Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Letter/digit configurations
Urban letterform studies
Rob Carter
Thomas Detrie
Virginia Commonwealth University
Guest Lecturer Winter Session in Basel
Rhode Island School of Design
Visual configurations were invented by
combining letters from the English alphabet
and single-digit numbers (Figs.
11-1 to 11-
4
). Scale, proportion, weight, and shape
relationships between two different signs
were explored.
Objectives of this exercise include
introducing letterform drawing and drafting
skills, using typographic joinery to unify
the two distinct forms into a visual gestalt,
and understanding the variety of spatial
relationships that can exist among characters.
Letterforms in an old section of a European
town were studied and documented through
drawing, rubbings, and found material. A
black-and-white letter composition was
developed, depicting graphic qualities found
in the assigned area.
On a formal level, compositional issues
such as dynamic asymmetrical composition
and form-counterform relationships are
explored. On an interpretive level, the
ambience of a historical area is translated into
a typographic configuration (Fig.
11- 5
).
11-1
Designer: Penny Knudsen
11-2
Designer: Penny Knudsen
11- 3
Designer: Colene Kirwin
11- 4
Designer: Linda Evans
11- 5
Designer: J. P. Williams
