Reinforcing Meaning
We communicate both verbally (what can be heard or read) and visually (what can be seen). When verbal and visual communication are in concert, the message is strengthened. Typographic choices, when they are sensitive to this verbal / visual equation, can be used to reinforce the meaning of words. In this assignment, you will explore typographic ways to reinforce the meaning of words.
Assignment
Choose 9 English words with commonly understood meanings. Pick 3 nouns (such as wind), 3 adjectives (such as loud), and 3 verbs (such as dance). Inside a 6 x 6 inch square, create a typographic composition for each word that reinforces its meaning. Your designs should visually communicate the essential qualities of the concepts, objects, or actions that the words describe.
Think of this as making the typography visually embody the word, finding typographic equivalents to words, or using typography to dress the word. How would the word express itself visually? Be creative and expressive in your use of typography. Try to express the meaning of each word as clearly, elegantly, and simply as possible.
You may only use black, no color. You must use one typeface in one weight: Berthold Akzidenz Grotesk Medium. No photography, illustration, punctuation, or non-typographic shapes. Do not alter the individual letterforms. Your compositions should maintain a typographic feel.
References
John Kane, A Type Primer, pp 64–69
Student Work
