Discuss, Identify and Present Evidence On How Typography Can Become Uncanny Within Graphic Design
What Does Uncanny Mean?
"The uncanny (German: Das Unheimliche, "the opposite of what is familiar") is a mixture of the familiar and unfamiliar that is experienced as being peculiar..."
The most obvious and appropriate way to support my essay through design is to create the most uncanny typeface possible. Using everything that I have learnt through my research and essay, I have identified the physical design aspects and traits that create typography that is 'uncanny' and will use this to my advantage to influence my design.
I will not be creating something that is obviously 'uncanny', like the image above for example. This is more illustrative and too visually obvious as to why it appears to be 'uncanny'.
The use of different typefaces, as seen in the image above and in ransom notes could be another path that I could go down. Using different rules for different glyphs could then become uncanny when used together.
What Makes A Typeface Uncanny?
Survey & Results
I created a survey to see which typeface people would rank the 'most uncanny'.
From my survey I have found that Bradley Hand Bold was seen to be 'the most uncanny'. This has made me realise that because the typeface was supposed to be handwritten and then was pushed into being created digitally, changes its personality and connotations. This now feels un-emotional and uncomfortable to look at. For these reasons I will too create my typeface by hand, then render it digitally to create the same emotionless and uneasy appearance and connotations.
What Makes A Typeface Heimlich?
In contrast to the abovee research I also wanted to look into what makes a typeface Heimlich/friendly.
As far as a friendly font goes, I could look at a number of things:
- Being welcoming and friendly generally
- Being easy to read for people with Dyslexia
- Child friendly
- A delicate, vulnerable typeface that would appear to be harmless
- One that is so overused that it seems to be friendly as we see it everywhere in daily life
- A rounded, soft edged typeface
- Sturdy and trustworthy
Psychology & Graphology: What It It?
Looking at the handwriting and actions of political leaders in order to find out whether their actions are their own (according to the data and personality traits I gather from their handwriting) or whether they are simply a puppet to be controlled. I would look at how their actions affect their writing and whether I can see a change between post and pre-war (for example).
In order to understand how a typeface can be uncanny, it is important to understand how traits and characteristics of the glyphs can appear this way. Using Graphology to analyse the letters will also aid me to understand the mentality of the writer which in turn is transferred into their handwriting. These work hand-in-hand together and will allow me to create the most uncanny typeface possible not only because of it's appearance but because of the connotations of the personality of the person who would have written it.
How To Analyse Handwriting
What Is Graphology?
"Graphology is he study of handwriting (written and printed symbols and of writing system), for example as used to infer a person's character".
"We were all taught to write in a specific way when we were children at school, but it is evident that no one continues to write exactly the way they were taught and everyone’s handwriting looks different. In fact as soon as someone can write, he or she gradually alters the shapes and sizes of letters in accordance with individual likes and dislikes".
Why is this?
"The reason is that our personalities affect the way our handwriting develops after we were taught to write. This is because handwriting is the pattern of our psychology expressed in symbols on the page and these symbols are as unique as our own DNA".
How To Analyse Handwriting
There are various ways to analyse someones personality through their handwriting below are a few examples of how to do this.
Slant
Right slant indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities.
Size
Large size handwriting can mean extrovert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behaviour might not be exhibited to strangers.
Pressure
Heavy pressure indicates commitment and taking things seriously, but if the pressure is excessively heavy, that writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterwards.
Upper Zone/Case (as in l, t, h, etc)
Tall upper strokes are reaching towards goals and ambitions or, if they are very extended, there may be unrealistic expectations of what the person feels they must achieve.
Lower Zone (as in g, y, p, etc)
A full loop with heavy pressure indicates energy/money-making/sensuality possibilities, subject to correlation with other features.
Word Spacing
Narrow spaces between words indicate a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse.
Line Spacing
Closely spaced lines indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Page Margins
The left side margin shows the roots and beginnings/family.
The top is goals and ambitions.
The foot of the page shows energy, instincts and practicality.
