- ARCHIVE / MCAD
- Jasio Stefanski
New work. Above: Anamorphic installation by Jasio Stefanski, see a process GIF below. Jasio’s work is also available via his portfolio Tumblr, Function/Firm, where a growing number of experiments are displayed. Above: Jasio Stefanski, 2012.The term ‘flux’ is generated using one of Jasio’s experimental typefaces, see below. Above: Jasio Stefanski, 2012. Above: Jasio Stefanski, 2012.
- Anton Pearson
Poster for Åbäke’s West Coast lecture series. Above: AntonPearson, screenprint (18″ x 24″), 2011. A lovely bit of work for Åbäke as they continue their trek across the country, with upcoming lectures at CalArts and the CCA. Anton’s commission celebrates his experimental and hand crafted approach, see more details on his own site here. Bravo, [...]
- Rick Poynor
World-renowned design critic and author to visit MCAD. Above: MCAD student Peter Steineck’s GIFs for the upcoming Rick Poynor lecture on October 5, 2011 (6:30PM) in MCAD Auditorium 150. We are honored and delighted to welcome Rick to Minneapolis and remind all that the lecture is open to the public. Please join us as Rick [...]
- Onlab Summer School 2011
Chronology of a Failure Above: Assembled covers for the Onlab publication, photo via Lauren Thorson‘s Flickr set. Lauren was accepted as part of Onlab’s Summer School 2011, initiated and guided by Nicolas Bourquin and Thibaud Tissot. An international group of designers assembled to create this unique publication, around the theme, Chronology of a Failure. While [...]
- MCAD 125 / Two Posters
Brian Mueller and Anton Pearson… represent. Above: Anton Pearson, 2011 (18 x 24, 1 of 15). MCAD is celebrating it’s 125th Anniversary this year, and these posters (two of five), were commissioned by MCAD’s own, Lars Mason. They will be sold at a silent auction to help raise funds for student scholarships and activities. Above: [...]
- Supergraphics
Upcoming exhibition at MCAD curated by E. Noelle Bullion. Above: Supergraphics announcement by E. Noelle Bullion, curator and organizer of the upcoming show on Sept. 16, 2011. Featuring work by past and present MCAD students Michael Aberman, Hope Finley, Sara Fowler, Ted Guerrero, Anton Pearson, Peter Steineck, and Noelle, Supergraphics focuses on large scale work [...]
- Piotr Szyhalski / Tractatus
New work from the Labor Camp Orchestra. Above: Piotr Szyhalski’s hand-cut type for his new work, Tractatus (Reading from Wittgenstein). It is both a personal and sincere pleasure to share this latest effort by the Labor Camp Orchestra, best described through Piotr’s own words, “… a series of 12 sonic meditations on the range of [...]
- Compound
Whittier Art Gallery Friday, Sept. 2 2011 Above: Poster by Vadim Gershman and Lauren Thorson for the upcoming Compound event, sponsored by the eponymous art publication currently being produced by a group of MCAD graduate students. Follow along via the Tumblr or Twitter accounts, and find the Facebook invite page here. Description from the official [...]
- Lauren Thorson / Plotting a Blackout
Data-visualization of the blackout that followed the earthquake in Japan. Above: Lauren Thorson, 15″ X 20″ (2011). Created with data collected by NOAA satellites, this print is produced by a mechanical plotter and a black BIC pen. The print also features Lauren’s Galvan typeface, specifically designed for the plotter process, and recently recognized by the [...]
- Lauren Thorson / Processing Form
New work explores projection, processing, plotters, and typographic form. Above: Lauren Thorson, First 24 Hours of Spring (cropped), 2011. Thorson is a graduate student here at MCAD and has recently completed her first year with a flourish of inspired acitvity. Her focus has been experimenting with a variety of techniques that form fascinating limitations for [...]
- Graphic design, qu’est-ce que c’est?
Ne var, ne yok. Above: Tracy’s ingenious final GIF, though it was almost impossible to improve on her first (see below). As promised, our GRD_2000 grupetto revisited our first attempts with this format, all seeking to answer the question, “What is Graphic Design?” I think you might agree that the new solutions both improve and [...]
- GRD_3020_SP11 / e7na shabab el facebook
We are the people of Facebook. Above: Mathias, Letraset on plastic. Genial! My intermediate typonauten recently undertook the same challenge undertaken by the GRD_2010 grupetto, and have provided equally compelling sketches and solutions. Once again we focused on solving this problem by hand, then allowing the computer to aid the creation of multiple solutions. All [...]
- GRD_2010_SP11 / 3ayzeen 7orreya
“We want freedom!” Above: Anne, Letraset on glass. “Selmeya, selmeya.” (Peaceful, peaceful.). This Spring’s introductory typography grupetto engaged in an in-class charrette to produce typographic messages inspired by the Egyptian revolution and the chants heard around the world. Our friend Mona recently sent me these chants in their cell-phone text mode, and the class responded [...]
- GRD_3020_SP11_P002
Nuevos calandarios. Above: Ashley’s striking color version (24×36). Yes, new calendars for 2012! This Springs GRD_3020 Typonauten revisited last fall’s typographic challenge, this time focusing our energies on the year 2012. Inspired by some of the results from last year’s grupetto, these striking designs made for a fascinating four weeks of discussion and critique. My [...]
- Front Pages / Sara Fowler
A collection of headline posters from Brighton, England. Above: Sara Fowler is an MCAD student spending the semester in Brighton, England where she has convinced a local shopkeeper to let her start collecting these simple treasures. Featuring headlines from The Argus, they provide an interesting snapshot of what might sell. See more of Sara’s observations [...]
- People Collective / Retelling Exploits
Moodie and Trechter announce their first exhibition. Above: People Collective is a collaboration between Aaron Moodie and Colin Trechter in Melbourne, Australia. Their current exhibition, Retelling Exploits, opened today at Platform and I eagerly await further documentation. Look for more on the People Collective Blog. Congratulations to both in advance! A review of their impressive [...]
- GRD_2000_SP11 Process GIFs
Quick charrette yields some promising results. Above: Tracy’s inspired first attempt brought down the house. This Spring’s introductory level grupetto responded with gusto to yesterday’s in-class charrette, creating a GIF file that would respond to the question, “What is Graphic Design?” These build on discussions and projects we had begun in the last three weeks, [...]
- GRD_3020_F10_P003
Periodic tables by last Fall’s fearless typonauten. Above: Yuka’s final, (cropped, 24″x36″), 2010. Sumimasen! This is a much delayed posting on the final periodic tables produced by the GRD_3020 typonauten last Fall. The final designs you see here are cropped, and each focuses on a specific audience. For example, Yuka chose to focus on an [...]
- Riley Farrell / Belmont Gothic
A new typeface continues to take form. Above: Riley Farrell’s Belmont Gothic typeface. What began in Spring, 2010 as a final part of his BFA studies now continues, and I can’t wait to see further iterations as they become available. Please see more specimens, and Riley’s own insight into this project, below. Note the exquisite [...]
- GRD_3020_F10 Para Los 33
Cards, bulletins, and posters for Chile. Above: Noelle, one of many variations of her stunning digital cards (6.5″x10″). El Milagro de Los 33 A long overdue update on a recent workshop with this semester’s GRD_3020 grupetto. We were delighted to welcome Luis Fitch in our class for two crititques based around our effort to create [...]
