Seminar Ultigraph UMN 2021: Typography Can Speak Louder Than Words

Ryan Slone shows his typographic work (doc. UMN)

TANGERANG – Ultigraph UMN 2021, an activity held every two years by students of UMN Visual Communication Design Study Program, again held various seminars and workshops. “Typography Can Speak Louder Than Words” became one of a series of seminars held virtually on Saturday morning (10/23/21). Ultigraph UMN invited assistant professor of graphic design at the University of Arkansas School of Art in Fayetteville, Ryan Slone.

Through a seminar that aims to support the skills of graphic designers, Ryan also had the opportunity to share an understanding of typography. Not only that, he also told directly the process of making various projects related to typography.

The three main things mentioned by Ryan when talking about learning about typography. First, the graphic designer must determine his target audience first. To get to know his audience, Ryan also said he often makes audience lists and does research.

“So, again, it’s important to know your audience. Be experimental and take risks. That’s the lesson for the first one,” Ryan said.

Then, the second tip is do it yourself. Ryan suggests practicing making your own typography. There are various things that can be an inspiration in making typography, such as personal beliefs, furniture, memories, a social movement, and so on. It is also related to the third tip, which is that we should be able to take a closer look.

Also read UMN Ultigraph Seminar 2021: Optimize Brand Customer Experience Through Design Thinking

“It’s a very broad term, but a closer look means a lot in typography and design. I’m really talking about seeing things that might go unnoticed, looking for inspiration in the smallest details, or looking for things that others might overlook.”

At the end of the session, he also gave three other general tips. The first is to learn to put yourself in the work. It encourages us to find out things or projects that can move us. Second, Ryan also said not to be afraid of failure. Failure will teach us to be better. Finally, it encourages us to continue to be “hungry” in exploring science.

“You will always be a student. So, don’t stop looking. Don’t stop learning,” Ryan said.

Reporting from Instagram @ultigraph, Ultigraph is the largest graphic design festival organized by students under the auspices of UMN’s Visual Communication Design Study Program. This year, Ultigraph UMN 2021 carries the theme “Kara Anagata” in hopes of updating the mindset of graphic designers towards a design so that it can have an impact on society. Ultigraph UMN 2021 this time consists of various series of interesting events, such as competitions, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and Awarding Night.

By Melinda Chang | UMN News Service

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan | International Program, di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara. www.umn.ac.id