True to the motto “letters originate in writing”, the students acquire via practical exercises in writing and drawing the basic knowledge of form, function and the history of the development of the Latin writing system. In addition, texts (calligraphy), lettering, alphabets and sign systems are designed. It is important to discover, develop and visualise the design principles of letter forms. These are based on the understanding of form established in writing and on free experimentation. Typical works that arise here are writing sheets, lettering, logos, posters and digital typefaces. Elaboration can also be tailored to the type of work, such as in the form of a modular system, an animation or a template. The history and classification of scripts and typefaces are taught both theoretically through lectures and in the form of practical exercises. If students wish, they can design, digitise and produce their own typeface or typeface family. Focus is set individually and can be, for example, in the concept for a specific application, the development of different styles, alternative letters, decorative letters, icons, symbols and (OpenType) programming.
From an organisational point of view, the typeface design courses belong to the Department of Typography and Book Design. The courses are open to students of all departments and degree courses. Collaboration with the various workshops of the Muthesius University takes place depending on the orientation of the projects. For example, in cooperation with Ms. Katharina Jesdinsky (lithography workshop), the so-called litho-lettering course is offered. Optionally, independent work with focus on “script or typeface” can be designed and worked out, if necessary, also interdisciplinary. If a student wishes to deal with the theoretical aspects of typeface design, they can do a presentation or write an obligatory term paper on typeface design in consultation with the Institute for the Science of Art and Media. In such cases, the teaching staff supervises the factual content. If a typeface is designed as part of the Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, it makes sense to choose a closely related topic for the theoretical work. Here, the staff also supervises the factual content.
QUESTIONS?
Phillip Neumeyer
Type design BA and MA
post@philippneumeyer.com
Martin Wunderlich
Typeface Design Digital (BA and MA)
T 0431 / 720 73 60
E mw@wunderlich-design.de
Prof. André Heers
Typeface Design BA Thesis and MA Thesis
T 0431 / 5198 – 449
E heers@muthesius.de