- Bring Moss Back
Beck DeRobertis against the world, and for Randy Moss. Above: Joe Hrabbe for Beck DeRobertis of Bring Moss Back. Inspired opposition from a long-time loyalist. Surely on of the best blogs ever, DeRobertis lived to see his impossible dream realized, only to be torn away by “the coward Brad Childress.” Visit the site to review [...]
- GRD_2010_F10_P001_005
Process and final ficciones typografika from some new typonauten. Above: Alex with her final process poster (24″x36″). I found some time to upload some process and final work from this small yet dynamic group of typonauten to Geotypografika Flickr. As in past introductory typography classes, I’ve found it useful to begin the semester with a [...]
- When typographers dream?
Best found object ever. Above: New Type II problem precedent, stay tuned.
- Luis Fitch / MCAD
Public lecture on November 1, 2010. 6:30PM. Above: Event poster by Luis Fitch, UNO Branding, 2010. We are eagerly awaiting the upcoming public lecture by our esteemed guest Luis Fitch on November 1st, 6:30PM at MCAD, in Auditorium 150. Attendance is free and open to the public, all are welcome to listen to this internationally [...]
- GRD_3020_F10_P002
Calendarios. Above: Rosie, 24″ x 36″. Fall, 2010. My MCAD GRD_3020_F10 typonauten recently undertook a special challenge, to design a 24″ x 36″ B&W calendar (2011) that responded to this simple directive: “Create a clear and functional typographic system that allows the user to keep track of daily occurrences and to plan for the future. [...]
- kindra_is_here
New Flickr collection of graphic and typographic wonder. Above: Via my colleague Kindra Murphy’s new Flickr account, kindra_is_here, some Czech matchbox sets that will inspire to be sure. Look for more additions from her vast collection of graphic ephemera soon.
- GRD_2000_SP10 Final Logopesto
A beautiful mess. Above: Michelle’s final poster (24×36 digital file). Final submissions are in and are uploaded to Geotypografika Flickr here. The Logopesto Poster Redux from this year’s intro to graphic design grupetto did not disappoint. The final push was heralded by Michelle’s outstanding efforts, and she inspired her classmates to respond with their own, [...]
- FDN_1111_SP10 Final NYT
Final color machines and process now complete. Above: Nate’s outstanding final piece, still on the backing. The process is now complete, FDN_1111_SP10_Sec_002 student’s handed in their finals today after a successful crit last week. All process and finals are now uploaded to Geotypografika Flickr. This is the third attempt at this problem by three separate [...]
- Tom Garrett / China
Some lovely images from our traveling colleague. Above: Via MCAD Professor Tom Garrett, currently traveling and researching in China. Tom was kind enough to send in some images from his travels in Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, and Guilin. Xie xie, Tom, and we look forward to the slide show on your return! Above: All photos via [...]
- GOOD / MCAD X DW
Action plan for lowering household emissions is live. Above: GOOD and MCAD Design Works recently collaborated on an action plan, now live on the GOOD site. Special thanks to Design Works Director J. Zachary Keenan for sharing this and congratulations to the team.
- A thousand thanks, Yossi.
Until we meet again. Above: Yossi Lemel just before his lecture at MCAD yesterday. We were honored and delighted to host this inspiring designer and humanitarian, who shared his courageous work with us, and gave a lesson in the power of confrontation and forgiveness. Safe travels Yossi, until we meet again! Here is a momento [...]
- Yossi Lemel / MPLS
From Tel Aviv to Minneapolis. Above: Yossi Lemel on the ‘Endless Bridge’ at the Guthire. Above: Lovely weather and Jean Nouvel. Above: Yossi in yellow light overlooking the Mississippi. Above: Yossi in red… (…light, red light, run it!) Above: Jenny Holzer in the Walker Art Garden. Above: Lot’s of good conversation in several languages… Above: [...]
- Who’s that lady?
It’s a B_ _ _ _ _ x bear in Good. Above: Via Dylan, via the FB, via nicolayfun. Domo! Spread from the new GOOD, The Neighborhoods Issue. More soon, as soon as I can get my hands on one. Above: On the MPLS south side… a little Powderhorn special, for yo ass. :-)
- A thousand thanks, Saki.
Lasting image from an inspiring visit. Above: Saki Mafundikwa, Bernard Canniffe, and myself. Special thanks to Dan (who took this photo), Michael, and Jonathan of Aesthetic Apparatus for allowing us to come by their studio while Saki was here. This concluded an emotional visit by Saki, who graced our community with his film, Shungu. Bern [...]
- Yossi Lemel / Mini, Vidi, Vici
Public lecture at MCAD. Above: Yossi’s own poster for his upcoming talk at MCAD. Renowned Israeli designer visits Minneapolis. Thanks to the kind support of MCAD President Jay Coogan, renowned graphic designer Yossi Lemel will be visiting Minneapolis and giving a talk this Sunday morning, April 18, 11:00AM in Auditorium 150. This timely event is [...]
- Shungu / The poster printing.
Perfect soundtrack for a Saturday of good will. Above: MCAD student volunteers Eric Gorvin and Ted Guerrero hard at work with the red run for the Shungu posters (see more images that Eric took below). A thousand thanks for their time and effort! Above: From the green run. Above: Most of the green run. Above: [...]
- Bear who saves children from oncoming traffic.
Peter Steineck, 2010. Above: MCAD student Peter Steineck’s web-version of a recent mini-comic. Even better to to have the original! Many thanks for this link, Peter.
- Shungu / The Resilience of a People
A film by Saki Mafundikwa. Above: Digital version of the 18×24 poster by MCAD student Ted Guerrero for Saki Mafundikwa’s Shungu, The Resilience of a People (2009). Northern-most academic premiere at MCAD, April 8, 1:00PM. Thanks to contributions by Student Activities Coordinator Megan Leafblad and Design Department Chair Bernard Canniffe, we are honored and delighted [...]
- FDN_1111_SP10 NYT Color Variants
Digital color machines as a precursor to painting. Above: MCAD student Alex, digital variant (11.5 x 22.75) A new twist for a successful problem seen here before, these are foundation student level experiments with color. Above: Each unique student grid is derived from a tracing of the New York Times, randomly assigned. Each then mounts [...]
- GRD_2000_SP10 Final P004
Our final work for the The Haiti Poster Project. Above: MCAD student Kobby’s final poster in his recent junior review installation. See his animated version of the poster process below. Limitations are Limitless Our class has completed the project we started recently, and we are really pleased to share these with you here. Our initial [...]
- MCAD / Kevin Huizenga
Acclaimed comic artist to lecture, March 25, 2010. Above: Kevin Huizenga, speaking this Thursday at MCAD at 1:00 PM. This via our friend Tom K. at Transatlantis and Uncivilized Books: “The churning mind of Kevin Huizenga will be on display for everyone to see. Kevin is an acclaimed cartoonist, best known for his idiosyncratic everyman [...]
- FDN_1111_SP10_P002
Experimental video shorts on color. Above: MCAD student Alex, “By the Clock.” Foundation level color experiments. These new video shorts are the culmination of a project for this Spring’s 2D Foundation level grupetto. This problem has been addressed before by previous classes I have taught, but these experiments featured a new challenge: all sound/music had [...]
