Cooper Union

Type Design II

This course offers the next step in a typeface design curriculum. While it assumes a basic understanding, we will start with a software introduction and a quick theory refresher. The term's two assignments complement each other in each addressing one side of the artists brain and exercising creative expression as well as practicing industry standard craftsmanship: 1) Within a self-defined set of creative parameters we will design a group of serialized shapes, similar enough to be recognized as belonging to the same set but diverse enough to be easily distinguishable. 2) A classic font revival project will provide the perfect environment to develop a keen typographic eye as well as train drafting, spacing and kerning skills.

Fall 2023. 3 credits. Pre-Req: GD II and Pre/Co-Req: Typography I.

Course Code: FA-315A-1

Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.
“My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”
From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.
Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.