Process Book for Public Type by Breanne Fencl

publictypography

breanne fencl process | designer as author patrick dooley

research Project Objective As graphic designers we spend much of our time working with typographic applications for a variety of twodimensional surfaces from books to computer screens. There is, however, a world of rich typographic experience both formal and informal in signs, graffiti, flyers and other forms of lettering that inhabit our everyday environment. Each student should select a discrete sector of this environment and make a photo essay book about it. You will have authorship of the collecting of photo materials, the writing of an essay to accompany it as well as the overall design of the book.

book copy text Intro Typography is all around us, even when it is not intentional. Architecture, objects, and materials can also mimic the shape of familiar letterforms. These shapes are appealing to the public but can often go unnoticed. Look around you. The angles and shapes that the structures and objects around you will form shapes and soon letterforms with just a bit of concentration and creativity from you. See that tangled mess of extension cords beside your desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? I decided to take this concept out of my room and travel in Lawrence, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri to find other examples of this hidden type. My goal was to look at the world differently. Maybe seeing things I have never seen before even though I had passed by them multiple times before; and defiantly seeing the world from a different angle. It is amazing how much more one can appreciate the world when taking time to view the small details. Lawrence, KS I have been going to school here in Lawrence for 2 full years now. As a graphic design student, you would think I would have noticed some of these letterforms before, especially when learning about the anatomy of type. Nope. The small details expose themselves only to the person who takes the time to notice. At first it was very difficult to look at objects in a different way. I found myself finding a lot of “O” “L” and “X.” This is normal. It

is easy to spot a circular window, or doorknob, a corner of a door frame, or a cross in the sidewalk. These shapes are not only letterforms but basic structural devices. Right angles make things sturdy and regular, circles are symmetrical and easy to interact with. I went to Massachusetts Street, the Lawrence equivalent of Main Street, for my first adventure of finding these letterforms. As I was walking down Mass, I walked past one f my favorite ice cream shops, Sylas & Maddy’s. On any other day, I would have walked past this store without a second glance however, that day, I was looking with a detailed eye. I saw a door handle for the employee entrance. There was nothing too spectacular about it, just a door knob. But on closer inspection, this door knob made an ‘S.’ I then was able to continue down Mass and find all the letters of the alphabet. With a bit more concentration, I was able to find all the letterforms and compile my favorites into a alphabet. I found the majority of these letterforms on Massachusetts Street, a Lawrence equivalent of Main Street. The collection of small shops, restaurants, and storefront architecture created a subdued and rural feel to the alphabet. Kansas City, MO I am not familiar with Kansas City very well. I decided to go to an outdoor mall called Zona Rosa to try to find letterforms. I thought the variety of the storefronts in combination with the different architecture styles would lend itself to letterforms well. I found it

much easier to find these abstract letterforms probably because I was in a new environment and I did not have any past experiences and connections with these objects or buildings. Every object and building was a new opportunity for a letterform whereas the objects in more familiar areas I had already associated with their natural uses. In this new environment, I was able to detach any preconceived notions and concentrate on finding new letterforms. Instantly, I noticed a lamp that created a ‘C’ shape. What would have been a decorative swirl to the naked eye, transformed instantlly for me into a letterform. I then found additional letterforms within Zona and was able to compile a different alphabet with its own characteristics.

I grew up learning about in a new way. I began seeing countless letterforms in different styles. The natural contrast of many of the sculptures’ hard, metal, and urban look with the natural surroundings lent well to the overall appearance of the letterforms.