- Dan Sinclair / Elliott Earls
MCAD student initiates Skype interview series. Above: 18×24 poster by MCAD student Dan Sinclair, March, 2010. In exciting news, Dan is organizing Skype interview sessions and started things off last Friday with Elliott Earls. His hope is to extend the exposure our community has with active designers and artists, and, in concert with the MCAD [...]
- VCU Visit March 2010
Images from the VCUarts Objects and Methods Lecture Series. Above: At the lectern, Mary McLaughlin, with a wonderful introduction. (In the foreground, samurai.) Photo by Anne Graves. Above: El Conejo Vive, March 5-9, 2010. Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts, Richmond, VA. Poster by John Malinoski with and old photo from 1997 by John [...]
- Exhibition Tonight / Poster Rescue
Recent rejected poster finds new life. Above: Cropped version of a 18×24 poster sketch by yours truly. Geotypografika readers might remember this reference to a past poster project gone fission. On the occasion of a upcoming visit to ol’ VCU, I thought it appropriate to revive it in this form. Hope you enjoy. Self-promotion Act [...]
- Erik Brandt / RVA Exhibition
Shameless self-promotion, Act 16. Above: Letterpress print I made in 1998, the first posters to promote the original Bowe House Print Collective, yo. I am grateful to announce that Virginia Commonwealth University will be hosting an exhibition of my work on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 6PM (1509 West Main St., Richmond, VA). Hope to [...]
- Ted Guerrero
A fine tribute to a great man. Above: MCAD student Ted Guerrero, final poster for Black History Month at MCAD, organized by fellow students Jenny Tondera and Amalia Nicholson.
- GRD_2000_SP10_P004
Process from our Posters for Haiti project. Above: MCAD student Sara‘s brilliant first response. Inspired by The Haiti Poster Project that benefits Doctors Without Borders. Our introductory graphic design grupetto is trying to solve this problem from a point of empathy and have, with great respect, tried to orient ourselves to the desperate conditions on [...]
- El Conejo / VCU Objects + Methods Lecture
Rabbit lecture, workshop, and exhibition. Above: Event poster by John Malinoski, 2010. Photo: John Dixon, 1997. The rabbit lives! El Conejo, a conglomerate character that first rose back in 1997, the spirit of which still vibrates awkwardly here, and especially here. A special thanks to my dear friend and mentor, John Malinoski, for making this [...]
- Seen at MCAD
Two recent posters/bulletins in the hallways. Above: MCAD student Ted Guerrero, “on the wall.” Above: MCAD student Peter Steineck, “off the charts.”
- SOTA / Font Aid IV is live.
Over 400 designers for Haiti and Doctors Without Borders. Above: Via the SOTA announcement, a sampling of ampersand glyphs donated for Font Aid IV, sponsored by the Society for Typographic Aficionados. The collection of over 400 glyphs will be USD $20 and is now available through, Veer, and Ascender Fonts (FontShop and MyFonts soon). As [...]
- Final NYT Grid Shorts
MCAD_FDN_1111_SEC_06, Fall 2009 Above: Sheila’s final short, FDN 1111 Sec 06, Fall 2009. Our semester long investigation of color included some time devoted to our New York Times grid studies and subsequent color ‘”machines”(see our Geotypografika Flickr set). The problem concluded with a challenge to create a one minute stop-motion film using their final hand-painted [...]
- MCAD_GRD_2010_F09 / New Fonstructions
Final experiments from Los Typonauts. Above: Peter W.’s font, Atlas, 24×36 promo poster. Building on the experiments with Fontstruct from last year, our introductory typo grupetto developed a wide range of fonts, all available for download and commentary (most type specimen’s here are linked). Along with several others, Peter W.’s Atlas Condensed has been awarded [...]
- BICeBé 2009 People
New Flickr set from the recent poster biennial in La Paz. Above: Servus, Freunde! Julián Naranjo (Chile), Marina Córdova Alvéstegui (Bolivia), and Andrew Lewis (Canada) above Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. Many more images are now available, I re-organized the Flickr sets and they are now divided into two sets, Geotypografika La Paz, and BICeBé 2009 People. [...]
- El Alto and beyond…
More images from Bolivia and BICeBé 2009. Above: The Andes mountain range on the road between Lake Titicaca and La Paz/El Alto. New photos from La Paz, El Alto, Lake Titicaca, and more have been uploaded to Geotypografika Flickr. New contributions are welcome! More to come today! Please click on the images for a larger [...]
- Geotypografika La Paz
Graphic and typographic images from La Paz, Bolivia. Above: Just one of several new graphic and typographic photographs from the street of La Paz, Bolivia. Please see the Geotypografika Flickr page for more and check back often, I will be uploading new photos as time (and internet access) allows. Above: From the hotel window, the [...]
- Bienal Internacional del Cartel Bolivia
BICeBé 2009, Nov. 17-21 La Paz, Bolivia Above: Via BICeBé 2009. This coming week, I am delighted to be traveling to La Paz, Bolivia to attend the BICeBé 2009, Bienal Internacional del Cartel Bolivia. Organized by Susana Machiado and David Criado, it promises and amazing array of international speakers, workshops, and exhibitions. I hope to [...]
- Arlen / Fontstruct Top Pick
Courtney Billadeau’s work in progress. Above: MCAD student Courtney’s Fontruction, Arlen. Already selected as a ‘Top Pick’ by Fontstruct staff in October, Courtney has been diligently updating and refining her font. Look for more examples of student work from our introductory type grupetto soon! More process shots on Geotypografika Flickr. Above: MCAD student Sam’s Fonstruct [...]
- Samantha Aburime / Process video.
Tone poem of color. Above: MCAD student Samantha, a lovely little process piece she made during class today as a warm-up to her final project. Much inspiration in here for our wee 2D grupetto. More here and on Geotypografika Flickr.
- New tone poems of color.
Final work now on Geotypografika Flickr. Above: The final stages in MCAD student Lisa’s NYTimes color study. Please see more work from this foundation level grupetto on Geotypografika Flickr. I am very grateful to this group for their hard work. Avanti! Above: More from Lisa’s process and final vision. More on Geotypografika Flickr.
- MCAD_GRD_2010_F09_Brandt
Long overdue update from this beginning type grupetto. Above: MCAD student Daniel, from a recent update to Geotypografika Flickr. I am pleased to share some work from this hard working grupetto, and have finally had time to post these. Please for to be enjoying. Above: MCAD student Courtney. Above: MCAD student Peter S. Above: MCAD [...]
- MCAD_FDN_1111_Sec_06_Brandt
New York Times color theory grids, process. Above: MCAD student’s SunJoo’s work in progress. In this application of our semester long focus on color, we developed grids from single New York Times pages with pencil and tracing paper. Some of these have marvelous architectural qualities in themselves. The students then transfer the plan to the [...]
- Let it snow.
Final experiments with Perso-Arabic type. Above: MCAD student Amy’s final vision (24×36). After last week’s sketches produced by hand, our intermediate typo grupetto, switched back to the computer and produced these final impressions of snow falling, using our thirty-two Perso-Arabic characters. I am sure all would agree, these final attempts really found some new lightness [...]
- Perso-Arabic Snow
Some gems from early experiments with Persian type. Above: MCAD student Amy’s stunning first sketch, developed by hand. Be on the lookout for a new upload to Geotypografika Flickr with process shots from this exciting new project from two type classes I am really enjoying this semester. Minneapolis had snow last Monday and we were [...]
