Be original. Experiment. Communicate meaning.
Assignment Brief
Create an original drop cap using one of your initials.
Objectives
- To appreciate the refinement of well-designed letterforms
- To communicate style and meaning through appropriate choices
- To improve pen tool ability in Adobe Illustrator
Specifications
- Size: Portrait Letter (8.5×11”)
- Maximum Height of Drop Cap: 2"
- Color Mode: RBG
- Adobe Acrobat PDF
Final Deliverables
Be ready to present your completed drop cap on-screen at the beginning of class. Late work will not be accepted or critiqued. Save your PDF and Adobe Illustrator files to the AVC server using your full name as the filename (i.e. ray-elder.pdf).
Drop Cap: Portrait format Letter page with drop cap in PDF format showcasing your originality and letterform refinement.
Timeline
Project hours: 8
Two weeks of the semester are assigned to complete this creative challenge. Late work will not be accepted or critiqued. No redos allowed. See semester schedule for deadlines.
Week One
Research & ideation: Chose an initial from your name. Research drop cap styles for your chosen initial. Document your favorites. Be prepared to justify your choice of favorites.
Idea exploration: Explore 2-3 original type designs for your chosen initial. Thumbnail ideas in pencil first before using a computer.
Week Two
Refinement & Presentation: Scan your chosen letterform. Redraw using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. Further refine the letterform paying special attention to shape, line and color. Proof and export a PDF for on-screen presentation and class discussion.
Inspiration
Google Search Terms
- Drop Cap
- Initial Letter
- Initial Cap