Giving Type Meaning: Context and Craft in Typography

This text explores the meaning of typography through the social, spatial, and temporal contexts of visual language, featuring diverse typographic works, "closer looks," and interviews with practicing artists and designers. It emphasizes the importance of cultural and social context, the use of visual, physical, and gestural space, and the impact of time on type.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

When we delve into the realm of typography, how do we discern its meaning? How is the tone of type influenced by the process of its creation, its arrangement, and the environment in which it exists? Taking into account the social, spatial, and temporal contexts of visual language, this comprehensive text serves as a valuable resource for students, educators, and professionals seeking to engage more deeply with the letterforms they utilize and encounter. Through a diverse array of typographic works, "closer looks," and insightful interviews with practicing artists and designers, Giving Type Meaning aims to shed light on the mechanisms through which we comprehend the communicative power of type.

The book encompasses a range of essential topics, including:

- The profound significance and far-reaching impact of cultural and social context across the expansive field of art and design.
- The art of utilizing visual, physical, and gestural space to convey meaning and evoke emotions.
- The dynamic ways in which time influences type, encompassing historical references, reinterpretations, and the utilization of time as a medium itself.
- A diverse array of global examples, showcasing the rich tapestry of typographic expressions. These examples include:

Lushootseed language letterforms (Lushootseed Sulad by Juliet Shen): A captivating exploration of the unique letterforms used in the Lushootseed language, showcasing the cultural richness and heritage of indigenous communities.

Arabic calligraphy and type design (Regard Each Other as Brothers by Josh Berer, Mirsaal by Rana Abou Rjeily): A deep dive into the art of Arabic calligraphy and type design, highlighting the intricate beauty and cultural significance of this script.

American civil rights inspired type (Martin by Tré Seals): A tribute to the struggle for civil rights and social justice, featuring typography that evokes the spirit of activism and solidarity.

Italian concrete poetry (Storia Del Monumento by Mirella Bentivoglio): A visual exploration of concrete poetry, where typography becomes a means of creating visual patterns and textures that convey meaning through the arrangement of letters.

Animated Chinese characters (Motion Type Project by Ting-An Ho): A mesmerizing showcase of animated Chinese characters, demonstrating the fusion of traditional calligraphy and digital technology to create dynamic and expressive typographic forms.

By delving into these topics and presenting a wealth of diverse typographic works, "closer looks," and insightful interviews, Giving Type Meaning offers a comprehensive and inspiring exploration of the world of typography. Whether you are a student, educator, designer, or simply someone passionate about the power of visual language, this book will provide you with valuable insights and tools to enhance your understanding and appreciation of type.

Dimension: 246 x 189 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350256415