Woodblock printing.

As my last chapter requires me to look at the aesthetic of traditional and its return in digital font I have decided to go down the road and carry out my own observations and investigations about the aesthetic by taking a hands on approach. I found that the college has little knowledge on how to use the letterpress machine so I would have to rely on working with woodblock. Once down there I became fascinated with the printed finish of the letters with all their irregularities. I have learnt that this adds character to a typeface that is lost with those which are produced digitally. This personality is something which I want to capture in my own font for the practical.  

Type specimen booklets.

Simon suggested in my last tutorial to contact Fontsmith for some sample fonts presented in a type specimen booklet format. I found that they were quick to respond and after a few days I have received several samples on varying in how they presented their font to the audience. I have found that printed specimen books are highly visual pieces that rely on their aesthetic and how the type is displayed in the layout to sell their product- less emphasis on the functions for each font. This has inspired me to look at different folds and binding methods which I could possibly use within my own design. As I aim to make the website the key piece for distribution I need the booklet to be small so it can be quickly produced. These sources have shown me that I can quickly achieve a high quality result with innovative use of layout, striking use of bold contrasting colours and large display of quotes/written copy- all something to now consider. Need to keep legibility in mind at all times to follow the principles of type I have research for my written element. 

Third tutorial.

Simon has given me some good feedback about my introduction with a few possible amendments to consider. I am thankful for what he has said and it has given me a real confidence boost that I am now heading in the right direction with the module after the trouble I had at the beginning. 

One of the suggestions he made was to start contacting people for primary research and has shown me a professional way in which to present my details on email. Professional presentation of myself will show potential responders that I am serious about this and will hopefully give up their time to answer- good comments for PPP too.