Expressive Typography

Here are a few examples I came across that are I thought were particularly clever, yet still remained legible (because what is typography but a medium through which we communicate?) As the text (Watching Words Move) states, expressive typography is "the potential power of combining words and images into a single visual expression." Here are some examples from online that I just explored for fun:

And below are a few examples that I found in print from a variety of designers. Each image has an explanation in the caption below the image. Who is the designer? What are the techniques being used? How do those techniques reflect the content? What is it that attracts you to the work? Why is it expressive or kinetic?

Adrian Shaughnessy, This is Real Art 

Shaughnessy overlays the negative space of each letter form to create an expressive poster. His message: "THIS IS REAL ART" is emphasized through the tones of gray (because art is ambiguous in definition). The statement itself is almost a question of "what is art?" as well. I was attracted to this work because I was curious to make out the message through the layers.

Alexander Gelman, Infiltrate

This is more reflective of the examples that I found online (and the examples we were shown in class). The word is INFILTRATE and the designer exemplifies this concept through the use of integrating symbols into the typography. The arrows extending past the edges of the letter forms shows the idea of moving people into other operations. I was attracted to this work because I liked the concept behind the word.

Oskar Schlemmer, Utopia (1921)

Schlemmer uses hand drawn lettering (watercolor and ink) to create a variety of unique letter forms. The varying scale and letter styles create a contrast, but their physical proximity (they are grouped on the page) create unity. This concept is expressive typography because it reflects the concept of Utopia, which is a variety of different people living together in harmony. I was attracted to this because I like the color combination and clean, yet expressive lettering.

Vahalla Studios, Vampire Weekend

This is a well-balanced and very filled event postcard showing an example of Tad Carpenter and Dan Padavic's studio work. The simple color scheme helps unify the piece and doesn't overwhelm the viewer. The integration of image/symbols into the text makes the message more clear (in the word "LOUIS" the "i" becomes a beer bottle, which would imply it is a drinking event) I was drawn to this publication because the color choice and interesting type layout.

Wyndham Lewis, Blast (1914)

This is a more traditional way to make a stronger message simply by the placement of typography on the page. This designer used a bold typeface and color to help emphasize the meaning of "blast" just with typography. The viewer would read this as "BLAST!" because of the boldness, all caps, and orientation. I was drawn to this one because it stood out to me on the page, and therefore I thought the message was accomplished. (it was very "in my face" and direct)