TECHNIQUE -
Typography is something that changes drastically depending on the production method used to create it. I want to examine how Pastiche is constructed through the use of these production methods, showing an awareness of their historical grounding. Because my essay examines whether Jameson's theory of Pastiche is relevant to modern typographic practice, the best way to research this further would be to 'practice' it.
CONTENT -
The issue that instantly emerges is what form this typographic practice will take. Pastiche is constructed through context and the consumerist canvas that Jamerson so objected to. So, perhaps the issue that I need to address with this project is showing pastiche as a positive thing, something that celebrates our past rather than limiting it to signs and symbols.
COMMUNICATION -
The issue I am addressing is a very dense design specific issue that although connects to a wider audience in a sense would need a lot of work to be relatable and understandable for a wider audience. Because it is an issue that effects designers, perhaps they should be my audience, and if so how would I get this message to them, would it simply be through something that they would use day to day, like a flexible font that initiates thought about these issues? This could be condensed into a concise message through the use of a tangible font book that deconstructs the message.
RESEARCH / ANALYSIS-
Start collecting examples of pastiche typography, emulate it and learn the shapes of the letters and how they construct the pastiche. Drawing type always helps me understand it in greater depth. I would then look at the differences between my drawing and the original and analyse why these differences occurred, this would help me see the smallest details that make a lot of difference when it comes to letter form. I also want to look back at examples of type from the time these pastiches are emulating and look at how similar they actually are and why these similarities have been piked up on.
EXPLORATION / EVALUATION -
I would also like to experiment with the different production methods that this research turns up. Possibly trying out some calligraphy or brush pen calligraphy along with wood and metal type letter press. This is so that I can understand how the aesthetics of an era were constructed and how they came to be synonymous with an age.
TESTING -
Each of these experimentations with production methods will be enlightening in its own way even if it is not aesthetically successful. Because the outcome would be aimed at designers I could test its success by talking to my class mates about it and gauging their response.
My question for my essay was 'How relevant is Jameson's Theory of Pastiche to modern typographic practice?'. However, there were several issues within this question that drew my attention during the course of writing the essay. Maybe I could focus in on one of these for the practical aspect of my essay. The conclusion I come to in my essay is that pastiche is relevant and should be viewed as a positive thing by the designer. An area within this that I analyse is the fact that Jameson claims that innovation is no longer possible in the current creative climate. I wish t demonstrate that this is wrong and that inspiration from past designs can often provide impetus to new innovation. My hypothesis is that innovation (specifically in the field of typography) is possible and can be all the better for historical understanding of design. My sources of primary research would be mostly experimental. i.e. looking into type production methods and attempting to learn and understand them. Secondary research methods would include historical research into the material that pastiche is emulating and the context for these production methods. In this sense the practical would be a deeper exploration of the topics of my essay.
I propose to create a font from these experiments and create something new from inspiration gathered from the past. I would create a font book to help communicate the process behind the design. This is a way of addressing the audience which is exclusively designers, which was one of the issues that reoccurred a number of times during the crit for this project.
We it comes to a time line, because the deadline for the module is in may I will be attempting to do the majority of the design work for this done over easter. However, the research and experimentation would have to happen prior to that, possibly in the next interview week, because it would take dome time to really experiment with these production methods. I will make sure I stay aware of the amount of work it will take to create a full font, and try any allow as much time as possible. During the crit a suggestion was made to do a selection of words rather than a full font in an attempt to not try to do too much. However, I want to attempt a font because I have never done so seriously before and I think it would benefit my practice hugely. I will simply have to devote a large proportion of my time to this.
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