typography assignments for college students

5 Exciting Ways to Teach Typography in the Art Room

Have you ever let your students go rogue in the font panel? If so, chances are you’ve been bombarded with some of the most hated fonts of all time. Comic Sans, Papyrus, and Curlz anyone?

Although your students may not think about it, the font they use can play a huge role in how a paper, design, or work of art is perceived. If you have a background in graphic design, you might naturally geek out about type. But, this isn’t always the case for our students. Today we’ll look at how to change that.

Check out these 5 ways you can teach your students the importance of typography.

1. Try the “Fonts Have Feelings” Activity

Typography is everywhere. It’s used on this page, on your social media feeds, in books, in advertising, and countless other places. Furthermore, the way characters or letters are designed plays a big part in the message we receive. In short, fonts express emotions and moods.

Try out this “Fonts Have Feelings” activity to show your students why font choices matter.

• Start by printing off a series of words that present a message. Signs for companies or businesses are an excellent place to start. Make sure to choose a font that doesn’t fit with the words on the paper. You can find many excellent ideas here .
• Lay out the printed text and have your students respond to the sign with their initial reactions. Ask them how the fonts and words make them feel. The activity works best if your students do this silently and write their responses on sticky notes.
• You’ll students will find it fun to read all the answers out loud at the end.

Are you looking for even more engaging instructional strategies? If so, take a peek at the AOE course, Instructional Strategies for Art Teachers . You’ll leave the course with skills to help deliver your message more effectively, refine your demonstrations, and perfect your teaching language.

2. Stress the Importance of Kerning and Tracking With a Game

Have you ever seen a word where the “c” and “l” are a little too close together, making the letter look like a “d” (cl=d)? Have you ever read a piece of text that looks like it’s squished together, leaving you with a headache? Bad spacing can make text difficult to read in more ways than one.

Teaching your students about the importance of kerning and tracking will help prevent these issues. 

• Kerning Kerning describes the space between letters or characters. Proper kerning keeps two letters or characters from becoming too close together. Without proper kerning, readers may misinterpret the letters in a piece of text.
• Tracking Tracking describes the space between words. Without proper tracking, the text can seem too squished or too spaced out.

Kerning and tracking are both important when trying to produce easy to read text.

An excellent way for students to practice identifying the right amount of spacing between characters is by playing the “ Kerntype Kerning Game .” The mission of the game is to achieve readable and pleasant text.

3. Have Students Design Their Own Fonts

The moment your students discover an open source font database like DaFont , they become addicted to downloading new and exciting type. So why not teach them to create their own? There are many ways to create fonts. However, for beginning students, many of those programs can feel overwhelming. Instead, introduce your students to the Fontstruct website . On this website, students can easily create an extensive font alphabet that can be downloaded for use.

4. Create Foil Prints

Once your students begin exploring and understanding the world of typography, they’ll want to take their designs off the computer and into their artwork. An exciting method to try is foil printing.

You can try out the technique by following these steps and checking out this video .

• Print designs on a laser printer.
• Cut foil and place the foil on top of the design.
• Run the foil and paper through a thermal laminator with no plastic.
• Peel off the foil. The foil will adhere to any of the ink from the printer.

5. Explore Text Effects with Iconicity

If your students use a program like Photoshop, the ability to transform and manipulate text is endless. From making letters look like they’re on fire to making them glow, there is something for all of your students to explore.

The concept of transforming text to look like what it spells is known as iconicity. One example would be making the word “glow” look like it was actually glowing. Iconicity is the perfect way for students to explore text effects. Start by having students select a word. The goal is to make the word look like what it says. To get your students started on over 100 different text effects to explore in Photoshop check out these tutorials .

Typography is an essential part of the design process and should be taught alongside other graphic design skills. Entering the world of fonts and typefaces with beginners might seem daunting, but trying out these five activities will help your students learn to love typography!

What is your favorite way to teach typography concepts to your students?

What do you find challenging about teaching typography?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Abby Schukei

Abby Schukei, a middle school art educator and AOEU’s Social Media Manager, is a former AOEU Writer. She focuses on creating meaningful experiences for her students through technology integration, innovation, and creativity.

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MMA 100: Foundations of Digital Graphic Design, Spring 2019

A BMCC OpenLab Staging Site

Assignment #5 – Type & Typography

PART 1 – Assignment   5  – Poster Design with Type & the Alphabet.

**This Project’s Resources & Inspiration can be found in Week #11&12’s Blog post here

Create 3 (YES – three variations)  a new poster design series using and applying balanced typography in adobe illustrator. Students will generate and demonstrate both a balanced and unconventional composition using each individual letter of the alphabet. (A-Z) The examples above are just a few potential ways to display style, simplicity, order and efficiency. A demonstration will be given in class.

Size requirements – 8.5 inches -X- 11 inches (or larger – 11″ x 14″)

Typefaces – Limit yourself to no more than 2-3 different fonts and 4 color values.

Step 1 – Find and discover your own inspiration and share the URLs in the comments section HERE . Each student will add 2-3 URLS of their inspiration in the comment section before starting this assignment.

Things to consider – Layout & balance – Using rulers, guides and grids. Free transformation & typesetting style.

*COMPOSITION and command over the picture plane and its chosen dimensions.

Part 2 –  Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

Typography Assignment – PART 2 –  (as discussed in class on 4/10 and will continue on 4/17)

We will have a class critique on the Wednesday after spring break. A printed version of this assignment will be presented by each student. You will select two of your designs from Part 1 and print them as a single tabloid page.

Students will create a new 11″X17″ tabloid layout set for print in Adobe Illustrator. (You may use use multiple art boards to create iterations) Students will apply a series of their designs from part 1 into a collaborative magazine for print and the web.

*Student submissions of the completed project:

Students will submit both Part 1 & Part 2 of the project to me via e-mail saved as a .PDF file. Please send to – [email protected] no later than Friday 5/1/19

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Writing Assignments 101: Formatting and Typography Essentials

Writing assignments is a necessary practice for everyone pursuing any academic endeavor. You must understand how to format your academic paper. You must also follow the typography guidelines for each type of assignment. Adhering to both ensures your paper meets the presentation standards applicable and is presentable, readable, and easy to follow.

Unfortunately, getting the formatting right does not always come easy for all students. Some academic papers may be easy to format, while others require a deeper understanding of typography and formatting rules.

Many students need help with this part of the essay. As Ken, an economics major in college, puts it, “Getting assistance with my assignments was the natural next step for me. I needed all the professional help I could get to maintain top university grades. And an assignment writing helper service did it for me.” Ken found guidance from experts who offer online academic guidance for students who need support in their essay preparation.

Formatting Styles

Most academic programs require students to follow one of two formatting styles:

• American Psychological Association (APA);
• Modern Language Association (MLA).

Different academic papers call for different formatting styles, with APA and MLA being the most widely used formats for student writing across schools and colleges. However, your professors may ask you to use the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) formatting. So, always confirm the style to use with your professor before you start working on an essay.

APA Style Formatting

APA style mostly applies in social sciences, health sciences, and education courses. Under APA, you’ll organize your paper into four sections:

• Title Page;
• References.

The Title Page includes the following items, in this order:

• The title of your paper;
• The author(s);
• The institutional affiliation;
• Course name and number;
• Instructor’s name;
• Assignment due date;
• Header with page number.

The title :

• Should be centered in the top half of the page;
• Should be 12 words or less;
• Should not contain abbreviations;
• Should be in title case;
• Should be bold ;
• Use one or two lines for the title.
• List all authors by their full names. Use first name, middle initial(s), and then last name;
• If there are two authors, separate author names with “and”;
• If there are three or more authors, use a comma to separate each author, then use “and” before the last author;
• For author names with suffixes, use a space to separate the suffix from the remaining part of the name, e.g., Rob S. Smith Jr.

Institutional affiliation

Affiliation refers to the college or university you attend. Start with the department, add a comma, then the university.

The abstract is a summary of your paper, written on its own page. It should be 10% of your word count, written in one paragraph. Ensure that the abstract includes all the key points covered in the paper.

• The paper title goes to the top of the first page;
• Use title case for the title and bold it;
• Do not leave any space between the title and the beginning text;
• Add in-text citations;
• Enclose citation details in parenthesis;
• Position parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence where you’ve used the referenced material;
• Put the closing punctuation after the parenthetical citation;
• Include the author’s last name, year of publication, and paragraph or page number.

APA Typography Rules

• Font—APA recommends specific serif and sans-serif fonts:
• Acceptable serif fonts: 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Georgia, or 10-point Computer Modern;
• Acceptable sans-serif fonts: 11-point Arial, 11-point Calibri, or 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode;

Use the same font throughout the paper, except:

• Within figure images, where you should use an 8- to 14-point sans-serif font;
• For footnotes, use the default font settings under the footnotes feature of your word processor;
• Computer code, where you should use a monospace font, e.g., 10-point Courier New.
• Double-space your text;
• Unless your professor states otherwise, use a margin of 1 inch on each side of the paper.

The references page is a list of all the sources cited in your paper. You should have a reference for every in-text citation in your paper. Follow these tips to format your references:

• Title the page “References,” bold it, and center it at the top of the page;
• Apply a hanging indent to each citation. To create a hanging indent:
• Ensure the first line of your reference aligns with the left margin;
• For each line that follows, create a half-inch indention from the left margin.

Most word processors have hanging indent settings, usually under Paragraphs and Spacing. Choose the hanging option and set the spacing to half an inch.

• Capitalize the first word of each citation;
• Do not leave additional spaces between citations.

MLA Style Formatting

MLA style is mostly used in humanities and some health courses. Unlike APA style, MLA style does not require a title page, except where several students write the paper. In this case, you’ll create a title page and list the full name of each contribution author. Use double spacing on each line.

Below the author names, list your professor’s name, course name, and date. Add the title of your paper one line below the date and center it. Each entry should go into a separate line.

If you’re the only author of the paper, the author’s name, instructor, date, title, and the beginning of the text body all go on the first page. Remember to add a double space between the title and the first line of your text.

MLA headers show the author’s last name and page number, separated by a space. Some professors require students to omit the header on the first page. If your instructor sets this rule, use the header, starting from the second page.

The header should be in the top right-hand corner of the paper. Position the header half an inch from the top and align it with the right margin.

MLA style recommends the use of headings and subheadings for longer papers. Format your headings in descending order of prominence, with the Level 1 heading having a larger, bold typeface. Subsequent subheadings should have a smaller, non-bold typeface.

You can cite the source in narrative form as part of your text or in parenthesis after mentioning the reference.

