3D Typography
Considered a signature course of the Graphic Design program in the UIC School of Design, I developed the curriculum for creating three-dimensional typography, and I teach this junior-level course on a regular basis. Creating letterform objects through analog methods, students learn about type anatomy, spatial design constructs, fabrication techniques, collaboration skills, accuracy and handcrafting. To supplement this process, two-dimensional translations are created on the basis of the three-dimensional type. Students are recommended to utilize Lettering & Type, the book by Bruce Willen and Nolan Strals, as a reference. Other project components may include photographic documentation, a documentation book, sometimes video documentation, a group publication, and the semester-end exhibition.
The course begins with a quick warmup exercise in three-dimensional sketching (making with paper). Then, in the first several weeks, students undergo workshops and short assignments. The workshops may include Intro to the Project Lab (wood and metal shop), Intro to the Fabrication Lab (laser cutting), Advanced Fabrication Lab (3D modeling and printing), and Language Workshop (design writing). The duration of the short assignments are one week each, in which students create letterforms based on an operating measure or concept: Material & modularity, Negative space, Technique (laser cutting), Scale or function, and Character depiction. Of the various letterform objects created in these assignments, students select one to serve as the foundation and direction of a larger longterm project.
Truth in Stillness Anthony Randazzo | 2020
Kampung Hana Mohammed Rafee | 2020 | More...
Labyrinth Nada Abourashed | 2020
See more 2020 project examples here: UIC Year End Show.
Castle Natalie Spurlock | Reflect Christopher Inthavong | 2018
Vector Ali Khan | Ghost Grace Spee | 2018
Point Brandon Balbin | 2018
Arc Yingtang Lu | 2018
Material/Immaterial | ICFF exhibition of industrial design work and graphic design type objects | New York, NY | 2018 during NYC Design Week
How is design—the process and methods for making—engaged by the material of which it is composed? How is it engaged when dealing with immateriality, such as light, sound, and feel? Design embraces the unique qualities of a material and expresses its spirit, and design is inspired by what can be achieved with immaterial effects.
Shine Jacob Behling | 2017
Turn | Vanessa Martinez | 2017
Build | Jeff Torres | 2017
Lit | Steen Haugsted | 2017
Graph William Dutton | Kryptonite Kenneth Randall | 2016 | From course co-taught with
Industrial Design Professor Felicia Ferrone
Geo Judith Pauly | Lean Christopher Fanelli | 2016 | From course co-taught with Industrial Design Professor Felicia Ferrone
Mobl Amanda Sanchez | 2015 | From course co-taught with Industrial Design Instructor Jay Oh
Gothic Katherine Edwards | 2015 | From course co-taught with Industrial Design Instructor Jay Oh
Gelly Robert Schulz | 2014 | From course co-taught with Industrial Design Instructor Jay Oh
Shadow Sphere Kimi Oyama | 2014 | From course co-taught with Industrial Design
Instructor Jay Oh
Zip Kristine Lee | 2014 | From course co-taught with Industrial Design Instructor Jay Oh
Inked | Amy Cawvey | 2010
Braidy Bunch | Alexa Viscius | 2010
Flourish | Nicole Stormer | 2009
ABC 3D+2D | Publication of coursework | Issue 6 cover design by Jeff Torres | Issue 5 cover design by Paul Zdon | Issue 1 cover design by Alexander Giraldo