Computer Methods 01 Art 3385 Instructor: Cobey Shaver

4114 Ave. Q

Adobe Illustrator #4 phone: 792-5141

email: cobey@kgcomm.com

LETTER COMBINATIONS
The letterform is the fundamental component of all typographic communication in grammar. Syntax is the
manner in which words are combined to form phrases, clauses or sentences. We define typographic syntax
as the process of arranging typographic elements into a cohesive whole. The study of typographic syntax
begins with its basic unit, the letter, and progresses to word, line, paragraph, column and so on.

Although the letter typically functions as part of a word, individual letters are frequently combined into new
configurations. This combination or syntax manipulation acts as a sign, extracted from a larger system of signs.

ASSIGNMENT:
Letter Combinations. For letter combinations you may choose to use the same letter twice(ex. A and an
A) or select two different letters (ex. A and a C). Create a design (sign) that uses one letter as the figure
and another as ground. Your initial explorations may be stable or reversible as long as it remains possible
to read all letters. If you select 2 different fonts, carefully examine the anatomy of both letters in order to
produce a stable gestalt (thereby producing a cohesive whole). Analyze both typefaces before you begin.
When complete, the forms should look as though they belong together. One letter should not be “drowned
out” by the other. Retain the expressiveness and boldness to each of the individual letters.

Letter/Image Combinations. For letter/image combinations you may choose any letter you like and
combine with a simple graphic you have created.

Please note. You may use a variety of visual characteristics. These characteristics may include: Point size,
weight (light, regular, bold, etc), uppercase, lowercase, upper and lowercase, italic, expanded or condensed.

Keep in mind that a typographic sign is visually dynamic because of its interaction with the surrounding
white space or void (the white of the paper). This form-to-void relationship is inherent in the overall
typographic expression and is a key factor to the success of your design.

RULES: Keep your letters true to form and legible. Use solid black or white shapes without outlining,
crosshatching or shading. Make compound paths of each combination, don’t use grouping. All letters
MUST be outlined. No filters or effects should be used. DO NOT lock files or layers.

Letterform Combinations: 5 - 5”x5” Letterform Illustrator files will be turned in. Each of the
letterforms should be black and white.

Letter/Image Combinations: 2 - 5”x5” Illustrator files will be turned in. Each of the Letter/
Image combinations should be black and white. No filters or effects should be used. Choose two of the
categories listed below as your subject:

1. Computer Hardware/Software 2. Hardware 3. Mailing Service

4. Photography 5. Oil & Gas Industry 6. Nursery (Plants)
7. Pet Supply 8. Aviary 9. Clothing/Shoes
10. Wild West Museum
You will Learn: Compound Paths (make and release}
How to alter a letterform and delete a counter
How to combine a letterform and a graphic
How to delete and alter handles
How to outline type

Due at the beginning of class on 9-29.

Turn In: 7 Total Illustrator files.

Grading Criteria: You will be graded on: use of tools you have learned/following direction/
smoothness of line/compound paths (it is required that each image be a compound path)/each
letter used should be visually identifiable. If the document cannot be opened, no grade will be
awarded. Files saved correctly.
Computer Methods 01 Art 3385 Instructor: Cobey Shaver
4114 Ave. Q

Adobe Illustrator #4 phone: 792-5141

email: cobey@kgcomm.com

GRADESHEET

____ All letters are visually identifiable. (25 pts)

____ Paths are smooth and precise (smoothness of line). (25 pts)

____ Tools used correctly to create all images. (25 pts)

____
Followed Directions
yes no all
yes no all
yes no all
yes no all
artboards are 5”x5” (5 pts)
documents saved as Illustrator files (5 pts)
images are black and white (5 pts)
forms are created as compound paths (10 pts)

GRADE
____