Hi Guys,
All your marks are done and in the dropbox. Have a great summer :))
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Discussion 5 New Trend AND Reflection
I definitely believe that with the growing demand of the need for immediacy and global access within our society, online publications are definitely becoming more popular then its hard copy version. However, in saying that there are those that make a point by only using and enjoying hard copy types, such as typography designers, people who value the printed copy and even certain demographics-older members of society who have grown up with print, who are used to that version, who feel they are not tech-savvy and those who feel it just does not have the same impact that print has. Just take the Distillery for example, this letterpress company relies on printed branding and design, letterpress and stationery. It is highly specialised and delivers amazing and beautifully presented printed works, they have taken such a vintage inspired, antiquated typography style and reinvented to attract contemporary demographics and appeal to people, nostalgically.
The Distellery focuses on every detail, and makes a point about careful selection of card stock/media, as this is what sets them apart from the online versions, as it can be very easy to imitate letterpress or other styles of typography virtually, even textures, however the tactility of card stock can not be as realistic as in print.
REFLECTION:
This course has been an educational experience in developing my typography skills and knowledge. It has really harnessed my techniques of layout, design processes and creative thought, grids and guides, colour palettes and media types.
I have never done letterpress before this class and so I found it really wonderful and eye-opening to experience creating something 'handmade' from scratch, without digital manipulation. Letterpress helped me understand digital media on a deeper level, as I was able to consciously see the process from selection to execution.
I really enjoyed our excursion to 'The Distillery' as it has inspired me to create unique and aesthetically pleasing works.
I feel that we had free reign with our ideas, although we had enough limitations in terms of design conventions and constraints to avoid getting out of control.
Overall, I really loved this subject and would recommend it to other.
The Distellery focuses on every detail, and makes a point about careful selection of card stock/media, as this is what sets them apart from the online versions, as it can be very easy to imitate letterpress or other styles of typography virtually, even textures, however the tactility of card stock can not be as realistic as in print.
REFLECTION:
This course has been an educational experience in developing my typography skills and knowledge. It has really harnessed my techniques of layout, design processes and creative thought, grids and guides, colour palettes and media types.
I have never done letterpress before this class and so I found it really wonderful and eye-opening to experience creating something 'handmade' from scratch, without digital manipulation. Letterpress helped me understand digital media on a deeper level, as I was able to consciously see the process from selection to execution.
I really enjoyed our excursion to 'The Distillery' as it has inspired me to create unique and aesthetically pleasing works.
I feel that we had free reign with our ideas, although we had enough limitations in terms of design conventions and constraints to avoid getting out of control.
Overall, I really loved this subject and would recommend it to other.
Discussion Point 5 + Course Reflection – Sandra Stepien
Although technologies and global networks are rapidly
transforming publishing I don’t believe it is the end of print. It is a complex
and debated issue but while the print industry isn’t likely to disappear altogether,
it looks to be at threat due to the sheer volume and variety of writing online.
On the other hand, I think there has been a demand for traditional print media. describes the current state of print in an interesting way and refutes that “Print isn’t dead, sweetheart. It’s just sleeping.”2 The statement asserts that print can once again come alive which I find is a nice way to describe the situation. I think the internet in its own ways has promoted an increase of the use of traditional print. Visuelle’s David Bennett suggests “designers have become completely comfortable with viewing work online they have become more discerning about content and quality”3. As a result, they want to see close-up photography of embossing and foiling details, unusual formats and alternative printing processes. Due to the emphasis put on the tangible quality of print, websites such as thedieline.com and lovelystationery.com have been created to convey traditional techniques and innovative print based works.
On the other hand, I think there has been a demand for traditional print media. describes the current state of print in an interesting way and refutes that “Print isn’t dead, sweetheart. It’s just sleeping.”2 The statement asserts that print can once again come alive which I find is a nice way to describe the situation. I think the internet in its own ways has promoted an increase of the use of traditional print. Visuelle’s David Bennett suggests “designers have become completely comfortable with viewing work online they have become more discerning about content and quality”3. As a result, they want to see close-up photography of embossing and foiling details, unusual formats and alternative printing processes. Due to the emphasis put on the tangible quality of print, websites such as thedieline.com and lovelystationery.com have been created to convey traditional techniques and innovative print based works.
Ultimately, I don’t think the whole print industry is at its
end, online media is flourishing but the tangible quality of print has an undeniable
appeal.
References
References
1 Zappone, C 2012. Fairfax to shed 1900 staff, erect paywalls, The Sydney Morning Herald, [online].
Available at: <http://www.smh.com.au/business/fairfax-to-shed-1900-staff-erect-paywalls-20120618-20ix1.html>
[Accessed 14 October 2012].
2 , 2010.
Sticks and Stones Can Break My Bones but
Print Can Never Hurt Me: A Letter to Fiona on First Reading "The End of
Print". [online] Available at: <http://observatory.designobserver.com/feature/sticks-and-stones-can-break-my-bones-but-print-can-never-hurt-me-a-letter-to-fiona-on-first-reading-the-end-of-print/23498/>
[Accessed 14 October 2012].
