LESSON 3.1
WORKING WITH TYPE
DURATION 1 LESSON
Topics Covered
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Type tool
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Type on a path
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Type in a shape
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Exploring fonts
Building on our skillset in Illustrator, this unit initiates students in the world of typography. Before we get into the theory, let's take a look at some of Illustrator's capabilities and how to use the type tool. These in-class activities will get you started working with type.
Some concepts before we get started:
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the type tool
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selecting a font
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editing character properties
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adding/searching fonts from Adobe Cloud
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the Character palette
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kerning and tracking
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typing in an area vs. a line
CREATE A TYPE COLLAGE
Start with the simplest of Illustrator's type capabilities, creating a text element.
Type your name using a number of font faces, varying the tracking between the letters. Fill 50% of your artboard with these type elements
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In the same artboard, experiment with the first initial of your name. Try a number of fonts and see how the personality of the letter changes based on your selections.
Include your first and last initials in large characters. Take up 20% of your artboard with these type elements
Using either of these two methods, write a short blurb about yourself that tells the reader a little about you. Use 10% of your artboard for this text element.
Now that you have gained some control over the tools, let's explore some of the type tools available on your machine.
Select Window > Type > Character from the top menu and open the Character palette. Select 'Show Options' to turn on extra controls
Explore the list of available fonts. Notice how many you have available and how different they are. Notice that you have control over font size, leading (line spacing), tracking (word letter spacing) and kerning (individual letter spacing). Experiment with these settings.
We have explored some fonts. Many more are available using the Adobe Cloud interface.
Blog entry 3.1: My Character!
Write 4-5 adjectives that you think describe you. Are you loud or shy? Are you silly or serious? Are you tall and thin or bulky and muscular?
Search through your available fonts (or search for some on the Adobe Cloud service) and select typefaces that you think match your adjectives. In Illustrator create a graphic like the one below. Try to select typefaces that demonstrate some variety and have an identifiable 'personality'.
Here is a list of words that might be used to describe a typeface's character: distinctive, bubbly, professional, geometric, elegant, strong, narrow, wide, playful, stylized, rounded, sharp, clean, linear, military, aggressive, messy, distressed, embellished, thick, unique, curly, wavy, outlined, decorative, athletic, gothic, graceful, airy, light, formal, futuristic, classic, old-fashioned, chunky, hand-drawn, casual, proportional, solid, connected, 3-dimensional, uneven, balanced, identifiable.
Once you have completed the activity export a PNG to be posted on your website.
Write a summary of the skills you have gained. Include a breakdown of the tools and concepts we have covered. This should include techniques like typing on a path, or perhaps a discussion of how Lorem Ipsum is used.
Pre-homework for next lesson
Note, you have homework that needs to be completed BEFORE next class or you will not be able to continue in time with the class.