Typography Final Compilation & Reflection
21/4/25 - 25/7/25 (Week 1 - Week 14)
Choong Yee Leng || 0381980
Typography || Bachelor Degree in Creative Media || Taylor’s University
Typography Final Compilation & Reflection
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Instructions
Final Tasks Submission
Text Formatting
BODY
Typeface: Gill Sans MT
Font/s: Gill Sans MT Regular
Type Size/s: 10 pt
Leading: 12 pt
Paragraph spacing: 12 pt
Characters per-line: 55-65
Alignment: left justified
Margins: top:161mm bottom:43mm left:20mm right:17mm
Columns: 2
Gutter: 18 mm
Font download link: HERE
2.1Task 1: Exercises
Type Expression
Figure 2.1.1 Final Static Type Expression (JPEG)
Figure 2.1.2 Final Static Type Expression (PDF)
Figure 2.1.3 Final Type Expression Animation (GIF)
HEADLINE
Typeface: Gill Sans MT
Font/s: Gill Sans MT Bold
Type Size/s: 45 pt
Leading: 54 pt
Paragraph spacing: 0
Leading: 54 pt
Paragraph spacing: 0
BODY
Typeface: Gill Sans MT
Font/s: Gill Sans MT Regular
Type Size/s: 10 pt
Leading: 12 pt
Paragraph spacing: 12 pt
Characters per-line: 55-65
Alignment: left justified
Margins: top:161mm bottom:43mm left:20mm right:17mm
Columns: 2
Gutter: 18 mm
Figure 2.1.4 Final text-formatting layout (JPEG)
Figure 2.1.5 Final text-formatting layout (PDF)
Figure 2.1.6 Final text-formatting layout with baseline grid (JPEG)
Figure 2.1.7 Final text-formatting layout with baseline grid (PDF)
Task 2: Typographic Exploration & Communication
PUNK's
Typeface: Gill Sans Ultra
Font/s: Bold Condensed
Type Size/s: 340pt
Leading: -
Paragraph spacing: -
Design Revolution:
Typeface: Gill Sans MT
Font/s:Condensed
Type Size/s: 68 pt
Leading: -
Paragraph spacing: -
Breaking
Typeface: Gill Sans Ultra
Font/s: Bold Condensed
Type Size/s: 88 pt
Leading: -
Paragraph spacing: -
the
Typeface: Gill Sans Ultra
Font/s: Bold Condensed
Type Size/s: 94 pt
Leading: -
Paragraph spacing: -
Rules
Typeface: Gill Sans Ultra
Font/s: Bold Condensed
Type Size/s: 76 pt
Leading: -
Paragraph spacing: -
Body
Typeface: Gill Sans MT
Font/s: Regular
Type Size/s: 22 pt
Leading: 22 pt
Paragraph space after: 22 pt
Characters per-line: 45~55 characters
Alignment: Left justified
Margins (px): 72 px top, 72 px bottom, 72 px inside, 72 px outside
Columns: 2
Gutter: 52 px
Figure 2.2.1 Final text-formatting and expression layout (JPEG)
Figure 2.2.2 Final text-formatting and expression layout (PDF)
Figure 2.2.3 Final text-formatting and expression layout with baseline grid (JPEG)
Figure 2.2.4 Final text-formatting and expression layout with baseline grid (PDF)
Task 3: Type Design & Communication
Measurement
ascender: 1000px
x-height: 500px
baseline: 0px
descender: -500px
Figure 2.3.1 Measurements
Figure 2.3.2 Screen Grab of FontLab process (Side bearings & kerning)
Figure 2.3.3 Stargaze Regular Final Type Construction (JPEG)
Figure 2.3.4 Stargaze Regular Final Type Construction (PDF)
Figure 2.3.5 Final B&W Poster (JPEG)
Figure 2.3.6 Final B&W Poster (PDF)
Reflection
Experience:
This semester marked my first deep dive into Typography — a field I hadn’t explored before, as my previous focus was primarily on graphic design. We started with type expression, a task that allowed me to use creativity in forming letters with meaning. It was a playful and freeing experience that introduced me to the world of type through expression rather than strict rules.
As we progressed, we were introduced to new tools like Photoshop for short animation, and InDesign for layout and formatting. These were both unfamiliar software to me, but I learned to use them through hands-on practice and guidance from Mr. Max. I encountered challenges, especially when creating animation and designing balanced layouts, but I managed to work through them with feedback and experimentation.
Tasks gradually increased in complexity. In Task 2, I struggled with building a layout that was visually appealing and functional. It took a few failed attempts before I turned to external research and references to guide my direction. Finally, in Task 3, I had the opportunity to create my own font. Designing each character from scratch was a new and rewarding experience that allowed me to showcase my creative identity through typography.
Observation:
Through this journey, I’ve come to understand that typography is not just about making things look good — it’s about communicating clearly and intentionally. One of the first things I observed was the delicate balance between creativity and function. While type expression encourages freedom, it still needs to maintain legibility and form, which isn't always easy.
I also realized how much thought goes into small typographic decisions. Spacing techniques like kerning, tracking, and leading — which I barely noticed before — actually have a huge impact on readability and aesthetics. Similarly, layout design isn’t just about arranging elements on a page. It involves understanding hierarchy, whitespace, and visual flow, and how all of that affects user experience.
Looking at professional works helped me recognize the principle of “less is more.” Overdesigning can easily overwhelm a layout, while a well-composed, focused design can communicate more effectively. Lastly, designing a font taught me that consistency and system thinking are vital. Typography isn’t just art — it’s a structured design language that requires patience, testing, and refinement.
Findings:
By the end of the semester, I’ve realized that typography is a critical skill that shapes how information is perceived. It’s not just a visual tool but also a functional one — guiding the reader’s attention, setting the tone, and affecting comprehension. Effective typography is subtle yet powerful.
One of the most important findings is that thoughtful typographic design requires planning. From initial sketches to digital construction, each step matters. Research, iteration, and feedback are not just helpful — they’re essential in improving the work.
Additionally, I found that my own design habits started to shift. I became more attentive to details, more conscious of visual balance, and more analytical when evaluating design choices. This subject has helped me build a more refined design mindset, one that I believe will benefit all areas of my creative practice going forward.
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