T.S. Initial Concepts

 

Ten initial concepts of the Neuzeit Grotesk type specimen. Experimenting with various grid systems and design elements. My favourites are 3, 5, 9. Each one is different to the other, so in my refinements I might choose the elements I like best from those and combine them... or perhaps work with each composition individually and figure it out later.

T.S. Concept 10

T.S. Concept 09

 

T.S. Concept 08

The upper part of the composition is too compact, hindering the readability of the text. Varying scale creates interest when seen from a distance as there are different tonal values in the composition.

T.S. Concept 07

 

The i and k become one stroke... again with the alignment of letters and numbers, very tedious but creates a cleaner look.

T.S. Concept 06

 

This concept looks more like a book cover.

T.S. Concept 05

 

larger gaps between letters create a sense of rhythm and leads the eye all around the composition. Negative space also creates interest by framing selected areas, i.e points of focus.

T.S. Concept 04

 

I'm not sure if that horizontal white bar is legal at this stage but I like it.

T.S. Concept 03

 

White text on black definitely stands out more and creates a bolder statement.
Kerning takes a lot of time, especially when trying to keep all rows in line.
E is a tad too close to the T in the 'Grotesk.'

T.S. Concept 02

 

T.S. Concept 01

 

First Neuzeit Grotesk type specimen concept. Worked with a simple grid format with 6 rows and columns. Row of numbers had to be adjusted because I wanted it to sit evenly between the alphabet and history paragraph. Still trying to figure out grids in Adobe Illustrator.

Type Specimen

Before creating a type specimen for 'Neuzeit Grotesk', I need to find some examples of type specimens...

Dan Ferro

 

 Josh Parenti

 

Paula Popowski

 

Neuzeit Grotesk

"Neuzeit Grotesk is a Masculine Fontoscope, derived from a Modern Adaptation of the Principles of the German Phrenakiscope! See the iron shaft, rising from a substantial wooden base of modern glaze and lust! Modest, clean and linear for Modern Day Implementations! As many persons as can stand comfortably around the Neuzeit Grotesk can enjoy its use! Without Serif since originally designed by Wilhelm C. Pischner in 1932! Forward Forever! Neuzeit!"

YouWorkForThem: Typography served. Retrieved 25 April 2012, from http://www.typographyserved.com/gallery/Neuzeit-Grotesk/1451969

What's my type...

   Franklin Gothic No 2.

I like the shape of the 'K'... its like the kind of 'k' you would see in a brand for milk, it has the right kind of thickness, and the intersecting angles are nice to look at. I think there's also a good balance of straight lines and curves used in the alphabet.

   Trebuchet MS.

Much lighter than the Franklin Gothic but that's maybe why I like this typeface more. Trebuchet has always been a favourite of mine (hence the use of the font on this blog). The lightness of the letters allows much more space in the aperture, eye and counters... this way its more softer.

     VAG Rounded.

This typeface seems less serious than the rest. Its rounded edges says, "Look at me I'm fun and bubbly". I can't help but think of Primary School days with alphabet charts.

   Neuzeit Grotesk.

... Neuzeit Grotesk, you are just my type. I'll be using this font throughout the typeface poster series project. I think its bold yet elegant. The capitals are striking and not as condensed as the Trebuchet, which I think gives it more solidity. I'm excited to see what I can do with this typeface.

Typography Jargon

My bible for the next few weeks - Typography Deconstructed

Typography | Off Book | PBS

Type has a personality.

The first step is choosing a typeface that I like. At the moment I prefer type that is sans serif because of its simplicity and modern appeal, compared to type with expendable embellishments on every letter... Helvetica has struck a new chord for me, I had no idea how much it has actually been used until watching the 'Helvetica' film. It is everywhere, and it truly is very beautiful.