Middle Zone Or Case (as in a, c, e, etc)
The middle zone in the script represents the ego - from it we get a lot of information as to how the writer feels and acts in public settings - what makes them tick socially and at work.
'Style'
Some people's handwriting consists of only one single style, but many people will have a mixture of two handwriting styles or more.
Arcade 'Style'
This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches. It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
garland
Garland 'Style'
is like an inverted 'arcade' and is a people-orientated script. These writers make their m's, n's and h's in the opposite way to the arcade writer, like cups, or troughs, into which people can pour their troubles or just give information. The Garland writer enjoys being helpful and likes to be involved.
angle
There are many more ways to analyse handwriting and signatures for that matter, I have only listed a few. The rest can be found through the link below.(This information was gathered from http://www.businessballs.com/graphologyhandwritinganalysis.htm)
Analysing My Own Writing
(Slight) Right Slant:
This indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities.
Large Writing Size:
This can mean can mean that this person is an extrovert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behaviour might not be exhibited to strangers.
Heavy Pressure:
Indicates commitment and taking things seriously
Low Upper Strokes:
This indicates someone who likes to think things through and use their imagination in a sensible way.
A 'Cradle' In The Lower Zone:
(letters g and y) lower stroke suggests an avoidance of aggression and confrontation.
Varied Lower Zone Shapes:
Show that the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
Distortion:
Unfinished words can be a sign of intelligence and impatience. Uncompleted case letters, eg ‘a’s, ‘b’s etc., (open when they would normally be joined loops) show a casual nature; very open shows propensity to gossip.
Tittles:
Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things. Directly above, close to and in line means exacting. Ahead means active and thinking. Yet after looking very closely I have noticed that the positioning is inconsistent (varying positions) which means a distracted mind.
Closely/Evenly Spaced Lines:
Indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Very Narrow Left Margin:
If the left is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated.
Narrow Right Margin:
Shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things
Zones:
Looking at the zones that my writing enter into, it is clear that my personality features imagination, logic, pragmatism, common-sense, instinct, animal appetite. Yet as my writing is more focused centrally it shows that I have a mental and social approach to life.
Middle Zone: Arcade
This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches. It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
(This information was gathered from http://www.businessballs.com/graphologyhandwritinganalysis.htm)
Signature Analysis
Large Signature:
This shows a sense of status- which may, in real life, be the case, but it terms of the signature, that's not the point- of having value. If the signature is larger than the handwriting (which in my case, it is), the writer carries a pretence of higher self esteem- and confidence- than is the case. This is a 'front'.
Legibility:
Comparing my signature and my handwriting together I have found that as both are illegible this translates as a 'deliberate attempt to create an aura of mystery and enigma around the writer, who enjoys the idea of being difficult to know. They do not want you to know what you are really thinking.
Slant:
The right slant represents an outgoing, bubbly persona yet the line and crossing through shows that I am very self critical.
This 100% describes who I am. My close friends agree.
This is the website that I used to analyse my signature
Unknown Author. (18/06/2012). What Does Your Handwriting Say About You.Available: http://atozhandwriting.com/signature-analysis/. Last accessed 01/02/2015.
My Reaction
After reading through my analysis I have to say that I do agree with everything that I have discovered, especially when comparing my handwriting to my signature.
Other Peoples Views
Although it was important for me to explain whether I thought that the analysis of my own writing and personality was right, I also wanted to see whether others agreed.
I spoke to a group of close friends and they all agreed that this very much sounds like my personality.
Peers Handwriting Graphology Assessment
I asked a group of my peers to write out a short paragraph from the book 'Little Women' this was simply so that I could analyse their handwriting when they where simply responding to something that I was reading aloud. Along with this to ensure that I could easily analyse every letter that they wrote I asked them to write a paragraph.
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents", grumbled Jo, lying on the rug."
"It's so dreadful to be poor", sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
Peer Handwriting Analysis
Below I have analysed 2 of these specimens in detail and asked for their own feedback as to whether they felt that this graphological study and result was a good representation of themselves or not.
Rosalyn Halford
Right Slant:
This indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities.
