ILT Arabic Type Design 2023-2024 ↗

• Session 1: Oct 25 – Introduction to the Arabic script and calligraphic styles
• Session 2: Nov 1 – Introduction to Arabic typographic styles: Kufi + Glyphs
• Session 3: Nov 7 – Review of Project 1 (structural analysis of one Kufi style)
• Session 4: Nov 15 – Introduction to Arabic typographic styles: Naskh
• Session 5: Nov 22 – Review of Project 2 (structural analysis of one Naskh style)
• Session 6: Dec 15 – Type Design basics
• Session 7: Dec 20 – Review of Project 3 (first draft)
• Session 8: Jan 10 – Review of Project 3 (basic character set)
• Session 9: Jan 24 – Review of Project 3 (expanded set)
• Session 10: Feb 7 – Review of Project 3 (full set)
• Session 11: Feb 21 – Refinement
• Session 12: Mar 6 – Refinement

Participants will be required to prepare for each session which typically comprises the provided course readings and recommended videos. There will be 3 main projects, though the first two are more analytical in nature. Project 3 will be an opportunity for each participant to design their own new typeface!

The course will use the latest software in order to set up a virtual classroom and a resource centre for the course materials. Participants will need to join the weekly sessions via a Zoom link that would be provided. A stable internet connection is required, as well as the latest Glyphs software on a Mac.

This intermediate course is 24 hours of teaching spread over 4 months. Participants can continue working on existing projects or start new ones. Participants who have not taken the introductory course will be asked to submit samples of their work. The course is taught in English.

• Session 1: October 10 – Recap of basics of Arabic type design
• Session 2: October 17 – Putting on weight
• Session 3: October 24 – Contextual alternates
• Session 4: October 31 – Cursive attachments
• Session 5: November 3 – Refinement of key weight
• Session 6: November 6 – Finalizing key weight
• Session 7: November 21 – Adding Thin weight
• Session 8: November 24 – Refinement of Thin weight
• Session 9: December 19 – Adding Black weight
• Session 10: January 9 – Refinement of Black weight
• Session 11: January 23 – Final refinements
• Session 12: February 6 – Final refinements

Participants will develop a family of different weights or related styles.

The course will use the latest software in order to set up a virtual classroom and a resource centre for the course materials. Participants will need to join the weekly sessions via a Zoom link that would be provided. A stable internet connection is required, as well as the latest Glyphs software on a Mac.