• To cite an author in your text, use the author’s last name and the page number of the work you’re citing;
• If quoting multiple works, separate each work with a semicolon;
• If citing two authors, use “and” to separate their names;
• If citing three or more authors, use only the first name shown in the source. Follow it with “et al.”

MLA Typography Rules

MLA formatting does not require you to use a specific font. The only requirements are:

• Your chosen font should be legible and in a standard font size, preferably 12-point;
• The font’s regular and italic types should be recognizable, with enough contrast to make the two styles easy to differentiate;
• Double-space the text;
• Leave a 1-inch margin on each side of the paper;
• For the first line of each paragraph, create a half-inch indent from the left margin;
• Include a line space above and below each heading.

Proper formatting improves the structure of academic papers and makes them more readable. Most student assignments require APA or MLA formatting. To improve your chances of scoring a good grade, adhere to all the formatting requirements of your academic paper.

How do I style headings and subheadings in a research paper? (2018, December 13). MLA Style Center. https://style.mla.org/styling-headings-and-subheadings/ Mandernach, B. J., Zafonte, M., & Taylor, C. (n.d.). Instructional Strategies to Improve College Students’ APA Style Writing. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1093747.pdf MLA Quick Citation Guide. (n.d.). PennState University Libraries. https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/mlacitation/intext Paper format. (n.d.). APA Style. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format The Main Body Formatting the Main Body. (n.d.). Keuka College. https://libguides.keuka.edu/apa/mainbody

20 Extremely Creative Typography Projects To Inspire You

Need some great typography inspiration? Don’t worry, this post will give you a huge dose of design inspiration and will help you get new ideas for your future designs! We selected 20 extremely creative typography projects , made by some very talented designers. These projects are not only mastering the art of typography, but they are also a huge inspiration for graphic designers worldwide.

Which one of these great, creative typography projects do you like most and why?

Want more typography inspiration? Check out these  10 More Examples of Great Typography

This Indian Summer

This belongs to a fashion clothing brand created by Francesca Ferger. The typography used for her logo and overall brand is really nice.

Land-of-web

This is a very creative 3D typography project with a funny message!

The harder I work, the luckier I get

This is a personal project created by the designer who was experimenting with different 3D lettering techniques. It features the quote from Sam Goldwyn: “the harder i work the luckier i get”.

Handwritten Fonts

This is a collection of favorite free handwritten fonts. Perfect for sending a “You’re amazing”, “Thank you”, or “I love you” note anytime. It’s actually free to download too!

If you stretch a font somewhere a designer cries

This is a great personal project created by a very talented designer which includes some funny designer situations translated into text and typography posters.

I’m from the 90’s

This is a 90’s tribute created by this designer as a personal project. The graphics and color choice is very interesting. Also the concept is really nice.

This is an awesome street sign idea for a vintage/retro business. The typography is also very well chosen.

This is a pretty amazing Washington Post cover created by a group of very talented designers. Both typography and graphic effects are amazing!

A pint of beer a day

A pint of beer a day. Keeps the doctor away. – This poster design can be actually bought. It has a very nice quality and the way it is created is really inspirational for graphic and print designers.

Nice ‘n’ spicy

Check out these oil can packaging designs for Italian restaurant chain Zizzi. The patterns used are pretty amazing too and the typography has a retro/vintage effect.

Like coffee and donuts

This lovely poster has a nice message too. Both typography and graphic elements are very well chosen and crafted.

Angry letters

This handmade font and overall gradient effect is pretty amazing. Hope it will inspire you to create your own awesome fonts!

Hindi Typography

Hindi is written in Devanagari alphabet and draws vocabulary from Sanskrit. This is a Hindi typographic composition used by Indian Printer & Publisher magazine.

London Typography

  Typography, photography, graphic design, creative, color

Create a portrait using typography! This is a great typography project which hopefully will inspire you to create your own version of it.

Play with fonts and graphics, this is exactly what this cool project does. This is very inspirational for all graphic designers out there.

This season’s must have holiday gifts: food and water

This website gives you some amazing inspiration sources for creatives. This page in particular will show you the best and most beautiful lettering projects in the world!

 Cake typography

Do you have to design a cookbook? Then you will definitely need to take a look at this beautiful project.

 Find Your Anchor

This is a personal typographic exploration created by David McLeod. The details in this project are amazing! Check them out!

 Gold Digger

This designer has decided to do his own rendition of “Gold Digger” by Kanye West in collaboration with Jamie Fox as lettering exercise to work on an image with an aspect of solid metal.

You may also like:

• 20 Extremely Creative Business Cards Designs For Your Inspiration
• 14 Extremely Creative Low Poly Illustrations
• 23 Clever Social Network Designs To Inspire You
• 25 Circle Logo Designs That Will Inspire You
• 22 Smart and Creative Ideas To Inspire Your Designs
• 25 Vintage Typography Projects Worth Bookmarking
• 30 Extremely Colourful Website Designs

2 thoughts on “20 Extremely Creative Typography Projects To Inspire You”

I would be first to admit that many times I overlook the typography of a project and just take it for granted. Thanks for bringing these excellent examples to our attention.

Great typography collection with plenty of creative examples! thank you 🙂

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Typography Inspiration: 17 Typography Resources to Boost Creativity

Dipped your toes into the world of graphic design? You’ll know that typography is something that underpins almost every aspect of this practice. If at this point your eyes have started to blur, and the word ‘typography’ is beginning to lose all meaning, and then you feel like it actually has no meaning—never fear! Check out this article we’ve written for this exact moment, which takes a deep dive into all the typography terms and rules you’ll need to know.

If you’ve come back from that refresher still lost, or just sitting here feeling like typography inspiration isn’t going to come in your foreseeable future—then look no further! 

We’ve curated a list of typographic resources to boost your creativity and get you through this typographically terrible time in your life. Whatever phase of need you’re in, of your design process or typographic journey, we’ve got you covered.

Read on to discover 17 inspiring resources, covering whatever design phase you’re in:

• Typographic Inspiration—Perfect for the Casual Browser
• Typographic Creativity Boosters—Break the Mid-Project Mental Block
• Typographic Expert Resources—What are the Top Dogs Doing?
• Typographic Ideas for your Ears—a Podcast!

Typographic Inspiration — Perfect for the Casual Browser

Unattached to a brief, or just about to embark on a typographic whim—if your relationship with type at the moment is a casual one, these resources are for you. These are mega-banks of creative typography, gathering illustrations and inspiration of type from far and wide.

They’re grounded in vivid and eye-catching examples that will be sure to revitalise your type fatigue and kickstart your font exploration!

1. Fonts In Use: The Historic Archive 

This master of all font resources is a “searchable archive of typographic design, indexed by typeface, format and topic – type at work in the real world”. It’s a  massive website that has archived historical and current applications of the main fonts (and some unique ones) that have dominated the typographic space, past and present.

Want to see how a combination of Garamond and Cloister Bold were used in a 1971 ad for Crest Toothpaste? Or how ITC American Typewriter featured in the logo for iconic American mockumentary style TV show ‘The Office’ (amongst other gems), give this extensive resource a good peruse.

2. Good Type: A Gallery Of Great Type

An Instagram account @goodtype with over 1 million followers, this resource speaks for itself. Think of it as a curated gallery, with an ongoing exhibition.

The interesting thing about the way Good Type works is the fact that they have Guest Curators. These curators are constantly changing (not staying for more than two weeks) and never repeat. They are selected by the Good Type community, and ensure that you are fed diverse and interesting content on the daily.

And if you’re pining for some analogue inspiration, they also have a couple coffee table style books which focus on lettering, for your hands-on fix of typography design inspiration.

3. TYPE01: Where Typography Meets Social Discourse

Self described as “one of the leading platforms that specifically publishes type-focused media”   TYPE01 has birthed some excellent offspring (FemmeType, Type Department etc.) If variety is what you’re looking for, you can’t look past TYPE01.

A great range of articles are featured, from typographic process and practice to meaningful tales of typography saving rainforests or fighting cultural erosion. There’s a rich collection of typography design inspiration to dip your toes into.

But we know the digital world is a bit all consuming, so if you’d prefer a more analogue source, they also offer a subscription to their bi-annual magazine. It also incorporates some high tech fun for those of you who enjoy skirting the fine line between tradition and innovation. QR code technology is incorporated into the publication to translate static content to moving imagery! Do with that knowledge what you will.

4. FemmeType: Boss Ass Type B ******

From their Instagram bio: “A platform celebrating the work of women who are part of the type and typography industry” @femmetype . Their website features interesting, long form interviews packed with typography design inspiration , with female creatives about their projects, careers and practices. This daughter of TYPE01 is an excellent resource, of which their IG is highly recommended. One could easily spend countless hours taking in all the beautifully curated and powerful examples of type on their feed.

And if you want to give yourself a rest from screen time, or are partial to the old school ways—why not check out their book? A beautiful hardcover tome that celebrates type with over 40 women from around the world, on 272 litho printed pages (featuring a special Pantone spot colour ooh).

5. AIGA Eye on Design (Type Tuesday): Inspiration from an Institution

It may look funky, modern and new, but this website has established roots in the design world created by the oldest and the largest not-for-profit design organisation in the United States: The American Institute of Graphic Arts.

Their website is easy to navigate, clean, and locked to a tight grid. An excellent example of the basic principles of graphic design put to good use. Although we’d expect nothing less from this professional organisation. If you’re asking what on earth these elusive “Basic Principles of Graphic Design” are, ease your curiosity with this article we’ve written on just the topic.

Further, AIGA has a dedicated Typography section that will be sure to tick all your boxes in your search for typography design inspiration. If you want to keep your Eye on Design, do check out their Type Tuesday feature design series on their website that features a new font, surprise—every Tuesday! The posts all incorporate a cheeky and intriguing little back story, and if you love typography like you love a fine wine, the author recommends other fonts that pair well with the feature typeface at the end of each article.

6. Typographic Posters: Poster Culture, feat. Typography

Founded in 2008, Typographic Posters is a non-profit passion project of André Felipe and Flávia Menezes.

Typographic Posters hones in on the tension, balance and superseding of typography and the other elements of graphic design. It discusses this graphic play through its curated gallery. Through their digital collection of posters, Typographic Posters excitingly unpacks the way typography can function as the primary and often sole form of visual communication.

This inspirational resource spotlights the function of type, as not just words to be read on a page, but an entire alphabet that can be abstracted and used to express a plethora of things. A fantastic vault of examples of creative typography .