Small Writing Size:
Small size handwriting can indicate a thinker and an academic, depending upon other features in the script.
Small & Delicate:
The writer is unlikely to be a good communicator with anyone other than those on their own particular wavelength. These people do not generally find it easy to break new ground socially.
Heavy Pressure:
Indicates commitment and taking things seriously
Excessively Heavy Pressure:
The writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterwards.
Tall Upper Strokes:
Reaching towards goals and ambitions
A 'Cradle' In The Lower Zone:
(letters g and y) lower stroke suggests an avoidance of aggression and confrontation.
Varied Shapes show that the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
Narrow Spaces Between Words:
This indicates a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse. Close words are also a sign of sociability.
Distortion:
Unfinished words can be a sign of intelligence and impatience. Uncompleted case letters, eg ‘a’s, ‘b’s etc., (open when they would normally be joined loops) show a casual nature; very open shows propensity to gossip.
Tittles:
Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things. Ahead means active and thinking. Flicked shows sense of humour.
Closely Spaced Lines:
Indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Narrow Left Margin:
If the left is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated.
Narrow Right Margin:
Shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things
Zones:
Looking at the zones that your writing enter into, it is clear that your personality features imagination, logic, pragmatism, common-sense, instinct, animal appetite. Yet as your writing is more focused centrally it shows that you have a mental and social approach to life.
Middle Zone: Arcade
This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches. It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
Signature Analysis
Size:
Medium sized signature (same as the handwriting) show a balance of sense of value and modesty. As it is the same size as the script it shows someone with knowledge of, and acceptance of, how she is perceived. When this person is in public, they do not put on an act.
Initials:
As only the initials are used this either means that Rosalyn prefers the formality and reserve of the more 'businesslike' initials, in which case she is more likely to have more conventional, even old fashioned, values. Or, she deeply dislikes her first name.
Legibility:
Comparing the signature to her scripts it is clear to see that Rosalyn's script is legible whereas her signature is less so. This suggests that she feels that what is said is more important than her true identity, and is hiding her true identity.
Positioning:
As Rosalyn placed her signature in the middle, is shows importance and a need for attention. The line going through the initials signifies someone who is very self critical, while the full stop is a sign of self-centerdness
Unknown Author. (18/06/2012). What Does Your Handwriting Say About You.Available: http://atozhandwriting.com/signature-analysis/. Last accessed 01/02/2015
Rosalyn's Reaction
Handwriting:
"I'd definitely agree with pretty much all of these points. As someone who was sceptical of this form of personality analysis I am pretty taken aback with the results. There's a lot more information contained within writing than I thought. It's certainly made me more aware of what I do when I write."
Signature:
"The balance and sense of modesty is very accurate. The reason that I put initials is because when I was younger I wanted something which was easy to replicate, I do like my name and do not have old fashioned/conventional values. Overall, I really do agree with this analysis".
Jess Johnson
Upright Slant:
This indicates independence and motivation through factors rather than people (neither extrovert or introvert). This also shows emotional consistency.
Large Writing Size:
This can mean can mean that this person is an extrovert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behaviour might not be exhibited to strangers.
The Letter 'S':
‘Stand-alone’ or properly formed ‘s’s at word ends show independence. Word-end ‘s’s where top of letter is formed into downward right loop show a yielding or co-operative nature.
Heavy Pressure:
Indicates commitment and taking things seriously
Low Upper Strokes:
This represents that this person is not very idealistic.
A 'Cradle' In The Lower Zone:
(letters g and y) lower stroke suggests an avoidance of aggression and confrontation.
Varied Shapes show that the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
The writing also features very straight strokes which shows impatience to get the job done.
Narrow Spaces Between Words:
This indicates a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse. Close words are also a sign of sociability.
Tittles:
Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things. Ahead means active and thinking.
Closely Spaced Lines:
Indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Narrow Left Margin:
If the left is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated.
