from the class along with the design of your assignment (a small part of the overall grade).