Advanced Typography: Task 3 Type Exploration & Application

10/06/2025 - 22/07/2025 (Week 08 - Week 14)

Shema Goldie Angwen / 0372129
Advanced Typography
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 3: Type Exploration & Application

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CONTENT LIST

• Instructions
• Feedback
• Reflection
• Further Reading

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INSTRUCTIONS

Task 3: Type Exploration & Application

With the knowledge and experience gained in the exercises and tasks, with the accumulated knowledge from the lectures and your own reading (library books and online sources), with the experience gained in the different software covered in the programme thus far, synthesise and apply the learning in the tasks to be mentioned. Allow the knowledge gained to guide and inform your decisions for the effective execution of your final task.

Create a font that is intended to solve a larger problem or meant to be part of a solution in the area of your interest be it graphic design, animation, new media or entertainment design or any other related area not necessarily reflecting your specialisation. End result: a complete generated font (.ttf) with applications.

or

Explore the use of an existing letterform in an area of interest, understand its existing relationship, identify areas that could be improved upon, explore possible solutions or combinations that may add value to the existing letterform / lettering. End result: a complete generated font (.ttf) with applications.

or

Experiment. For your idea to qualify as an experiment it must be novel and unique — working with material that might be 3-dimensional, digitally augmented, edible, unusual, typographic music video or fine art. End result: defined by student.

To be effective you will need to study your selected area, look at how type is used in the area and identify potential weaknesses or possible areas of further exploration or experimentation. You can then attempt to provide a creative solution or add value to an existing use.

The end outcome could be a designed font and its application in the form or format that it is intending to provide a solution to, or a designed font that adds value to an existing use, or an experimentative output that results in something novel and unique. The work can manifest into any kind of format related to the issue being solved or explored or experimented: animation, 3d, print, ambient, projection, movie title or game title, music video, use of different material etc. 

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Task 3: Type Exploration & Application

Proposal

 

Figure 1.1: Proposal Slides, Week 8 (10/06/2025)

After presenting on week 9, I decided to go with Idea 1, The Balinese Script 

since Mr.Vinod also said that it was an interesting topic. The reason that I chose this is because the original Balinese script isn't widely understood by many people. By creating an alphabet typeface that captures the style of Balinese script, I hope that it could be an effective way to preserve it and introduce it to a broader audience.

Figure 1.2: Idea Chosen, Week 9 (17/06/2025)

Balinese Script or Aksara Bali is divided into several variations (Source: Get to Know Balinese Script and Examples)

1. Wreastra Script

2. Swalelita Script

3. Wijaksara Script

4. Modre Script

The one I chose is Wresastra Script.

Figure 1.3: Wresastra Script, source: 

https://dedejegegbagus.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/aksara-wresastra/, Week 9 (17/06/2025)

Research

I then did research on existing typefaces inspired by the Balinese script. To be honest, I’ve only found limited references on this topic.

Figure 2.1: Reference, source: https://luc.devroye.org/fonts-70407.html, 

Week 9 (19/06/2025)

Digitization

I then begin process in Adobe Illustrator. I extract some signature part of the Bali Wreastra script and incorporate it to the latin alphabet. One thing I discovered is that in the Balinese alphabet, the horizontal strokes tend to be thicker, while the vertical strokes are thinner. I applied these rules in my typeface.

Figure 3.1: The Process, Week 9 (21/06/2025)

Figure 3.2: #1st Attempt Result, Week 9 (21/06/2025)

Feedback and Adjustments

On week 10, Mr. Vinod gave me feedback. Using a grid is necessary to maintain consistent in thickness. Then I start all over, begin by adding grid, then using the Pen tools and also Brushes to ensure each letter maintains consistent thickness. Once the uppercase characters are done, I begin doing the lowercase and punctuations.

Figure 4.1: Revising Process, Week 10 (26/06/2025)

Figure 4.2: #2nd Attempt Result, Week 10 (26/06/2025)

On week 11, Mr. Vinod gave me feedback and said that the lowercase version is slightly better. However, the curve in the uppercase makes it look like it's dancing. Consider changing it to a straight line instead.

Figure 4.3: Revising Process, Week 11 (03/07/2025)

Figure 4.4: #3rd Attempt Result, Week 11 (03/07/2025)

Figure 4.5: #3rd Attempt Result (Outline), Week 11 (03/07/2025)

FontLab

I then use FontLab to import my letterform designs. I named the typeface Nusastra, a combination of Nusa and Sastra. In Indonesian, Nusa means “island,” and Sastra means “script.” The name reflects both the geographical and cultural inspiration behind the typeface. Bali, one of Indonesia’s most well-known islands, is home to the traditional Wresastra script. This typeface presents the essence of Balinese Wresastra in a form that is more adaptable for modern typographic use, while still honoring its rich cultural heritage.