Narrow Right Margin:
shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things
Zones:
Logical, pragmatic, common sense, instinct
Middle Zone:Arcade
This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches. It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
Signature Analysis
Size:
Medium sized signature (same as the handwriting) show a balance of sense of value and modesty. As it is the same size as the script it shows someone with knowledge of, and acceptance of, how she is perceived. When this person is in public, they do not put on an act.
Legibility:
The complete legibility of Jess's signature shows open and straight forward social attitudes. The writer is happy to be accepted as she is.
Slant:
The right slant represents her bubbly and outgoing persona.
Positioning:
As Jess placed her signature in the middle, is shows importance and a need for attention.
Unknown Author. (18/06/2012). What Does Your Handwriting Say About You.Available: http://atozhandwriting.com/signature-analysis/. Last accessed 01/02/2015.
Jess's Reaction
Handwriting:
"I would say that this accurately represents my personality in many ways. I am confident and independent and I find that I'm very outgoing. Impatience is definitely a bad trait of mine and so is being stubborn so I think this is a true representation of myself".
Signature:
"Again this is a really accurate analysis of my personality, I'm very straight forward and I am open with my 'what you see is what you get' persona."
Alex Phippsy
As all of my analysis have been of female handwriting, I wanted to collect a sample of handwriting from a male.
Handwriting Analysis
Right Slant:
This indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities.
Small Writing Size:
Small size handwriting can indicate a thinker and an academic, depending upon other features in the script.
Light Pressure:
This shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, yet in places, the pressure is uneven, which shows lack of vitality.
Upper Strokes:
They are reasonably proportioned upper zone loops, this indicates someone who likes to think things through and use their imagination in a sensible way.
'Cradle' In The Lower Zone:
(letters g and y) lower stroke suggests an avoidance of aggression and confrontation.
Varied Shapes show that the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
Larger Spaces Between Words:
Wide spaces between words are saying - 'give me breathing space'.
Distortion:
Unfinished words can be a sign of intelligence and impatience. Uncompleted case letters, eg ‘a’s, ‘b’s etc., (open when they would normally be joined loops) show a casual nature; very open shows propensity to gossip.
Tittles:
Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things. Directly above, close to and in line means exacting.
Closely Spaced Lines:
Indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Margins:
The fact that his writing is focused more to the right side shows other people and the future.
As there is a wide left margin, the interest is in moving on While the narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things.
Narrow Right Margin:
shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things
Zones:
As Alex's writing is more central and lower, these are signs that he holds logic, pragmatism, common-sense and instinct within his personality.
Zone: GarlandGarland is like an inverted 'arcade' and is a people-orientated script. These writers make their m's, n's and h's in the opposite way to the arcade writer, like cups, or troughs, into which people can pour their troubles or just give information. The Garland writer enjoys being helpful and likes to be involved.
Signature Analysis
Large Signature:
This shows a sense of status- which may, in real life, be the case, but it terms of the signature, that's not the point- of having value. If the signature is larger than the handwriting (which in his case, it is), the writer carries a pretence of higher self esteem- and confidence- than is the case. This is a 'front'.
Initials:
As only the initials are used this either means that Alex prefers the formality and reserve of the more 'businesslike' initials, in which case he is more likely to have more conventional, even old fashioned, values. Or, he deeply dislikes his first name. The line and crossing through shows that he is very self critical.
Legibility:
Comparing the signature to his script, it is clear to see that Alex's script is legible whereas his signature is less so. This suggests that he feels that what is said is more important than his true identity, and is hiding his true identity.
Positioning:
As Alex placed his signature in to the right this is a sign that he is forward looking and natural.
Unknown Author. (18/06/2012). What Does Your Handwriting Say About You.Available: http://atozhandwriting.com/signature-analysis/. Last accessed 01/02/2015.
Alex's Reaction
Handwriting & Signature:
"That's really cool. Some parts I feel are looking into it a bit too much, as I don't really care what I write like, I just do what is quickest and most comfortable for me. However a lot of it is really interesting and describes me perfectly".
Conclusion
As all of my feedback was positive and agreed with I can only surmise that the techniques that I have used and analysis overall is successful and trustworthy. I now know that if I where to use this on people that I do not know at all, I will also get almost perfect results, again.