Proportion Another variable in the differences in letterforms is proportions. Four major variables control letterform proportion. These include, stroke to height ratio, contrast in stroke weight, x-height and proportion, and finally expanded and condensed styles. The last of which being most applicable to finding letterforms in everyday objects. Take for example this ‘O’ which I found on Mass Street in Lawrence. It appears to be a St. Louis, MO perfect circle. this is one example on how an ‘O’ might I grew up in St. Louis. I was interested to go to St. be found, it can be condensed like an oval as well. Louis and see how my experiences in Lawrence and Keep your eye out for all different styles of letters and Kansas City would influence how i saw my home town. compare them to one another. I decided to go to one of my favorite places growing up, Laumeier Sculpture Park. I used to go to the park Weight often to view the numerous sculptures and spend time Letterforms come in all shapes and sizes as we have with my family. Now I was going to see if the vast already seen. Some large, some small; some thick, some variety of sculptures would provide me with some new thin. All of these characteristics contribute to weight. letterforms. As I arrived I approached a pedestal which Weight is the relative darkness or lightness of the charhad a miniature version of a sculpture. These are used acters which results from the thickness of the strokes. for the visually impaired so they can still experience the A given font might have many different weights such as sculptures. While closely looking at the brass rendition, light, bold, extra bold, and hairline. When we are lookI found the letter ‘K’ in the branches. I then found a ing for letterforms in public spaces, it is important to ‘Y’ in the same location. This was the beginning of a remember that these letterforms will also come in difjourney through the park experiencing the sculptures ferent weights as well. Looking on the streets of Zona,

I found a ‘Y’ in this lamp post. This particular example has a very thin weight. Negative Space It becomes easy to see letters formed from objects with objects. But what about the space around those objects? This space is called negative space and this is also useful for finding hidden letterforms. Isaac Witkin’s piece Hawthorne Tree is a bronze work made up of sweeping liquidlike forms creating various negative spaces within itself. When looking for letterforms within this piece, it was important for me to address the negative space. I soon found an ‘R’ in the negative space created in this piece. Only by looking at the space around the physical object was I able to find this letterform. A In ancient middle eastern cultures, the ox was an extremely valuable animal. Not only did it provide meat, and hides, but it aided in farming. Originally, the letterform ‘A’ looked like an ox head. You can see remnants of this imagery when we turn the letter upside down. D The letter ‘D’ most likely began as the Phoenician letter daleth meaning door. Some people believe that the letterform represents a flap of animal skin used as a door for a tent and others believe that it resembles a carved panel of a wooden door.

W The letter ‘W’ is derived from the sixth letter of the proto-Sinaitic alphabet: vav. This letter originated F, U, and V as well. In Hebrew, vav means “nail” or “hook.” In ancient form it looked similar to a modern day Y, which was reminiscent of the bracket that supported a folded ship’s mast. Conclusion Now look around you. What else in your environment is more than meets the eye? Using this refined and creative mindset, what can you discover? This experience has taught me to appreciate the small things in my environment. Someone has designed everything that is around us. The way it exists, the way it decays, all are beautiful. When appreciated, the world becomes a much more exciting place to live.

class notes 9.11 Narrowing down subjects. Thinking of type of dance or hidden type.

10.18 Make cover image an obvious letter, not an establishing shot. Lead the reader into the book.

9.18 Decided on hidden type. Went got some photos from lawrence. Some are too hard for individuals to interpret.

10.23 Pages need refinement. Concept is there. Take the reader on an adventure.

9.25 Got more pictures from Lawrence. Struggling on coming up with chapters. Decided on the history of type for non narritive parts.

10.25 Book mock-up was helpful. Cover needs to show the whole letter. Make it obvious.

9.27 Trouble with moodboards. Need to tell a story rather than a compilation of what I want the book to look like. 10.2 Took pictures in Kansas City. Perhaps split chapters by location? 10.4 Need more establishing shots. One more location. 10.11 Took pictures in St Louis last weekend at the sculpture park. They are a great contrast with the other ones I have. 10.16 Simple type. Photographs need to be the star.