Typographic Creativity Boosters — Break the Mid-Project Mental Block

You’ve got a brief, you’ve got a visual direction, but something feels off about the way the shape of the ascender on the “f” dances on the top of your page. Typography can be a complicated beast that toys with and tests your sanity, and truly makes you question your creative integrity.

Never fear, these beautifully packaged and independently curated resources are sure to be an amazing booster in your search for creative typography .

7. Font Brief: Fonts Have Personalities Too

Sometimes typography can be overwhelming, the technicality of it all, not to mention trying to look for a font that gives you just the right vibe. Creative direction is multilayered and the search term “happy font” just won’t cut it when what you really want is an “ expressive font that is slightly elegant, but still friendly , organic but at the same time progressive, midway between familiar and daring , slightly more loud than discreet and lukewarm “.

Unfortunately typing that into Google would just short circuit their algorithms. They wouldn’t be able to compute these sort of dichotomies and nuances. Fonts aren’t visceral beings with qualitative values, they don’t have personalities…or do they…

Font Brief strongly disagrees with this assertion and has created a genius site that allows you to filter fonts by personality. Their filter toggle really captures the essence of a typeface, in a heart-warming, if not slightly gimmicky function. They’ve really given new meaning to the term “creative typography”. Maybe your neighbourhood Helvetica san serif is a sensitive soul who has a day job as a Fine Artist—don’t judge.

8. Typewolf: Typography Through The Eyes Of A Designer

Typewolf is an independent typographic resource, launched back in 2013 by Designer Jeremiah Shoaf. Aimed at the everyday designer like Fonts in Use, it takes a more applied approach to typography inspiration, presenting their features in context specific screenshots. Check out their daily curation of applied typography in their “Site of the Day” feature, which spotlights a live website and a succinct breakdown of all the fonts used to create said website.

And if your good old grey matter has just reached its typographic tether, or you’re just looking for a quick solution to turn around a stagnant brief that has been going nowhere forever—Typewolf has your back with their carefully curated portfolio of Lookbooks. Ready-made books that take a page from Vogue .

Instead of matching clothing items, they’ve applied this approach to the world of fonts. If you’re looking to design a website for handmade bucket hats with a retro twist, or need to create a clean and crisp flyer for a tech start-up—these pre-curated style guides will be your saving grace. Just the type of typography inspiration you need to pivot out of a creative block.

9. Type Room & 10. Fonts Wants: Straight And To The Point

Feeling a little overstimulated by typographic mockups and eye-catching thumbnails dancing across the page? Why not settle down into some minimalistic resources, where every element of the anatomy of type can be truly appreciated.

Let’s delve into our first resource: Type Room . Reminiscent of something cross between an old-school html site and a serif heavy regional newspaper, Type Room relies on straightforward headlines (emphatically punctuated with a pilcrow). Like “DC Circuit: Times New Roman is in, Garamond is out” and “Bodoni goes crypto!”

With this second offering, don’t be put off by Fonts Wants (try saying that 10x fast) tongue twister of a name, their website is modular and simple in format. And if entirely monochromatic minimalism isn’t totally your thing, the site displays tantalising offerings of colour if you roll your mouse over select boxes, revealing how the foundry or individual has chosen to spotlight their typographic baby.

If that mode of discovery still doesn’t tickle your fancy, hop over to the drop down list to filter the selection by classification (serif, san serif, mono etc.) or check out their straightforward directory of foundries. Each name arranged in no-nonsense dark bricks against the grey background – one will be sure to catch your eye. Enter: the rabbit hole of typography design inspiration .

11. Font Review Journal: A Critical And Analytical Approach

Here’s how Font Review Journal describes itself: “ home to reviews and analysis of typeface designs both new and old. This site is aimed at designers who want to discover new typefaces to add to their arsenal, or those who want to learn to appreciate old favourites on a deeper level.”

Started semi-recently, this tight curation by Bethany Heck (Design Director and type enthusiast) is a journal that reviews and critically analyses her favourite fonts. Its “aim is to show appreciation for these works of art through thoughtful discourse, aesthetic studies and historical context”. The journal’s intended function is to close the gap in communication, and bridge the seemingly divergent practice of the type designers and the designers that use their work.

Updates are weekly but you can still peruse the small collection for your typography inspiration .

12. Type Department: Typographic Retail Therapy

Established by TYPE01 “one of the leading platforms that specifically publishes type-focused media”, Type Department is the extroverted and entrepreneurial youngest child of the TYPE01 Family ( FemmeType being the strong and independent eldest daughter).

Retail therapy may not be everyone’s solution to destress in the midst of a creative crisis, but if it is yours— Type Department may just have what you’re looking for. They describe themselves as an “ independent online marketplace”, and even have a dedicated Sale! section to get you spending your cash on typographic delights.

On a mission? And have a list of criteria in mind of what kind of typeface you’re wanting to find? Type Department presents a compelling sell. Their site displays their goods in inspirational and colourful little tiles, with explicitly labelled price tags below each. The display of creative typography just calling you to make the conversion and tuck away an exciting new find into your personal font library.

BUT if you’re not ready to commit, why not jump back up to inspo filled matriarch TYPE01 .

Typographic Expert Resources — What are the Top Dogs Doing? 

So here we are, after searching endlessly for the one, you’re still going home alone. Worry not, not everyone is going to be your “type” wink wink , maybe it’s time to connect with something a little more relatable. Something more human, with a story, a face or a tangibility to reassure you that stellar typography can and does originate from humble human lifeforms like yourself. It’s time to turn to the experts.

Typographic Experts: Collectives, foundries and individuals that dabble, immerse and experiment in the world of typography. People like you and I, but also different in the sense that they understand the anatomy of typography like a world renowned surgeon understands the human body.

See below for a curation of individual projects, campaigns, and collective portfolios. And be inspired by these exemplars of creative typography.

13. 36Days of Type: Something Experimental, Something New

This project has its origins in Barcelona. The brainchild of Nina Sans and Rafa Goicoechea—both Graphic Designers. It was established as an exercise to push their creativity and create a personal daily design challenge. Actually starting a project can be the hardest part of the design process and a daily challenge is the perfect impetus to catalyse creativity.

An annual project that invites creatives around the world to design a letter or number daily, on a 36 day type marathon. These submissions are then posted by the individual creators to Instagram and a select few are curated by 36Days to feature on their personal instagram.

The overwhelming feeling of having to tackle typography is abated with bite-sized snippets of inspiration that you can all too easily engage with yourself. Whether 36Days of Type is a reassuring reminder that the world of Typography isn’t an insurmountable monster, or a resource you can use to further your own practice. It is undoubtedly a fantastic platform that is full of typography inspiration.

Check out the hashtag #36daysoftype on Instagram for a limitless vault of creatively designed letterforms and numbers.

14. Shillington: #TypeTuesday

A bit of a universal hashtag. A widely used weekly checkpoint, and celebration of Typography. We’ve been on board with this for sometime now and have curated quite the collection on our own Shillington Instagram !

We love to feature a mixture of Industry experts doing their thing in the world of Typography, as well as impressive examples from our very own graduates all around the world. Tune into our feed every Tuesday, or look out for the hashtag #TypeTuesday for some powerful, playful and stunning examples of typography inspiration.

15. Bastarda Type: If You Like Hip Hop

This Hip Hop loving, bold and playful typographic foundry hails from Colombia, and specialises in innovative fonts and unique Type branding. A small studio of three, one funny, one detailed and one geeky, they delight in the experimental aspects of creative typography. They also have a shop, which is a cool way to see how typography can be translated to a wide range of collateral: from t-shirts and embroidered artworks to hoodies and coffee. And their love for typography goes hand in hand with their appreciation for music. So if you’re looking to experience another level of inspiration, visit their music blog: Digging Radio. Look no further to find sharpie-labelled mixtapes in graffiti-style hand lettering, with names like “French” “Street Life” and “Retro City”

16. Letters from Sweden: Literally, Letters…from Sweden, but for everyone

Slightly romantic in name and effortlessly elegant. Letters from Sweden is a type foundry with an emphasis on designing type for clear communication, carrying the manifesto “Our letters come from Sweden, but they are for everyone.”

Established by self-taught typographer Goran Soderstrom, Letters from Sweden have designed typefaces for commercial, conceptual and retail applications. From a rebrand for Acne Studios to creating typefaces for The Nobel Prize and the Swedish Postal Service.

Looking to figure out how to communicate a concept clearly, supported through the use of type? The project gallery on their website featuring their high profile clients is a great starting point to learn how the experts play with typography in the real world.

They’ve also got a newsletter you can sign up for, if you’d like news…about letters…from Sweden.

Typographic Ideas for Your Ears — a Podcast! 

Eyes tired, lids heavy, can you find inspiration with your eyes closed?

Your eyes are tired after reading this entire article, well done! But you can’t bear to look at a single letterform any longer. What if you heard about it…in a podcast? The age old question—can you find inspiration with your eyes closed?

17. Weekly Typographic Podcast (The League of Movable Type): The audible resource

Well, we were given other senses for a reason, and The Weekly Typographic Podcast (by The League of Movable Type, the first open-source font foundry) is the perfect thing to switch on when you just want to switch off. The podcast averages about half an hour, and delves into a wide range of topics. From obscure design practices to long-lost arts and the intricacies of typographic terminology. There’s a tidbit of typographic inspiration to be found in every episode, and your ears will learn so many things that you can look up later. When your eyes are up to it.

Did you enjoy this resource? We have lots more type based resources to explore such as 10 Free Google Font Alternatives to Popular Fonts   and 12 Great Typefaces Created by Shillington Design Students .

If you’re still curious about typography then maybe upskilling at Shillington is the answer. RSVP to one of our info sessions to meet the team, speak with graduates and find out more.

Eden Lim May 5, 2021

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7 Best Fonts For University Essays (Teachers Choice)

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Choosing the best font for university essays is really difficult. As a university student, you have to stand out from other students’ academic papers.

What are the best fonts for university essays? Arial and Helvetica sans-serif style is a common font choice among university students. Some universities do have guidelines on their website about what fonts are allowed in academic essays, so make sure to check before you start typing.

The right font can make your paper look more professional and appealing to readers. But it’s hard to find fonts that are both beautiful and easy to read especially when there are thousands of them available online!

Best Fonts will help you easily choose the most suitable font for your project by offering expert suggestions based on your needs and interests.

I’ve dedicated myself to helping students succeed in their studies with our website full of useful tips on how to write an effective essay or research paper, as well as relevant information about different types of fonts (serif, sans serif, script, etc).