Exhibitions
I went to an exhibition at the Tetley which featured lots of handwritten type. Love letters mostly. Below I will look at one of them to examine the moods and personality traits of the writer. The link above shows more imagery from this exhibition featured on my PPP2 blog.
Analysing Handwriting of Killers
The reason for doing this exercise was to identify recurring features within the samples that link to their unstable personalities. This will aid me when creating my own uncanny type and I will ultimately be creating a kind of character that has originally written the typeface.
(Jack The Ripper)
Tall upper strokes
Large capital letters
Capital letters that are ornamented
Rushed handwriting and unfinished words
Straight lower zone (g, y, p etc)
Closely spaced lines
Margins: Left narrow and right narrow
Right letter/word slant (varied in places)
Upper line slope
Small word spacing
Heavy pressure
Varied Tittles
(The Zodiac Killer)
Large capital letters
Straight lower zone (g, y, p etc)
Closely spaced lines
Upper line slope
Margins: Left narrow and right narrow
Heavy pressure
Right letter/word slant (varied in places
Words fall from lines/grid and change line slope
Varied Tittles
Similarities
I have looked at two letters from psychopathic murderers. They have the following in common,
Large capital letters
Straight lower zone (g, y, p etc)
Closely spaced lines
Upper line slope
Margins: Left narrow and right narrow
Heavy pressure
Right letter/word slant (varied in places)
Varied Tittles
These are the areas that I would like to look into a little more as to provide scope on what these characteristics tell us about the person. These are, so far, the most appropriate characteristics that I could also use within my own work.
Divisions Of Personality
Divisions of the personality An essential aspect to analyse is the bias of the writing towards upper, central and lower cases. The upper case is the area in which the extended up-strokes are found in the tall letters like b, d, f, h, l, t, etc. The central or middle case is the central region occupied by letters with neither long up-strokes nor long down-strokes, such as a, c, e, m, n, o, etc. Which obviously means that the lower case is the area occupied by the extended down-strokes of letters such as g, j, p, q, etc.
- Uneven upper loops show changeable satisfaction, or disillusionment.
- Closed ‘e’s and other small closed central loops show secrecy.
- ‘Stand-alone’ or properly formed ‘s’s at word ends show independence
- ƒ Angular central case is a sign of an interest in ideas rather than people.
- Loops in angular writing show a potentially difficult character
- Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things: Directly above, close to and in line means exacting. Ahead means active and thinking. Flicked shows sense of humour. Behind shows thoughtful. Inconsistent (varying positions) means a distracted mind.
Looking at the samples above, I have concluded the first is mostly focused in the lower zone, revealing this characters physical force. As for the second sample, the glyphs are focused in the central area. This shows logic, pragmatism, common-sense and instinct.
In conclusion, the type should really have a small central focus combined with a long, lower zone.
How To Identify A Psychopath Through Their Writing & Personality
I am purely using this research to influence and help me to choose appropriate characteristics within graphology to use when creating my own uncanny typeface. Below I have looked at the 'Hare Psychopathy Checklist' and selected the ones which could influence my design and the features that I choose for my design.
- Grandiose estimation of self:
Tall upper strokes are reaching towards goals and ambitions or, if they are very extended, there may be unrealistic expectations of what the person feels they must achieve. Large capital letters denote a person who is self-motivated, determined, quite ambitious and successful in business. Capital letters that are ornamented usually denote one who is ostentatious and with shallow intellect. He likes to boast about each and everything.
- Need for stimulation:
This could be shown be having rushed handwriting as uunfinished words can be a sign of impatience and intelligence. This can also be shown by having a straight lower zone (g, y, p etc)
- Shallow affect (superficial emotional responsiveness):
Varied shapes in the lower zone, the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally
- Callousness and lack of empathy:
Closely spaced lines indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them. This shows lack of empathy as they do not care if they get their hands dirty.
- Poor behavioural controls:
Margins- If it is left narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated. Narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things.
- Manipulative:
This could be visualised by creating a right slant on the design as to indicate a response to communication such as control and manipulation. Small word spacing shows the intrusive side.
