Typographic Playing Cards

ASSIGNMENT

Students will explore the art and design of typography by creating a set of typographic playing cards based on the typefaces listed below. This project challenges students to work exclusively with type—no images or shapes—to create visually compelling designs. Students will research the history and characteristics of their assigned typeface, develop a communication strategy, define a visual language, and design at least four playing cards (two number cards, two face cards) while maintaining a cohesive and legible visual system.

• Bodoni (on your computer)

• Futura (on your computer)

• Garamond (Download)

• Helvetica (on your computer)

• Rockwell (on your computer)

• Univers  (Download)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

1. Identify and apply key concepts of typography including type anatomy, legibility, positive/negative space, and typeface families.

2. Conduct research on a typeface’s history, designer, and cultural context.
   Develop a thematic design concept and visual system for a series of products.

3. Apply design principles such as alignment, hierarchy, and contrast in a typographic composition.

4. Use digital tools to create professional-quality graphic designs.

5. Critically evaluate their own work and the work of peers using design vocabulary.
   
   

Big Ideas

• Typography is both functional and expressive.

• Design choices in type can communicate meaning beyond words.

• Cohesive visual systems enhance user experience and brand identity.

• Research informs and strengthens creative decision-making.
  
  

Essential Questions

1. How can typography convey meaning beyond the literal words?

2. What role does typeface history and context play in design choices?

3. How can a designer create visual unity while allowing for variation?

4. In what ways do positive and negative space affect the readability and impact of a design?

5. How can limitations in design tools (e.g., using only type) push creativity?
   
   

Vocabulary

Typography – The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing.

Typeface – A family of related fonts sharing common design features (e.g., Times New Roman, Helvetica).

Font – A specific style, weight, and size of a typeface (e.g., Helvetica Bold 12 pt).

Serif – Small decorative strokes or “feet” at the ends of letterforms. Serif fonts are often considered more traditional and are commonly used for large blocks of text.

Sans-Serif – Fonts without decorative strokes (“sans” means “without” in French). Often viewed as modern and clean.

Legibility – The ease with which individual characters can be recognized; influenced by font choice, size, spacing, and contrast with the background.

Positive Space – The space occupied by the main subject (in typography, the letterform itself).

Negative Space – The background or space around and between letterforms (also called “white space” or “counter space”).

Type Anatomy – The individual parts of a letterform (e.g., ascender, descender, x-height, baseline, counter, stem, serif, bowl).

Kerning – The adjustment of space between two individual characters to improve visual balance.

Tracking – The overall spacing between letters in a block of text; affects density and readability.

Leading – The vertical space between lines of text, measured from baseline to baseline.

Hierarchy – The arrangement of visual elements to show importance, guiding the reader’s eye through the design.

Grid System – A structured framework of horizontal and vertical lines used to organize content in a layout.

Composition – The arrangement of visual elements within a design space to create balance, unity, and impact.

Motif – A recurring visual element or theme used to create cohesion in a design.

Visual Language – The consistent use of type, color, layout, and style to communicate a brand, theme, or idea.

Class 1 – Introduction & Research

• Introduction to Typography: vocabulary, type classifications, anatomy, and legibility.

• Serif vs. Sans-Serif analysis activity — compare examples for readability and style.

• Introduce Typographic Playing Card Project: review requirements & examples.
  
  

Class 2 – Typeface Research 8/18

• Students research assigned typeface (designer, history, cultural context, characteristics).

• Share findings in small group discussions; brainstorm possible themes/motifs.
  Deliverable: Typed research sheet with visual references.
  
  

Class 3 – Concept Development

• Define communication strategy — a plan that guides how visual elements are used to convey a specific message to a particular audience. Write a concept statement describing theme/motif.

• Develop visual language — choose color palette, typographic family members, grid approach.
  
  

Class 4 – Sketching - 8/20

• Hand sketch 12 card designs (3 first number card, 3 second number card, 3 first face card, 3 second face card).

• Peer critique to select top 3 design directions.
  Deliverable: Concept statement, visual language plan, and sketches.
  
  

Class 5 – Critique/Begin Final

• Begin creating cards 

• Apply grid and design consistency; refine chosen designs.
  
  

Class 6 – Refinement & Presentation

• Final refinement and peer feedback session.

• Present finished cards for class critique.
  Deliverable: Final digital cards.

Submit final (2B & 3B ONLY). Due by 7:40 am on August 30

Georgia Department of Education Visual Art Graphics Standards

• VAHSDR.CR.1: Visualize and generate ideas for designing works of art and design that demonstrate a connection between personal expression and the elements and principles of design.

• VAHSDR.CR.2: Create original works of art and design that demonstrate proficiency in the use of media, techniques, and processes.

• VAHSDR.CR.3: Demonstrate an understanding of design problem-solving through research, conceptualization, and execution.

• VAHSDR.CR.4: Organize and develop compositions using a variety of design principles and typography.

• VAHSDR.RE.1: Reflect on, interpret, and evaluate works of art and design, considering historical and cultural context.

• VAHSDR.CN.1: Investigate the cultural and historical significance of design in communication.

• VAHSDR.CN.2: Connect design to career pathways and applications in the visual communications industry.