Study Task 3 - Blackletter

Blackletter – Making objective signs using a subjective process

The task was to create a set of symbols including an arrow and five other signs which would be used in a hospital setting. The aim was to use blackletter which is a subjective style to  recreate objective symbols. We had to produce these using only strokes inspired by the characteristics of blackletter which were to be created using different tools.

Initially I used a highlighter as a way of creating symbols as the angled nib allowed for contrasting line widths. However I found that by concentrating on creating the symbols as a whole I was running out of different ways to create them and the strokes.

By focusing on producing just strokes I was able to create a greater variety of elements to use. Through using a broad brush and drawing ink I was able to create more expressive an defined strokes. With this tool I could make curved sections as well as straight strokes, which would contrast in thickness and the finials on the strokes took on a more rounded appearance.

Another technique I used was to apply printing ink to a Perspex sheet by scraping it across the surface with a wooden canvas wedge. This created defined outlines for some strokes but the ink was hard to manipulate generally. When printed ink, blots were created where there was excess ink which created interesting finials to the strokes.

Using the printing ink again I applied it all over the Perspex with a roller then used the canvas wedge to scrape marks into it. By scraping into the ink on the Perspex this created more defined strokes when compared with just scraping the ink across the Perspex. This allowed me to create more angular lines which were more in line with the characteristics of blackletter, such as contrasting thicknesses and straight strokes with at 45 degree angles.

Adobe Capture allowed me to create vector images of my initial blackletter marks. Shadows from around the paper cut-outs were also picked up in the images which has created interesting outlines around the symbols and strokes. This has created an almost three-dimensional look to the symbols making them stand out more. The more organic and curved strokes are effective in creating a more expressive feel which is useful for directional signs such as the arrows as this gives a sense of movement within the symbol.

When digitalising the marks created through applying strokes of ink to Perspex I found that the ink blots took on the role of being finials to the strokes. This also created an impressionistic feel to the marks and the process emphasised the edges and ends of the strokes. The ink blots also create darker areas which are bold and strong. Where the ink has been dragged, this has created a grainy textured appearance to the strokes and takes on a broken, distressed appearance which fragments some strokes.

The strokes made by scraping ink off the Perspex, when digitalised, create a strong contrast between the white on black. This creates a darker atmosphere to the elements which also fits with the gothic feeling of blackletter.