Advanced Typography | Final Compilation & Reflection

 April 21,2025

21/07/2025 - 14/07/2024(Week 13 - Week14 )

ZHANG TIANYAO/0376838

Typography / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University 

Advanced Typography | Final Compilation & Reflection

Task 1: Exercises

Task 2: Key artwork and collateral 

Task 3: Type expression and application

Instructions

Task 1: Exercises

21/04/2025 - 12/05/2024 (Week 1 - Week 3）

Type & Play Part 1

Fig 1.1 Axial

Fig 1.2 Dilatational

Fig 1.3 Random

Fig 1.4 Radial

Fig 1.5 Bilateral

Fig 1.6 Modular

Fig 1.7 Transitional

Fig 1.8 Grid

Fig 1.9 Compilation of eight typographic system layouts (without guides) based on The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory.

Fig 1.10 Compilation of eight typographic system layouts (with guides) based on The ABCs of Bauhaus Design Theory

Type & Play Part 2

Fig 2.1 Extracted Letterforms-C,T,F,Y,V

Fig 2.2 

Fig 2.3

Task 2: Key artwork and collateral 

12/05/2025 - 10/06/2024(Week 3 - Week 8)

Final Task 2 Outcome Compilation

Fig 3.1Final Digitalized Artwork

Fig 3.2 White wordmark on black background

Fig 3.3 Colour Scheme

Fig 3.4  Wordmark in darkest shade of the palette and background in lightest shade of the palette

Fig 3.5  Wordmark in lightest shade of the palette and background in darkest shade of the palette

Fig 3.6  Finalized Animation

Fig 3.7  The final collateral#1

Fig 3.8  The final collateral#2 

Fig 3.9 The final collateral#3

Fig 3.10 Instagram Feed Design Layout

 Fig 3.11 Instagram Feed Design Layout.

Fig 3.12 Task 2A Compilation

Fig 3.14 Task 2B Final Outcome

Task 3: Type expression and application

20/06/2025 - 13/07/2024 (Week 10 - Week14 )

Task 3 Final Outcome

Fig 4.1 Task 3 Final

Fig 4.2 Font Presentation 1

Fig 4.3 Font Presentation 2

Fig 4.4 Font Presentation 3

Fig 4.5 Font Presentation 4

Fig 4.6 Font Presentation 5

Fig 4.7 Font Application 1

Fig 4.8 Font Application 2

Fig 4.9 Font Application 3

Fig 4.8 Font Application 4

Fig 4.9 Font Application 5

Experience

This module was my first deep dive into typography as a designer. In Task 1, I broke away from seeing letters as fixed shapes and started drawing inspiration from natural forms, textures, and rhythm. Task 2 turned the lens inward, asking me to express personal identity and emotion through type. Task 3 was a full-system challenge—structuring, refining, and applying a consistent grid-based typeface. Through constant trial and error, I gradually shaped my own design logic.

Observation

I realized that typography isn’t as freeform as it seems. A tiny stroke adjustment can disrupt the entire balance. The rhythm of visuals, the control of negative space, and the consistency of style all demand precise decisions. Designing type is really about navigating the space between emotion and structure.

Findings

These three tasks were like three different ways of thinking: abstraction, expression, and system-building. They taught me that typography isn’t just about how letters look—it’s about building something that works, communicates, and resonates. I’ve come to value not only the aesthetics of a design, but its purpose, adaptability, and long-term relevance.

Acknowledgement

I sincerely thank Mr. Vinod for his expert guidance throughout this process. He consistently pointed out the core of each problem, rather than staying on the surface. His feedback helped me step back from my work and ask not just “why this?” but “what else?” That mindset will continue to shape how I approach future design challenges.