Project 2: Analyzing Sans Serif Type

The studies below are part of Project 2. The intent for the board is located directly below the image.

The first study of sans serif type was an investigation in how spacing occurs between characters and how different proportions between the characters inform their designs. The project shows a flurry of letters storming down to the bottom of the page where they collect in between the forms at the bottom. These letters are used as modular units to visually describe the spacing between each form. The forms at the bottom are another study within the project. They are a combination of the letters “O” and “E” to show how the proportions of the “O” are almost identical to that of an “E”. By using the counter of the “O” to help subtract portions of the “E”, a new letter is postulated: the letter “C”.

The second study explores the idea of datum and width within the typeface. The project shows how the heights of many of the lower case letters are the same all while playing with the idea of figure and ground. Vertical datum is also explored to the left hand side by comparing the different stems, legs and hairlines of the different letters. Finally, by mirroring and flipping the “W”, an “M” begins to be implied.