- Typonauts in Space: 20 Jahre Mauerfall
Posters from a recent type workshop at MCAD. Above: MCAD student Ana, 24×36 inches. (All posters are listed alphabetically.) Our GRD_3020 grupetto welcomed Verena Gerlach to our class on the day before her recent lecture at MCAD. Based on some advance preparation, we were ready with sketches based on the theme of the workshop, the [...]
- Basically Yeah
Developing experiment from a typography class. Above: Just one of MCAD student Peter Steineck‘s experimental font projects. Happarently, the lyrics are from the Pixies, Hey. More of these soon. Quelle entrée, Peter!
- St. Cloud State University
One rabbit for typography. Above: Greetings to Keith Christensen and the students at St. Cloud State University, Department of Art. Many thanks in advance for this kind invitation to speak and interact. Servus, St. Cloud! Ich bin kein Berliner.
- Lucky Find
Poster sketch remnant. Above: Found on the street outside of MCAD, a small remnant of a poster sketch (a fallen leaf) by Alexa, a vibrant part of this Fall’s 3020 typo grupetto. More soon on our recent work with Verena Gerlach‘s typefaces and, 20 Jahre Mauerfall.
- 2D in 4D / New student work.
Foundation level experiment with time-based media. Above: Mallory, ‘No More Running’ (Music: Animal Collective). These experimental short films are an extension of an introductory photography and booklet assignment from my foundation level class here at MCAD. It’s always a delight to work with first year students and this Fall has proved to be no exception. [...]
- Sorry, eh?
Geotypografika has been quiet lately. Above: Something from the Minnesota State Fair. Amid the recent controversies over IKEA’s decision to change faces, it’s nice to see into la Futura again. My sincere apologies for the recent funkstille. The studio move has experienced a few delays, and the time to finish has been pleasantly interrupted by [...]
- Jenny Tondera / Bratislava
Eye candy. Jenny Tondera writes: The street art that I came across in Bratislava is so textural, I love it. Take that unsuspecting dumpster, for example—beautiful! Cherry Garcia, Jenny! For more on her travels, see Jenny’s eponymous blog.
- Andy Scott / Singapore
A is for Andy. Above: Live from the streets, new photos from ‘our man in Singapore’, Andy Scott (you remember). A is for Andy promises to be an excellent reportage from our intrepid friend, fresh impressions of the city and beyond. Sure enough, he’s got a Twitter going, yo. Kyotsukete onegaishimasu, Andy-kun!
- Max Grove / Kiss Family
Rejected by Awkward Family Photos? Above: MCAD student Max Grove (as Peter Chris) and family, Merry Kissmas (2001). Rejected by Awkward Family Photo (poor quality photo, missing Ace Frehley?), it had to find a home here! Rock’n’Roll Over, Bringdaruckus.
- One thousand posts on the dance floor.
Urbi et Orbi… ‘ere me now. Above: From the flat files and just pour vous, an old slide from ‘old school days,’ (photo by John Dixon). Le lapin? C’est moi. This post marks number 1000 in Geotypografika’s archives. This can only mean one thing, time for an orderly and thorough organization of all of this [...]
- GRD_3020 Process Books
Final documentation for Spring 09 grupetto. Above: Dan Sinclair. Please see the latest addition to Geotypografika Flickr, the final process books from GRD_3020, a great summation of our work this semester in various forms. Above: Tousue Vang. Above: Emily Reile. Above: Michael Aberman. Above: Eric Gorvin. (Yo, G.) Above: Liam McMonagle. Above: Josh Nelson. More [...]
- Andy Scott / Typo Short
Giving & Taking. Above: Andy Scott, 24 sec typo fiction short. Domo, Andy!
- GRD_5010 Ficciones Typografika
Some sample spreads and covers. Above: Sonja Rostad. A few more samples below of our final efforts with our ficciones typografika. For more, please see our Geotypografika Flickr set. Above: Sonja Rostad. Above: Sami Foust. Above: Sami Foust. Above: Max March. Above: Sarah Pfeffer. Above: Sarah Pfeffer. Above: Andy Scott. Above: Ben Wood. Above: Dolly [...]
- Desktop rabbit.
Seen at MCAD. Above: Random image found at the start of class on a computer in our GRD_2000 room, this past Friday. Much appreciated! Updated material is now available on the GRD_2000 Logopesto post from yesterday. Sample spread from Dan Sinclair’s work below. (More on Geotypografika Flickr.)
- Sarah Pfeffer / Dolly Vu
Exclamation points. UPDATE: Sarah sent in this detail. Cheers! Above: Sarah Pfeffer, comma chameleon. A good morning update via Sarah and Dolly, click on the images for larger views. Above: Dolly Vu, follow the link for more on Dolly’s project. More, especially some lovely books, coming soon.
- GRD_2000 Logopesto
Carteles final. Above: Jaid! Some shots from class today, final process project logopesto from our GRD_2000 grupetto. More images available via the Geotypgrafika Flickr set. Above: Jaid Jacobsen, spreads. Above: Jenny! Above: Jenny Da, spreads. Above: Charlie! Above: Charles Hunter, spreads. Above: Samm! Above: Samm Langer, spreads. Above: Sean! Above: Sean Hartman, spreads. Above: Joe! [...]
- Austin Baker / O la ciencia
Inspired. Above: Austin Baker, Handwriting Deletion And Abstraction Performance 02, 2009. Above: Austin Baker, Handwriting Deletion And Abstraction Performance 03, 2009. Austin’s performed work was inspired by his discussions with Marieke and Danny of Experimental Jetset during their recent workshop at MCAD. His live performance from that event translated into these simply edited versions, preserving [...]
- Sonja Rostad / Typo Short
Sonja has the rock. Above: Sonja’s 54 second typo fiction short, sugoi, ne?! Gracias, Sonja!
- Sami Foust / With Cat
A wee typo-short. Above: Sami Foust, 41 hand-made seconds starring many of her delightful variants, plus gato. Obrigado, Sami!
- System Analysis: Check.
Max… in space. Above: The latest from GRD_5010, Max’s poster, full system breakdown. More updates later today.
- Elevator going up.
GRD_5010 typographic fiction posters. Above: Andy’s final poster in situ. Half-life: about four hours. Many more photographs available on our Geotypografika Flickr site. There will be many more updates in the coming days as well, as the typonauten conclude their experiments. Bon chance! Click images to activate the latest Geotypografika tech update (Science!), a more [...]
- Dan Sinclair / Papyrus
Challenge and proposition. Above: I’ll Eat Your Sould, 2009. MCAD gung-fu student Dan Sinclair’s experiments with the dreaded font, Papyrus. His challenge? To solve the problem in an appropriate way. Well on your way, Dan! Above: Dan Sinclair, 2000 Years Ago, 2009. Dan Sinclair writes: Project Papyrus is an effort to bring the typeface Papyrus [...]
- Rumors
Sight unseen, no puedo esperar. Above: Dylan C. Lathrop’s latest poster sketch from our GRD-5010 effort, and in the latest news, it should be up in MPLS in wheatpasted form soon.
- GRD_5010 / Posters
Four from beyond, plus deux. Above: MCAD student Austin Baker’s final posters from his typographic fiction. Later this week we can hopefully enjoy a complimentary book and short film on the making of one of these posters. Above: Austin Baker. Along with his colleagues in GRD-5010, we near the end of a productive and expansive [...]
