Customizing Type with Draplin: Creating Wordmarks That Work

Learn to customize type with design icon Aaron Draplin. Master techniques like kerning, letterform customization & more to elevate your graphic design skills and take ownership of your work.
Customizing Type with Draplin: Creating Wordmarks That Work

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 92 minutes
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Understanding of typography fundamentals
  • Instructor: Aaron Draplin, Designer and Founder, Draplin Design Company

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Is This Course Right For You?

Ideal For

  • Graphic Designers - Professionals looking to enhance their typography customization skills
  • Brand Designers - Those working on logo and wordmark projects
  • Complete beginners with no Adobe Illustrator experience
  • Those seeking advanced typography theory

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Create custom wordmarks from existing typefaces
  • Master kerning and tracking techniques
  • Develop skills in letterform modification
  • Prepare designs for print production

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How You'll Learn

Teaching Style Distribution

  • Video Lectures: 30%
  • Hands-on Practice: 40%
  • Interactive Elements: 10%
  • Projects/Assignments: 20%

Primary Learning Methods

  • Method1: Demonstration - Step-by-step walkthrough of type customization, example: Modifying letterforms in Portland wordmark
  • Method2: Real-world Application - Creating designs for actual merchandise, example: Designing for patches and coin purses

Best Suited Learning Styles

  • Visual learners
  • Hands-on practitioners
  • Project-based learners

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Content Depth Analysis

Major Topics

1. Type Customization Fundamentals (30% of course)

  • Depth Level: Intermediate
  • Key Components:
    • Kerning and tracking
    • Letterform modification
    • Shape manipulation
  • Main Takeaways: Key learnings

2. Production Preparation (20% of course)

  • Depth Level: Advanced
  • Key Components:
    • File preparation
    • Vendor specifications
    • Print requirements
  • Main Takeaways: Key learnings

Coverage Overview

Comprehensive Coverage

  • Type customization techniques
  • Production file preparation

Foundational Coverage

  • Typography basics
  • Design software usage

Limited Coverage

  • Typography theory
  • Advanced type design principles

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Skill Development Path

Required Starting Point

Must Have:

  • Adobe Illustrator proficiency
  • Basic typography knowledge

Helpful to Have:

  • Design experience
  • Understanding of print production

Development Stages

1. Foundation Phase

Skills Developed:
  • Kerning and tracking mastery
  • Basic letterform modification
Practical Outcomes:
  • Create basic custom wordmarks
  • Modify existing typefaces

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Success Factors

Keys to Success

  • Regular practice with type customization
  • Willingness to experiment
  • Attention to detail
  • Understanding of production requirements

Preparation Steps

Before Starting:

  • Review Adobe Illustrator basics
  • Gather reference materials
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Sketching materials

Next Courses:

  • Advanced typography courses
  • Print production courses

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About the author

Course Insights

by Gareth B. Davies

Course Insights by Gareth B. Davies

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