X Marks the Spot: Poster Series

GRAPHIC DESIGN | TYPOGRAPHY


The objective of this project was to create a series of typographic posters revolving around the topic of three inventors using research, visual concepts, and experimental typography.

Each of the following revolutionary inventors contributed significantly to our world with innovations rooted in ideas they put into motion through their hard work. Gladys West demonstrated perseverance and empowered many through her satellite geodesy model, which is rooted in the idea of the GPS that we use in our day-to-day lives in the modern day. Claudius Ptolemy sparked curiosity and discoveries and transformed the basis of knowledge that the world had about the motion of stars and planets through his geocentric theory of the universe. Kursat Ceylan exemplified strategic and innovative ways of thinking through his invention of the Smartcane; a modern approach to assistance that has helped improve many lives of those with visual impairments.

Initial Sketches

I began the initial conceptualization of these poster designs by generating several rough pencil sketches, which served as the foundational step in the ideation process. In a deliberate effort to explore and refine various creative concepts, I worked with the medium of pencil and paper in order to experiment with diverse compositional layouts, visual elements, and typographic arrangements.

Concept Exploration/Generation

The central theme of these posters revolves around the concept of 'motion,' which is portrayed through the innovative manipulation of paper and digital enhancements. These distorted type ideations were then incorporated into the digital crafting process, adding an organic and abstract feel to the final compositions.

Digital Iterations

To enhance the uniqueness of each poster while maintaining a consistent visual thread, I introduced various digital elements using Illustrator and Photoshop, including typographic “texture” and the use of points and lines. Incorporating my work from the free-play workshop throughout this creative journey allowed me to discover innovative avenues for incorporating additional elements into each poster, ultimately contributing to their distinctiveness and overall artistic impact.

Final Results

Overall, the final results of this project exemplify how traditional and digital methods can come together to create visually appealing and meaningful designs. In addition, these posters pay tribute to inventors and their groundbreaking ideas, all while emphasizing the theme of motion and innovation.