(No) end of print. [online] Available
at: <http://www.eyemagazine.com/blog/post/no-end-of-print> [Accessed 14
October 2012].
Course Reflection
Course Reflection
Overall I enjoyed this course and learnt a great deal about
both letterpress print and online publications.
The first assessment was a nice change from a primarily online focus in my degree and I formed a new appreciation for the techniques and skill involved in traditional letterpress. More resources such as wooden type blocks would be beneficial and have allowed more expression in the typography booklet and allowed more of the class to continue working on their compositions and letterpress at the same time. The excursion to The Distillery was a great way to see letterpress uses in contemporary design.
The second project was a good learning experience by working collaboratively as an entire class to understand how publications are produced and developed from details such as typographic choices to layout concerns.
The first assessment was a nice change from a primarily online focus in my degree and I formed a new appreciation for the techniques and skill involved in traditional letterpress. More resources such as wooden type blocks would be beneficial and have allowed more expression in the typography booklet and allowed more of the class to continue working on their compositions and letterpress at the same time. The excursion to The Distillery was a great way to see letterpress uses in contemporary design.
The second project was a good learning experience by working collaboratively as an entire class to understand how publications are produced and developed from details such as typographic choices to layout concerns.
Course Overview - Jaye Valery
I found this subject to be really interesting in terms of learning more about the current typographic trends and the current climate of publication design. The online lectures and discussions aided this, even though online activities are not my favourite thing in the world!!!
I had only done a little bit of letterpress in second year graphics, and I was a bit worried at first about producing an entire book of letterpress but I loved the idea of playing with an article heading to convey a sense of emotion only through the formation of text. I have defiantly improved my letterpress skills from undertaking this course. The excursion to the Distillery was a highlight for me and inspired my letterpress book.
I am always hesitant about group work but I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to see the final Zine.
My only concern was the writing of the briefs. I found them to be quite vague in their descriptions and desired outcomes. This could be improved on for next semester.
Thanks to lauren also!!!
I had only done a little bit of letterpress in second year graphics, and I was a bit worried at first about producing an entire book of letterpress but I loved the idea of playing with an article heading to convey a sense of emotion only through the formation of text. I have defiantly improved my letterpress skills from undertaking this course. The excursion to the Distillery was a highlight for me and inspired my letterpress book.
I am always hesitant about group work but I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to see the final Zine.
My only concern was the writing of the briefs. I found them to be quite vague in their descriptions and desired outcomes. This could be improved on for next semester.
Thanks to lauren also!!!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Discussion Point 5 & Reflection: Chrsitian Andree
It is increasingly evident that in today’s society there is
an ever-moving shift to the rise of digital platforms within the publishing
arena. With smart phones now dominating more than a 50% shift of the American
market and an increase in the take up of personal tablets it is evident that
there will be a time where print media is deemed as out-dated model of
publishing. This however I believe that this is still some time off but will be
seen within our life.
The impact is seen today by the sale of Australian ACP
magazines to German company Breur earlier this year as there has been a decline
in the readership of there print magazine ranges. This is also evident with the
decline across all major Australian newspapers with an increase in the
circulation of their online and tablet editions.
The advantages of the digital interface is seen to be that
of accessibility, in the terms of being able to reach publications across
global markets anytime and anywhere. Sustainability is of high regard when it
comes to digital publications as it saves on the use and waste of resources,
whilst interactivity plays an important part. Take ‘Elle Décor’ an online
interior design magazine where individuals are able to see the cost of items
displayed within photos whilst also being able to click a direct link to a
point of purchase.
The digital interface however comes at a cost to the
publisher. As many consumers these days wish to pay less then half of the cost
of an e-publication then that of the print copy of the same edition the
difference in cost of production is less then 15% therefore seeing a reduction
to the profits all the downstream to the author or designer.
It is therefore seen that unfortunately digital publications
and new technologies will one day see to the end of print.
Course Reflection:
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the subject. I firstly went
into the course with not the greatest feelings towards letterpress, however I
have gained a new appreciation and fondness for the process. This has allowed
me to adopt its use as a key driving force within my integrated project. The
excursion to ‘The Distillery’ was exceptionally motivating in the terms of
learning traditional techniques.
Where I found there could be improvements is with being able
to use the lead types, allowing for more diverse fonts. I also found the online
lectures to be quiet informative however would have liked to have learnt more
rules about line length, kerning and typographic conventions etc in class.
In Thanks Lauren!
SR1 - GOTHAM
Gotham is a family of geometric sans-serif digital typefaces designed
by American type designer Tobias Frere-Jones in 2000.