- Liz Plahn / Work in Progress
Detail from a larger installation. Above: Liz Plahn, detail from her installation at MCAD (in progress). Avanti, Liz!
- GRD_5010 / Conversaciones,
tipográficas. Above: Some of my quick sketches from a few conversations during GRD_5010 today. Above: Several steps closer to our ficciones typografika. Avanti popolo!
- Heather Nguyen / L.O.V.E.
New work with Pigtail 101. Above: Spotted in the MCAD SB the other day, Heather Nguyen was hard at work on some new posters. Part of the background involves her continued work with her Pigtail 101 font she developed last fall. Buena suerte, Heather!
- Andy Scott
Latest and greatest fictions. Above: MCAD student Andy Scott, typographic experiment from his developing GRD_5010 fiction. Simply breathtaking, I am sure you will agree (see an early sketch here). Sugoi, Andy-kun! Kire, ne?! Above: Andy Scott. Andy has developed a massive resource of hand-cut forms and his experiments are many and varied. Above: Andy Scott. [...]
- GRD_5010 Updates
Closing in on the final ficciones. Above: Sami Foust’s ‘hello form’ test prints (click for larger view). ¡Hola, Ellie! Above: Sami Foust, lucky shot with Dylan in the background (click for larger view). Above: Sami Foust. Above: Ben Wood, from a series of anatomical experiments he is producing. He is applying this concept, rigorously as [...]
- The Blue Masks
Michael Aberman’s inspired tangent. Above: MCAD student Michael cut out these felt masks for our GRD_3020 grupetto, and we gladly donned them toward the end of class the other day. Click for a larger image, I believe this was when Michael asked us to do a serious pose. Much more, soon. Wait, you ask our [...]
- GRD_2000 Explorations
More details from our recent workshop. Above: MCAD student Charlie. Check the Geotypografika Flickr page for additional images from this group’s Perso-Arabic experiments. Above: MCAD student Charlie. Above: MCAD student Charlie. Above: MCAD student Jenny. Above: MCAD student Jenny. Above: MCAD student Joe. Above: MCAD student Sam. Above: MCAD student Sam. Above: MCAD student Mary. [...]
- GRD_3020 Perso-Arabic Images
More detail from the workshop. Above: MCAD student Eric. Check the Geotypografika Flickr page for additional images from our Perso-Arabic experiments. Above: MCAD student Emily. Above: MCAD student Sarah. Above: MCAD student Tousue. Above: MCAD student Liam. Above: MCAD student Michael. Above: MCAD student Ryan. Above: MCAD student Dan. Above: MCAD student Brendan. More at [...]
- GRD_2000 Workshop
Process photos from a second Perso-Arabic exploration. Above: Leland Hill, VCUQ. Check the Geotypografika Flickr page for classroom shots from today’s Perso-Arabic Workshop with Leland Hill, a colleague from VCUQatar on his Spring Break. We introduced a modified workshop concept explored earlier in the week, with exciting results. Merci, les étudiants! Above: MCAD student Charlie’s [...]
- GRD_5010 Experimental Jetset
Workshop at MCAD following their recent Walker Insights lecture. Above: Lucky photo of an unguarded and reflective moment for MCAD students gathered following their workshop with Experimental Jetset‘s Marieke Stolk and Danny van den Dungen. Both GRD_5010 sections participated in a stimulating afternoon creating sandwich boards, culminating in a hallway crit. We extend a thousand [...]
- GRD_3020 Workshop
New process photos from our Perso-Arabic workshop. Above: MCAD student Tousue’s sketch in progress. Check the Geotypografika Flickr page for classroom shots from yesterday’s Perso-Arabic Workshop with Leland Hill, a colleague from VCUQatar on his Spring Break. Leland introduced a workshop concept from The Fifth Color we had worked with some years ago in Doha, [...]
- Jenny Tondera / Ballyvaughan Credit
Above: Signage on a gas pump in Ballyvaughan, Ireland. Jenny Tondera writes: During a brief stop at the local gas station this weekend while visiting friends at the Burren College of Art, fellow MCAD student Zach Nash and I noticed this sign that aims to duplicate the logos of major credit card companies. What I [...]
- Ryan Hageman / Akzidenz on the Wall
Where can’t Akzidenz go? Above: Akzidenz Grotesk in projection via Eric Gorvin. Ryan Hagman writes: Building off previous sightings of Akzidenz Grotesk around the internets, this typographic experiment (google translation) was conducted by a German design student, Tobias Battenberg. Interjecting this classic German sans-serif into the realm of graffiti, Tobias projects the typeface on various [...]
- Adria Chilcote / Hrvatska Croatia
Website updated with new work. Above: Via Adria Chilcote, a typographic treatment, 2009. See also Adria’s work from a recent show here in Minneapolis, as well as her new book animations from her Berlin experiments. Gambade, Adria!
- Ficciones Nuevo
Fresh from the ice-cream totin’ GRD_5010 grupetto. Above: A lovely typographic elephant I spotted from our graphic-designers-exercise walk today.Yosh, ikimashoka! Seems a perfect companion for viewing the latest process shots from a few intrepid typonauten. More soon! In the meantime, please visit Geotypografika Flickr to see the complete process collection as of March 19, 2009. [...]
- Dylan C. Lathrop / Fictions Plus
Developing narrative form. Above: MCAD student Dylan, click for a larger view. Detailed views are available via his Flickr collection. (Previous post here.)
- 14:00 MPLS Time, 61ºF.
Mongo feel human. Above: 26th and 3rd Ave., Whittier neighborhood. Approximately 08:45 AM. Minneapolis, MN. March 16, 2009. Above: 25th and Stevens, Whittier neighborhood. Approximately 11:30 AM. Minneapolis, MN. March 16, 2009. Perfect timing for a new tag, just as we notice the odd sensation of warmth upon our cheeks.
- Bienvenido, Lelando!
Wayfaring type teacher will be our special guest. Above: My good friend Leland Hill, from a secret display created by my GD1 class in his honor at VCUQ, some years ago. Leland will be visiting MPLS soon and working with a few of my classes, we wish him welcome! Et un défi, ô Seigneur des [...]
- Cold
No heat last night. Above: Photo by MCAD student Joe Hrabbe. Our building lost heat last night so this morning the Geotypografika cubby hole feels much like this open air oasis, sans tacos. Thanks for sharing the photo, Joe! Send lawyers, guns… and heat technicians!
- GRD_3020 Booklet Project
Exploring idiosyncratic needs. Above: MCAD student Michael. His cover for our latest effort within our intermediate typography group. This problem sought to allow these students more freedom in terms of content determination and typographic form, in an effort to move beyond the communal restriction in place in the previous two projects. For full spread documentation [...]
- Kevin Byrne / 300 Jumps
Sabbatical Exhibition at MCAD 2009 Above: Kevin Byrne, 2009. From his current exhibition, 300 Jumps. Still teaching, still sharing, MCAD Professor Kevin Byrne is currently showing work from his mapping research. My own revelation from Kevin’s complex exhibition is that of course Powers of Ten was influenced by the work of Kees Boeke (see this [...]