10.30 Need more color on the cover. Work on credits page. Work in leading in the text. 11.1 Finalized book. Minor refinements needed. 11.6 Sent off book to blurb with no problems.

photography

designdevelopment

A ‘A’ taken at Zona Rosa in Kansas City, Missouri. Among a wall of zig zags, A stylish, geometric A stands out.

fo r

c r e at i v e

hidden type

e y e s

o n ly

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” -Albert Einstein

creativity from you. See that tangled my room and travel in Lawrence, Kansas, mess of extension cords beside your Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? I Missouri to find other examples of this decided to take this concept out of hidden type. My goal was to look at the world differently. Maybe seeing things I have never seen before even though

In ancient middle eastern cultures, the ox was an extremely valuable animal. Not only did it provide meat, and hides, but it aided in farming. Originally, the letterform ‘A’ looked like an ox head. You can see remnants of this imagery when we turn the letter upside down.

for creative eyes only

HIDDENtype

‘A ’ taken at Zona Rosa in Kansas City, Missouri. Among a wall of zig zags, A stylish, geometric A stands out.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Wayne W Dyer

Typography is all around us, even when it is not intentional. Architecture, objects, and materials can also mimic the shape of familiar letterforms. These shapes are appealing to the public but can often go unnoticed. Look around you. The angles and shapes that the structures and objects around you will form shapes and soon letterforms with just a bit of concentration and creativity from you. See that tangled mess of extension cords beside your desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? I decided to take this concept out of my room and

I had passed by them multiple times

travel in Lawrence, Kansas, Kansas City,

before; and defiantly seeing the world

Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri to find

from a different angle. It is amazing how

other examples of this hidden type. My

much more one can appreciate the world

goal was to look at the world differently.

when taking time to view the small details.

Maybe seeing things I have never seen

type palettes

angles and shapes that the structures and objects around you will form shapes and soon letterforms with just a bit of concentration and creativity from you. See that tangled mess of extension cords beside your desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? I decided to take this concept out of my room and travel in Lawrence, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri to find other examples of this hidden

type. My goal was to look at the world differently. Maybe seeing things I have never seen before even

imagery when we turn the letter upside down.

like an ox head. You can see remnants of this

this imagery when we turn the letter upside down.

often go unnoticed. Look around you. The

farming. Originally, the letterform ‘A’ looked

‘A’ looked like an ox head. You can see remnants of

These shapes are appealing to the public but can

did it provide meat, and hides, but it aided in

can also mimic the shape of familiar letterforms.

was an extremely valuable animal. Not only

valuable animal. Not only did it provide meat, and

hides, but it aided in farming. Originally, the letterform

In ancient middle eastern cultures, the ox

for creative eyes only

intentional. Architecture, objects, and materials

In ancient middle eastern cultures, the ox was an extremely

Typography is all around us, even when it is not

‘A’ taken at Zona Rosa in Kansas City, Missouri. Among a wall of zig zags, A stylish, geometric A stands out.

though I had passed by them multiple times before; and defiantly seeing the world from a different angle. It is amazing how much more

‘A’ taken at Zona Rosa in Kansas City, Missouri. Among a wall of zig zags, A stylish, geometric A stands out.

fo r

c r e at i v e

hidden type

e y e s

o n ly

Typography is all around us, even when it is not intentional. Architecture, objects,

one can appreciate the world when

and materials can also mimic the shape of familiar letterforms. These shapes are

Typography is all around us,

taking time to view the small details.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Wayne W Dyer

appealing to the public but can often go unnoticed. Look around you. The

even when it is not intentional.

angles and shapes that the structures and objects around you will form shapes and

Architecture, objects, and materials can also mimic the shape of familiar letterforms. These shapes are appealing to the public but

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” Wayne W Dyer

can often go unnoticed. Look

Wayne W Dyer

of extension cords beside your ‘A’ taken at Zona Rosa in Kansas City, Missouri. Among a wall of zig zags, A stylish, geometric A stands out.

desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? I decided to take this concept out of my room and travel in

decided to take this concept out of my room and travel

at the world differently. Maybe seeing things I have never seen before even though

around you will form shapes and

from you. See that tangled mess

cords beside your desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? I

Louis, Missouri to find other examples of this hidden type. My goal was to look

that the structures and objects

of concentration and creativity

soon letterforms with just a bit of concentration and creativity from you. See that tangled mess of extension

in Lawrence, Kansas, Kansas City, Missouri, and St.

around you. The angles and shapes

soon letterforms with just a bit

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

for creative eyes only

I had passed by them multiple times before; and defiantly seeing the world from a different angle. It is amazing how much more one can appreciate the world when taking time to view the small details. Typography is all around us, even when it is not intentional. Architecture, objects, and materials can also mimic the shape of familiar letterforms. These shapes are appealing to the public but can often go unnoticed. Look around you. The angles and shapes that the structures and objects around you will form shapes and soon letterforms with just a bit of concentration and creativity from you. See that tangled mess of extension cords beside

hidden type: urban typography

moodboards

hidden type: urban typography

I was born and raised in St. Louis. I was interested to go back to St. Louis and see how my experiences in Lawrence and Kansas City would influence how i saw my home town. I decided to go to

I was born and raised in St. Louis.

one of my favorite places growing up,

I was interested to go back to St. Louis

Laumeier Sculpture Park. I used to

and see how my experiences in Lawrence

go to the park often to view the numerous

and Kansas City would influence how i

sculptures and spend time with my family.

saw my home town. I decided to go to

Now I was going to see if the vast variety

one of my favorite places growing up,

of sculptures would provide me with some

Laumeier Sculpture Park. I used to

new letterforms.

go to the park often to view the numerous sculptures and spend time with my family.

stlouis

Now I was going to see if the vast variety of sculptures would provide me with some new letterforms.

As I arrived I approached a pedestal which had a miniature version of a sculpture. These are used for the visually impaired so they can still experience the sculptures through touch. While closely looking at the brass rendition, I found the letter ‘K’ in the metal branches. I then found a ‘Y’ in the

As I arrived I approached a pedestal which

The natural contrast of many of the sculptures’

same location. This was the beginning of

had a miniature version of a sculpture.

hard, metal, and urban look with the natural

a journey through the park experiencing

These are used for the visually impaired

surroundings lent well to the overall appearance

the sculptures I grew up learning about

so they can still experience the sculptures

of the letterforms.

in a new way. I began seeing countless

through touch. While closely looking at the

letterforms in different styles. The natural

brass rendition, I found the letter ‘K’ in the

contrast of many of the sculptures’ hard,

metal branches. I then found a ‘Y’ in the

metal, and urban look with the natural

same location. This was the beginning of

surroundings lent well to the overall

a journey through the park experiencing

appearance of the letterforms.

the sculptures I grew up learning about in a

new way. I began seeing countless

letterforms in different styles.

It becomes easy to see letters formed from

negative space

objects with objects. But what about the space around those objects? This space is

It becomes easy to see letters formed from

called negative space and this is also useful

objects with objects. But what about the

for finding hidden letterforms. Isaac Witkin’s

space around those objects? This space is

piece Hawthorne Tree is a bronze work

called negative space and this is also useful

made up of sweeping liquid-like forms

for finding hidden letterforms. Isaac Witkin’s

creating various negative spaces within itself.

piece Hawthorne Tree is a bronze work

When looking for letterforms within this

made up of sweeping liquid-like forms

negative space

creating various negative spaces within itself. When looking for letterforms within this

piece, it was important for me to address the negative space. I soon found an ‘R’ in the negative space created in this piece. Only

piece, it was important for me to address the

by looking at the space around the physical

negative space. I soon found an ‘R’ in the

object was I able to find this letterform.

negative space created in this piece. Only by looking at the space around the physical object was I able to find this letterform.