- Many short-term marital relationships:
Heavy pressure indicates commitment and taking things seriously, but if the pressure is excessively heavy, that writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterwards. This would also apply to impulsiveness and behavioural controls. Capital letters made with heavy pressure indicate that a person is under stress or going through a phase of aggression.
Above I have identified some of the physical features and characteristics that would be expected when looking a the writing of a psychopath, as also identified previous. This is appropriate to research into as uncanny type/writing would hold some if not most of these traits in order for it to be classed as 'uncanny'.
Initial Ideas (To Discuss In Crit)
- Base it on my own handwriting but alter parts
- 2 letters "You are such a bitch. Haha" (one in scary and one in normal writing to show how the tone of something can totally change with the choice of typeface)
- Pick 3 characteristics and change a typeface using these three characteristics to make an uncanny typeface
- Design and create 2 typefaces (make a friendly one and an uncanny one)
- Book to show (flip through/acetate) to show how a typeface can become more uncanny? (Choose existing ones?)
Crit Feedback
- Look into surrealism and the movements around this.
- Research Dada
- Look at Charles Bronson's art work. He is 'unstable' and locked up yet he releases artwork through art therapy and this could help you specify a direction.
- Gill Sans was mentally unstable and yet he created a very uniformed and well designed typeface which is used all over the UK.
Reaction To Crit: Research
DADA
"Dada was an artistic and literary movement that began in 1916 in Zurich, Switzerland. It arose as a reaction to World War I, and the nationalism, and rationalism, which many thought had brought war about."
The images above, combine type and image to create something aesthetically unsettling and 'uncanny'. The various typefaces, colours ans sizes have connotations to ransom letters and how they are created through piecing various letter forms together. It becomes clear that these are not usually placed together in such a way and appear un-natural.
The layering of the various aspects also create a chaotic aesthetic, which when combined with the un-natural use of type and orientation all create a very uncanny, unfriendly and odd design.
Using this as influence, I could think about how some of the glyphs would differ from others as to make some stand out more so than others. This would represent the distraction and possible emotion in the mind of the writer at the time.
Charles Bronson
Charles Bronson's designs are more image based. Although I don't feel that his writing emits any uncanny or unfriendly feelings, his drawings can be rather unwelcoming. This is what my peers wanted me to look at an identify that the type placed with an image does not necessarily take on those connotations too. In fact, these examples above prove that this is not the case at all. They can connote different things. In my opinion the text is an after thought simply to give more of a comical insight into the designs. These in combination can seem uncanny but the type, purely alone, does not.
Gill Sans
I found that looking into Gill Sans was rather interesting to relate back to my research into graphology. This is simple as Sans was a strange and unstable character yet his typeface design does not represent these traits, in any way shape or form. This may be as it was not based from his handwriting and was simple designed and created in response to a problem.
This was interesting to find out and should be something that I keep in mind throughout. Maybe his typeface was uniformed and simple as this is how he believed he lived, delusionally.
Design Decision
After receiving this feedback I have decided that I would like to visually represent how the idea of something being uncanny can be achieved by using my knowledge of graphology and designing using certain identified aspects.
Using my own handwriting to start with, I will adjust a number of features and characteristics. These have been identified through my research and essay and will make the typeface appear more uncanny. My typeface will consist of upper and lowercase A-Z along with 2 glyphs, a comma and period, as these are essential when writing.
Juxtaposing this with the original sample, the more neutral typeface will allow the audience to see the subtle changes and how a typeface can so very easily change when used in the same context.
Handwriting Traits
Below, I have concluded yet elaborated on the traits which will allow my typeface to be an 'uncanny' on. These are all based on my extensive research into graphology, writing, personality, connotations as well as aesthetics, just to name a few. When combined, this should present me with the most uncanny typeface possible.
Slant
Left slant: Tendency shows emotion and reserve. This writer needs to be true to self first and foremost and can be resentful if others try to push for more commitment from them. The person tends to be withdrawn to them self.