- Ryan Hageman / Akzidenz Grotesk
Akzidenz meets Nihongo. Above: A publication designed by the Italian design studio, Temp. Ryan Hageman writes: Temp compares the classic German typeface, Akzidenz Grotesk, with the equally structural Japanese typeface, Kozuka Mincho Std (小塚明朝 Std).
- Geotypografika Twitter
Um abraço, Twitterati! From Geotypografika Flickr: Photo by Erik Brandt, 2006. Posters somewhere in Lisbon, Portugal. Anunciando: You can now follow updates for Geotypografika via Twitter here. [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Above: Gumball, 1992 cover of The Damned classic, New Rose. Coming to you in both of your eyes, yo. Um abraço!
- Surrounded / Do Good Design on Flickr
David Berman hosts an open group. Above: Erik Brandt, 2008. Part of five prints in the Faculty Show last fall at MCAD, these experiments are now on David Berman’s Flickr Group, Do Good Design: Tell us your story. Special thanks to David for allowing free access and participation to all, I encourage all interested to [...]
- GRD_5010 / Ficciones Progreso
Sketchbook shots from last weeks meeting. Above: MCAD student Andy. More process documentation from our typographic fiction efforts. For more, please visit Geotypografika Flickr to see the complete process collection as of March 5, 2009. Above: MCAD student Sonja. Above: MCAD student Sami. (Note the excellent 3D idea, bottom right.) Above: MCAD student Justin. Above: [...]
- Ryan Hageman / Testing the Water
Allow me to introduce myself… Above: Ryan with his recent poster. Ryan Hageman writes: Hello World. The name is Ryan Hageman, a student studying graphic design at MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design). I’m acting as a new Geotypografika correspondent to share interesting gems which I find myself immersed with, in addition to expanding [...]
- Geotypografika Interview 006: David Berman
“Don’t just do good design, do good!” 001 Take the Do Good Pledge. David B. Berman Designer/Strategist/Expert Speaker David Berman Communications Ottawa, Canada Editorial note: David’s new book is out and, thanks to him, in my hands. It is a fascinating and inspiring narrative that captures all of his well-known precision and passion. Too put [...]
- masr wa7ashetni awi!
I miss Egypt so much. Above: Better late than never, und very lovely indeed. MCAD student Eric Gorvin shares his final card from our el 3arabia dada grupetto di due. I spent my high school years in Cairo, and I agree with the sentiment Eric captures wholeheartedly. Mona-chan? An’ it’s the E to the Ri [...]
- Dylan C. Lathrop / Ficciones Typografika
Fresh from a notebook of some great promise. Above: MCAD student Dylan, from a series of new typographic sketches also available here in his Flickr collection. Forza Lathrop!
- George Folz / Experimental Comics
Pencil and paper. Above: Sketches in progress by MCAD student George Folz, from a class in experimental comics with the inspiring Zak Sally (yes, from La Mano 21). George explains his progress: “This strip is essentially an examination of my interest in subtlety and bombast and how they relate when juxtaposed. When I set out [...]
- Austin Baker / Ficciones Typografika
New sketches from a path of questions, not answers. Above: MCAD student Austin Baker’s inspired examination and deconstruction of his own handwritten notes. A part of our continuing effort to develop ficciones typografika, Austin’s frenetic and free form ‘scrawl’ provides the perfect landscape for analyzing and detailing the essence of form and content. Above: More [...]
- Single Prints
From our recent letterpress experiments. Above: MCAD students Sonja and Andy. Above: MCAD students Eric and Max. Above: MCAD students Dolly and Sarah. Above: MCAD students Sami and Ben. Above: MCAD students Justin and Dylan. Above: MCAD student Austin and El Conejo. For more process, please see the Geotypografika Flickr page. Gracias, compañeros!
- GRD_2000_P004
We move forward, always. Above: MCAD student Charlie Hunter. Today, our introductory level graphic design class meets to critique the culmination of a series of exercises that combined hand-drawn, photographic, and typographic elements. I am sure you will agree that these few examples (all I have from an early deadline), show much promise and real [...]
- Process / Progress
GRD_5010 letterpress work. Above: MCAD student Sami Foust’s contribution to a collaboration with Ben Wood. Above: MCAD students Sami and Ben’s final test print. Omoshiroi, ne? More, much more, to be seen on the Geotypografika Flickr page. Above: MCAD students Dolly and Sarah, posing with their collaboration. Above: MCAD student Sonja posing with her collaboration [...]
- MCBA Letterpress Redux
On a typographic fiction tip. Above: An older print of mine from around 2001, slab-serifs make the world go around. Our GRD_5010 grupetto is heading for the MCBA letterpress studio today to try their hand at typographic experimentation, with an eye to produce more experiments for their own typographic fictions. Nun ja, ficciones typografika! Above: [...]
- Peter Iverson
New Poster for MCAD Comic Heads fundraiser. Above: MCAD student Peter Iverson’s latest and greatest, a hilarious call for a popular school event sponsored by the Comic Heads. Have a look at Peter’s personal website for more explorations in type and image. Many thanks for sharing, Peter!
- Wa7ashteeny
I missed you. Above: MCAD student Sami Foust is taking a step back and exploring some purely typographic possibilities for this endearing phrase. Nun, mahl to, Sami!
- Enjambement
Widows and orphans, unite! Above: From William Packard, The Poet’s Dictionary, Harper & Row Publishers, 1989. (Click for a larger image.) Enjambement, an age-old literary or poetic device, “to create the illusion of energy being carried over to the following line.” This will require careful study for those of us used to ‘forced returns’ out [...]
- ana fee el9af
I’m in class. Above: MCAD student Michael (fold). Fresh sketches from our Typography: Hierarchy + Expression grupetto. Again employing Verena Gerlach’s recent typeface, FF Chambers Sans, the students have refined their work with Arabic cell phone type. These sketches are almost there… stay on target! We welcome any and all feedback. Above: MCAD student Michael. [...]
- mb / rh
Honto ni, my bad. Above: MCAD student Michael. Ana fee el9af, “I’m in class.” Above: MCAD student Ryan. Wain bnro7 elioum? “Where are we going to today?” Missed sketches from a former post due to rushed exuberance, my mistake! Sumimasen, Miguele y Ryan-kun!
- One Night Lexicon
Facebook Page, yo! Above: Brouse + Derobertis. In most excellent news, One Night Lexicon has a page. No, seriously. On FB, yo.
- Kirsten Peterson
MPLS painter and educator. Above: Kirsten Peterson, Untitled (Yukon), 4′ x 4′, Oil on Panel 2006 Above: Kirsten Peterson, White Trash, 4′ x 8′, Oil on Panel 2006 A thousand thanks to Kirsten for sending these timely pieces, she also reminded of the opening this weekend at The Soap Factory, featuring a new installation by [...]
- Process
Burning the midnight oil. Above: MCAD student Dolly shared this process shot (from 03:07 in the AM, yo!), Saba7 el 7′er! See this lovely conglomerate from her blog, below. Gambade, Dolly-chan!
- saba7 el 7′er!
Oh my, and isn’t it a good morning? Above: MCAD student Josh, aside for a few hics and tics, not a bad sketch and certainly a very ohiogozaimasu! Fresh sketches from our yes we did Typography: Hierarchy + Expression grupetto. Oh, and it is on! Several of our groups are approaching this problem from varying [...]