Our team consists of experienced writers who also know what it takes to get top grades at universities around the world! So if you need some extra help writing your next academic paper or just want some advice on choosing.

If you are in a hurry! Then you should be considered these quick recommended picks.

UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS: 50+ Million Resume Templates & Design Assets

All the Resume Templates you need and many other design elements, are available for a monthly subscription by subscribing to Envato Elements . The subscription costs $16.50 per month and gives you unlimited access to a massive and growing library of over 50 million items that can be downloaded as often as you need (stock photos too)!

What Are The Best Fonts For University Essays?

Students often use clear sans-serif style Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri fonts on their university academic essays, and some universities have a proper guideline on their website about the fonts that should be used.

But for my academic papers, I’ve been researching on the internet and find these 10 best fonts for university essays that are clear in human eyes and look so professional. Your university professor will love your academic papers and essays after using these fonts.

1. Wensley Modern Serif Font Family (Top Pick)

The font of choice for many university students, Wensley is a modern serif font typeface. If you want to impress your professors with an elegant and professional appearance then this style will be perfect for the job! This font includes non-english characters so it can fit any language perfectly.

Wensley Font

• This font is known as the perfect headline maker.
• Improved readability.
• Available in a variety of weights and styles.
• Fast delivery to your inbox.
• All fonts are 100% licensed, free lifetime support.

2. Madelin Serif Font Family

The font Madeline is a well accepted serif font among the universities and colleges. This high classed font includes all types of non-english characters and basic glyphs, making it perfect for students in academia. If you are a university student then this new typeface will drastically improve your academic papers.

Madelin Font

• Impress your professor with a professional looking paper.
• Make an academic research paper look more interesting and engaging to readers.
• Fonts that are easy to read on screens and in print.
• The best typeface for any design project.
• Be creative with your fonts!
• Unique and exciting typeface
• Can be used in any environment or situation
• Will have your audience drooling over this font
• Curvaceous letters make for an attractive design

3. Glamour Luxury Serif Font Family

Glamour Luxury Serif is a font for those looking to be both stylish and minimalistic. With many variations, it can make your paper stand out from the rest or you can use it on your resume as well!

Glamour Luxury Serif Font Family

The wide variety of options in Glamour Luxury Serif means that students will have an easy time finding this typeface for their institution work while professionals will find just what they need in order to maximize their efficiency at work with its clean design.

• The best way to express yourself on the academic papers
• Increase visibility, increase recognition and get a leg up on competitors
• Make your content stand out with bold fonts that are beautifully designed
• Fonts mixes aesthetics with readability so you can use them unapologetically

4. Adrina Modern Serif Font Family

Adrina is a modern rounded serif font with 3 weights that can be used by creatives and commercial professionals. It also has multilingual support to help university students, adults in the professional world, or anyone who needs it!

Aridina Font

• Give your design a unique touch with our extensive library of stylish fonts
• With over 100 fonts on offer you have an entire world to explore
• Whether it’s for personal or commercial use these typefaces are perfect for all occasions, big and small
• The variety means that there’s something to suit every project – whether it’s formal, laid back or fun.

5. Immani Serif Font Family Pack

Immani serif font is a logos-ready font with a modern, eye-catching serif look! This classy typeface is perfect for including in headings and other text collaborations within your project. With its sleek fonts, you can easily create stylish headlines or any other type of text that will catch the eyes of those all around you. It’s time to stop searching: this font is what you need!

Immani Font

Effortlessly design your next project with FontsTTD Serif TTF Typewriter Font. Including a variety of letter and number characters, as well as an additional 5 ornaments at each.

Related Post: 10 Best Sellers Urban Lightroom Presets Free Download 2021

• You will be able to combine both Font Weight Regular and Light
• Fonts with different fonts, ensuring any text is legible.
• You will also have the option of using a web font kit or downloading an OTF or TTF file.
• No worries about missing out on any key characters!

6. Bergen Text – Sans Serif Font

Bergen Text is an elegant, clean and minimalistic font for university and college academic papers. It has been designed specifically in a small 9-pixel size for easy legibility and accessibility reasons.

Bergen Font

In contrast to Fontana families (that are heavy with serifs), Bergen Text is very straightforward. This makes it the perfect candidate for creative works that need a commercial license and readability that will satisfy any customer’s needs.

UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS: 50 Million+ Fonts & Design Assets

All the Fonts you need and many other design elements, are available for a monthly subscription by subscribing to Envato Elements . The subscription costs $16.50 per month and gives you unlimited access to a massive and growing library of over 50 million items that can be downloaded as often as you need (stock photos too)!

Envato element offers key resources and parent tips about effective teaching strategies so students can learn more effectively, from pre-kindergarten to high school.

• Fonts designed for people who use small text sizes
• Sans font is available!
• Get a wide variety of fonts with just one purchase
• Improve legibility by using different weights and styles

7. Morton – Sans Serif Font

University students always find the best font to use on their academic papers and essays. However, some university has its own criteria to write these papers.

Morton Font

But most of the universities don’t have these font selections criteria on their academic guideline. That’s why students use basic and regular free fonts like Helvetica, Arial, Calibri.

If you want to stand out and increase your marks in academic and university essays. Then try to use a unique font. Because everyone is using the same font in their essays.

Related Post: 10 Best Dark & Moody Lightroom Presets Free and Premium

That’s why choosing a unique and stylish sans serif font in your writing is the best way to mark better.

• Fonts are a single click away.
• It’s perfect for small text sizes.
• A grotesque typeface classic.
• Comes in nine weights and stylistic variations for the nerd in all of us.

Final Words

Unique fonts are the key to standing out and making eye-popping clear academic papers. These best fonts can be really unique with clean formatting. Students and professionals always need these great typefaces for their documents, presentations, or any other assignment that needs design

You can check out Envato elements Fonts to get the most out of it. Thank you

About the author

Al Shariar Apon

I’m a digital content creators and tech-savvy enthusiast. In this website I would like to share my knowledge and Google productivity tools, tips, templates. Thank you.

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Intro to Typography – Lettering Basics Lesson Plan (Lesson 1)

Typography and graphic design lettering styles play a major role in the area of visual communication and graphic design..

I LOVE fonts and drive the IT guy nuts at my school because I’m always asking to install more fonts on my computer. Lettering styles can communication emotion and personality, they can be very powerful! This is the first part of a two part lesson on lettering as an art form.

IO: Learn the basics of letter formation. Learn and identify parts of a letter (anatomy of a letter). Understand that text style is important part of visual communication and that formats are varied to convey different messages.

Delivery : The Language of Lettering

• Typography is the design and use of typefaces as a means of communication.
• Typography began with the first printing press-the Gutenberg, but really has its roots in hand-lettering (Calligraphy, Illuminated text, etc.).
• Lettering or typography is a very important part of visual communication . Fonts can communicate strength, power, emotion and personality. Think of some company logos that are just a typeface (Coke, Fender, Canon, etc.) What color are they? What does the construction of the typeface communicate about the company?
• Baseline: the invisible bottom line on which characters sit.
• Meanline: the middle line that is at the top of most lowercase letters such as “o,” “p” and “r.” It is also at the curve of letters like “h.”
• Cap Height: the distance from the baseline to the top of uppercase letters like “B” and “H.”
• Ascender: The part of a character that extends above the meanline.
• Descender: The part of a character that extends below the baseline, such as the bottom stroke of a “g.”
• Stem: The stem is often the main “body” of a letter. The vertical line of a “B” and the primary diagonal line of a “V”.
• Crossbar or Arms: Bars are horizontal or diagonal lines of a letter, also known as arms, and are open on at least one side. “E” or “T”

Serifs, Cases & Styles of Lettering

• Serif fonts are distinguishable by the extra decorative line (style endings) at the ends of the character (examples of serif fonts are Times Roman and Georgia )
• Sans serif do not have the extra decorative lines. (examples of sans serif fonts are Arial and Impact )
• There are 3 “cases” in lettering : UPPER, lower and Mixed
• Roman Style , a “thick and thin” letter, often has thickness in different stem places. It usually has “serifs” on each stem end.

• Poster Style , bold or general, is very popular and easy to read. It has even thickness in all directions and may or may not have serif endings.

• Script is a “connected” letter style, can be thick and thin or even thickness. It usually is “italic” or slanted. It is a very graceful, decorative style.

• Unusual or “trademark” text styles are unique and creative. They can be created for specific company logos and are usually copyright protected.

Activity: Typography Lettering Basics Worksheet

Artwork Plan it Out Worksheet

Lesson 2: demuth 5 style – lettering as an art form.

Here’s a preview of the project:

If you choose to use any of this lesson (written or photos), please link back to this blog Create Art with ME !

I Love Typography » Blog Archive This Month in Typography …

PLEASE Share this Post:

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The Student’s Guide to Using Fonts in Homework

Using fonts effectively to meet the assignment instructions at college can be daunting. And while graphic designers follow specific rules when composing a text or a logo, you will need to do the same to deliver a successful project. In short, your typography and design skills matter, and so does legibility when producing digital assignments.

Overall, there are several aspects to consider. Besides pairing regular fonts with complimentary ones, students have many choices in terms of weights and sizes. But which font type do you pick, and how do you make your designs stand out from the crowd? How do you achieve readability and convey a clear message?

According to Samuel Finch, a professional writer at PapersOwl, a reliable platform where you pay someone to do your homework , “a few techniques can help your text jump off the page.” He also states: “Whether you have an essay to write or a PowerPoint presentation to create, making each glance a pleasant journey is important. Moreover, mastering typed text is critical for visual success.” So, if you doubt where to begin or are new to the font talk, consider our student guide with four tips to improve your designs.

Know Your Font Choices

Though these aspects might not have been crucial in elementary school, high school and college are completely different. Randomly selected fonts and small illegible letters that are hard to read and unpleasant for the eye won’t do the job. Hence, when choosing your font, always decide whether it is appropriate and distinguishable.

Understanding the difference between Serif and San Serif is vital. The easiest way to remember what sets them apart is to learn that Serif styles feature small design details at the end of strokes. The ultimate purpose is to urge the eye to glide from one letter to another for a smooth read. Decorative flicks date back to the mid-1800s and caught steam due to their visually appealing form. Popular examples include Times New Roman, Bodoni, Cadillac , Bosca, and Chicago Makers.

Conversely, Sans Serif fonts lack extra design elements. They are simple and work better on the web and digital screens than printed on paper. Since Serif can be challenging to read at low resolutions, the stroke-free version would be more effective. In addition, media-rich projects, logos, and branding require a visual appeal, so simplistic letters are advisable. The most stylish Sans Serif options include Helvetica, Futura, Garet, Arial, and Vilane.

