Typographic Illustrations

Lesson submitted by: Jillian Donovan, Visual Art/Graphic Art Teacher
UNIT: Typography and Illustration
Grade level / Age: Grade 11-12

 

Goals / Objectives: Student will:

• Refresh their skills on transforming typography in Photoshop
• Create their own original image through drawing/building/photography to build a typographic illustration over
• Use the design principles in order to create a successful image focusing on contrast and proximity
• Use color theory in order to represent depth

 

Materials Needed:

• Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator (You can buy these programs at the Adobe Software Page)

• Color Printer

• Typographic document

      

Click on the images for full size

 

Content Vocabulary:

Typography-The art or process of printing or designing with type
Abstract-art that depicts real forms in a simplified or reduced way
Font-a specific size and style of type within a type family
Letter form - each letter of an alphabet can be distinguished from the others by its unique shape, or letter form
Stroke-the thickness or thinness of a line
Color Theory-the concept of combining colors to reach a desired result

 

Essential Questions:

• How can only type and font be used to create an image/illustration?
• How can you show contrast in an image when using only letter forms?
• How can you use different types of letter forms to strengthen your design, such as, different font styles, different sizes, different stroke widths?
• How can color theory or lack of color, be applied to your design to push your intentions?

 

Instructional Steps:

1. Distribute the handout to students.

2. Brainstorm images that may be successful as a typographic work of art. Be mindful to think about composition on a small 8x10 inch (20 x 25.5 cm) page. What will work well that has a balance of not too much and not too little detail?
   

3. Create an original image through drawing or photography
   

4. Start by exploring different fonts accessible on Adobe Photoshop or on the internet.
   

5. You may use as many fonts or styles of fonts that you would like to (Garamond, Arial, Arial bold, Candara, etc.). You may also just stick to one if it lends itself to your imagery.
   

6. Color may be used or it can be in black and white for greater impact (shades of black may be used).
   

7. Use your chosen fonts and letter forms to design your image.

      

Click on the images for full size

 

Assessment(s):

Assessment is determined through use of rubric which measures degree of difficulty, originality, and criteria met.

 

National Core Arts Standards and/or National Visual Arts Standards Covered:

• Demonstrate the ability to create 2D work that shows knowledge of unique characteristics of particular media and tools
• Use electronic technology for reference and for creating original work
• Create Artwork that demonstrates understanding of the elements and principles of design

 

Resources:

Book: Typography Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Type in Graphic Design -This book provides an at-a-glance reference book for designers on all aspects of type.

Book: Designing with Type, 5th Edition: The Essential Guide to Typography - This book includes lessons on designing with text type, display type and color, and plenty of project assignments.