Typographic Deconstruction Lecture Notes

Introduction to Typographic Deconstruction

• Movement began in the 1970s and continued through the 1990s.
• Involved influential designers and artists.
• Focus on layering imagery and multiple readings.
• Explores design with no ties to historical theories.

Key Designers

April Greiman

• Studied at Basel School of Design in Switzerland (1970-1971).
• Influenced by Armin Hoffmann and Wolfgang Weingart.
• Integrated International Typographic Style.
• Style includes:
  • Layering type to appear floating.
  • Use of geometric shapes, exaggerated letter spacing, eccentric colors.
  • Combination of graphical elements and photography.
• Embraced digital technology and Macintosh.
• Rejected view that digitization would compromise International Style.
• Head of Design at CalArts in 1982; renamed department to Visual Communications.
• Work emphasizes depth and combines digital elements.

David Carson

• Not formally trained in design; background in sociology.
• Known for breaking design rules and deconstructing typography.
• Inspired by cultural style, approached design personally.
• Notable work:
  • Art director for Transworld Skateboarding and Beach Culture.
  • Influential work with Raygun magazine.
• Believed legibility did not equal communication.
• Designs often chaotic, abstract, but visually compelling.
• Known for engaging audiences with difficult-to-read typography.

Neville Brody

• Influenced by David Carson's work.
• Established designer, worked with clients like Nike.
• Influences:
  • 1977 punk rock scene.
  • Album cover design.
• Innovator in type and image layout.
• Designed over 20 typefaces.
• Art director for Face Magazine and involved in Fuse Project.
• Advocate for computer use in design.

Important Movements and Publications

Emma Gray

• Digital type foundry in Berkeley, coincided with Macintosh emergence.
• Known for innovative digital layouts.
• Publications housed at Museum of Modern Art.

Raygun Magazine

• American alternative rock and roll magazine.
• Not mainstream, featured groundbreaking design.

Fuse Project

• Interactive magazine challenging typography ideas.

Assignments and Projects

• Upcoming project focusing on David Carson.
• Design a book cover using emotions and personal connection.
• Explore influences and characteristics such as:
  • Carson's background (surfer, sociologist, designer).
  • Impact of digital revolution on design.

Conclusion

• Reflect on the impact of technology on design movements.
• Comparison with other art movements such as Art Nouveau, Futurism, and Dada.
• Emphasis on personal and emotional design in upcoming projects.