GDT 100 TYPOGRAPHY Guastella
TITLE
Figure & ground font sample
DESCRIPTION
Create an effective composition using a uniquely
cropped letter within a background shape. Create a
cohesive form of two overlapping letters in contrast-
ing fonts.
OBJECTIVES
-Uniting contrasting elements
-Figure and ground
-Typography as illustration
-Aesthetically pleasing form
PROCEDURE
Working with one letter form from any font, crop the
letter within a square to create a most effective
figure & ground composition. An effective
positive/negative relationship is evident when the
proportioned shapes make it difficult to determine
which serves as background and which shape
serves as the foreground. In my examples the letter
“a” is a bit too noticeable. See what you can do.
Once the composition is developed, consider chang-
ing the black and white shapes to other colors. This
is optional. Now research the font on the internet or
from text references. Create a short paragraph on
the history of the font and its creator. Type this infor-
mation in the font that you have chosen. Create a
composition with the title of the font and the para-
graph being influenced by the figure & ground
elements.
The next assignment challenges you to design a
new form by overlapping letters.
SPECIFICATIONS
The assignments are to be designed in a 12” x 18”
page.
Evaluation Criteria
- Typeface selection
- Figure and ground ambiguity
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Composition of elements
- Presentation
ASSIGNMENTS
DENNIS GUASTELLA