Compile Some Favorites

Working with too many fonts for a couple of projects can be overwhelming. Hence, choosing your favorite ones is a great start for maximum effect. More specifically, set a repertoire of ten styles and use them consistently. According to typographers, design elements that make a text worksheet easily readable and digestible include Helvetica, Garamond, Lucida, Times, and Verdana.

One way to check the clarity of your work is to ask your teacher directly. Even if you use mobile apps that help with homework , changing the writing font doesn’t require much effort. Follow your tutor’s guidelines, and soon, you’ll manage to polish your assignments visually and aesthetically. By incorporating feedback, you can build on your previous experience and improve with each task.

Finally, using widely-acknowledged fonts will help you avoid the risk of ending up with distorted content. Machines such as PCs will look for the most convenient alternative if the font you selected isn’t available on that computer. Hence, it’s best to stick to staple types used by most people working online, including Courier New, Comic Sans, Impact, Georgia, Times, Webdings, and Verdana.

Simplicity of Design

Whether you leave a harmonious or disruptive impact on your reader depends on the font used. The golden rule is to stick to two or three similar fonts per assignment. Anything more than that can burden the eye and defocus whoever’s reading. Remember that less is more when speaking of font design in student papers.

However, choosing complementary styles can prove difficult. To avoid losing themselves in the process, students should consider using one font in various sizes. This way, they will obtain variety without clashing typefaces and elicit emotions at the onset.

What’s Your Font Disposition?

Depending on the selected typeface, you will set a tone for your audience. In short, some fonts will make your essays more presentable than others. For instance, using Times, Georgia, Serif, Garamond, and Cambria, will impact your professors positively. The font you’re using will also show your personality and ability to produce high-quality pieces.

Furthermore, avoid using playful styles that convey a sense of insecurity. Go for a typeface that implicitly says you’re knowledgeable and confident about what you’re writing. Using different fonts for titles, subtitles, and paragraphs to signpost your text is also essential. Once you choose the right font , it will offer an attractive appearance and preserve the aesthetic value of each written piece.

Bottom Line

We hope this student guide will help you complete each assignment using occasion-appropriate fonts. Provided you follow our tips, they can become an excellent starter kit for your university days. And since you probably don’t have time to discuss these matters in the classroom, this article will serve as a stepping stone to success.

A Beginner’s Guide to Typography: The Basics You Need to Know

As a graphic designer, understanding typography is essential to creating effective designs. Typography refers to the style, arrangement, and appearance of text, and can greatly impact the readability and overall aesthetic of a design. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your typography knowledge, this guide will provide the basics you need to know.

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Understanding Typography: What It Is and Why It's Important

Typography is an essential element of graphic design that can make or break the effectiveness of a visual message. It refers to the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable and appealing when displayed. Good typography can help create a clear and cohesive visual hierarchy, convey emotion and personality, and enhance the overall user experience. Typography is not only about choosing the right font, but also about adjusting letter-spacing, line-spacing, and paragraph-spacing to improve readability and visual interest.

In today’s digital age, where content is consumed across various devices and platforms, typography plays an even more important role in design. With the rise of mobile and social media, designers need to create designs that are easily readable and attention-grabbing on small screens. Understanding the basics of typography and how to use it effectively can help beginners create compelling designs that stand out and effectively communicate their message to their audience.

Typeface vs. Font: Knowing the Difference

As a beginner in the world of design, you may have heard the terms “typeface” and “font” used interchangeably. However, in the world of typography, these two terms actually have distinct meanings.

A typeface refers to a set of characters that share a common design, such as Times New Roman or Helvetica. In contrast, a font refers to a specific variation of that typeface, such as Times New Roman Regular or Helvetica Bold.

Knowing the difference between these two terms can help you make more informed design decisions when it comes to typography. For example, if you are looking for a typeface that has a variety of different styles, you may want to look for a typeface family that includes multiple font variations.

Exploring Font Families and Styles: Serif, Sans-Serif, Script, and Display

When it comes to typography, there are various font families and styles to choose from. Understanding the difference between them can help you create a more effective design. The four main font families are serif, sans-serif, script, and display.

Serif fonts have small lines or flourishes at the end of each stroke, making them appear more traditional and elegant. They are often used in printed materials such as books and newspapers. Sans-serif fonts , on the other hand, do not have these lines and appear more modern and clean. They are often used in digital designs such as websites and user interfaces.

Script fonts mimic the look of handwriting and are often used in designs that require a personal touch or a sense of formality. They can add a sense of elegance and sophistication to your design. Finally, display fonts are used for larger text, such as headlines or titles. They often have a unique and eye-catching design that makes them stand out.

By understanding the different font families and styles, you can choose the right one for your design and convey the appropriate tone and message to your audience.

Kerning, Leading, and Tracking: Adjusting Text Spacing for Readability

As a graphic designer, one of the most important aspects of typography is ensuring that the text is easily readable. This is where kerning, leading, and tracking comes into play.  

Kerning refers to the adjustment of space between individual letters to improve legibility and create a more visually appealing layout. For example, the letters “AV” may be spaced slightly closer together than other letters to create a more harmonious word shape.

Tracking refers to the overall spacing between letters in a block of text. Adjusting tracking can help improve readability and legibility, particularly when working with all-caps or condensed fonts. By adjusting the spacing between each letter, designers can create a more cohesive and readable block of text.

Leading , on the other hand, refers to the vertical space between lines of text. Adjusting leading can help improve readability and create a more aesthetically pleasing layout. For instance, increasing leading can help create more space between lines of text, making it easier to read and less cluttered.

The Power of Hierarchy and Contrast in Typography

As a graphic designer, understanding the principles of hierarchy and contrast in typography is crucial for creating effective designs. Hierarchy refers to the way in which elements of different importance are visually arranged on a page. Contrast , on the other hand, refers to the differences in visual properties such as size, weight, and color that make certain elements stand out.

When it comes to typography, hierarchy can be established through the use of size, weight, and color. For example, a headline may be set in a larger size and bold weight to make it stand out as the most important element on the page. Subheadings and body text can then be set in progressively smaller sizes and lighter weights to indicate decreasing levels of importance.

Contrast can also be used to establish hierarchy, as well as to create visual interest and aid in readability. For example, using a bold sans-serif font for headlines against a background of a light, delicate script font for body text can create a striking contrast that draws the reader’s eye to the headline while still maintaining readability for the body text. Similarly, varying the size or color of certain words or phrases within a block of text can create emphasis and guide the reader’s attention. 

By understanding and utilizing these principles of hierarchy and contrast, graphic designers can create typography that is not only visually appealing, but also communicates effectively to the intended audience.

Typographic Hierarchy in Graphic Design

Pairing Fonts: Tips and Best Practices

Pairing fonts is an important aspect of typography that can make or break the design of a project. When choosing which fonts to pair, it’s important to consider the overall style of the project, the audience, and the message that needs to be conveyed. Here are some tips and best practices for pairing fonts:

• Choose fonts that complement each other: The most successful font pairings are those that complement each other, rather than clash. Look for fonts that have contrasting styles, such as a serif and a sans-serif font, or a bold and a light font.
• Limit the number of fonts: Using too many fonts can be overwhelming and distracting. It’s best to limit the number of fonts to two or three per project. This will create a cohesive and polished look.
• Pay attention to font sizes: When pairing fonts, it’s important to pay attention to font sizes. Generally, it’s best to use a larger font for the main headline and a smaller font for the body text.
• Use hierarchy to guide the reader: Hierarchy is the order in which the elements of the design are presented to the reader. Using different font sizes and weights can create a visual hierarchy that guides the reader through the design.
• Test your font pairings: It’s important to test your font pairings to ensure they work well together. One way to do this is to print out a test page and view it from a distance. This will give you a better idea of how the fonts look together and how they will be perceived by your audience.

The Art of Pairing Fonts: A Beginner’s Guide

Choosing the Right Typography for Your Project

Choosing the right typography for your design project is crucial to its success. The font you select can either make or break your design. When choosing a font, it’s important to consider the tone of your project and what you want to convey to your audience using font psychology .

Serif fonts are often used in more traditional designs and convey a sense of elegance and sophistication, while sans-serif fonts are more modern and minimalistic. Script fonts are often used for more decorative and artistic designs, while display fonts are used for attention-grabbing headlines and titles.

In addition to considering the tone of your project, it’s important to consider legibility and readability. You want to make sure your font is easy to read and doesn’t strain the eyes. It’s also important to choose a font that is appropriate for the size and medium of your design. For example, a font that works well in print may not be suitable for a small digital display.

Overall, selecting the right typography requires careful consideration and an understanding of the tone and purpose of your design. With a little bit of knowledge and practice, you can choose a font that will complement your design and effectively communicate your message to your audience.

Font Psychology in Graphic Design

Typography Tools and Resources for Beginners

As a beginner in typography, it can be overwhelming to figure out which tools and resources to use. Fortunately, there are numerous options available to help you learn and create beautiful typography.

One of the best places to start is with typography software. Adobe Creative Suite is a popular option among professionals and beginners alike. It includes programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which all have powerful typography tools. Other software options include Sketch, Figma, and Canva, which offer user-friendly interfaces and various templates for typography projects.

Another great resource for typography beginners is online tutorials and courses. There are countless websites and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching typography, including Skillshare, Udemy, and Lynda.com. These platforms offer courses taught by professionals in the field, covering everything from typography basics to advanced techniques.

In addition to software and courses, there are also typography resources available for free or at a low cost. Websites such as Font Squirrel and Google Fonts provide access to a wide range of fonts, both paid and free, while websites like Typewolf and Awwwards offer inspiration and examples of beautiful typography in design.

By utilizing these tools and resources, beginners can develop their typography skills and create impressive designs that stand out.

Common Typography Mistakes to Avoid

Typography is an essential part of graphic design, but it can be challenging for beginners to get it right. As a graphic designer, it’s crucial to understand the common typography mistakes to avoid in your designs. 

One of the most common mistakes is using too many typefaces or fonts in a single design. Using too many fonts can make your design look cluttered and unprofessional. It’s best to stick to two or three typefaces and use them consistently throughout your design.

Another mistake to avoid is using inappropriate fonts for the context of your design. For example, using a whimsical font for a serious business proposal may not convey the right message. It’s important to choose a font that reflects the tone and purpose of your design. Additionally, it’s essential to pay attention to the spacing between letters and words. Poor spacing can make your text difficult to read and affect the overall readability of your design.

