OUGD503 - Banner Design Brief - Type Considerations

In order to represent the ASPIRE system aims, it has been decided to use larger letterforms within the design to represent each letter and each aim of this reward system. This will be done so that when the banners are hung within the school setting, the banners clearly spell out the word 'ASPIRE' so that their meaning is more effectively communicated.

It was thought that these larger letterforms needed to be much more clearer than the main text type since these would be on a larger scale and most likely seen before the other, smaller areas of text. A more neutral typeface has therefore been selected, although despite this neutrality, the typeface uses some curved elements making it more friendly than some. These will also be made more playful when placed amongst the illustrations, giving them more appeal.

In addition, these larger letterforms will be paired with text which spells out the aim these individual letters are representing for extra clarity, particularly for new students, parents and visitors. So, for instance, the letter 'A' will be paired with 'Aim High', it's corresponding aim.

The brief states that the banners should foster the idea of fun as one of the main components, therefore the use of type should be playful in order to convey this idea, as well as working alongside the illustrations to enhance the banner's overall message.

Top to bottom: AR CENA, AR CHRISTY, Cubano, and MV Boli.

The typefaces chosen above were an initial selection which I thought have a playful nature to them, all but one featuring curved elements. It was thought that these curved elements meant the type wasn't too sharp or straight-edged which may not be as appealing to young children and could potentially convey the wrong sort of message, something more sinister than fun. I also felt the selection presented some child-like features in the movement of some letterforms, particularly seen in AR CHRISTY and MV Boli, representing the energy young children have.

MV Boli was chosen as the final typeface for the main text, since it was thought that this best conveyed the bundles of energy children tend to have in it's direction and the fast strokes of letterforms. It was also felt that the typeface had aesthetic qualities similar to those which would be found in a comic book, something which children may be able to associate with, also working to bring in the element of fun the school wants conveyed in the banner designs.

In addition, this type was seen as having similar characteristics to the school's existing logotype, which brings an area of familiarity into the designs.