The letter ‘W’ is derived from the sixth letter of the proto-Sinaitic alphabet: vav. This letter originated F, U, and V as well. The letter ‘W’ is derived from the sixth

In Hebrew, vav means “nail” or “hook.” In

letter of the proto-Sinaitic alphabet: vav.

ancient form it looked similar to a modern

This letter originated F, U, and V as well.

day Y, which was reminiscent of the bracket

In Hebrew, vav means “nail” or “hook.” In

that supported a folded ship’s mast.

ancient form it looked similar to a modern day Y, which was reminiscent of the bracket that supported a folded ship’s mast.

vertical spreads

horizontal spreads

It becomes easy to see letters formed from objects with objects. But what about the space around those objects? This space is called negative space

I was born and raised in St. Louis. I

and this is also useful for finding

was interested to go back to St. Louis and

hidden letterforms. Isaac Witkin’s

see how my experiences in Lawrence and

piece Hawthorne Tree is a bronze

Kansas City would influence how i saw

work made up of sweeping liquid-like

my home town. I decided to go to one of

forms creating various negative

my favorite places growing up, Laumeier Sculpture Park. I used to go to the park often to view the numerous sculptures and spend time with my family. Now I was going to see if the vast variety of sculptures would provide me with some new letterforms.

negative space

spaces within itself. When looking for letterforms within this piece, it was important for me to address the negative space. I soon found an ‘R’ in the negative space created in this piece. Only by looking at the space around the physical object was I able

RIGHT: An ‘R’ found using the negative space in Isaac Witlin’s Hawthorne Tree

to find this letterform.

LEFT TO RIGHT: L,M,N,O found at Laumeier Sculpture park.

As I arrived, I approached a pedestal which

styles. The natural contrast of many of the

had a miniature version of a sculpture.

sculptures’ hard, metal, and urban look with

These are used for the visually impaired

the natural surroundings lent well to the

so they can still experience the sculptures

overall appearance of the letterforms. The letter ‘W’ is derived from the sixth

through touch. While closely looking at the

letter of the proto-Sinaitic alphabet: vav.

brass rendition, I found the letter ‘K’

This letter originated F, U, and V as well.

in the metal branches. I then found a ‘Y’ in the same location. This was the beginning of a journey through the park experiencing the sculptures I grew up about in a new way. I began seeing

learning

countless letterforms in different

In Hebrew, vav means “nail” or “hook.” In ancient form it looked similar to a modern

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” wayne w dyer

day Y, which was reminiscent of the bracket that supported a folded ship’s mast.

RIGHT: A ‘K’ found in the branches of a miniture model of a piece at Laummeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, MO.

urban typography

hiddentype urban typography

hiddentype

breanne fencl

urban typography

hiddentype breanne fencl

urban typography

hiddentype

breanne fencl

hiddentype

public typography

hiddentype

public typography breanne fencl

urban typography

hiddentype

breanne fencl

covers

public typography hiddentype

hiddentype

public typography breanne fencl

breanne fencl

conceptstatement Beyond the world of intentional printed type, is a world that often goes unnoticed. The world of hidden type is one that is only exposed to those who are looking for it. With a trained eye, one can uncover a new world full of new letterforms. In my book, I narrate my experiences in three cities on a mission to find these hidden letterforms. I was able to compile three complete alphabets and obtain a new outlook on the world.

finalproject LEFT TO RIGHT: ‘T’ ‘U’ ‘V’ all found in Lawrence, KS.

I went to Massachusetts Street, the Lawrence equivalent of Main Street, for my first adventure of finding these letterforms.

hiddentype

public typography

As I was walking down Mass, I walked past

one of my favorite ice cream shops, Sylas & Maddy’s. On any other day, I would have

breanne fencl

walked past this store without a second glance. However, that day, I was looking with a detailed eye. I saw a door handle for the employee entrance. There was nothing too spectacular about it, just a door knob. But on closer inspection, this door knob made an ‘S.’ I then was able to continue down Mass and find all the letters of the alphabet.

