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MM 332:
Electronic Design
and Layout

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Set Your Name in Type

Due Date: 8/2/2004
Assigned On: 8/2/2004
Value: 8 points

Description:
Add the elements of typographical design to your name. In order to do this you must first analyze and map the letters therein. Present your ideas to the class.

Procedure:

Write your name on a piece of paper or type it out on the computer.

Examine it. What do you see? Do you detect patterns, such as letterforms that appear more than once or a series of ascenders and descenders (up and down letter strokes) that create an unusual profile?

Are there unusual letterforms present like Z's, J's, or Q's that stand out? Which letters seem to disappear?

Does the meaning of your name suggest any ideas to you?

Set your name using several different kinds of typeface and take note of the differences in tone and feel each has. Focus on specific letters that are prominent in the voicing of your name. Follow your instincts and begin to play with the typefaces that attract you.

Mix roman and italic, bold, small caps and full caps in various sizes to capture the distinctive characteristics of your name and personality.

Give careful consideration to the positive and negative spaces in between the words(ems), lines(leading) and letters(kerning).

Give full typographic attention especially to details.

Your design should perform the following services for the reader.

• invite the reader into your name;

• reveal the tenor and meaning of your name;

• clarify the order and structure of your name;