Erin Rossini ATMOSPHERIC TYPOGRAPHY Process Book
Data & Research
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For the preliminary phase of this project, our class visited the Map Library at the University of Illinois. During this visit, we were able to look at a variety of different map indexes and map illustration books. The most valuable piece of inspiration I took away from this visit was
the limitless variety of designs used for mapping vast ranges of information. One book that I took particular interest in was A Map of the World. The unique illustrative qualities of each map was Avant Garde and pulled me in for more exploration. This followed into my
project by pursuing a map with multiple layers by having thorough research and thoughtful diagrams. My design was influenced by particular line work, color schemes, spatial design, and textures found in these maps.
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Data & Research
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The second step of collecting research and data involved photographing typographical evidence in an area of downtown Champaign, IL. My partner, Bella Reinhofer and I photographed spaces in-between East University Street and East Main Street. Initially, I was impressed there
was such a large variation of type scattered around the eclectic town. My first impression was to assess the connection between type and a specific location. After I had a general direction, I wanted to get more specific. This is where I realized there was an interesting correlation
between the category and quantity of type and the atmosphere it was utilized in. I chose to compare the typographic atmosphere of a fastfood restaurant, a high-end restaurant, and a bar for my map.
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Iterations & Design Development
(A)
(C)
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Trying to create a visual of the different spaces was my biggest challenge. I started with what I thought was my only route, a birds eye view; so I could label the location of type easily and clearly. After two iterations, an old blue print design (A) and a more modern twist (B), I
(B)
realized I was limiting myself and instead I channeled the Map of the World book for out-of-the-box thinking. In image C, I created a more conceptual map for the given space allowing more depth and flexibility for type labeling. I traveled between similar color schemes but
(D)
finally finalized with a cooler gray rather then a cream for a neutral. In order to create variety I explored different ways to display the same information in different diagrams ( D, E, F). Finally, I altered the cover (H) to a design that was more cohesive.
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
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Refinement & Final Design
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After many refinements, prints, iterations, and both peer and instructor reviews, the final design was finished. Not only was I excited about my design and overall theme, I also had found that the research I collected and visualized was very resourceful and will follow me in my career as a Graphic Designer. One of my biggest challenges, other then deciding a mapping direction, was displaying my research thoroughly and sensibly. There was a bit of information I had to weed out of the final product and perhaps for my portfolio I’ll reintroduce that information. Another initial dilemma was deciding how to portray this
information. I originally was going to make a landscape poster that compared each restaurant side by side. After collecting data, however, I decided it would be smartest to separate the large amount of information into an accordion book. This allows the viewer to assess each restaurant separately but also gives the option of viewing all the information comparably. My research showed that Arby’s, the fast-food restaurant, focuses heavily on advertisements and promotions, using a small variety of
serif fonts, and intense colors. Bacaro, a high-end restaurant, on the hand, utilized sans serif fonts more often, and emphasized decor significantly more then advertisements. The Blind Pig was similar to Bacaro, in which it makes a strong interior design identity as its’ sales strategy rather then a catalog like space. Overall, this project introduced several new ways research can be collected, analyzed, and displayed. I am proud of my final product and happy to say I know my campus town just a little bit more.
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COLOPHON ATMOSPHERIC TYPOGRAPHY Designed by Erin Rossini This project was completed as partial credit for the Fall 2015 ARTD 310 Vertical Studio in Graphic Design/School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under the direction of Assistant Professor, Rachele Riley. All type within this book and the project itself is Franklin Gothic URW. The images were taken on a Nikon DSLR and an Iphone 6.
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