concentration and creativity from you. See

intro

LEFT:

that tangled mess of extension cords beside

An important variable in the differences

your desk? Is there an ‘e’ or a ‘g’ there? What

in letterforms is proportions. Four

about your coffee table? Is there a letterform

major variables control letterform

‘I’ found at Zona Rosa outdoor mall in Kansas

there? I decided to take this concept out of

City, MO.

my room and travel in Lawrence, KS, Kansas

proportion. These include, stroke to

City, MO, and St. Louis, MO to find other

condensed like an oval as well. Keep your

was to look at the world differently.

which being most applicable to finding

eye out for all different styles of letters

materials can also mimic the shape of familiar

Seeing things I have never seen before in

letterforms in everyday objects. Take for

and compare them to one another.

letterforms. These shapes are appealing to

environments that are familiar; and definitely

example this ‘O’ which I found on

the public but can often go unnoticed. Look

seeing the world from a different angle. It is

around you. The angles and shapes that

amazing how much more one can appreciate

the structures and objects around you will

the world when taking time to view the

form shapes and soon letterforms with

small details.

just a bit of

Mass Street in Lawrence. It appears

proportion

Edith Wharton

In ancient middle eastern cultures, the ox was an extremely valuable animal. Not only did it provide

design student, you would think I would have

meat, and hides, but it aided in farming. Originally,

noticed some of these letterforms before,

“X.” This is normal. It is easy to spot a

especially when learning about the anatomy

circular window, or doorknob, a corner of a

of type. Nope. The small details expose

door frame, or a cross in the sidewalk. These

themselves only to the person who

shapes are not only letterforms but basic

takes the time to notice. At first it was

structural devices. Right angles make things

very difficult to look at objects in a different

sturdy and regular, circles are symmetrical

way. I found myself

and easy to interact with.

“O” “L” and

on how an ‘O’ might be found, it can be

and condensed styles. The last of

it is not intentional. Architecture, objects, and

Lawrence for 2 full years now. As a graphic

finding a lot of

to be a perfect circle. this is one example

x-height and proportion, and expanded

examples of this hidden type. My goal

“True originality consists not in a new manner but in a new vision.”

I have been going to school here in

height ratio, contrast in stroke weight,

Typography is all around us, even when

the letterform ‘A’ looked like an ox head. You can see remnants of this imagery when we turn the letter upside down.

The letter ‘A’ found on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS.

With a bit more concentration, I was able to find all the letterforms and compile my favorites into an alphabet. I found all of these letterforms on Massachusetts Street, the Lawrence equivalent of Main Street.

weight Letterforms come in all shapes and sizes as we have already seen. Some large, some small; some thick, some 23

thin. All of these characteristics

When we are looking for letterforms

contribute to weight. Weight is the

in public spaces, it is important to

relative darkness or lightness of the

remember that these letterforms will

characters which results from the

also come in different weights as well.

thickness of the strokes. A given font

Looking on the streets of Zona, I found

might have many different weights such

a ‘Y’ in this lamp post. This particular

as light, bold, extra bold, and hairline.

kansascity

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and

The letter ‘M’ found at Zona Rosa in Kansas City.

and building was a new opportunity

albert einstein

for a letterform, whereas the objects in

The letter ‘D’ most likely began as the Phoenician letter daleth meaning door. Some people believe

more familiar areas I had already associated

I am not familiar with Kansas City very

with their natural uses. In this new

well. I decided to go to an outdoor mall

environment, I was able to detach any

called Zona Rosa to try to find letterforms.

preconceived notions and concentrate on

that the letterform represents a flap of animal skin used as a door for a tent and others believe that it resembles a carved panel of a wooden door.

I thought the variety of the storefronts in

combination with the different architecture styles would lend itself to letterforms well. I found it much easier to find these abstract letterforms probably because I was in a new environment and I did not have any past experiences and connections with these objects or buildings. Every object

After a good amount of walking and searching around Zona, I was able to form a complete alphabet. Although different from the Lawrence equavalent, the Zona alphabet has very similar characteristics, and tone.