Lastly, make sure to avoid using illegible fonts. Some fonts may look great in larger sizes, but they can be difficult to read in smaller sizes. Always test your typography at various sizes and ensure it’s easy to read. By avoiding these common typography mistakes, you can create professional-looking designs that effectively convey your message to your audience.

How Agencies Handle Multiple Clients' Font Design Needs

Typography wields significant influence over content mood and readability, a crucial element for design agencies managing diverse clients. Navigating this terrain involves harmonizing typography preferences with distinct client needs, starting by grasping each project’s purpose and audience. Research-driven font curation, coupled with effective communication, ensures a cohesive design process even during client surges.

Adaptable resource allocation becomes key during peak demand, allowing agencies to efficiently manage typography requirements. Furthermore, with streamlined project management processes , design agencies can harmonize typography choices and client needs, excelling amidst changing project volumes.

Rigorous testing and stakeholder input refine typography prior to final delivery, aided by tools like Typeform or UserTesting. By adhering to best practices – selecting readable, complementary fonts – design agencies adeptly balance typography preferences and client demands, delivering standout results amid varying project volumes.

By following this guide, beginners can develop a strong foundation in typography and improve the readability and effectiveness of their designs. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the basics of font families and styles to best practices for combining and using typography effectively, and if you want to get more in-depth about typography you can read these other articles about it to become a typography master.

BrandVillage’s Guide to the Best Serif Fonts for Elegant Designs in 2024

The power of typography in learning material design, 11 common font pairing mistakes and how to avoid them, the power of typography in marketing.

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• 50+ Creative Art Project Ideas For College Students

By: Author The GenTwenty Team

Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2023

Categories College

Art class in college is a time to expand your palette and try new techniques! Here are well over 50 creative art project ideas.

Embarking on  art projects  is not just a way to fill the time between college lectures and exams; it’s a crucial element of personal and educational growth for  college students . Creativity thrives when minds are given the freedom to explore, and art projects offer a unique avenue for this exploration.

As part of art education, art teachers love making projects as part of their lesson plans, whether for college or high school students. It’s a fun way for art students to show what they have learned and express themselves.

Engaging in various  creative projects , whether a passion project or a calling, can enhance an individual’s ability to think laterally, solve problems imaginatively, and express complex ideas visually. These artistic endeavors are not limited to the tangible benefits of improved  artistic skills  but extend to bolstering academic performance and personal well-being.

As the canvas of college life stretches out, students are encouraged to paint their paths with broad strokes, dabbling in a medley of  art ideas  from traditional  painting techniques  to digital expressions in  graphic design . Every student has the opportunity to craft a unique  art portfolio , develop a rich tapestry of skills, and weave their narrative through  creative expression .

In this blog post, we will cover a plethora creative art project ideas for college students to try. Make note of what speaks to you!

50 Creative Art Project Ideas For College Students

Here are 50 creative art project ideas suitable for college-level students:

• Create a self-portrait using abstract shapes, colors, and textures to represent different aspects of your personality. Use white paper and oil pastels or acrylic paint or do something more creative and use only materials from the natural world on black paper. The options are endless.
• Gather random objects and create a sculpture by assembling them in a unique and interesting way.
• Create a collage using photographs, combining and layering images to tell a visual story.
• Utilize 3D printing technology to produce a sculpture or object that explores form and structure.
• Design an installation that engages viewers and encourages them to interact with the artwork.
• Experiment with digital painting using software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate. Create a virtual bulletin board for a collaborative art project.
• Transform old books into works of art by cutting, folding, and adding your own illustrations.
• Build a sculpture that incorporates movement or responds to external stimuli.
• Create a stop-motion animation using objects, drawings, or clay figures.
• Combine traditional artwork with augmented reality elements using AR apps.
• Construct an art installation using recycled materials to highlight sustainability.
• Experiment with body painting and use the human form as a canvas for photography.
• Design a mosaic using tiles, glass, or other materials to create a visually stunning piece. Take a field trip to local spots and gather materials.
• Explore alternative printmaking techniques like monoprinting, cyanotype, or linocut.
• Use projection mapping to transform the surfaces of objects or buildings with dynamic visuals.
• Create a large-scale installation using ceramic pieces to explore form and texture.
• Craft a sculpture using natural materials like branches, leaves, and stones.
• Experiment with creating a sculpture by making a cast of a part of the human body.
• Keep an art journal documenting your creative process, thoughts, and visual ideas.
• Design an artwork using typography as the primary visual element.
• Develop a virtual reality art experience that immerses viewers in a digital environment. This is a creative way to blend technology and art.
• Create an art installation that involves auditory elements and explores the relationship between sound and visual art.
• Build a detailed miniature world inside a box or container.
• Create poetry by selecting and rearranging words from existing texts, newspapers, or books.
• Stage a live art performance, incorporating elements of theater, dance, or music.
• Experiment with graffiti art techniques, either on canvas or an approved outdoor space.
• Use wire to create intricate sculptures that play with form and negative space.
• Develop a series of fashion illustrations that showcase your unique style.
• Explore the art of glassblowing to create intricate glass sculptures or vessels.
• Combine various materials like fabric, paper, and found objects to create a mixed media collage.
• Experiment with long-exposure photography and light sources to create dynamic and abstract images.
• Create an installation using textiles and fabric to explore texture, color, and form.
• Develop a project that focuses on conveying a conceptual idea through various mediums.
• Take your sketchbook to the streets and create drawings or paintings of urban scenes.
• Collect sounds from your environment and compose a piece of music or an audio installation.
• Create a performance art piece and document it through video. Video project require another set of skills as well but video is highly profitable skill in today’s world.
• Build a shadow box that tells a story or explores a theme using three-dimensional objects.
• Develop a series of landscape paintings exploring different techniques and styles.
• Use augmented reality apps to enhance street art and create interactive experiences.
• Use your body’s movement to create drawings or paintings, capturing the essence of motion.
• Create maps that illustrate personal experiences, emotions, or imaginary worlds.
• Produce an experimental short film that incorporates unconventional storytelling techniques.
• Experiment with fabric dyeing techniques, such as tie-dye or shibori, and create printed patterns.
• Weld or manipulate metal to create sculptures that explore form, balance, and structure. You could even make cookie cutters and then make cookies from what you’ve created for your college art project.
• Design and illustrate your own book, exploring both the narrative and visual aspects.
• Develop a photography series that explores a specific concept or theme.
• Create temporary art installations in natural settings using materials found on-site.
• Design and print your own textiles, exploring pattern and color.
• Create artworks that explore personal or societal views on body image and self-perception.
• Develop an art project with therapeutic goals , addressing personal or social issues through creative expression.

These art project ideas are diverse and can be adapted based on your interests, preferred mediums, and artistic style. Feel free to combine or modify these ideas to create unique and meaningful art projects for your college-level coursework.

Unlocking Your Creativity

College serves as an expansive canvas for young artists, offering an environment brimming with new experiences, diverse perspectives, and stimulating challenges that are tailor-made to fuel the creative fires.

It is in this unique academic setting that  college students  can harness their life experiences and academic learning as sources of inspiration to funnel into their art.

To tap into this wellspring of creativity, students are encouraged to maintain an open mind, engage in campus activities outside their comfort zone, and utilize their coursework as a muse for their artistic endeavors. Trying new mediums and techniques, such as  digital art ,  sculpture , or  printmaking , not only broadens their artistic repertoire, but also cultivates adaptability and innovation in their creative expression.

Embracing the variety of art supplies and  art workshops  available on campus can further expand their horizons and augment their artistic skills, pushing the boundaries of their usual creative processes. By immersing themselves in college’s vast pool of opportunities, students open the doors to discovering fresh  art ideas  and new ways of  creative expression , setting the stage for a rich and vibrant artistic path.

Budget-Friendly Art Ideas

Embarking on creative endeavors in college need not drain your finances. A thrifty approach to art can involve  recycled materials , such as repurposed cardboard, discarded magazines, and reclaimed fabrics, to not only save on costs but also add unique textures to your projects.

Scouring  thrift stores and yard sales  can unearth affordable art supplies and unexpected materials. Additionally, many art stores offer  student discounts , allowing you to access quality resources without the hefty price tag. Be on the lookout for community  art swaps or exchanges  where you can trade materials with peers.

Embracing a DIY ethos can also inspire you to create your own supplies, for instance, mixing your own paint colors or crafting sketchbooks from recycled paper. The university’s art department may have resources like  free workshops  or a reuse center, offering an economical gateway to expand your artistic repertoire.

Here Are Some Art Projects for Beginners:

• DIY Canvas Painting:  Experiment with simple paint techniques like sponging or finger painting to create abstract designs on canvas. This is a relaxing way to start with painting while learning color theory and composition.
• Papier-Mâché Sculpture:  Create sculptures using recycled newspaper and glue. It’s an accessible project for beginners and helps understand three-dimensional forms.
• Basic Printmaking:  Use everyday objects such as leaves or cut potatoes to practice printmaking. This teaches pattern-making and the basics of ink application.
• Recycled Art:  Reuse materials to build an eco-friendly art piece. It’s a great way to learn about sustainability in art and can involve anything from plastic bottles to old clothing.
• Photography Project:  Start with a smartphone or a basic camera and capture themes like ‘A Day in the Life’ or ‘Urban Landscapes’. It helps beginners understand framing and lighting.
• Sketching and Drawing:  Begin with pencil sketches focusing on still life or outdoor scenes to hone observation and hand-eye coordination.
• Basic Digital Art:  Utilize free digital drawing tools to create artwork on a computer or tablet. It’s an important skill set for modern art practices and encourages understanding of digital mediums.
• Mural Painting:  Collaborate on a group mural project utilizing simple shapes and colors to contribute to a larger piece. This helps with planning and executing larger scale works.

Here are Examples of More Advanced Art Project Challenges:

• Large-Scale Mural Painting:  Tackle the grandeur of public art by engaging in a mural project that requires planning, collaboration, and a mastery of painting techniques.
• Interactive Sculpture:  Challenge both technical and conceptual skills by creating sculptures that require viewer participation or integrate mechanical elements.
• Advanced Printmaking Series:  Delve into the complexities of printmaking with a series of related prints that explore advanced techniques such as intaglio or lithography.
• Complex Mixed Media Installations:  Push the envelope with an installation that combines various media and engages with the exhibition space in immersive ways.
• Conceptual Photography Project:  Develop a photography project with a strong thematic focus, requiring in-depth research and a sophisticated approach to visual storytelling.

