Design A Digital Typeface Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Go beyond the limitations of commercial type foundries and create a unique digital display typeface, from A to Aimed at anyone with an interest in typography, this practice-based course will guide you through the process of designing your own typeface, whilst helping you gain an understanding of the principles of typography.
Initial experimentation will involve cut and paste exercises using geometric components to gain an understanding of basic letterform structures. Further exploration will examine the anatomy of a typeface, helping you gain a working knowledge of type specification and terminology for future use. Testing and playing with a limited range of letterforms will help inform your direction, thereby defining the characteristics of your display or headline typeface.
Progressing your ideas in digital form using basic Illustrator tools will aid the development of a unique roman alphabet while examining legibility and readability. Applying your letterforms using Fontstruct will provide the opportunity to develop your typeface across a full alphabet for further application beyond the course.
Who this course is for
Anyone wishing to create their own display typeface to demonstrate type design skills while developing an in depth understanding of typography. No prior experience is required in font design, but basic Adobe Illustrator skills are essential.
Key information
Topics covered
- Investigated historical and contemporary typeface design
- Learn the principles of typography for print and digital media
- Expand your type design skills using illustrator and Fontstruct
- Develop and experimental approach to letterform design
- Publish and promote your typeface for personal or commercial use
Learning outcomes
- Create full display of English (roman) letterforms in either upper or lowercase for future commercial or personal application
- Develop a thorough understanding of typeface design, from concept to creation
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
All materials needed will be provided on the first day.
IMPORTANT - Adobe ID Login for Short Course Students
Students will need to create an account with Adobe (unless you already have one) to access the Adobe suite at the college - instructions are included below. You will need to use a personal email address to create this. If you already have an account with Adobe, please make sure you bring your login details with you on the first day of the course.
Please note:
The software will only be accessible when logged into a UAL networked computer
The same account can be used outside of the University, but software will only be accessible through a personal paid subscription that students will need to set up independently
You can still create an account on the day but doing this beforehand will save time and avoid delays to the start of the class
If you already have an Adobe ID/ subscription you can use this on your short course rather than setting up a new account
During this course you may be using Adobe Photoshop. If you do not already have Photoshop, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial of Adobe Creative Cloud. Please note a credit card is required to register for the free trial. The subscription must be cancelled on the date provided by Adobe if you do not wish to continue into a paid account.
To create an account students will need to:
- Go to Adobe Sign in page
- Select 'Create an account'
- Enter your details and select 'Create account'
Tutor
Lisa Gellender
Lisa Gellender is an Educator and Creative Director with extensive creative industry experience. Building on a successful career working at Coley Porter Bell and Design Bridge, Lisa formed Gellender Creative in 2004 to provide specialist branding and editorial design for a prestigious range of clients including Selfridges, London College of Fashion and Defected Records.
Revisiting her passion for graphic communication, Lisa completed an MA in Graphic Design at UAL in 2014, thus facilitating her transition into education in 2015. Extensive practice based experience underpins her teaching methods whilst informing curriculum planning and delivery. Alongside her part time role teaching on the BA Graphic Communication course at University of the Creative Arts, Lisa is an Associate Lecturer on the MA Fashion Journalism and Media course at London College of Fashion and the BA Graphic & Media Design course at London College of Communication.
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