First thing I did is adjusting the x-height, ascender, descender, and cap height to match the proportions set in Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 5.1: FontLab Font Info, Week 11 (05/07/2025)

Figure 5.2: Importing files on FontLab , Week 11 (05/07/2025)

Figure 5.3: Finalized Imported Letterforms, Week 11 (07/07/2025)

Then, I adjust the kerning to make sure the spacing between letters looks balanced between characters.

Figure 5.4: Uppercase Letetrforms Kerning, Week 11 (07/07/2025)

Figure 5.5: Lowercase Letterforms Kerning, Week 11 (07/07/2025)

Figure 5.6: Punctuations Kerning, Week 11 (07/07/2025)

Figure 5.7: Numerals Kerning, Week 11 (07/07/2025)

Font Presentation 

Before designing the layouts for the font presentation, I first created a color palette to ensure visual consistency throughout. I chose green, red, gold, blue, and brown to reflect the traditional Balinese aesthetic, those colors commonly found in Balinese art, ceremonies, and temple decorations. Together, they help reinforce the cultural roots and visual identity of the typeface.

Figure 6.1: Color Palette for Font Presentation, Week 12 (10/07/2025)

I also incorporated elements from the Wreastra script into a repeating pattern (Figure 6.2), creating a textured background that both honors the traditional Balinese form and provides visual harmony for the overall design.

Figure 6.2: Font Presentation Process, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

Figure 6.3: Font Presentation Process, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

Here are the results: 

Figure 6.4: Font Presentation 1, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

Figure 6.5: Font Presentation 2, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

Figure 6.6: Font Presentation 3, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

Figure 6.7: Font Presentation 4, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

Figure 6.8: Font Presentation 5, Week 12 (12/07/2025)

On Week 13, Mr. Vinod gave feedback and mentioned that the color scheme is interesting but you gotta be very careful because of the gradient on the outline of the Font Presentation 5. When you create gradient in the outline, it creates an unevenness, maybe it's what you want, it's fine but I'm just worry about the contrast. 

Then I decided to revise the design by adjusting the contrast of the background pattern, lowering its opacity to create a more balanced and subtle visual effect.

Figure 6.9: Revised, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Font Application

Font Application #1

Bali is a popular tourist island, so I decided to highlight its identity by creating a promotional poster about Bali. I designed it as an advertisement that could be used on platforms like Instagram, using a phone mockup to visualize how it would appear in a real-world digital context. The goal was to emphasize the cultural and visual essence of Bali through both the design and the typeface.

For the Instagram post poster, I used the Curvature Tool to create island-inspired elements and placed a simple “Bali” text in the center with a gold gradient to evoke a sense of elegance and tradition. I applied the design using a phone mockup from Pixeden to visualize it in a modern context.

Figure 7.1: Font Application Process in Adobe Illustrator, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Figure 7.2: Font Application Process in Adobe Photoshop, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Figure 7.3: Font Application #1 Result, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Mockup Source: https://www.pixeden.com/psd-mock-up-templates/psd-hand-holding-phone-mockup-2

Mockup Background Source : https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.travelonline.com%2Fbali%2Fbeaches

Font Application #2

With Bali’s flourishing café scene in mind, I decided to design a stand sign for a local café that combines a clean, simple aesthetic with vibrant pops of color for the text. I incorporated my Nusastra typeface to reflect the Balinese script heritage, ensuring the sign harmoniously merges my Bali‑inspired typeface with the bali café.

Figure 7.4: Font Application Process in Adobe Illustrator, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Figure 7.5: Font Application Process in Adobe Photoshop, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Figure 7.6: Font Application #2 Result, Week 13 (15/07/2025)

Mockup Source: https://unblast.com/customizable-a-stand-mockup/

Honor

Figure 8.1: The Process, Week 12 (11/07/2025)

Figure 8.2: Honor Clock Standby, Week 13 (11/07/2025)

Figure 8.3: Honor Personalized Signature Design, Week 13 (11/07/2025)

Figure 8.4: Honor Overall Visual Design, Week 13 (11/07/2025)

Figure 8.5: Animation Process, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 8.6: Honor Animation, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 8.7: Design Elaboration (PDF), Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 8.8: Screenshot of submitting Honor, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Task 3 Final Outcome