Another Idea: Collaborative Pieces and Group Projects

Working together on a collaborative art piece  can significantly enhance the experience of creating and learning for college students. Such projects not only merge diverse perspectives and artistic skills but also foster a spirit of community and cooperation.

For instance, a  mural painting  involving multiple student artists can transform a bland campus wall into a vibrant tapestry of collective expression. Similarly,  sculpture installations  made from recycled materials encourage students to discuss environmental themes and develop problem-solving skills as a team.

Another inspiring group project could be the creation of a large-scale  mixed media piece , where each participant contributes a segment that reflects personal narratives or cultural backgrounds, ultimately weaving a story that is bigger than its parts.

By participating in such endeavors, students learn the vital role of teamwork and shared creativity in accomplishing artistic visions and projects.

Displaying Your Artwork

Once you’ve poured your heart into a piece, finding the right platform to share it can be just as rewarding. An excellent starting point is a  digital portfolio , where you can curate and display your work professionally. Websites like Behance or your personal site can serve as a great showcase for potential employers or art schools.

Students should also take advantage of  college exhibitions , which not only provide a legitimate space for your artwork but also offer a chance to receive feedback and network. Additionally, social media platforms have become indispensable for artists today, offering a broad audience and engagement opportunities.

Don’t overlook local coffee shops, libraries, or community centers either; they often have space dedicated to local artists. Remember, the act of presenting your art to the public is crucial – it’s a bold statement of your creativity and a significant step in your artistic journey.

Digital Art and Tech Integration

The intersection of art and technology opens up a new realm of possibilities for college students eager to expand their creative toolkit. Digital art tools and software, such as Adobe Photoshop for photo manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and Procreate for digital painting on tablets, provide students with the means to push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Blender can be used for 3D modeling and animation, while Unity offers an introduction to the world of game design and art. Encouraging the integration of technology in art not only enhances the creative process but also prepares student artists for a digital-centric professional landscape.

By blending traditional painting techniques with graphic design, or incorporating digital elements into sculpture and printmaking, students can create mixed media masterpieces that are unique and innovative. Embracing the digital dimension in art projects allows for endless experimentation and growth in both artistic skills and technological proficiency.

Reflections Through the Canvas

Art projects during college not only serve as a form of creative expression but also play a significant role in personal and professional growth. As you embark on various art endeavors, taking the time to reflect on your artistic journey can be incredibly rewarding.

Documenting your progress through journals, blogs, or visual portfolios allows you to witness your evolution as an artist. This practice isn’t just about preserving memories; it’s a proactive approach to developing your artistic skills and creating a body of work that can be instrumental in your portfolio development.

Such a portfolio can open doors to future opportunities and serve as a testament to your dedication and talent. So, continue to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and most importantly, keep creating. Remember, every piece you create is a step towards mastering your craft and cementing your unique artistic voice.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

Want free help with your college essay?

UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

This content is licensed by Khan Academy and is available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

Schools in the path of April's total solar eclipse prepare for a natural teaching moment

C LEVELAND (AP) — Seventh-grade student Henry Cohen bounced side to side in time to the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” playing in teacher Nancy Morris’ classroom, swinging his arms open and closed across the planets pictured on his T-shirt.

Henry and other classmates at Cleveland's Riverside School were on their feet, dancing during a session of activities tied to April's total solar eclipse . Second-graders invited in for the lessons sat cross-legged on the floor, laughing as they modeled newly decorated eclipse viewing glasses. Dioramas with softball-sized model earths and moons and flashlight “suns” occupied desks and shelves around the room.

Henry said his shirt reflected his love of space, which he called “a cool mystery.” The eclipse, he said, “is a one in a million chance and I’m glad I get to be here for it.”

For schools in or near the path of totality of the April 8 eclipse, the event has inspired lessons in science, literacy and culture. Some schools also are organizing group viewings for students to experience the awe of daytime darkness and learn about the astronomy behind it together.

A hair out of the path of totality, the school system in Portville, New York, near the Pennsylvania line, plans to load its 500 seventh- through 12th-grade students onto buses and drive about 15 minutes into the path, to an old horse barn overlooking a valley. There, they will be able to trace the shadow of the eclipse as it arrives around 3:20 p.m. EDT.

It required rearranging the hours of the school day to remain in session, but Superintendent Thomas Simon said staff did not want to miss out on the learning opportunity, especially at a time when when students experience so much of life through screens.

“We want them to leave here that day feeling they’re a very small part of a pretty magnificent planet that we live on, and world that we live in, and that there’s some real amazing things that we can experience in the natural world,” Simon said.

Schools in Cleveland and some other cities in the eclipse's path will be closed that day so that students aren’t stuck on buses or in crowds of people expected to converge. At Riverside, Morris came up with a mix of crafts, games and models to educate and engage her students ahead of time.

“They really were not realizing what a big deal this was until we really started talking about it," Morris said.

Learning about phases of the moon and eclipses is built into every state’s science standards, said Dennis Schatz, past president of the National Science Teaching Association. Some school systems have their own planetariums — relics of the 1960s space race — where students can take in educational shows about astronomy.

But there is no better lesson than the real thing, said Schatz, who encourages educators to use the eclipse as "a teachable moment.”

Dallas science teachers Anita Orozco and Katherine Roberts plan to do just that at the Lamplighter School, arranging for the entire pre-K- through fourth-grade student body to watch it together outdoors. The teachers spent a Saturday in March at a teaching workshop at the University of Texas at Dallas where they were told it would be “almost criminal” to keep students inside.

“We want our students to love science as much as we do," Roberts said, "and we just want them understanding and also having the awe of how crazy this event is.”

Wrangling young children may be a challenge, Orozco said, but “we want it to be an event."

In training future science teachers, University at Buffalo professor Noemi Waight has encouraged her student teachers to incorporate how culture shapes the way people experience an eclipse. Native Americans, for example, may view the total eclipse as something sacred , she said.

“This is important for our teachers to understand,” she said, “so when they’re teaching, they can address all of these elements.”

The STEM Friends Club from the State University of New York Brockport planned eclipse-related activities with fourth-grade students at teacher Christopher Albrecht’s class, hoping to pass along their passion for science, technology, engineering and math to younger students.

“I want to show students what is possible,” said Allison Blum, 20, a physics major focused on astrophysics. “You know those big mainstream jobs, like astronaut, but you don’t really know what’s possible with the different fields.”

Albrecht sees his fourth-grade students' interest in the eclipse as a chance to incorporate literacy into lessons, too — maybe even spark a love of reading.

“This is is a great opportunity to read a lot with them,” Albrecht said. He has picked “What Is a Solar Eclipse?” by Dana Meachen Rau and ”A Few Beautiful Minutes” by Kate Allen Fox for his class at Hill Elementary School in Brockport, New York.

“It’s capturing their interest," he said, "and at the same time, their imagination, too.”

Associated Press writer Patrick Orsagos contributed to this report.

Happy Graduate Student Appreciation Week!

This week, we celebrate our 1,417 graduate students whose creative and scholarly contributions make CLA—and our world—a better place. Your work is important and we are so excited about how you are making a difference in the world. We’re proud of you.

Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week 2024

In celebration of our graduate students, we’re offering you a week of career-focused programming. We hope you can join us!

Round-table Discussion, “The New PhD in Practice” : Monday, April 1, 2024 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM | 412 Pillsbury Hall

We will lead off the week with a round-table discussion, “The New PhD in Practice” facilitated by the author of “ The New PhD: How to Build a Better Graduate Education,"   Leonard Cassuto . 

Career Consultations with Mackenzie Sullivan: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:34 PM 

• Have a quick question?  Or want to start a career conversation? Sign up for a short consultation with Mackenzie Sullivan, Director of CLA Graduate Career Services.

Career Consultations with Maria Hofmann: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

• Request a 20-minute time slot with Maria Hofmann, Associate Director of Graduate Career and DEI Initiatives, to learn more about the academic job market, how to get started on your materials, or even just to learn what CLA Grad Career services are available to you. 

Careers Beyond Academia: Resumes and Cover Letters: Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM

• During this Q&A session, Mackenzie Sullivan and Carolyn Vue (Senior Career Coach, CEHD), will answer questions related to jobs beyond academia, focusing on resumes and cover letters. This session is offered in partnership with The Graduate School, and all U of M Graduate Students are invited to attend. Prior to attending the workshop, participants should review Session 4 from this Canvas site , and submit questions using this form by March 31st, 2024. These pre-submitted questions will be prioritized during the Q&A session. 

Internships

Find the right internship for you.

We'll help you find one, and we'll fund you if you need it! Take the opportunity to gain experience in a profession beyond the tenure track, reflect upon what is important to you in a career, explore how your academic training might translate into various career options, and build additional skills that will translate across sectors and jobs. Visit the Graduate Student Internship Program to learn more! 

"My team was super amazing and taught me so much as an intern, as a coworker, and as a person. They are incredibly talented people with a passion for this work, and it was exciting to work with them in all aspects." Lisette Horne

Lisette Horne interned at the UMN’s own Office of Equity and Diversity to learn how psychological research can be applied to create a safer, welcoming workplace. 

Read “Applying Psychology Research to Encourage DEI Practices”

Kate Carosella applied data analytics to public health work and found a possible career path thanks to her internship at MassHealth. 

Read “An Analytical Approach to Public Health”

Ezgi Ozcelik worked with the St. Anthony Park Community Council for her internship to collect data on a neighborhood’s use of a public park. 

Read “Parks and Recreation (and Research, Too)”

Linh Nguyen spent 12 weeks at Allianz during her internship and experienced the daily work of a data scientist in a corporate setting. 

Read “Unleashing the Power of the Social Sciences”

Biftu Adema interned at the Minnesota Justice Research Center to transfer the skills she’s learned to change the world. 

Read “Transfering experiences and skills gained from local internship to work on the international level”

Invest in Graduate Interns

Internships help our students develop the skills they need to grow and become the faces of the future.  Make a gift today and show your support for the next generation! 

Fellowships

Our graduate students are constantly working on game-changing projects. Check them out!

"As I take this experience with me into the future, I believe I will be able to have a positive impact on young students across the Midwest in addition to other researchers at the U." Madelaine Walker

Madelaine Walker traveled to Western Kenya to work on a project called the Contexts of Early Miocene Hominoid Evolution.

Read “Madelaine Walker: An Investigation into Human Evolution”

Mao Lee traveled to Thailand to study gender inequality and enhance her preliminary fieldwork project. 

Read “Using Ethnography to Investigate Gender Inequality in Thailand”

Nou-Chee Chang’s project explores gender and sexual identities through fan art and fandom culture. 