- Complexity
Owen Jones Above: Owen Jones, via the spectacular but does it float collection. Thanks to Dylan for sharing this and mabrouk to Atley of but does it float and FFFFound, amazing collections and somehow perfectly apropos. In the same breath, make sure to check in with kindra is here, some stunning recent additions.
- How to fight.
Valuable self-defense tips for the big city. Above: From the internet scanning machines of Colin Trechter, this reminds me of another internet classic by the intrepid Amalia Nicholson.
- POPYÖUDESIGN
Sandra Chui Huynh Above: popyöudesign: Check, check, one two…
- 3arabia dada / 3revisions
Revisions from Dylan C. Lathrop, who has the rock. Above: Senior Gung-Fu student Dylan C. Lathrop. GRD_5010_P003, option 001. Above: Dylan C. Lathrop, GRD_5010_P003, option 002. Above: Dylan C. Lathrop, GRD_5010_P003, option 003. Sugoi, ne?
- Walker Art Center / Process Type Foundry
Eric Olsen, MPLS Above: Eric Olsen, Process Type Foundry. From a really kind invitation via popyoudesign to go see a typographic lecture at the Walker Art Center. Tuesday, March 10, 2009. ¡Súbete!
- el 3arabia dada redux
Yella! Yella! Above: MCAD student Dolly Vu. Enigmatic, silly, somehow brilliant. Our advanced typography group is trying an experiment with some Arabic cell type based on an idea originally advanced here, some time ago. We received some new txt samples via Mona Makhlouf and Manar Al-Muftah and the students set forth. We will be having [...]
- New Pixel System 26 Directions
Refined directions. Above: MCAD student Andy, still pushing his PS26 experiments. See more. Gambade kudasai, Andy-kun! Fightoh GRD_5010!
- GRD_3020_P002B
Yes we did. Above: MCAD student Emily, final poster with boots. Above: MCAD student Eric, final poster with fingers (and correct spelling). Above: MCAD student Tousue, final poster with blue shoes. Above: MCAD student Michael, final poster with hat. Above: MCAD student Liam, final poster with red laces. Above: MCAD student Sarah, OFFICIAL WINNER of [...]
- GRD_2000_P001/P002
Discovering visual communication. Above: MCAD student, Jenny, from our introduction to graphic design gruppo. Here are three examples from the initial problem (P001), a challenge to answer seven questions using only hand drawn indicators. A perfect resource for examining visual language and issues of idiosyncratic vocabulary. Above: MCAD student, Samm. These approaches yield surprisingly open [...]
- GRD_5010_PS26
Pixel System 26 Above: MCAD student, Sonja. This advanced group of typography students took on the challenge to work with Pixel System 26, initially simply substituting fonts from their early sketches in Experiment B. Poster sizes are 24×36 inches. These experiments are by no means final, only small part of our larger effort to develop [...]
- GRD_3020_P002A
Working with FF Chambers Sans, part deux. Above: MCAD student Josh, poster/magazine fold project version one. All work uses Verena Gerlach’s recent typeface, FF Chambers Sans. While Experiment A worked solely with a 24×36 inch surface, Experiment B challenged with a well-known folding technique (in my case, a Malinoski tip from many years ago). The [...]
- Crowdspring / Global GD Marketplace
Forbes Magazine Above: Splash page from Crowdspring. MCAD student Dolly Vu alerted us to this story via Forbes Magazine, “The Creativity of Crowds,” by Christopher Steiner. From the article: “The beauty of our site is that it doesn’t matter if you have a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design or if you’re a [...]
- Guten Morgen!
Dire moods but Casper saves the day. Above: Fresh from a welcome PDF via Mary at MCAD, her first sketch for problem deux from our introduction to graphic design piccolo gruppo. Avanti!
- Jared Tarbell / QR Invaders
Code variants generate fascinating images. Above: Jared Tarbell, Invader.Fractal, found via All About Mobile Life. Shokran! Image built using a random mix of invaders possible within QR Code. As Mobile Life recommends, run the Flash generator (look for ‘Huge/Launch Flash’). Above: Jared Tarbell. Endlich, ficciones typografika. Above: Geotypografika QR code, generated for free via Wolfgang [...]
- Ulana Zahajkewycz / More City Pages
MCAD colleague illustrates the season, con yeti! Above: From the December 24, 2008 issue of the City Pages, illustration by Ulana Zahajkewycz. A detail view (see below), reveals a hidden reference? Above: Detail. Zahajkewycz! How you vex me… More fun at Ulanaland.
- Experiment B
Working with FF Chambers Sans, and history. Above: MCAD student, Dylan Lathrop. This second experiment with Verena Gerlach’s typeface, FF Chambers Sans, involves an advanced group of students with essentially the same limitations. The monumental nature of January 20, 2009 had our focus, and now we seek to create ficciones typografika from this content. Above: [...]
- Experiment A
Working with FF Chambers Sans, and history. Above: MCAD Type II student Dan Sinclair, an impressive first effort among many. We are grateful to be working with Verena Gerlach’s recent typeface, FF Chambers Sans. Poster size is 24×36. Above: Josh. Tja, we agree, let go, and let type. Text was chosen from the series of [...]
- Discarded direction?
Found in MPLS. Above: Cold and still snow covered here, the natural habitat of strong graphic projections? Sometimes even a discarded pizza box knows the way forward (or at least the way into a flat file marked: Ideas). Strangely similar to another recent found object.
- Praise song for every hand-lettered sign…
Elizabeth Alexander, Inaugural Poem January 20, 2009 Praise song for the day. Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others’ eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on [...]
- Jenny Tondera / It’s nice that!
One good turn deserves another. Above: Splash page from, It’s nice that. Hallo England! Jenny writes from Brighton (UK) with news about, what else, MCAD’s own wayfaring student, Jenny Tondera! Seems she met these nice fellows from It’s nice that (fantastic site), and they posted a link to her previous posts here. Cheers for that! [...]
- MPLS / Studio on Fire
Hot lead for cold days. Above: Via letterpress advocates Studio on Fire, an open house invite for January 23, 2009. Have a look at their excellent blog, Beast Pieces. Scroll down to the Around the Bend post and you can see the studio’s product line, examples there designed by MCAD colleagues, Kelly English and Kindra [...]
- Piotr Szyhalski / Labor Camp
Seasons Greetings Above: In the mailboxes at MCAD today from Piotr Szyhalski, Labor Camp leaflet, front and back. For more, go to Szyhalski’s excellent Labor Camp. Gracias, compañero!
- Tone Poems of Color
2D Foundation Fall 08 Sec 001 Brandt Above: As promised earlier, a full assemblage of the color experiments based on a self-discovered NYT grid. These initial forays into color are from a MCAD foundation studies group, and each exposes varying level of care and innovation. Fantastico! Above: My inspiration for this problem, an old Saul [...]
- I don’t care…
(but secretly I do). Above: The Meanline-to-Baseline Problem, from this past semester’s intro to graphic design class, another group largely populated by non graphic design students. Ist mir egal! We work together. This problem is partially distilled from Romano Hänni‘s exhaustive and inspirational approach (Das Bild in der Zeitung, 2006), though our problem was solved [...]
- Typonauts Unite
Final presentation three-sixty. Above and below: Final presentation of only three wee projects from a group of sixteen young type initiates (mostly non-graphic design majors?!). All have taken the Oath of Poverty associated with our common mantra, let go and let type. Ahoy! Click on the images to view them at a slightly larger size. [...]
