Expressive Typography

Typography is often defined by its function — the art of arranging type to make language visible. But what happens when typography is given an expressive, almost living quality, something beyond letters on a screen or paper?

This question was at the heart of my academic project, a journey into "expressive typography" that sought to embody words visually and functionally.

The word I chose to bring to life was "SUNFLOWER."

Why the Sunflower?

Sunflowers are nature's cheerful optimists, always turning to face the sun. This positive, radiant quality made "sunflower" the perfect word to explore expressively. I began with a simple but powerful idea: to let the word "sunflower" show what it is. Through sketches and ideas, I played with the shapes and elements that could represent the sunflower’s structure and movement. My vision was clear — a typographic sunflower that radiates both form and function.

Concept and First Sketches

The first concept I landed on was to have the sunflower’s "petals" spin like a windmill, attached to a base that could hold it securely. The “petals“ will also be the letters of the word sunflower.

This idea resonated with my professor, who encouraged me to take it further. With access to a wood lab equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters, I had the resources to bring the sketch to life.

The First Prototype

After rounds of feedback and adjustments, I produced a prototype that captured the essence of expressive typography while preserving functionality. Seeing the prototype live highlighted certain design flaws, so I returned to the digital file to make adjustments before finalizing the piece.

Learning From Failure

My prior experience at a Wayfinding studio had given me some foundational knowledge of preparing print files for production. However, creating a physical piece from scratch was an entirely new challenge. Turning an idea into something tangible requires constant adjustments and problem-solving.

Evolving Ideas: From Art to Functionality

As I developed the piece, I realized I wanted to make this decorative "table buddy," Sunny, even more interactive. I envisioned it as a multi-functional item that could serve both decorative and practical purposes. Some features I considered included:

• A clock mechanism at the center of the sunflower

• A phone stand on one side, a sticky note holder on the other

• A pen stand integrated into the stem

I soon realized they were leading me away from the project’s core purpose: expressive typography.

I wanted Sunny to reflect the essence of the sunflower in a straightforward, minimalist way without over-complicating the design. So, I revisited my original concept, refining it with a larger base plate to hold small items like earphones, notes, or a watch.

Prototyping and Final Adjustments

After several rounds of approvals and corrections to print the file on the acrylic sheets, we were ready. I glued the pieces together and the product was almost ready (the windmill mechanism has yet to be worked on till this stage.)

The Final Piece: Sunny — Spinner & Holder

The journey from concept to creation was filled with learning, feedback, and refinement. Each iteration brought me closer to the vision of an expressive, functional typography piece. And so, I present "Sunny" — a cheerful, functional desk buddy that embodies the joyful essence of a sunflower, merging expressive typography with utility.

Conclusion

This project has shown me the power of typography as more than just text; it can be expressive, evocative, and functional. Throughout the project, I learned how to adapt to situations and overcome difficulties on the spot and deliver on time.

Through Sunny, I aimed to capture not only the look but the spirit of the word "sunflower," creating a piece that is both beautiful and purposeful.

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