Size
Small & Delicate: the writer is unlikely to be a good communicator with anyone other than those on their own particular wavelength. These people do not generally find it easy to break new ground socially.
Small writing is generally a sign of technical personality.
Pressure
Heavy pressure indicates commitment and taking things seriously, but if the pressure is
Excessively heavy, that writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterwards.
Upper Zone/Case (as in l, t, h, etc)
Very extended, there may be unrealistic expectations of what the person feels they must achieve.
Uneven upper loops show changeable satisfaction, or disillusionment.
Lower Zone (as in g, y, p, etc)
Straight stroke shows impatience to get the job done.
Varied shapes in the lower zone, the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
Word Spacing
Wide spaces between words are saying - 'give me breathing space- I have to be alone'
Line Spacing
(Unlined paper for exhibiting line-spacing features.)
Closely spaced lines indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
Page Margins
Narrow left means caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated.
Wide right margin shows that there may be some fear of the unknown.
Middle Zone/Case (as in a, c, e, etc)
The middle zone in the script represents the ego
Thread handwriting is like unravelled wool, waiting to be made up into something fresh. These writers are mentally alert and adaptable, but can also be elusive and lack patience. They are responders, rather than initiators. They can be very clever at drawing together strands of information and making something of them. Therefore they observe and bide their time, so that decisions are made at the most appropriate moment.
Closed ‘e’s and other small closed central loops show secrecy.
‘Stand-alone’ or properly formed ‘s’s at word ends show independence.
Distortion
Unfinished words can be a sign of intelligence and impatience. Uncompleted case letters, eg ‘a’s, ‘b’s etc., (open when they would normally be joined loops) show a casual nature; very open shows propensity to gossip.
Tittles
Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things. Inconsistent (varying positions) which means a distracted mind.
After identifying these traits, I would like to start to combine and create a typeface.
From looking at the handwriting, above, I can see that most of the traits that I have picked out previously, are also seen within the samples of the two killers writings. These images are writings from 'The Zodiac Killer' and 'Jack The Ripper'. This was a way for me to test out my conclusions of traits seen within 'unstable characters' which thus, emit more uncanny connotations and aesthetics.
When designing my typeface I need to think into whether it would be deemed more 'uncanny' to be purely hand written, or hand written and rendered into a typeface.
Through previous research, I have found that typefaces that were originally hand written and then developed and moved into the digital aged by being computer generated seem to be more uncanny. This is because of the lack of emotion. When a script typeface is used, it is chosen because of its aesthetic, but also for the connotations and emotions that are supposed to be revealed through the personality and appearance of the glyphs. When a digital typeface is used, this emotion feels false and ultimately 'uncanny'. The repeatition of the glyphs appear a robotic and emotionless, this is something that will push the extent of 'uncanny' further more.
Research Conclusion: What Makes Type 'Uncanny'
Through extensive research I have found that some characteristics and aspects of type work to create an 'uncanny' aesthetic and personality. I have found these within handwriten and digitised typefaces. Combining all of these aspects will create the most uneasy looking, 'uncanny' typeface which is appropriate and suitable for my supporting practival work relating to my essay.
I have also used my knowledge of 'What makes a killer' from watching endless programmes on murderers and killers. This is very steriotypical, yet will work well to create uncanny type.
Final Conclusion: Creating My Uncanny Typeface
Below I have gathered information from my extensive research which will help me to identify negatives and uncanny traits within a persons handwriting that will aid my final type design.
Large capital letters
Straight lower zone (g, p, y, f etc) : Varied lower zones
Closely spaced lines
Upper line slope
Margins: Left narrow and right narrow
Heavy pressure
Right letter/word slant (varied in places)
Varied Tittles
The type should really have a small central focus combined with a long, lower zone. The lower zones will be varied, having the 'j', 'g' and 'p' as straight whilst the 'y' and 'f' withh appear more flourished.
My typeface will consist of upper and lowercase A-Z along with 5 glyphs, a comma, period, apostrophe (which could be doubled as speechmarks), an exclamation and question mark.
Most if not all of these feature will combine together to create my final type.
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