- Apropos grids… tone poems of color.
Coming soon. Above: Tami, hand-painted New York Times grid. More soon, this is just one example from a group of my current foundation students, from their continuing saga of exploring some issues color. Above: Michael, New York Times grid, pencil tracing, from the same foundation group. Above: Michael, grid with applied color. More soon. Gambade, [...]
- Allan Brewer / Family Farm Nirvana
Umber Studios Above: Allan Brewer, Long Underwear Deity. Fresh in the mail, Family Farm Nirvana will open in MPLS on December 13, 2008, at umber studios. Apropos family farm, puppies are being born at A Tiny City!
- Sinbad
Too cold for sticker glue. Above: Sticker found across the street from MCAD in MPLS. Why? Because ze extrem cold simply destroys the glue. No disrespect intended, sticker person! It’s a lovely flower to find, and got me thinking… where had I seen this before? Above: Sinbad vie! It was over a year ago, in [...]
- Dime cuándo, cuándo, cuándo?
Student voices on the election. Above: Tami, Why Me? Here are a few samples of an attempt to respond to the recent election by a first year class of 2D art foundation students at MCAD (Gung Fu Sec 016 ). We gathered on the week following the MOST BEAUTIFUL DAY OF ALL TIME and tried [...]
- MPLS / MCAD Art Sale
Tonight and tomorrow. Above: Some wee things available from BJ for tonight’s Annual Art Sale at MCAD (including mini versions of the one night lexicon collaboration!). The school is filled to the brim with work by both current students and alumni. A massive event here in MPLS, lines are long but spirits are high!
- Apropos ah-ru-ba-i-toh.
kindraishere. Above: A test pattern. Detail of work in progress by Kindra Murphy.
- Holiday in Tangiers
Work in progress. Above: MCAD Gung Fu student George Folz. Good things are happening with ace master, Barbara Schulz. Sugoi! Fight-oh, Jorge!
- Die Neue Geotypografika Redux
Feb. 20, 2008 MCAD/AIGA Lecture Above: Copenhagen, Denmark. Kommentar: Here is a brief synopsis and extension of important issues from my lecture from Feb. 20, 2008. My my sincere thanks again to Tom Garrett, Design Chair at MCAD and the AIGA Minneapolis for allowing me this wonderful opportunity. I was most grateful for the generous [...]
- See Colin Walk
Short film by Amalia Nicholson There is always new reason for hope, and as a teacher, nothing could be more welcome than stumbling across evidence that you really are lucky – I found this little gem and recognized one of my students this semester, the mysterious fashionista “Colin,” apparently from Wisconsin. Ironically, I think there [...]
- Sacre Vache / Ragnar Freyr Pálsson
From Iceland (via Michigan) with Love. Athvarf Poster / Veggsjald Litli Dímon og Kvennaathvarfið Dauði trúðsins Book cover / Bókakápa JPV Click here immediately, don’t read this. Well maybe just a little. I plan a much longer story, but the work speaks for itself. An amazing collection of contemporary work by Ragnar Freyr Pálsson, an [...]
- Die Neue Geotypografika / Erik Brandt
Graphic and Typographic Viruses Lektüre Minneapolis, MN Estados Unidos Die Neue Geotypografika © Erik Brandt 2008 Shown above for the first time, this is my new poster for the upcoming lektüre at MCAD. February 20, 2008. Update: Die Neue Geotypografika Redux
- Atatürk’s Alphabet / Lessons in Romanization
1928: The Turkish Example Above: The famous photo of Atatürk circa 1928, teaching the (then) new 29 character Turkish alphabet. Lektüre für Jan 29, 2008 I believe this was an early attempt at adapting to globalization, or then Western-Romanization. This large scale event is predated by the Korean example of 1444-46 (which emerged as a [...]
- New Favicon fer’ Geotypografika
Accidental rabbit joins the circle of favicon icons. Lovely found rabbit enters the hallowed halls of the favicon (16×16). Lucky 007, wee version below. Kawaii!
- Unicode Identity Sketches
Two examples from Andrea and Andy [GD DOS] A simple experiment in typography using the limitation of compatibility with email names. These are just two examples generated after class on Tuesday.
- Geotypophilia: TypeNeu (TM) via Lathrop
Dylan writes that he has found… Type for you. Dylan Lathrop (unequal design/mcad gung fu student, see his work above), has shared this great resource, TypeNeu. A site for typophiliacs with great reference material, stories, interviews, etc. Take some time to also look at Type for you., a similar resource that looks really promising. Cheers [...]
- Lucky 007
Accidental Rabbit found on classroom floor yesterday. Above: Which then became the favicon. Check the Specimen page for other odd finds destined to live a long life in my flat files.
- Fine examples…
Typographic thumbnails from three students in today’s class. Above: Sonja Above: Andrea Above: Monarose Bravo you three, well done. Now more. These thumbnails were inspired by the students’ own typographic precedents. These are both reinterpretations/new projections, as well as a way of moving toward abstraction (and creating form, all at the same time). At the [...]
- To the City and to the World
Urbi et Orbi: Mitchell Lewis’ unique and simple vision. Above: Mitchell Lewis, MCAD Sophomore (these images from GD UNO Fall 07) Minneapolis, MN Estados Unidos Above: Mitchell Lewis Above: Mitchell Lewis. Mitchell’s stunning vision perfectly encapsulates many issues, and are legible to all. A perfect visual introduction to thinking and making work about the contemporary [...]
- Apropo Ficciones
More Student Experiments with Form Above: This is an example by a former student Bil Sherman (click) from last Fall. Similar to the latest Letraset sketches (click), these studies, and in particular these examples, are an immediate and easy way to find a way to and from form. The explorations are typographic in nature, but [...]
- Kindra is Here
Must see blog of wonder and graphic/typographic devotion. Kindra Murphy is another new colleague of mine and her blog is a stunning collection of work, life, and love (somehow Tim and Hazel figure here prominently), as well as an undying devotion to graphic and typographic possibilities past and present. Click (or just give up being [...]
- Fresh ficciones typografika…
Letraset type fictions and conglomerates. Above: Megan Fresh from my current GD2 gruppetto, all are made with Letraset type and set within scaled units that can be enlarged to 24×36 inches. This exercise is helpful in gaining experience with thinking and working at scale, as well as exploring the immediacy and comfort of working by [...]
- Greetings Kameraden – AfficheMini
Above: Erik Brandt, 2007. Full sheet (test) of Avery Size 8160 MiniPosters, used as a backing for a hello to former colleagues and friends. Above: Erik Brandt, 2007. Another sheet of mini-posters for students taking my special topics class this semester on typographic viruses.
- MCAD/AIGA Lecture: Virii Typografika
Wednesday, February 20, 6:30PM Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MN ) Estados Unidos Above: A confluence of cultures, both natural and artificial. I am honored to be presenting a lecture co-sponsored by MCAD and the AIGA Minnesota. My talk will focus on discussing the impact of globalization on international visual communication systems with specific [...]
- Urban density equals typographic density…
Photographic evidence of graphic and typographic phenomena from cities around the world. I hope to extend this data in future postings with a broader discussion, but in the meantime, please feel free to visit my Flickr page and make your own observations comments here. I embrace correspondence on these issues and am eager to share [...]