Read “Graduate Student Nou-Chee Chang Explores How Anime Fan Art Helps Express Identity”

Issac Esposto addresses the systems that perpetuate border violence and murder of Brown, Black, and Indigenous communities during their stay in the Sonoran Desert. 

Read “‘Not all is Lost’: The Violence of Colonial Architecture at the US-Mexico Border”

Selena Bernier hopes to change North American archaeology by including Indigenous perspectives after decades of their exclusion. 

Read “Forging an Indigenous Narrative: Unearthing Minnesota's Copper Legacy”

Laura Pott investigates the ancestral remains of a Peruvian town called La Quebrada to understand the DNA in the African diaspora and connect the townspeople to their heritage. 

Read “The DNA of Diaspora”

Demiliza Saramosing tells the story of young adults in Kalihi, and how their lives are impacted by a myriad of historical and contemporary social, economic, and political circumstances. 

Read “Youth Culture, Colonial Legacies, and Abolition & Decolonial Justice in Kalihi, Hawai’i”

Jayne Kinney studies the history of Mandan and Hidatsa women as leaders of both the past and present. 

Read "The Hearts of Their Nation": Learning from Indigenous Women Leaders

Get the Career Support You Need

We have an office to support our graduate students with your careers! In addition to your department, we can provide whatever help you need, with both academic jobs and careers outside of academia. Just visit the Graduate Student Career Services and make an appointment! 

In the Community

Our graduate students know how to take the skills they've learned and give back to the local community!

Amanda Dalola and Chimène Dupuis examine how TikTok and Instagram reels can be used to support language learning. 

Read “TikTok brings diverse, authentic voices to language classrooms”

Lynn Casey has become an irreplaceable guide within the Xcel Energy board with her skills and intuition in branding and public reputation. 

Read “Outstanding Directors 2023: Lynn Casey” 

Quintard Taylor (PhD, history ‘77) is the founder of  BlackPast.org . With over 10,000 pages of content, it’s the largest online encyclopedia on African American and global African history.

Read "Talking Minnesota's Black Past with Alum Quinard Taylor" 

The Institute of Linguistics works to create a safe community for current and incoming Indigenous students as the program continues to grow.

Read “‘Bridge the Gap’: Linguistic Indigenous Language Revitalization and Resources”

"Our role is to figure out how to be as good a partner as we can be in the work that needs to be done." Claire Halpert, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of Linguistics

Adventures and Achievements of Our Alumni

Elissa Raffa (MFA ‘97, creative writing) found friends and more as an adult learner in the CLA’s MFA program in Creative and Professional Writing.

Read “Elissa Raffa: Leadership and Writing”

Vina Goghari’s (PhD ‘09, psychology) time in CLA inspired her to lead students towards the career they seek. 

Read “Vina Goghari: Guiding the Next Generation”  

Larry Golden (BA ‘69, political science; PhD ‘74) fostered and developed his interest in law and justice thanks to his professors at CLA. 

Read “Larry Golden: In Defense of the Innocent ””

“Gospel music is about love and peace and joy and getting along with one another and that crosses all religious backgrounds, all cultural backgrounds,” says Gospel Choir Director Adrian Davis. 

Read “Let’s Sing!”

Patricia Marroquin Norby (PhD ‘13, American studies) becomes the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s first curator of Native American Art

Read “Patricia Marroquin Norby: an Eye for Native American Art ”

"Treasure and enjoy your time in CLA. Life moves pretty quickly afterwards. Go for that cup of coffee, invite a classmate to lunch, attend your colleague's presentation. The connections you make now may be some of the most meaningful of your life and career." Patricia Marroquin Norby

Upcoming Events

Here are some more events happening campus-wide! 

Rhythm Cycle Class : Monday, April 1, 2024 | 12:00 to 1:00 PM

• We invite you to fun Rhythm Cycle Class at Recwell! Sweat it all out and relieve all your stress! This event has limited spots, so sign up soon! 

Professional Headshots at St. Paul Campus : Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• The headshots will take place in Borlaug 548! Slots are limited, so sign up now!

Happy Hour at Stub & Herbs: Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 6:00 to 10:00 PM

• We invite you to Happy Hour at Stub & Herbs, celebrating Graduate Student Appreciation Week!

"Disrupting Hierarchy in Education: Students and Teachers Collaborating for Social Change" : Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 9:30 to 10:30 AM

• Join co-editors and co-authors Hakim Mohandas Amani Williams, Hana Huskić, Christina Noto, and Daniel Jones as they discuss their new book! Join in via Zoom! 

Taco Thursday! Lunch (with a side of networking): Thursday, April 11, 2024 | 11 AM to 1 PM at Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall

• In recognition of the contributions that you make to the University of Minnesota, you’re invited to attend a special lunch & networking event! Celebrate with tacos and time to socialize with fellow grad and professional students at Taco Thursday, featuring catering by  Trickster Tacos !

Graduate Student Commencement

This year's Master's and Doctoral Degree Student Commencement will take place on Friday, April 26, 2024! CLA and CSE master’s, doctoral, and postbaccalaureate certificate students are invited to attend. 

College Resources for Graduate Students

Visit  CLA’s website for graduate students to learn about collegiate funding opportunities, student support, career services, and more.

This story was edited by an undergraduate student.

Edited by Jennifer Nguyen

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CLA alum highlighted in MPR's Women’s History Month collection

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More CLA News

Colin Roberts focuses career goals on improving mental health in the Black community

“I want to give the lessons that I’ve learned from my mentors, my friends, my family, and faculty back to other youth who are going through similar experiences,” Roberts said.

• Lindsey Byars

31 Mar 2024

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As a high school senior in 2020, Colin Roberts thought leaving Virginia for college was how he would make a name for himself. His mother encouraged him to apply to Virginia Tech in addition to other schools, and after considering financial aid packages, it was obvious Virginia Tech was the best choice.

“Tech gave me enough money to attend, which I’m really very grateful for,” Roberts said.

Throughout his first year, Roberts thought he might eventually transfer, but what he found in Blacksburg was something more than a cost-efficient education. He quickly developed a “strong sense of community and a strong network” that included friends as well as supportive administrators and faculty.

“At the end of the day, I didn’t want to lose the friends that I’ve made here. I wanted to see what I could do, and I’ve stuck with it ever since,” said Roberts.

At Virginia Tech, Colin Roberts not only excels as a student in the College of Science majoring in psychology and minoring in human-computer interaction , but he takes an active role in extracurricular activities. Currently, Roberts is the president of the Class of 2024, co-director of community engagement for Students of Hip-Hop Legacy , liaison for the Student African American Brotherhood group, and an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, where he serves as director of education and Alpha Ball chairman.

Roberts’ campus involvement and service to others has not gone unnoticed. He was recognized with the Community Builder Award at the Black Excellence Gala in 2023, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Member of the Year award in 2024 from the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association, and a nomination for a 2023-24 Aspire! Award  from Student Affairs.

He is also one of the first recipients of the Preston and Catharine White Endowed Diversity Scholarship . Roberts had the opportunity to thank the Whites for their generosity at the launch of Virginia Tech Advantage , a universitywide, multiyear commitment to offer a broad educational experience to undergraduate students from Virginia who demonstrate financial need.

In his speech , Roberts said the scholarship was more than financial assistance. It represented his ability “to make a meaningful impact on our society through my education and future career.” This desire to make a difference has guided Roberts from day one and continues to shape his future.

Roberts plans to continue his education by focusing on a master’s degree in human-computer interaction with aspirations to create his own programs, consisting of websites or apps, focused on mental health in the Black community and encouragement for young Black people to pursue degrees in STEM fields.

“I was inspired by the Black College Institute at Virginia Tech to hopefully develop my own program,” said Roberts. “I want to give the lessons that I’ve learned from my mentors, my friends, my family, and faculty back to other youth that are going through similar experiences.”

Throughout the past four years, Roberts will admit that there have been “stressful points,” but behind him is an incredible support system of family and friends, including his mother, Felicity Ashiadey-Dougan, whose advice to “keep moving forward” plays continuously in the back of his mind.

“With all the work that I do and the accompanying success and failures, I have always remembered these three words because they not only remind me of her, but they snap me back into reality, allowing me to continue forward,” said Roberts. “Knowing that the goals, dreams, and success that I have for myself won’t be achieved if I let the weight of the world take over is what makes me take that step to keep moving.”

Roberts credits his mother for instilling in him a strong work ethic, and he is grateful for the sacrifices she made to give him this educational opportunity. His cultural heritage, as the child of immigrants from Africa, also plays a part in his drive to succeed.

“It is ingrained within us in both Ghanaian and Nigerian culture to be hard workers, to be the top of our class, and to support our families once we become of age,” said Roberts. “When it comes to all that I want to do and have in store for myself, it is to continue this legacy that I am a part of and bring nothing but the highest honors to my family name and history.”

The circle of friends that surrounds Roberts includes many who share his West African heritage, but all, regardless of heritage, are driven by their strong commitment to family.

“We all share the same cultural backgrounds, we’re all aspiring to be successful, not just for ourselves but for our families as well. Those shared goals and interests have been a big motivation for me,” said Roberts.

Caleb Callender ’23 is among those friends who support and encourage Roberts. The political science graduate is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at George Washington University, and Roberts said even though Callender graduated, he can always reach out for guidance. Callender said this willingness to seek the advice of others is one of Roberts’ greatest leadership qualities.

“I think the thing that truly makes Colin a tremendous leader is his willingness to learn from those around him. He doesn’t pretend to know everything like many leaders do,” said Callender. “I feel that a leader who is willing to listen is one who is destined for great things, and that is what I see in Colin’s future.”

Roberts’ friendships with Callender and many others stem from active involvement in campus life at Virginia Tech. He encourages all students to get involved, be active within their community and be active on campus within their organizations. However, he also advises all Hokies to “work within your means.”

“All I do is within my means,” said Roberts. “People say if you work on too many things at a time, not everything you work on is going to be the best, but I know what I do is within my means. Everything that I do work on, I put in my best effort toward everything to make sure that it’s done properly.”

After Roberts gives his speech at the commencement ceremony in May, crosses the stage, and turns his tassel, he knows the reality of this chapter ending will hit him. However, Roberts said he feels like part of him will always stay at Virginia Tech.

“I feel like I’ve definitely left my mark here at Virginia Tech,” said Roberts. “I feel like I’ve made a name and path for myself, and that’s what I want to do with the rest of my life, make my own legacy and make my own path.”

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