Experiments in Type
The aim of this project was to create a poster demonstrating the vast nature of type. To contribute to a multidimensional type story, I wove the digital nature of typography into an analog presentation of crochet lettering.
Tools Used: Crochet, Photoshop, InDesign
Course: Graphic Design, Texas State University
Deliverables: Type poster
The Vision
I wanted to make a colorful and textural expression in type using a wide variety of typefaces and typestyles. As the project was being introduced, I knew I wanted to use crochet in some capacity.
With crochet, I would be in full control over the type and color scheme, allowing me to fully push the boundaries of the project. Each letter could be its own work of art, showcasing type, color, and craftsmanship. The letters could come together in the end to create a compellingly unique type experience, with the sum greater than its parts.
The Process
I started off looking for yarn. Finding a variety of yarns was key to creating the idea of endless possibilities. I was able to acquire the yarn collection of an older woman who had given up knitting; I loved the dimension this added to the project.
Once I had a color palette from this salvaged yarn, I started drafting the patterns for the text. I wanted to make the word “type” the focal point, so I made each letter its own unique style. I created my own patterns for each letter using grid paper. With my grid paper patterns in hand, I crocheted all of the text. Once all of the pieces were created, I brought my project into the photo lab to take pictures. For the pictures, I used the grainy digital camera my mom got me when I was 10 to capture all of the images in an effort to continue crafting a vintage, timeless aesthetic to combat the digitality of what we think of when we think of “type”.
When I had all of the images, I uploaded the photos into Photoshop to make edits and make the colors more vivid.
