Today we will begin watching the documentary Helvetica, a "film about typography, graphic design, and global visual culture."
I will pass out a study guide to review. Answer questions 1 and 9 plus two others of your choice.
Link to the Study Guide:
PBS study guide
Post your answers in the comment section below.
1. How does a typeface create a mood, feeling or image? Can you describe an occasion when you had a particular reaction to something in print, not because of the content, but because of the typeface?
2. In HELVETICA, design writer Richard Poynor says, “The designer has an enormous responsibility” as the person who is “putting wires into our heads.” What does he mean? How would you define that responsibility?
3. Think of the font you most commonly use when working on your computer. Which one is it and why do you use that one?
4. American designer David Carson says, “Don’t confuse legibility with communication.” What does he mean? What’s the difference between them?
5. How is design an expression of the times? How does politics affect the art of design?
6. What is your reaction to the grunge style of type and design? Why do you think you respond to it that way?
7. Imagine that the post office, your local bank or other government or corporate entity whose signage is familiar to you started using a different typeface. How would that change their image or your feeling about that business or organization?
8. What might you take away from this film in terms of possible effects on your work or other aspects of your daily life?
9. What changes, if any, has this film made in how you think about print and graphic design?
1 How does a typeface create a mood, feeling or image? Can you describe an occasion when you had a particular reaction to something in print, not because of the content, but because of the typeface
ReplyDeleteI rather like Helvetica. It can be used to say anything as long as the person using it puts the actual emotion into the text. Helvetica is the jack of all trades. A stern father figure, or a consoling friend all resting upon the designer to decide what Helvetica really is
9 What changes, if any, has this film made in how you think about print and graphic design?
I now understand the prevalence of text and it's role in modern culture
4. American designer David Carson says, “Don’t confuse legibility with communication.” What does he mean? What’s the difference between them?
Legibility is just the ability to be read, communication suggests an Idea is being conveyed.
2. In HELVETICA, design writer Richard Poynor says, “The designer has an enormous responsibility” as the person who is “putting wires into our heads.” What does he mean? How would you define that responsibility?
It is the designers job to reach an audience effectively. With that in mind the designer has to get into the heads of the target audience in order to convey their message.
1) 1 How does a typeface create a mood, feeling or image? Can you describe an occasion when you had a particular reaction to something in print, not because of the content, but because of the typeface?
ReplyDeleteFonts create moods, feelings, and images by the way that the reader perceives them. If the font is straight and neat, then it appears more business like, and perhaps more clinical and with less emotion attached. If a font appears handwritten or messy, it's easier to find the hidden emotions in the font. "Scratchy" or "scrawled" type of fonts could give off the effect of anger or stress, maybe even some kind of urgency. On a wedding invitation I received, I got sentimental and happy because of the elegant font that the names were written in.
3) Think of the font you most commonly use when working on your computer. Which one is it and why do you use that one?
The fonts I find that I most use are the ones that look handwritten, like 'Indie Flower', 'Marck Script', and 'Rock Salt'. When I type, I like to see the movement of the different shapes of the letters as they are written. I like how it makes the writing feel more unique and like it's being written on paper.
6) What is your reaction to the grunge style of type and design? Why do you think you respond to it that way?
My reaction to the grunge style can range according to what is written, and what it's advertising. If it's a logo for a band, I tend to really enjoy the tint of personality it brings to the group. If it were used for something in something serious, say a medical report, I would think that I'd struggle to take it more seriously, as I'd be slightly distracted by the edginess of the font. For the most part however, I do think that the grunge adds character to the font, and there are several places where it could be used.
9) What changes, if any, has this film made in how you think about print and graphic design?
I do think that I appreciate Helvetica used on things like grocery store signs and business letters, but it also makes me wish that things like stores and certain signs could be changed to perhaps appeal to people strolling by. I think catching people's attention is important, and you can't always do that with big letters and colors if they're the same font people are seeing on everything else.