typography for the artist

kansas city art institute // elective // 2013

the visual form of written words plays a vital role in not only common objects like résumés and websites but in many forms of art. “typography for the artist” will visually explore both the pragmatic and expressive potential of letters and words. exercises are designed to equip artists with an understanding of letterforms and their anatomy: including design, classifications, history, making font selections, basic hierarchy, layout, and digital typesetting tools. students will leverage their preferred art medium as a vehicle to execute projects and meaningfully integrate typographic fundamentals into their work.

view online course documents: course syllabus

objectives

identify typographic characteristics & connotations
illustrate an understanding of typographic characteristics & connotations
appropriately use, identify, and diagram typographic terminology
verbalize your understanding of typographic characteristics, design elements, and design principles during a critique
effectively utilize type as elements or units of composition
create, alter, enhance or distort meaning through typographic composition
collaborate to creatively solve a problem
leverage your chosen medium to communicate a message
utilize type as elements or units of composition
create, alter, enhance or distort meaning through context and medium
select and pair appropriate typeface choices to suit content
organize typography to create information hierarchy
develop grid based typographic layouts
employ consistent typographic standards through a series of works
thoughtfully and appropriately incorporate typography into your major studio practice