Jesse Warne Design

Puzzling

Our interactions with letterforms are ever-increasing with the additions of new technologies and a more digitally connected society. Through stone tablets to papyrus scrolls, printed books to digital publishing, type finds new ways to reach our eyes. From the moment we wake up to the numbers and letters on our alarm clocks until the credits roll on the last show we watch before turning off the television to go to bed, typography follows us through nearly every moment of our day. Some instances maintain the formality of strict typographic usage while others exhibit an informality (although no less communicative) that feels almost primal. The way people interact with letterforms is constantly evolving, and typographers need to actively engage in exploring new approaches to type design and typesetting. This body of work serves as evidence of my human experience and the processes and methods of its creation serve as evidence of potential in future directions in letterform design.

MFA Thesis

The Puzzling Modular Type System

Puzzle Pieces

Dividing the grid

This project spans the full cycle of deconstruction to creation. Beginning with the examination of the existing typographic landscape and the current practices in type design, I transitioned into exploration of how shapes form into symbols that can communicate information and aesthetic expression. By breaking down letterforms into their most basic geometric shapes I was able to establish a system of physical exploration that not only enables but promotes tangible interaction in the type design process. With the use of the letterpress as the vehicle for output the process has an association with the origins of modern typographic communication built into it, providing context for past and future directions in type design.

The Show

On April 26th, 2018, the exhibition took place at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Letterpress and Prototyping Lab to showcase the body of work. Printed work and the Puzzle modular type design system were on display. In addition, there was an opportunity for guests to use the type system to print a poster themselves on a letterpress to help build an understanding of the process and increase engagement. The presentation of the work was divided into four sections: selected works, process, physical components of the system, and the interactive printing station.

Puzzling

MFA Thesis

The Puzzling Modular Type System

Puzzle Pieces

The Work

Printed works

Be Kind

Blackbird

The Show