April 9, 2025Tohoku University of Art and DesignWe gave a lecture at the following venue!
The studentsFirst-year student in the Department of Graphic Design, Faculty of Design EngineeringApproximately 60 students. The Graphic Design Department has introduced Morisawa fonts. These are fresh students who enrolled just one week ago!
I attended the first class of "Communication Basics 1A" and as an introduction to the class,Basic course on characterswas carried out.
In this report, we will introduce Tohoku University of Art and Design's "Initiatives Regarding Letters" through a lecture, comments from participants, and an interview with the professor in charge.
Introduction to the seminar content
The theme is"Notice letters" and "Develop an eye for letters"in,The first step to learning lettersIt was a curriculum that allowed us to take steps together.
The lesson begins with a careful observation of the letters around us!
We talked about a wide range of topics, from the history of letters to the basics of letter design and how to use the products!
In addition to the lectures, we also held a workshop to cultivate an eye for fonts, where participants looked at the shapes of fonts and identified their characteristics.
When this workshop was held within Morisawa, employees had a reputation for being "highly difficult" (?), but the students were even more enthusiastic! They worked hard, exchanging opinions with those around them. Aim to become a font detective!
The professor also joined in the explanation partway through the lecture, showing us some points to look out for as a professional designer, making for a very fulfilling lecture.
Student Responses – Real Voices and Changes
questionnaireCustomer Satisfaction: 4.8/5
"Did today's lesson make you interested in fonts?"Regarding this, all respondents"I think it's difficult" "I think so"He answered, ``Yes.''
In the free-form comment section, we received many comments saying that they had taken the first step towards learning about letters!
After this lesson,I look more closely than usual at the fonts used in posters, videos, slides, etc.I became interested.
To be honest, I haven't been particularly interested in fonts until now, but I never imagined they could be so complex.An opportunity to step into a new unknown worldThank you for giving it to me!
When choosing a font, it is important not to be subjective.Choose from the characteristics of the original font and communicate it to your target audience.I want to train my eyes.
By actually searching for fonts,It was interesting to have the opportunity to look closely at the characteristics of the font..
We also spoke to the professor in charge
| Associate Professor Ren Takatani Born in Sendai. Graduated from the Sculpture Course at Tohoku University of Art and Design. After working at good design company, he founded AD&D. His major works include Rohto Pharmaceutical's fertility project "THE LOVING INSTRUCTION MANUAL," the Roppongi Hills fashion campaign "FLOWER LUSH IN ROPPONGI HILLS," the VI for Bunkamura's 25th anniversary, PARCO GIFT, the "Natsu Geidai" course for working adults, and promotional art for the Tohoku University of Art and Design graduation exhibition. His major awards include CANNES LIONS, ONE SHOW, NY ADC, NY TDC, D&AD, The Brno Biennial, GOLDEN BEE, Taiwan International Graphic Design Award, China International Poster Biennial Award, JAGDA New Designer Award, Spatial Design Award, Bookbinding Competition, Japan Typography Yearbook Grand Prix, and more. |
Why did you give me the opportunity to take this course at the beginning?
Professor Takatani (hereinafter referred to as Takatani): One of the issues facing our university is that the number of classes related to characters has decreased due to a reduction in the number of classes. As students move up to their second and third years, there are more exercises that use characters, such as creating portfolios and posters, but there is little time to devote to the essential fundamentals of characters.
In previous years, first-year students have been taught fieldwork-based observation classes in the first semester with the aim of "developing their senses," but due to the reasons mentioned above, starting this year students will be exposed to the basics of lettering. The exercises for the first quarter of the first semester will cover lettering, two-dimensional composition, three-dimensional composition, and layout.
So, this time, as an introduction to the lettering assignment,"Writing is important for human communication."We asked Morisawa to convey this message to students.
The lecture by Morisawa was generally of a high level, but from the perspective of communication,The importance of characters and the importance of choosing fonts was fully conveyed to students.I think that is the case.
What is the overall awareness of letters at Tohoku University of Art and Design?
Takaya: The works produced by our students include:The spacing, composition, and layout of the characters are poor.I sometimes think that way. How to use grids, spacing, character spacing, etc. It doesn't seem like individuality comes from basic knowledge, but rather it feels like they're just doing it haphazardly without any basic knowledge.
I studied sculpture at the University of Art and Design, and I'm self-taught in graphic design. When I first started out as a designer, I was able to design around text thanks to Mac and Adobe applications.
However, at good design company, where I later worked (and where I had previously worked), the "feelings about type" were completely different. Of course, they looked at the design from a bird's-eye view as a project, but the love they had for the small details was a big shock to me, as a self-taught person. All the staff had a deep knowledge and understanding of type, and during my time there I had to re-learn not only the basics of type, but also the basics of design and communication.
Of course, what our students createThere are many great things that only students at the University of Art and Design can do.On the other hand, I believe that the entire university needs to improve its basic skills in information transmission, including writing.
It is important to raise awareness and interest in lettersAnd when I look at the works and examples that are out there,"Why is this beautiful?" "Why is it so highly rated?"Observe and develop your aesthetic senseI think that is also necessary.
Morisawa supports the use of characters!
Thank you, Tohoku University of Art and Design!
Text is essential for conveying information. This is true not only in the graphic field, but in all areas as well. Providing students with the same text environment as professionals from an early age will provide a foundation for building solid skills.
To help schools that have introduced Morisawa products use letters more effectively, we provide a variety of support, including these lessons.
If you are a school considering introducing fonts, please feel free to contact us!
postscript
The Tohoku University of Art and Design's school building is incredibly cool...!
There was a Noh stage outside. The impressive onigawara tiles were incredible.
It feels great to be on high ground surrounded by nature! I thought the environment was great.
I also had the school cafeteria meal. The photo shows the bibimbap bowl that changes daily. It was delicious!
