History of the Alphabet
Spring 2024 | Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Drop Cap Design, Typography
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Book Pages
Book Cover and Back
What is this project?
During a typography course at the University of Tampa, I was assigned to create a sixty-page book featuring drop caps designed by my classmates and me. The purpose of the project was to explore the intricacies of typography while showcasing the creative use of typefaces through visually impactful drop caps. To lay the groundwork for the project, I photographed and researched the origins and details of 250 typefaces that I found in public spaces, such as grocery stores and bookshops. This research provided valuable insights into the diverse applications of typography across different industries, and I compiled all this information into a comprehensive 150-page book using Adobe InDesign.
How did I prepare?
The research and detailed investigation into typography deepened my understanding of the subject and gave me the knowledge necessary to approach the design of the drop-cap book with informed expertise. To structure the book effectively, I first drafted a list of necessary pages, including the front and back covers, a spine, an introduction, a glossary, and the content pages. I then began working on several design options for each page category, exploring different layouts and compositions. After creating the initial drafts, I presented them for critique with my professor, who offered valuable feedback on aspects such as layout, organization, and creativity. This critique session provided essential guidance that helped me refine my work.
How did I put my plan into action?
Based on the feedback from the first critique, I made several revisions to improve the clarity, structure, and visual appeal of the book. I continued to iterate on the design, fine-tuning the layout and the flow of content. After incorporating the suggestions from the second round of feedback, I printed, bound, and presented the final book. The project was well-received, and I earned a score of 97% for my work. Additionally, the featured drop caps from the book were selected for inclusion in a University of Tampa design installation, providing further recognition for my design skills.
What were my results and lessons?
This project greatly enhanced my proficiency in both typography and Adobe InDesign, while also honing my ability to manage a complex design project. The process taught me the importance of thorough research, thoughtful design iteration, and responsiveness to feedback. By continually refining my work based on critique, I was able to create a polished final product that demonstrated both technical expertise and creative innovation. This experience was invaluable in expanding my understanding of typography’s role in design and solidified my approach to creating functional and visually compelling design projects.