Tobias Frere-Jones (Born 1970) is one of America’s most prolific type
designers who currently works in New York City with Jonathan Hoefler (another
prolific American type designer) at their type foundry ‘Hoefler &
Frere-Jones’. After graduation from the Rhode Island School of Design with a
Bachelor of Fine Arts he joined the Font Bureau Inc. in Boston – and would
continue to work there for seven years and create a number of the typefaces
that Font Bureau is best known for such as Poynter Oldstyle & Gothic.
After leaving the Bureau he became an Art Critic and created his own
typefoundry with Hoefler in 1999. Since then he has collaborated on projects
with Nike, Pentagram, GQ, Esquire Magazine, The New Times and The New York
Times Magazine. He currently has 42 typefaces to his name.
The Gotham typeface was created for GQ Magazine, who editors wanted a
sans-serif with a ‘geometric structure’ that would look ‘masculine, new and
fresh’ for their magazine. Frere-Jones gained inspiration from time spent
walking block-by-block through Manhattan with a camera to find source material,
and he based the font on lettering seen on old buildings. "I suppose
there's a hidden personal agenda in the design," Frere-Jones said,
"to preserve those old pieces of New York that could be wiped out before
they're appreciated. Having grown up here, I was always fond of the 'old' New
York and its lettering."
Frere-Jones used the mathematical reasoning of an engineer, over his
instincts as a type designer, to create Gotham. The typeface is wider than
average text, lending it a unique sense of gravity and solidity – and escapes
from the graphical grid wherever necessary, ‘giving the design an affability
usually missing from common ‘geometric’ faces’. As seen in the picture Goth has
a very large x-height compared to other fonts.
Gotham allows a simple and classic message to be conveyed – much like
the great modern font ‘Helvetica’ but is more rounded and more architectural.
Over the last decade Gotham has been used everywhere, and most notable
in the Obama 2008 presidential campaign and cornerstone of the One World Trade
Center.
The International Herald Tribune praised the choice for its
"potent, if unspoken, combination of contemporary sophistication (a nod to
his suits) with nostalgia for America's past and a sense of duty." John
Berry, an author of books on typography, agreed: "It's funny to see it
used in a political campaign because on the one hand it's almost too ordinary
yet that's the point. It has the sense of trustworthiness because you've seen
it everywhere." Graphic designer Brian Collins noted that Gotham was the
"linchpin" to Obama's entire campaign imagery.
Other uses;
In Conclusion, it is a very very American font.
References:
A History of ‘Gotham’ – H&FJ
http://www.typography.com/fonts/font_history.php?historyItemID=1&productLineID=100008
http://www.typography.com/fonts/font_history.php?historyItemID=1&productLineID=100008
A Font We Can Believe In - http://www.helveticafilm.com/newblog/2008/02/19/a-font-we-can-believe-in/
Is Gotham the New Interstate? – Dmitri Siegel
http://www.helveticafilm.com/newblog/2008/02/19/a-font-we-can-believe-in/
http://www.helveticafilm.com/newblog/2008/02/19/a-font-we-can-believe-in/
Brand Obama, a leader in the image war
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/arts/04iht-design7.html?_r=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/arts/04iht-design7.html?_r=1
Week 11 -
It is evident that the discovery and advancement of new technologies and global networks will mean the end of print. I believe that there will indeed one day be no longer the need for print and the majority of publications will be abolished and taken into the digital era - of course I hope that this takes a few more decades to happen.. Whether or not print dies, its business model will as newspapers, books and magazines will not longer be a economically beneficially / profitable means of delivering and interacting with media (news, facts, entertainment and education).
Print is definitely not bad or evil, it's just that digital is better in many ways. Digital advantages include; speed, ubiquity, permanence, search ability, the ability to update fast, targeting audiences, interaction, marketing, quick feedback. Not only does Digital include these advantages but it is obvious that it transcends the limitations of print media. With Digital almost being a free source, print will evidently dissolve into history (such as stone carvings has).
Although Print will probably never leave as paper is an essential part of life as seen in this video 'The Paperless Office' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV6b04AGjVA (with many more videos via the same channel that explain that having a paperless office really isn't a great thing.) Another thing about Print is that its physical and real, with the images outside a screen and glossy magazines with pretty pictures that certainly do not convey the same aesthetic over the internet.
Course Reflection -
I have gained a lot from taken this course and have certainly learnt about the history of print and the fundamentals that go into typography and publication design. The first half of the semester was a real eye opener to what people had to do in the traditional times with the letterpress and its almost mind blowing to think that all publications / print media were printed that way - which must of taken forever. The first project was a good experience to see this in practice.
The second project was fun as it was a sort of look into how a magazine publication would be formed with the different teams and tasks that people had to do.
I have gained a lot from taken this course and have certainly learnt about the history of print and the fundamentals that go into typography and publication design. The first half of the semester was a real eye opener to what people had to do in the traditional times with the letterpress and its almost mind blowing to think that all publications / print media were printed that way - which must of taken forever. The first project was a good experience to see this in practice.
The second project was fun as it was a sort of look into how a magazine publication would be formed with the different teams and tasks that people had to do.
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