Advanced Typography - Task 3: Type Exploration and Application

ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY - TASK 3: TYPE EXPLORATION & APPLICATION

WEEK 09 - WEEK 13 | 11/11/2025 - 14/12/2026

Aina Ahmed Aleem | 0355701 | BDCM

Advanced Typography | Mr. Vinod

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures
2. Instructions
3. Task 3 process
4. Font Presentation
5. Font Application
6. Task 3 Outcome Compilation
7. Feedback
8. Further Readings 
9. Reflection

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LECTURES

All lectures have been completed in Task 1 and Task 2

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PROCESS

Timeframe: Week 09 - Week 13

Deadline: Week 13

Description:

We were required to design and develop a complete font set, guided by three main creative directions:

1. Purpose-Driven Typeface Design
Create a typeface intended to address a broader design problem or function as part of a visual solution within an area of interest such as graphic design, animation, new media, or entertainment design. The concept does not need to directly reflect my specialisation.
Outcome: A fully generated and functional typeface (.ttf), demonstrated through practical applications.

2. Letterform Exploration and Enhancement
Explore an existing letterform within a chosen area of interest by analysing its current usage and visual relationships. Identify areas for improvement and experiment with potential solutions or combinations that add value to the original lettering.
Outcome: A complete, redesigned typeface (.ttf) with applied use cases.

3. Experimental Typeface Development
Develop a novel and unique typographic experiment that pushes conventional boundaries. This may involve working with unconventional materials or formats such as three-dimensional forms, digital augmentation, edible media, typographic motion, or fine art.
Outcome: Determined by the student based on the nature of the experiment.

IDEATION

I had a few ideas in mind when approaching this project, including starting an entirely new typeface and exploring a more experimental direction. However, I ultimately chose to develop my font under Letterform Exploration and Enhancement by building upon an existing set of letterforms created during a previous typography course, where only a limited number of characters were designed. I felt this approach would allow me to further refine the original concept while expanding it into a complete font set. 

My font is inspired by natural forms and organic textures, drawing from elements such as growth, movement, and irregularity found in nature. The letterforms balance structure with subtle imperfections, giving the typeface a handcrafted and expressive quality. This approach allows the font to feel warm and approachable while still remaining legible, making it suitable for creative and nature-focused applications.

PROCESS

Fig 1: Original font from last semester

This typeface originated from a typography project last semester. I analyzed the original letterforms to identify inconsistencies in stroke weight, proportions, and curvature that needed refinement.

Fig 2: Font comparison

I started by adjusting the stroke weight and refining the shapes of the letters to make them look more consistent. I looked closely at the original letterforms to find any issues with proportions or structure. 

Fig 3: Font process

Next, I expanded the initial letters into a full set, making sure each character matched the overall style. 

Fig 4: Font process

I then moved on to designing the numbers and symbols for the typeface. For the symbols, I chose to keep them simple and clean, as adding the leaf motifs and wavy strokes used in the letters would have made them feel too busy and overwhelming. By keeping the shapes 
minimal, I was able to maintain clarity and readability while still keeping the overall typeface cohesive and balanced with the style of the letters.

FONTLAB
I initially tried using FontForge because my FontLab free trial had expired. However, I found it quite different from FontLab, and it did not allow me to adjust sizes proportionally. This became especially frustrating when working on the symbols. As a result, I decided to switch back to FontLab and used my friend’s laptop to complete this part of the assignment.

Fig 5: Fontlab process

Fig 6: Fontlab process

Fig 7: Metrics table 1

Fig 8: Metrics table 2

Fig 8: Metrics table 3

Fig 9: Metrics table 4

I applied consistent kerning across most of the letters, with additional individual adjustments made to specific characters and symbols. This was done to ensure better spacing, readability, and smoother visual flow when the typeface is used.

FONT PRESENTATION

Fig 10: Font presentation process

For the font presentation, I chose a color palette that complements the overall design and character of the typeface. I drew inspiration from nature-inspired posters, using earthy tones to reinforce the organic feel of the font and create a cohesive visual presentation.

                               

FONT APPLICATION

Fig 11: Font application prompts

For the font application, I used AI generated mockups to explore how the typeface functions across different real-world contexts while remaining consistent with its nature-inspired concept. I selected applications such as paper bags and coffee packaging to reflect eco-conscious and artisanal branding, where the font’s organic qualities feel most appropriate. The laptop sleeve allowed me to present the typeface in a modern, everyday setting, while the poster and signboard were used to test its visual impact at larger scales and its legibility in public spaces. Overall, these applications demonstrate the font’s versatility and adaptability across various materials and uses.

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FINAL OUTCOME

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LEAFLET

Fig 12: LEAFLET font PDF

Fig 13: Fontlab screenshot

Fig 14: Metrics table 1

Fig 15: Metrics table 2

Fig 16: Metrics table 3

Fig 17: Metrics table 3

Fig 18: Font presentation 1 JPEG

Fig 19: Font presentation 2 JPEG

Fig 20: Font presentation 3 JPEG

Fig 21: Font presentation 4 JPEG

Fig 22: Font presentation 5 JPEG

Fig 23: Font Application 1 JPEG

Fig 24: Font Application 2 JPEG

Fig 25: Font Application 3 JPEG

Fig 26: Font Application 4 JPEG

Fig 27: Font Application 5 JPEG

Fig 28: Font presentation PDF

Fig 29: Font application PDF

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FEEDBACK

Week 9

General feedback: Work on uppercase letters for week 10, align letters with grid

Specific feedback:  idea approved, got the go ahead to start working on the letter forms

Week 10

General feedback: Complete all the letterforms for next class, follow instructions given on teams

Specific feedback: Based on my designs, mr.vinod suggested that I can change it to make more consistent, lines should be same thickness. Make sure its vectorised.

Week 11

General feedback: complete all letteforms and complete fontlab for w12

Specific feedback: letters approved, got the go ahead to do fontlab.

Week 12

General feedback: follow requirements for submission, join w13 and w14 class

Specific feedback: 

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FURTHER READING

Fig 30: Punctuations by grillitype

This Instagram post was recommended by Mr Vinod as preparatory reading before designing punctuations. It was especially helpful in deepening my understanding of how punctuation marks function within a typeface, both structurally and visually, and how their design contributes to overall typographic consistency.

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REFLECTION

Experience
Working on this typeface project allowed me to revisit and further develop a concept that I had previously explored in my typography class. Expanding a few initial letterforms into a complete font set was both challenging and rewarding. I gained hands-on experience using font design software such as FontLab and FontForge, and learned how different tools affect workflow and precision. The process required patience and multiple rounds of refinement, especially when adjusting stroke weight, spacing, and symbols to ensure consistency across the typeface.

Observation
Throughout the project, I observed how small adjustments in letterforms, kerning, and proportions could significantly affect the overall cohesiveness and readability of the font. I also realised the importance of having a clear visual system to guide decisions when designing additional characters. Comparing FontForge and FontLab helped me understand how software choice can impact efficiency and design control, particularly when working on more detailed elements such as symbols.

Findings
From this project, I learned that developing a complete font requires careful planning, consistency, and iteration. I found that building upon an existing concept can be an effective way to strengthen design thinking and refine technical skills. The application mockups helped me understand how a typeface behaves in real-world contexts, reinforcing the importance of testing designs beyond the screen. Overall, this project improved my understanding of type design as a structured and iterative process rather than just the creation of individual letterforms.