COP3 - Evaluation

The aims throughout this project have been to gain a wider understanding of what governs the creation of typography in light of cultural, social, and technological change, and if typefaces can subsequently be subcategorised based on the place or region of their design. Through the research and writing of the essay it was made apparent that typefaces don't often carry these definitive characteristics. Although certain typefaces can have a large impact in defining a ethos or be a signification of a cultural change. It is clear that any artwork must be considered with the era it is designed and this connection is unavoidable. Though what was made clear is that these associations are much more susceptive to change compared to other arts. Considering this, in the practical it proved very difficult to create a physical embodiment of type’s cultural subgroups, even though this idea was explored in many different practical ideas the final outcome highlighted more technological connections rather than cultural. The project overall was an exploration of type from a more outside perspective, as I have little experience in creating type and and not prolific in type design it was important to look at type from a more analytical and theoretical perspective. Therefore within the practical this more theoretical view on type was important to highlight. The practical as previously explained aimed to do what the essay couldn't demonstrate an understanding of the connections and influences of type in the history of modern typography. The aim for the practical from the start was to create something interesting and show some information that would be new and communicate it in a direct and information based format. The idea for the practical didn't take fruition until research into 'Alfred Barr’s cover of the book Cubism and Abstract Art.' this was hugely influential and acted as a great inspiration to the practical work. Overall the practical communicated what was originally intended. The direct nature of the poster and high level of typographic information would make it a desirable poster for any type fanatic. Relating to the target audience outlined early on.




In terms of the essay's overall argument an aim from the outset was to learn some new things about typography's meaning, this has most definitely been achieved, the semiotic theory explored not only was a real test of writing and understanding the complex language, but through these semiotic explorations a much more developed understanding of what governs typography's meaning and how this can be associated to culture. A great strength of this project has been the exploration of a large number of themes, not only looking into the cultural impacts but much wider, and subsequently how these themes come to be embedded in typography.




In terms of what could have been improved on or explored further throughout this project, it would have been interesting to ask some type designers their own views if type can be culturally categorised and when designing if there is an acknowledgment of the impacts and associations of culture build into the typography. Furthermore in the practical an exploration of type’s use and how this effects the context it is read and associated. This might allow for a deeper understanding of what really defines type to feel 'British' or 'German' etc. The practical project can be seen as the physical embodiment of knowledge developed throughout this project and reflects an understanding of the influence of type can play in shaping the visual language of an era or cultural ethos.




All in all this project has really pushed skills in analysis, writing and the ability to create a practical piece that fits with a fairly complex written piece. The overall content has been researched, developed and carried out to a high standard and with constant feedback from tutors and peers to ensure the project is interesting and intriguing. Creating a high quality final outcome supported by a extensive body of research and development that builds upon the theoretical explorations of the written piece.