Click here to download NUSASTRA

Figure 9.1: Final Outcome (PDF), Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.2: Fontlab Screen Grab,Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.3: Finalized Letterforms (PDF), Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.4: Font Presentation 1, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.5: Font Presentation 2, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.6: Font Presentation 3, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.7: Font Presentation 4, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.8: Font Presentation 5, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.9: Final Compilation Font Presentation (PDF), Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.10: Font Application 1, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.11: Font Application 2, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

 

Figure 9.12: Final Compilation Font Application (PDF), Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.13: Final Honor Clock Standby, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.14: Final Honor Personalized Signature Design, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.15: Final Honor Overall Visual Design, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.16 Final Honor Standby Clock MP4 Animation, Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Figure 9.17: Final Honor Design Elaboration Write-Up (PDF), Week 14 (21/07/2025)

Font Preview

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FEEDBACK

WEEK 9 

General Feedback: The blog accounts for 30% of the score, and by next week, we should complete the uppercase letterforms. 

Specific Feedback: From the 3 ideas, Mr. Vinod asked me which one I wanted to do, and I chose the Balinese-inspired scripted style. He mentioned that he has a multi-script tutorial on his playlist. He also commented on my blog, good job on the format, clearly understood instructions and really well-organized. Someone’s been taking notes in my class, and it’s you. One suggestion he gave was about the background I use. He said the dull grey makes people sleepy and recommended using a brighter color, because color has a psychological effect and can reflect a person's personality.

WEEK 10

General Feedback: If you decide to go with uppercase, finish it by next week.

Specific Feedback: Using a grid is necessary to maintain consistent thickness. improve your Adobe Illustrator skills

WEEK 11

General Feedback: The punctuation marks need a reference to ensure the size is appropriate.
Specific Feedback: The lowercase version is slightly better. However, the curve in the uppercase makes it look like it's dancing. Consider changing it to a straight line instead.

WEEK 12

General Feedback: Mr. Vinod gave us an overview of the Honor competition and outlined our next task, which involves importing our font into FontLab. In addition to the Honor application, we are also required to create two additional applications and prepare five presentations to showcase our font.
Specific Feedback: -

WEEK 13

General Feedback: Mr. Vinod reminded us that we need to complete our tasks by next week, as he will be checking them then.

Specific Feedback: The color scheme is interesting but you gotta be very careful because of the gradient on the outline. When you create gradient in the outline it creates an unevenness, maybe it's what you want, it's fine but I'm just worry about the contrast. About the honor task, Mr.Vinod said it looks cool. For the font application, my idea before is adding design to the boarding pass ticket but he said that it's a no because it is a font-display orientation, instead if you want invite people to bali and you have tours poster that will make more sense. Maybe a mock-add inviting people on instagram for example. 

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REFLECTION

Experience
This project was quite challenging for me, especially since I had to complete it in a rush. It required me to manage my time effectively, which was a valuable learning experience.

Observation
I’ve realized that creating a typeface is not easy. I now have a much greater appreciation for existing typefaces, as designing one requires a lot of attention to detail and is very time-consuming.

Findings
I discovered that I need to focus more on the small details, manage my time better, and continue improving my Adobe skills. I’ve noticed progress compared to my first semester, but I’m not fully satisfied with where I am yet, there’s still a lot I need to improve. Every day, I spend time watching Adobe Illustrator tutorials on YouTube to enhance my software skills. I’m really grateful to be Mr. Vinod's student, he taught me so much in this module. It wasn’t just about grades, he helped me understand the importance of being brave to explore, to make mistakes, and learning from them.

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FURTHER READING

Figure : I.D.E.A.S, Computer Typography Basics by David Creamer (2003), Week 13 (20/07/2025)

Character and Word Spacing (page 12-18)

Kerning

Refers to the adjustment of space between individual characters.

Main purpose: to create a more visually pleasing and balanced appearance in the text.

Especially important when using all-uppercase letter combinations, such as VA and WA, which can appear uneven without proper kerning.

Tracking

Involves adjusting the overall spacing between characters in a word or block of text.

Main purpose: to make the text fit within a specific space without changing the font size or line spacing.

Line Spacing (Leading)

Refers to the vertical space between lines of text.

Affects the readability and overall visual appearance of a text block.

Figure : The Vignelli Canon by Massimo Vignelli (2010), Week 13 (20/07/2025)

Color (page 78)

Color play a crucial role in the formulation of the projects, but, as we do with typefaces, we carefully limit our color choices to ensure the message is delivered in the clearest and most understandable way. There are times for strong primary colors and there are also times for subtle pastel colors, there are times for just black and white, and times where rich browns and hearty colors work more appropriately based on the context. Appropriateness is the rules.