Handwritten Text and Stefan Sagmeister

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When considering Type and Image it is important to consider all forms of type, not just digital. Here, we began investigating handwritten type and the work of Stefan Sagmeister. We were tasked to recreate a magazine cover using a portrait image, surrounding the person with handwritten text. I chose to re-create a Billboard Cover Featuring Lily Allen.




Using an image with free space around the subject and a dark enough background to contrast with white text, I began by printing the image and layering it with tracing paper. Using the tracing paper and fine liners with different point sizes, I began copying the information from the original magazine, adding decorative images in-between to fill the page. Once completed, I scanned the tracing paper using the black and white setting to make the ink pop from the white, an opened it alongside the image in Photoshop. Next, I inverted the black and white in the tracing paper image and using the 'Screen' layer tool, removed the black background leaving only the white over the image. To add a bit more contrast, I adjusted the original image slightly using the 'Levels' adjustment layer, making the green darker. I also added a barcode for the magazine to make the final product more realistic.

Overall, the outcome is effective, however, lacks hierarchy within the titles due to small mistakes in scaling the writing. To perfect the design, I would plan the design before committing to pen, but for the purpose of this design, I immediately worked in pen. I think the image and type connect well together with small interactions made throughout the design, for instance the decoration around the feet.




As a preliminary exercise we also worked on Handwritten Type in three dimensions, writing on fruit. This is very challenging process with the surface of the fruit uneven and difficult to secure whilst writing. I chose an apple, attempting to make the most of the rounded nature, however, in practice this was more difficult than anticipated. Like the previous design, this was completed with little planning, therefore, mistakes made at the beginning had to be rectified with the rest of the design and couldn't be erased. I copied a quote from 'Snow White', selecting a long text to fill the space, however, in hindsight this was difficult to read and understand, so perhaps a smaller, repeated phrase would have been more suitable.

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