Laetitia Mughni

we were assigned to create a magazine cover, with ourselves as the focal point.

The 7 elements of a magazine includes:

1. Masthead

2. Selling line

3. Dateline

4. Main image

5. Main cover line

6. Cover lines

This is a Helvetica Neue typeface poster done by me in April 2020. 

I was assigned to do a minimal font poster with any typeface of choice. The few criteria were: the first letter of my nickname as the focal point, 3 colours, line element and alphabets in a text box.

The process:

Because we are all staying home and staying safe, my adventure for bad typography out there had to be cancelled. Instead, I decided have to look around the house and see what I could find.

Here are 3 eyesores of typography that are worth discussing:

1. MY SECONDARY SCHOOL YEAR BOOK

This is my secondary school yearbook for the year 2012. Yes, it is a lot to take in. A whopping total of 8 typefaces used on 1 cover. Serif, Sans Serif, Fancy, you name it. Its all there concluding to total disaster. One good rule of typography every designer needs to know is that 3 fonts is the pure maximum. An appropriate amount of typefaces would be enough to deliver the message.

2. A HANDY SOUVENIR

This is a grooming set case from a neighbouring country. The typography is undoubtably an eyesore. The country’s name is decked out with their national colours, stars and ...hearts. Also, the awfully unique positioning or leading of the individual letters adds to the long list of why this is an example of bad typography. Overall bad design indeed.

3. A REGULAR MILK CARTON

There are countless of typefaces all around us and surely there’ll be that font you use for the same occasion. Typefaces give off personality and helps us communicate a message literally in the message!

Here are 5 different occasions with that run-of-the-mill typeface you always see, compared to some of my favs:

 1. ASSIGNMENT

Times New Roman is the classic typeface you would use for an assignment. It’s easy to read and awfully distinctive. Conversely, Spectral would give off a similar but cleaner look. It is also a serif typeface but more subtle and is easy on the eyes.

2. SELAMAT HARI RAYA

This bundle of festivity deserves a fancy typeface. Lobster would be the obvious font to use as it gives off a traditional and festive feel. For a more modern take, Pacifico would be an excellent choice! It resonates a modern Hari Raya vibe that would be totally in this season.

3. NOTICE

A suitable typeface for a notice would be one that gives off a BAM! It needs to capture eyes and attention. A common bold typeface like Helvetica Neue is straight-forward and easy to read. Otherwise, Archivo Black would be a bolder choice as it is just as easy to read and clear. Maybe just uses a tad bit more ink.

4. FUN

Oh wow, how should a typeface speak of fun? I say it needs to catch attention and be unique. Luckiest Guy is a standard typeface that is commonly used to symbolise fun, but to me, not fun enough. Sniglet would be great among the young and the old. The bubbly effect definitely speaks FUN because yes bubbles are fun!!!

5. MUSIC

This right here is an aesthetically design music festival poster by @posters.blumoo, a graphic designer based in Lima, Peru.

An observation of the elements:

1. LINE

this element can be seen along the date and venue. it adds flow and structure to the eyes of the viewer.

2. SHAPE

this element can be seen all over the poster with circles, semi-circles, stars and random vectors.

3. SIZE

the different use of size for copy is important to distinguish important factors in the overall design.

4. COLOUR

the various colours add a striking pop and acts as an eye-catching factor!

5. VALUE (contrast)

the contrasts here complement each other astoundingly 

6. TEXTURE

Packaging can make or break a purchase. It can be the reason why you buy or the reason you dare to try. Developing a good packaging requires a whole lot of thought and effort. You have got to be subtly creative but not try too hard. A simple goal is to make other designers think they’re idiots for not thinking of it first. Great packaging serves purpose and is pleasing to the eye! 

WOW: 3M’s Solar Earplugs. Designed by Scholz & Friends, Germany.

This simple yet amusingly packaged earplugs certainly ‘speaks to its volume’. The cap that resembles a knob on a stereo, emphasises the motion of turning the knob to ‘turn down’ the volume. It addresses what the product is made for, which is to block out noise. A YES on concept, functionality, originality and subtle humour.

WHY: VitaPACK Oranges. Designed by Ágnes Gyömrei

This different way to package oranges try to be environmentally smart but some factors make it look unpromising. For instance, there is a high possibility of an orange or two to fall out. Perhaps it won’t when held taut, but in terms of production and delivery there is a slight chance. Also, fresh produce like oranges vary in size, weight shape. Therefore, the packaging may not be a great fit for some. A YES on aesthetic but a NO on function.

Henry Ford