LEFT TO RIGHT: ‘D’ ‘E’ ‘F’ all found in Kansas City, MO.

Instantly, I noticed a lamp that created a ‘C’ shape. What would have been a decorative swirl to the naked eye, transformed 23

instantlly for me into a letterform. I then found additional letterforms within Zona and was able to compile a different alphabet with its own characteristics.

stlouis

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” wayne w dyer

I was born and raised in St. Louis. I was interested to go back to St. Louis and see how my experiences in Lawrence and Kansas City would influence how I saw

24 The letter ‘W’ is derived from the sixth

my home town. I decided to go to one of

letter of the proto-Sinaitic alphabet: vav.

my favorite places growing up, Laumeier

This letter originated F, U, and V as well.

Sculpture Park. I used to go to the park

In Hebrew, vav means “nail” or “hook.” In ancient form it looked similar to a modern

often to view the numerous sculptures and

day Y, which was reminiscent of the bracket

spend time with my family. Now I was going

that supported a folded ship’s mast.

to see if the vast variety of sculptures would provide me with some new letterforms.

My day spent in Laumeier was an enjoyable and productive one. I was able to collect examples of all the letters of the alphabet and was able to compile them into a collection that is

LEFT TO RIGHT: L,M,N,O found at Laumeier Sculpture park.

As I arrived, I approached a pedestal which

styles. The natural contrast of many of

had a miniature version of a sculpture.

the sculptures’ hard, metal, and urban look

These are used for the visually impaired

with the natural surroundings lent well to the

so they can still experience the sculptures

overall appearance of the letterforms.

rich in creativity and originality.

24 24

through touch. While closely looking at the brass rendition, I found the letter ‘K’ in the metal branches. I then found a ‘Y’ in the same location. This was the beginning of a journey through the park experiencing the sculptures I grew up learning about in a new way. I began

seeing countless

letterforms in different

RIGHT: A ‘K’ found in the branches of a miniture model of a piece at Laummeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, MO.

It becomes easy to see letters formed from objects with objects. But what about the space around those objects? This space is called negative space and this is also useful for finding

Now look around you. What else in your

hidden letterforms. Isaac Witkin’s

environment is more than meets the eye?

piece Hawthorne Tree is a bronze

forms creating various negative

negative space

Using this refined and creative mindset,

work made up of sweeping liquid-like

things in my environment. Someone

for letterforms within this piece, it

has designed everything that is around us.

was important for me to address the negative space. I soon found an ‘R’ in the negative space created in this

RIGHT:

piece. Only by looking at the space

An ‘R’ found using the negative space in Isaac Witlin’s

around the physical object was I able

Hawthorne Tree

to find this letterform.

what can you discover? This experience has taught me to appreciate the small

spaces within itself. When looking

conclusion

The way it exists, the way it decays, all are beautiful. When appreciated, the world becomes a much more exciting place to live.

breanne fencl Public Type | VISC 402: Designer as Author Patrick Dooley | University of Kansas | Fall 2012 camera used: 25

Cannon eos rebel T3 typefaces: Meta Plus, Baskerville references: Ox, House, Stick: The History of our Alphabet by Don Robb Mysteries of the Alphabet by Marc-Alain Ouaknin Typographic Design: Form and Communication: Fourth Edition by Rob Carter, Ben Day, and Philip Meggs

reflection I think overall I enjoyed this project. I had a pretty easy time choosing my topic but a hard time conveying what I saw to other people. I also found it hard to find things to research and put in my book. The text was the hardest part for me. I wrote the narrative fine but needed more content. That is when I added the facts about the individual letterforms. Photographing was an interesting journey as well. I traveled to three different cities to get my content and it payed off. I particularly enjoyed the pictures I got from St Louis. Playing the roles of author, designer, and photographer gave me an appreciation for all the difficulties and perks each job has. In the future, if I am working with another individual with these jobs I will be able to better understand what they are going through and their goals. It also helped make the book all that more mine.